Herbie Blash (b. 1948)
Birthplace:
United Kingdom
Born:
September 30, 1948
Herbie Blash, born Michael Blash on September 30, 1948, in the United Kingdom, is a distinguished figure in Formula 1, renowned for his extensive career spanning over five decades. He began his journey in motorsport as a mechanic at RRC Walker Racing in 1965, working alongside drivers like Jo Siffert and Jo Bonnier. In 1968, Blash joined Lotus, serving as a race mechanic for Graham Hill and later for Jochen Rindt. His tenure at Lotus was marked by significant contributions to the team's success during a transformative era in Formula 1. By 1973, Blash had advanced to the role of team manager at Brabham, collaborating closely with team owner Bernie Ecclestone and designer Gordon Murray. Under his management, Brabham secured two World Championships with driver Nelson Piquet in 1981 and 1983. Transitioning from team management, Blash became the FIA Deputy Race Director in 1996, a position he held until 2016. In this role, he was instrumental in overseeing race operations and ensuring regulatory compliance during Grand Prix events. After a brief hiatus, Blash returned to the FIA in 2022 as the permanent senior advisor to the Formula 1 Race Directors, bringing his wealth of experience to support the governance of the sport. Blash's enduring passion for motorsport and his significant contributions to Formula 1 have solidified his reputation as a respected and influential figure in the racing community.