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By Richard S. Chang

Phil Hill, the only American-born Formula One champion, died today at the age of 81. He died at Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula. He had suffered from Parkinson’s disease and another degenerative neurological disorder.

In a sport known for its playboy personalities, Mr. Hill was an anomaly. He was “a thoughtful, gentle man,” wrote Robert Daley in his book “The Cruel Sport.”

“I’m in the wrong business,” Mr. Hill once said. “I don’t want to beat anybody, I don’t want to be the big hero.”

But Mr. Hill was the hero — and during the most dangerous era of Formula One. Death lurked around every corner and down every straight, and death played a part in his career, although he never had a serious injury. Along with his Formula One title, with Ferrari in 1961, Mr. Hill also won the 24 Hours of Le Mans three times and the 12 Hours of Sebring three times.

“I, as well as all employees of Ferrari, are extremely saddened by the news of the passing of Phil Hill, a man and a champion who gave so much to Ferrari and who has always greatly represented the company’s values inside and outside the racing track,” said Luca di Montezemolo, president of Ferrari, in a statement.

Philip Toll Hill was born in Miami on April 20, 1927 to a prominent family. He was raised in Santa Monica, Calif., and studied business administration at the University of Southern California.

Phil Hill, American Racing Champion, Is Dead....