About Robert O'Brien
Lived 1908 – 1987 (aged 78). Robert O'Brien was an American formula One driver, engineer, screenwriter and racing automobile driver.
Robert O'Brien (April 11, 1908 – February 10, 1987) was a racing driver from the United States. He participated in one Formula One World Championship Grand Prix, the 1952 Belgian Grand Prix.
Career O'Brien was born in Lyndhurst, New Jersey. He mostly raced sports cars in the US, finishing fourth in the 1952 12 Hours of Sebring in a Ferrari 166 MM shared with Richard Cicurel.
O'Brien later made a few appearances in Europe through his contacts in Belgium.
O'Brien is one of the more obscure drivers to have participated in the Formula One World Championship, and unsubstantiated rumours arose that he was involved with the CIA and operated as a spy. He was later involved in the motor industry in his home state and in New York.
O'Brien died in Hackensack, New Jersey in 1987.
Complete Formula One World Championship results (key) Year Entrant Chassis Engine 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Pts 1952 Robert O'Brien Simca-Gordini 15 Gordini 1500 1.5 L4 SUI 500 BEL FRA GBR GER NED ITA NC 0
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Important facts
Related people
Same field, nearest in time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Robert O'Brien's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Robert O'Brien?
racecar driver (1908-1987)
When was Robert O'Brien born?
Robert O'Brien was born on 11 April 1908 in Lyndhurst.
When did Robert O'Brien die?
Robert O'Brien died on 10 February 1987 in Hackensack.
What was Robert O'Brien's occupation?
Robert O'Brien was a formula One driver, engineer, screenwriter and racing automobile driver.
What nationality was Robert O'Brien?
Robert O'Brien was American.
Sources & further reading
· DBpedia: Robert O'Brien (racing driver)
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Robert O'Brien. https://biography.guide/robert-o-brien-formula-one-driver/
MLA: "Robert O'Brien." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/robert-o-brien-formula-one-driver/.
Chicago: "Robert O'Brien." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/robert-o-brien-formula-one-driver/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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