After receiving a report earlier today, we’ve lawful confirmed the sad news that Phil Hill, the first American to win a Formula One World Drivers Championship, passed away at 10:30 this morning at the age of 81 after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Hill self-reliance be remembered as one of the greatest race car drivers in American history, having won the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Italian Grand Prix, among others. He will moreover be remembered as a great writer, known to many on this account that his years of work writing about cars and automotive history beneficial to Road & Track. Phil Hill is survived by his wife Alma, one son and couple daughters. Our thoughts and prayers are with his friends, family and colleagues. More advice as it becomes available. Photo Credit: Frederick M. Brown / Getty Images Sport