What Happened On This Day August 16 In F1 History?

What happened on this day, August 16 in Formula 1 history? Find out interesting facts and stories about Formula 1 on this day.

1970

After a six-year break, F1 cars returned to Zeltweg, this time at the Österreichring for the 1970 Austrian Grand Prix. This was the third Austrian Grand Prix, the second to be included in the World Championship, and the first to take place at the picturesque Österreichring. This new circuit was constructed to replace the bumpy and uninspiring Zeltweg Airfield circuit. Local favourite Jochen Rindt secured pole position in his Lotus 72. However, it was Belgian driver Jacky Ickx, starting from the second row for Ferrari, who won the race, finishing ahead of his team-mate Clay Regazzoni after Rindt retired early due to an engine failure. Rolf Stommelen achieved his only podium finish, coming third in a Brabham-Ford.

1981

Jacques Laffite won the 1981 Austrian Grand Prix, driving a Talbot Ligier–Matra, finishing ahead of French compatriot Rene Arnoux in a Renault and Brazilian Brabham driver Nelson Piquet. Laffite capitalised on Alain Prost‘s retirement to move up to second late in the race and overtook Arnoux on lap 39. Notable finishes included Carlos Reutemann coasting over the finish line with a dead engine in fifth for Williams, while John Watson in the innovative carbon-fibre McLaren took the final point in sixth.

1987

Williams driver Nigel Mansell claimed victory in the 1987 Austrian Grand Prix despite being under the weather after having a wisdom tooth removed before practice. Mansell’s team-mate Nelson Piquet took pole. After two crashes and two red flags, Piquet led until lap 21, when Mansell overtook him and held the lead to win. Pre-race, McLaren’s Stefan Johansson was fortunate to escape with just minor injuries after a severe crash caused by hitting a deer during Friday practice, he was travelling at close to 140 mph, killing the deer instantly. The McLaren MP4/3 spun off into the guard rail, destroying the car. A spare car had to be flown out from the team’s base in Woking.

1992

Nigel Mansell finally achieved his dream of becoming Formula One World Champion when he finished second in the 1992 Hungarian Grand Prix to Ayrton Senna. Mansell had come tantalisingly close to the title in 1986 and 1987 and was runner-up again in 1991. However, he dominated the 1992 season, securing the championship in just the 11th race, setting a new record for the fewest races needed to clinch the title since the 16-race season format was adopted. The Hungarian Grand Prix also marked the final race for the renowned Brabham team, which was plagued by financial struggles and internal conflicts.

1998

Ferrari driver Michael Schumacher won the 1998 Hungarian Grand Prix, narrowing the championship gap with Mika Hakkinen to just seven points. Hakkinen and his McLaren team-mate David Coulthard had occupied the front row, but Schumacher’s impressive pace and a strategic three-stop plan enabled him to outmanoeuver the two-stopping McLarens. Canadian Jacques Villeneuve finished third in a Williams-Mecachrome, while Hakkinen could only manage sixth place after shock absorber problems in the closing stages of the race.

F1 Driver Birthdays 16 August

F1 Driver Deaths 16 August

F1 Champion 16 August