What Happened On This Day April 1 In F1 History?

What happened on this day, April 1 in Formula 1 history? Find out interesting facts and stories about Formula 1 on this day.

1909

Bill Whitehouse, born this day and known for his brief Formula One career in 1954, was originally a garage owner. He entered racing through the 500cc Car Club National Races in the early 1950s, where he befriended Bernie Ecclestone. He competed in Formula Two starting in 1951 and purchased an F2 Connaught in 1954. After retiring in 1955 due to the cancellation of F2, he resumed racing in 1957 with a Cooper-Climax F2 car. Tragically, during a race in Reims, after borrowing a Cooper Bobtail from Roy Salvadori, he suffered a fatal accident when a tyre burst, causing the car to flip and catch fire.

1950

Loris Kessel, born today, was a Swiss garage owner who competed in Formula Three and Formula Two with limited success. In 1976, with Tissot watches sponsorship, he joined the RAM team in Formula One. He managed to start in three out of five grands prix, finishing just one. He attempted a comeback the following year with his Apollon but did not qualify for any races. Returning to F2 and F3, he continued to compete unsuccessfully. In 1993, stepping back into the spotlight, he secured a seventh-place finish at the Le Mans 24-Hour and went on to manage a car dealership in Switzerland.

1971

Shinji Nakano, who was born on this day, took part in Formula One for two seasons, achieving two sixth-place finishes for Prost Grand Prix in 1997. Despite retiring in nine of his 18 races, he remained competitive. The following year, after Prost transitioned from Mugan-Honda to Peugeot engines, Nakano lost his seat but joined Minardi. Despite the team’s struggles with funding and an underpowered car, he completed most races, typically near the back. In 1999, he served as a test driver for Jordan before moving to Champ Car.

2001

At the 2001 Brazilian Grand Prix, the local spectators had little to celebrate as Rubens Barrichello‘s race was cut short on the second lap after colliding with Ralf Schumacher. Michael Schumacher, the reigning champion and leader in the standings, also had a challenging day despite starting from pole position; he spun twice and was passed by the McLaren of David Coulthard, who won the race, while being hindered by a slower car. The spotlight, however, was on Juan Pablo Montoya in his third Formula One race for Williams, as he boldly passed Michael Schumacher and led for a significant portion before being hit from behind by Jos Verstappen in an Arrows. Montoya expressed his disappointment, noting, “It was going to be one of the best days of my life and it turned unluckily into a bad one.” Nick Heidfeld surprised in the Sauber taking third place.It was his first Formula One podium. By the end of his career he had stepped onto the podium 12 more times.

2001 Brazilian Grand Prix Results

2003

Eddie Irvine received £25,000 in damages after the Court of Appeal found that Talksport radio improperly used his image without consent. The station had altered a photo of Irvine in his racing suit, replacing the mobile phone he was holding with their logo.

F1 Driver Birthdays 1 April

F1 Driver Deaths 1 April