What happened on this day, August 11 in Formula 1 history? Find out interesting facts and stories about Formula 1 on this day.
1939
Jean Bugatti, a renowned designer and engineer, died at 30 while testing a car. He swerved to avoid a drunken cyclist and hit a tree. Despite his young age, Bugatti had already made a significant impact on the automotive industry through his family’s company. He designed landmark vehicles in his early 20s and later developed a series of leading racing cars, along with revolutionary suspension systems.
1953
Tazio Nuvolari, the ultimate pre-war driver who dominated every major race, was hailed by Ferdinand Porsche as “the greatest driver of the past, present, and future.” Known for his determination and speed, Nuvolari once had his Maserati modified to accommodate a leg in plaster, allowing him to race just a month after breaking it in a crash. He passed away on this day, 11 August 1953, at age 60 from a stroke. In a poignant tribute, Alberto Ascari, Luigi Villoresi, and Juan Manuel Fangio pushed his coffin on a car chassis during the mile-long funeral procession, with all of Italy mourning his loss.
1984
Lucas Di Grassi was born in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The Brazilian driver secured his first F1 seat with Virgin Racing in 2010, following a successful stint in GP2, where he finished second in 2007 and third in both 2008 and 2009.
1991
Ayrton Senna won the 1991 Hungarian Grand Prix driving for McLaren from pole position, leading the Williams duo of Nigel Mansell and Riccardo Patrese. The race also marked a milestone for the Jordan team, which secured its first-ever fastest lap, driven by Bertrand Gachot.
Senna now led the world championship by 12 points to Mansell, second in the standings, before the grid moved to Belgium for the next race. Senna also dedicated the win to the late Soichiro Honda, the founder of Honda, who had passed away just days before the Grand Prix weekend.
1996
Jacques Villeneuve clinched his third win in his debut Formula One season with Williams at the 1996 Hungarian Grand Prix. Leading his teammate Damon Hill for a Williams 1-2 finish, their points haul secured the team’s eighth Constructors’ title, equalling the record held by Ferrari at the time. It was also the teams’ fourth Constructors’ Championship in five years. Frenchman Jean Alesi came home in third for Benetton.
This victory also ensured that only Hill and Villeneuve remained in contention for the drivers’ title, which would be decided at the final race at the 1996 Japanese Grand Prix. Hill ultimately triumphed after Villeneuve retired due to a lost wheel.
F1 Driver Birthdays 11 August
| Birthday | F1 Driver |
|---|---|
| 11 August 1916 | Johnny Claes |
| 11 August 1923 | Gordon Reid |
| 11 August 1984 | Lucas di Grassi |
F1 Driver Deaths 11 August
| Death | F1 Driver |
|---|---|
| 11 August 1984 | Marcel Balsa |
F1 Champion 11 August
| Date | Team/Driver |
|---|---|
| 11 August 1996 | Williams |
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