What happened on this day, August 4 in Formula 1 history? Find out interesting facts and stories about Formula 1 on this day.
1957
The 1957 German Grand Prix at the Nurburgring is forever etched in history as one of Juan Manuel Fangio‘s most remarkable drives. After a poor pit stop left him over a minute behind race leader Mike Hawthorn, Fangio responded with a series of astonishing laps, some six seconds faster than his own lap record and eight seconds quicker than his pole lap. He ultimately claimed victory for Maserati, later reflecting, “I’d never driven like that before, and I knew I never would again.”
Mike Hawthorn took second for Ferrari, and teammate Peter Collins came home in thrid,
Thanks to the 34 points he had accumulated during the season, compared to Luigi Musso’s 16, Fangio’s victory at the Nürburgring mathematically secured his fifth World Championship title with two races remaining. This race was also significant as it marked Fangio’s 24th and final victory in Formula 1.
1963
John Surtees secured his first Formula One race victory at the 1963 German Grand Prix while driving for Ferrari. Although Jim Clark in a Lotus started from pole, engine trouble allowed Surtees to take the lead and ultimately the win. Despite this victory, Clark remained 20 points ahead of Surtees in the driver’s championship standings and went on to clinch the title that year. American Richie Ginther took thrid in a BRM.
1968
Jackie Stewart‘s victory at the 1968 German Grand Prix is widely regarded as the finest drive of his career. Despite the extremely wet and foggy weather conditions that nearly cancelled the race, Stewart delivered a phenomenal performance, winning for Matra International and finishing a full four minutes ahead of second-place Team Lotus driver Graham Hill. What made the win more remarkable was Stewart racing with a broken wrist. Jochen Rindt in a Brabham finished third.
The race is also notable for Eagle driver Dan Gurney‘s pioneering use of a full-face helmet, making him the first driver in Grand Prix racing to do so.
F1 Driver Birthday’s 4 August
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