Who was the first Formula 1 Grand Prix winner from New Zealand?

Bruce McLaren was the first Formula 1 Grand Prix winner from New Zealand.

McLaren won the 1959 United States Grand Prix at Sebring while driving a Cooper-Climax. At 22 years old, he became the youngest Grand Prix winner at that time, although later generations made the age record far younger.

His victory was also historically important because McLaren remains the youngest driver to win a Formula 1 race at the time of his victory. He later founded Bruce McLaren Motor Racing, the team that developed into McLaren Racing.

New Zealander Denny Hulme became a World Drivers’ Champion in 1967, but McLaren reached Formula 1 victory first. Chris Amon was another celebrated New Zealand driver, though he never won a World Championship Grand Prix.