PM hails Aussie legend Sir Jack
Prime Minister Tony Abbott has hailed Formula One champion Sir Jack Brabham as an Australian legend.
The 88-year-old, who once served in the RAAF, boasted many great Australian traits, Mr Abbott said.
"Australia has lost a legend," Mr Abbott said in a statement after Sir Jack's death.
"He was respected and admired for his spirit, and for his great skill as an engineer."
Awarded Australian of the Year in 1966 and National Treasure in 2012, Sir Jack was the first motorsport member to be knighted.
He won world titles in 1959 and 1960 with the Cooper Racing Team, and again in 1966 when he became the first driver to win in a car that he built himself.
