Motor racing great Sir Stirling Moss has died at the age of 90.
His wife Lady Moss said he died peacefully at his London home following a long illness.
"It was one lap too many," she said.
"He just closed his eyes."
Recognised as one of the greatest drivers of all time, Moss was also known as the best driver never to win a Formula One title.
He finished runner-up in the world championship four times and came third three times in a career during which he won 16 Grands Prix.
His sportsmanship cost him the title in 1958 when he defended the actions of rival Mike Hawthorne following a spin at the Portuguese Grand Prix, sparing Hawthorne a six-point penalty. Hawthorne went on to beat Moss to the title by a single point.
Moss’ first Grand Prix victory came in the 1955 British Grand Prix at Aintree as he became the first British driver to win the event.
In an age when racing drivers competed in several different disciplines alongside Formula One, Moss won a total of 212 of the 529 races he entered in his 14-year career, which began in 1948.
Moss retired in 1962 after a heavy crash at Goodwood which left him in a coma for a month.
Born in London in 1929, Moss was the son of amateur racing driver Alfred and his wife Aileen.
He was knighted in the New Year Honours list in 2000 for services to motor racing.
Commentator and former F1 driver Martin Brundle said on Twitter: “RIP Sir Stirling Moss. A mighty racer and gentleman.
"He had a press on style on the track and in life.
"Remarkable man. Survived the most dangerous era of motorsport and died today aged 90.
"He had such great stories to tell, and it was a privilege to know him.”
Fellow former F1 driver Johnny Herbert added on his account: "Sad sad news that legend Sir Stirling Moss has passed.
"World Champion in all our eyes."
