What Happened On This Day August 22 In F1 History?

What happened on this day, August 22 in Formula 1 history? Find out interesting facts and stories about Formula 1 on this day.

1954

Juan Manuel Fangio won the 1954 Swiss Grand Prix for Mercedes-Benz at Bremgarten in Berne. Although the Maserati of Stirling Moss and the Ferrari‘s of Mike Hawthorn and Froilan Gonzalez initially posed a challenge, Fangio quickly took control of the race. He secured victory by nearly a minute, lapping every car except Gonzalez, which finished second. Fangio’s teammate Hans Herrmann came in third.

This triumph marked Fangio’s fifth win in a dominant season, ultimately leading him to clinch his second Drivers’ Championship title with two races remaining. This event was the last Grand Prix held in Switzerland, as motor racing was banned following the 1955 Le Mans disaster, which claimed the lives of over 80 spectators and Mercedes driver Pierre Levegh.

2001

Jordan announced that Italian and Benetton driver Giancarlo Fisichella would switch places with compatriot Jarno Trulli, joining Jordan in 2002 on a three-year contract. Team boss Eddie Jordan emphasised the importance of long-term planning, stability, and continuity for success. “I am overjoyed that Giancarlo has signed a three-year contract with us, as this gives Jordan and Honda a strong platform to build on,” Jordan stated. Additionally, Mika Hakkinen‘s manager and former F1 Champion, Keke Rosberg, confirmed that the Finnish driver would remain with McLaren in 2002.

2002

Ford Vice President Richard Parry-Jones announced that the struggling Jaguar Racing team was not for sale. “Ford Motor Company management is not in negotiations and is not planning on the sale of Jaguar Racing,” Parry-Jones declared, underscoring Ford’s commitment to its Formula One endeavors. Despite this, the team was eventually sold to Red Bull in 2004.

F1 Driver Birthdays 22 August

F1 Driver Deaths 22 August

F1 Champion 22 August