Behind the glory of the track, Jochen Mass’s story is one of family, culture, and two extraordinary wives.
Jochen Richard Mass carved his name in motorsport history through an illustrious career spanning multiple racing disciplines.
Born on September 30, 1946, in Dorfen, Bavaria, the German racing driver competed in Formula One from 1973 to 1982, securing his most notable victory at the 1975 Spanish Grand Prix with McLaren.
Mass’ talent extended beyond Formula One, as he claimed victory at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1989 with Sauber.
Mass began his journey in motorsport after a chance encounter at a hillclimbing race where his girlfriend worked as a steward.
This sparked his passion for racing, leading him to leave his merchant navy career and pursue an apprenticeship at an Alfa Romeo dealership.
His early racing days saw him competing in Formula Super Vee, Formula Three, and European Formula Two, where he finished as runner-up in 1973.
Throughout his Formula One career, Mass achieved eight podium finishes and scored 71 championship points across 114 Grand Prix appearances.
After departing from Formula One, he found tremendous success in sports car racing, winning the 24 Hours of Spa in 1972 and capturing the World Sportscar Championship that same year.
His crowning achievement came in 1989 when he won the 24 Hours of Le Mans driving a Sauber Mercedes C9.
Following his active racing career, Mass became a Formula One commentator for German broadcaster RTL from 1993 to 1997 and continued to drive Mercedes-Benz’s museum’s historic cars at prestigious events.
Jochen Mass’s Life Was Shaped By Racing And His Wives
Behind the racing legend was a man whose personal life included two marriages and four children.
Jochen Mass’s first marriage was to wife Esthéa Mellet, commonly known as Esti, a South African model and designer born in 1949.
While specific details about their wedding date are not widely documented, their union produced two sons.
During this period, the family primarily resided in Monaco, which served as Mass’s base during his active Formula One career.
The couple also maintained a residence in Provence, reflecting their appreciation for the Mediterranean lifestyle.
Esti had studied art at the University of Stellenbosch before traveling extensively throughout Europe and working in Paris for over a decade.
Her international background complemented Mass’s globetrotting racing career.
After their marriage ended, Esti returned to Cape Town, South Africa, where she established Ensemble Interiors, a design firm.
Her multinational design style reflected her extensive travels from Africa to Asia and regular sailing in the Caribbean, mirroring Mass’s own passion for sailing inherited from his seafaring family background.
In 1994, Mass married his second wife, Bettina, who is half-American.
This union brought two daughters into their family, completing Mass’s role as a father to four children.
The couple established their home in Southern France, specifically in a rustic cottage above the gorge of the Loup river, which offered breathtaking views and convenient access to both the beach and skiing areas.
Mass and Bettina created a multicultural household where languages flowed freely.
He spoke German to Bettina, English to his children, and French to locals, embodying a truly international family environment.
Their home in Southern France reflected a more serene, nature-oriented lifestyle compared to the high-pressure world of racing.
The happiest of Birthdays for my infinitely patient and understanding wife! pic.twitter.com/4OCbWV8AgP
— Jochen Mass (@MassJochen) July 1, 2015
Bettina proved to be a supportive partner throughout their marriage, particularly during Mass’s health challenges.
When he suffered a stroke in February 2025, she became his steadfast support.
The family released a statement in March 2025 announcing that he was stable but stepping back from public appearances, with Bettina specifically mentioned as appreciating the support from fans.
Tragically, Jochen Mass passed away on May 4, 2025, in Cannes, France, due to complications from a stroke.
In their announcement, the family celebrated his “incredible life” that “he lived to the absolute fullest,” highlighting the racing legend’s approach to both his professional and personal life.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Jochen Mass was involved in the tragic accident that led to Gilles Villeneuve’s death in 1982 during qualifying for the Belgian Grand Prix at Zolder.
- Before his racing career, Mass worked in the Merchant Navy after leaving school, following a family tradition as his grandfather was a ship captain.
- At Sauber, Mass served as a mentor to young drivers, including Michael Schumacher, Heinz-Harald Frentzen, and Karl Wendlinger as part of Mercedes’ young driver program.
