What happened on this day, August 19 in Formula 1 history? Find out interesting facts and stories about Formula 1 on this day.
1973
Ronnie Peterson triumphed in the 1973 Austrian Grand Prix, with Jackie Stewart and Carlos Pace rounding out the podium. Emerson Fittipaldi’s title hopes dimmed as he needed a strong finish to challenge Stewart. Despite Peterson letting him pass into the lead, Fittipaldi’s Lotus suffered a split fuel pipe with five laps remaining, forcing him to retire. Stewart’s second-place finish left Fittipaldi with a 24-point deficit and only three races to go, a nearly insurmountable challenge.
1984
Niki Lauda delighted the home crowd by winning the 1984 Austrian Grand Prix at the Osterreichring. Starting from fourth, Lauda initially dropped to fifth but climbed to third by lap 9. After Alain Prost spun on oil, Lauda moved up to second, then overtook Nelson Piquet on lap 40 when they lapped Michele Alboreto‘s. Alboreto in the Ferrari finished third.
1987
Nico Hulkenberg was born on this day in Emmerich am Rhein, Germany. Dubbed ‘the baby Michael Schumacher,’ Hulkenberg demonstrated his talent early, taking pole position in his first GP2 Asia series race and finishing sixth at the end of the season despite competing in only four races. The following season, he won the GP2 series championship at Monza, the first time the title was secured before the final round. This places him among the elite drivers who, since 2005, clinched the GP2 Series/Formula 2 title in their debut season — joining the ranks of Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg, Charles Leclerc, George Russell, and Oscar Piastri.
Hülkenberg began his Formula One journey with Williams in 2010 and has since driven for Sauber, Force India, Renault, Racing Point, Aston Martin, and Haas.
He is set to drive at Sauber again for the 2025 season, ahead of the team’s change to the works Audi team in 2026.
2001
Michael Schumacher led his teammate Rubens Barrichello to victory at the 2001 Hungarian Grand Prix, marking a record-breaking weekend for Ferrari. Schumacher’s win secured his fourth drivers’ title, tying him with Alain Prost, and also matched Prost’s record of 51 Grand Prix victories. The 1-2 finish also ensured Ferrari’s 11th constructors’ title. Meanwhile, Mika Hakkinen set the 25th fastest lap of his career.
F1 Driver Birthdays 19 August
| Birthday | F1 Driver |
|---|---|
| 19 August 1916 | Dennis Poore |
| 19 August 1926 | Johnny Boyd |
| 19 August 1954 | Oscar Larrauri |
| 19 August 1987 | Nico Hülkenberg |
F1 Driver Deaths 19 August
| Death | F1 Driver |
|---|---|
| 19 August 1962 | Jean Lucienbonnet |
| 19 August 1975 | Mark Donohue |
F1 Champion 19 August
| Date | Team/Driver |
|---|---|
| 19 August 2001 | Michael Schumacher |
| 19 August 2001 | Ferrari |
Seen in:
