Former Formula One, or F1, driver Jean-Pierre Beltoise has died after suffering a stroke. He was 77.

According to French media outlet L' Equipe, Beltoise died on Jan. 5. The report said that Beltoise has suffered stroke while on vacation with his family at his home in Saly, Senegal on Dec. 31. Beltoise, who won the 1972 Monaco Grand Prix, was taken to a hospital in Dakar, but he didn't survive until his death on Monday.

After news about Beltoise's death made headlines, Twitter was flooded with message of condolences for the family that the former F1 racer had left behind. People had sent their thoughts and prayers for Beltoise and his family.

Very saddened to hear the news that Jean Pierre Beltoise has passed away, our thoughts are with his family & friends. pic.twitter.com/5gHpzmHr4f

— Classic Formula 1 (@ClassicFormula1) January 5, 2015

Sad news Jean Pierre Beltoise has died. Still remember his win in Monaco on a very wet track. I sat there in an open stand in Casino Square

— Ann Bradshaw (@AnnieBWansford) January 5, 2015

Stunned to hear one of my boyhood heroes Jean-Pierre Beltoise has died. I never did ask for many autographs... #F1 pic.twitter.com/J2RR2p4uLN

— Stuart Dent (@Stuart_Dent) January 5, 2015

RIP Jean Pierre Beltoise, pictured here during his finest moment winning the 1972 Monaco GP for BRM in his V12 160B pic.twitter.com/1LeFmwS7RY

— Declan Brennan (@TheRaceTool) January 5, 2015

So sad to hear that the very classy Jean-Pierre Beltoise has passed away. The first of the French Renaissance drivers. His legacy endures.

— Peter Windsor (@PeterDWindsor) January 5, 2015

The Fédération Française du Sport Automobile, or FFSA, also paid homage to Beltoise in a statement posted on its official website. "John Pierre is and will remain an example for a whole generation of drivers," FFSA President Nicolas Deschaux said. "His incredible journey joined the history of French motorsport."

Beltoise, who was once a member of FFSA's Executive Committee, as one of the greatest drivers in the history of France. The federation said in the statement that Beltoise had left a legacy that had greatly contributed to the growth of motor sport in France.

Beltoise was an accomplished motorcycle and race car driver. He first started a career as a Grand Prix motorcycle road racer. He had won 11 league titles between 1962 and 1964 in France. His best run as a motorcycle racer was a sixth-run finish in the 1964 50cc World Championship.

After his glorious career in motorcycle racing, Beltoise began his career with four wheels. He made his debut in F1 with Matra in 1967 and stayed with the sports car team until the end of 1971, when he moved to BRM. Beltoise earned his only F1 title with BRM at the 1972 Monaco Grand Prix. He retired from F1 racing at the end of the 1974 season.

Beltoise was married to Jacqueline Cevert, who is the sister of fellow F1 driver Francois Cevert. They had two sons Anthony and Julien, who are both race car drivers.

To reach the author of this article, email r.corpuz@IBTimes.com.au

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