What Happened On This Day August 21 In F1 History?

What happened on this day, August 21 in Formula 1 history? Find out interesting facts and stories about Formula 1 on this day.

1955

The 1955 Swiss Grand Prix, part of the 1955 World Championship, was set to take place at Circuit Bremgarten on 21 August 21, 1955. However, the event was cancelled following the tragic 1955 Le Mans disaster, which resulted in the deaths of Mercedes driver Pierre Levegh and over 80 spectators. Auto racing remained banned in Switzerland, except for 100% electrically powered cars, which were permitted in 2017. In June 2018, Switzerland hosted its first motor race in 63 years with the inaugural Zürich ePrix, a round of the all-electric Formula E championship.

Fast forward to 2022, the National Council’s Transport Commission authorised a modification to the Road Traffic Act, effectively approving the proposal to lift the racing ban. This decision was agreed upon by the National Council in the spring and confirmed by the Council of States towards the end of May 2022. Both houses voted to overturn the statute, citing significant improvements in vehicle and route safety over the past 67 years, making racing far safer than it was decades ago.

While this was certainly good news for motorsports enthusiasts in Switzerland, no actual racing events were immediately scheduled. After over half a century, with a ban in place, Switzerland lacks fully approved racing facilities. Consequently, popular racing series like MotoGP, WSBK, and Formula 1 may take some time before including Switzerland in their race calendars. However, the Swiss Supermoto Championship, previously held in various European countries, may eventually be hosted in Switzerland.

Despite the long-standing restrictions, Switzerland has produced successful racing drivers like Clay Regazzoni, Jo Siffert, and World Touring Car Championship standout Alain Menu.

1988

The career of future F1 driver Johnny Herbert was jeopardised after a major accident at Brands Hatch during an F3000 race. Herbert’s legs bore the impact, narrowly avoiding the loss of a foot. Despite severe injuries, he amazed doctors with his determination to recover. Even though he struggled to walk properly, he made a remarkable F1 debut for Benetton in Brazil in 1989, finishing a heroic fourth.

2000

A biography of Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone was withdrawn from publication due to legal disputes and allegations from Ecclestone, according to The Times of London. The book claimed Ecclestone donated one million pounds to the British Labour Party before the last election to exempt Formula One from a tobacco advertising ban, a claim Ecclestone denied: “I gave the money because I was asked to by a third party,” he said. “I’ve always been Tory, though I now believe Blair’s premiership is just watered-down Conservatism.”

2005

F1 expanded its reach with the inaugural Turkish Grand Prix in Istanbul. The new circuit was an immediate success, with Kimi Raikkonen taking victory for McLaren ahead of Renault driver Fernando Alonso and Juan Pablo Montoya. McLaren seemed poised for a 1-2 finish, but Montoya ran wide on the final lap after colliding with the backmarker Tiago Monteiro in the Jordan. This damaged his diffuser and allowed Alonso to pass, the team settling for a 1-3 finish. Montoya did secure the fastest lap, which was over two seconds faster than his teammate’s qualifying time.

2007

BMW Sauber ended months of speculation by confirming Nick Heidfeld would remain with Robert Kubica for the 2008 season. BMW motorsport director Mario Theissen stated, “Both Nick and Robert have delivered very strong performances this season. They have played a decisive role in establishing the BMW Sauber F1 Team as the third best team in Formula One.”

F1 Driver Birthdays 21 August

F1 Driver Deaths 21 August