What happened on this day, December 15 in Formula 1 history? Find out interesting facts and stories about Formula 1 on this day.
1913
Walt Ader, a minor American racing driver, was born in New Jersey. He made a single appearance in the Indianapolis Grand Prix in 1950, when the race was part of the World Championship, finishing 22nd place.
2002
On this day, it was announced that the 2003 season’s race at Spa was cancelled due to tobacco advertising restrictions, a contentious issue in motorsport at the time. The hope that the Belgian government would delay enforcing new anti-tobacco advertising laws was dashed when the legislation narrowly passed. “Losing Spa is a great pity,” lamented Bernie Ecclestone. “It’s one of the two races, along with Monaco, that everybody wanted to win.”
2006
On this day, Clay Regazzoni tragically lost his life in a car accident near Parma, Italy, at the age of 67 when his vehicle collided with the rear of a truck. Regazzoni raced in Formula 1 from 1970 until a crash at the 1980 United States West Grand Prix left him paralysed from the waist down. Despite his disability ending his F1 career, it didn’t deter him from racing. He drove in prestigious events like the Paris-Dakar Rally and the Sebring 12 Hours, driving cars specially adapted with hand controls.
Regazzoni’s F1 career saw him secure 5 wins, 28 podiums, 209 career points, 5 poles and 15 fastest laps. He drove for Ferrari, BRM, Ensign, Shadow, and Williams.
2006
Marco Andretti made history in Formula 1 as the sport’s first third-generation driver to drive an F1 car. He is the son of Michael Andretti and the grandson of 1978 world champion Mario Andretti. On this day, 15 December 2006, Honda announced that he would have the chance to test their Formula One car. Andretti took to the track at Jerez, Spain, for the test session. Honda’s sporting director, Gil de Ferran, praised Andretti’s performance, saying he had done an excellent job. While Andretti expressed his enjoyment of the experience, he said his primary focus was winning the Indianapolis 500 before considering moving to Formula One.
F1 Driver Birthdays 15 December
| Birthday | F1 Driver |
|---|---|
| 15 December 1913 | Walt Ader |
| 15 December 1927 | Bill Mackey |
F1 Driver Deaths 15 December
| Death | F1 Driver |
|---|---|
| 15 December 1981 | Ralph Pratt |
| 15 December 2006 | Clay Regazzoni |
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