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F1·June 22, 2026 11:13 AM ET

John Thompson, Ferrari chassis fabricator and TCP founder, dies at 85

Motorsport's unsung chassis pioneer dies at 85.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Jun 221 min read
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What happened: John Thompson, who built chassis, suspension and sometimes complete cars for scores of teams and manufacturers through his TC Prototypes (TCP) firm, has died aged 85. The fabrication and subcontract company he founded served the British motorsport industry and beyond for more than 30 years. Ferrari was among the manufacturers he supplied.

Why it matters: Thompson produced Ferrari's first monocoque, placing him at the heart of a pivotal shift in grand prix car construction. Though he never sought fame, TCP was a largely unsung linchpin of motorsport manufacturing for decades, quietly underpinning the work of teams across multiple categories.

What to watch: Tributes from across the motorsport industry are expected as teams and former collaborators mark his passing.

Sources

  • @autosport 

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