Former F1 driver and Alonso’s mentor, Adrian Campos, dies aged 60
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The world of Spanish motorsports is in mourning today. The news of his passing was confirmed by his team, which issued the following statement: “His heart stopped beating, but his memory will be the engine that will keep us all fighting to continue his legacy… Rest in Peace.” 

His death was caused by an unexpected and sudden coronary failure and has been a very hard blow for the motorsport’s world in Spain. His loss will be felt by many as he leaves a fundamental legacy for the sport both inside and outside Spain. 

His career as a pilot started in the early ’80s when he took part in his first Formula 3 races before moving onto F3000. It was precisely his performance in this discipline that opened the doors of Formula 1 for the Spaniard in 1987. 

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Minardi F1

Adrian Campos took the F1 baton from Emilio de Villota a decade after the later would make his Formula 1 debut. Supported by the financial backing of fashion firm Lois, he managed to get a spot in Giancarlo Minardi next to Alessandro Nannini. 

The poor reliability of his M187 meant he only crossed the checkered flag at the Spanish Grand Prix. The following year he was joined in the team by Luis Perez-Sala, an emotional moment for Spanish motorsports.

But the duo of compatriots was dissolved with the arrival of Pierluigi Martini after the first GPs of Brazil and San Marino. After leaving Formula 1 he competed in the Spanish Touring Car Championship and in 1997 he took part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans with a Ferrari. 

A great manager

Sometime later, he moved on to management, with a mission which would become more significant than his career on the track: the finding and mentoring of promising young drivers.

 Tireless in his new occupation, he spotted a promising young at the Open Fortuna and Euro Open Movistar by Nissan Championships. 

Following the wise teachings of Adrian Campos, Fernando Alonso took his first victories, and thanks to his unparalleled negotiation skills, he was signed by Minardi for his Formula 1 debut. 

Adrian Campos’ legacy, however, goes beyond that of discovering Fernando Alonso. There were other great Spanish drivers who matured under his wing such as Antonio Garcia, who went on to have a spectacular career in the United States, or Marc Gene, who followed in his footsteps in Minardi.   

Gene, a close friend, recently visited Campos at the Campos Racing headquarters. With all certainty, the two friends would have conversed about the team’s upcoming jump to Formula One, a move which had already been sealed by the end of 2019 but which had to be postponed following the breakout of the coronavirus pandemic. 

Unfortunately, he has not lived to see his dream come true after his heart, which he put on everything he did, gave in to a sudden cardiac arrest this Thursday. His legacy, however, will remain forever and he will always be remembered as a pioneer who opened the way for later generations of drivers, giving Formula 1 a boost and notoriety hitherto inexistent in Spain.

Adrian Campos was, in sum, one of the most influential and transcendent figures in the development of motorsports in Spain and condolences for his passing have not ceased to flow the country’s media. 

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