British Formula One legend Sir Stirling Moss passed away in his London home on Sunday following a long illness. The motor racing great was 90 years old.

His wife Lady Moss confirmed the news, telling the BBC: “It was one lap too many. He just closed his eyes.”

Moss began his racing career in 1948 and is widely considered to be one of the sport’s greatest ever drivers, despite having never won the World Championship. He won 16 of the 66 Formula One races he competed in, and also set a new record in 1955 when he won the famous Mille Miglia race around Italy.

Lewis Hamilton led the tributes to Moss, as he wrote on Twitter: “Today we say goodbye to Sir Stirling Moss, the racing legend. I certainly will miss our conversations. I am truly grateful to have had these special moments with him. Sending my prayers and thoughts to his family. May he rest in peace.”

Racing team McLaren released a statement which read: “All at McLaren mourn the passing of a legend of our sport, Sir Stirling Moss. A prodigious competitor, supremely talented racer, and consummate gentleman, he leaves an indelible mark of greatness on the history of international motorsport. Our condolences to his family.”

A moment we’ll cherish forever 🙏 Sir Stirling Moss and @LewisHamilton at Monza in 2015, taking to the iconic banking in two Silver Arrows

🎥 x @BBCSport pic.twitter.com/1Hj7WGkvSH

— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) April 12, 2020

While Toto Wolff, the current CEO of Moss’ former team Mercedes, said: “Sir Stirling was a larger-than-life figure in our sport and one of the survivors of an age when motor racing was about danger, bravery and camaraderie. But most of all, Stirling’s career was characterised by an impeccable sportsmanship and in this he truly set himself apart.

“He was a great figure in the history of Mercedes, both as a Grand Prix driver and the winner of the 1955 Mille Miglia.

Fans also reminisced about his career, with one person saying: “RIP Stirling – I saw him racing at the Silverstone Classic weekend a few years back- a true icon.”

Another commented: “RIP to a great motorsport legend. You will me sorely missed.” While another wrote: “So sad to hear about Sir Stirling Moss my thoughts are with his family and close friends. He was a fun and outstanding racer. Racing to the finish line always God bless you and rest in peace.”