What Happened On This Day December 26 In F1 History?

What happened on this day, December 26 in Formula 1 history? Find out interesting facts and stories about Formula 1 on this day.

1935

Moises Solana was born in Mexico City. He competed in eight Grands Prix between 1963 and 1968, exclusively in the USA and Mexico. Solana held the distinction of being the only driver in F1 history to race with the number 13 until Pastor Maldonado adopted 13 as his permanent number in 2014. Tragically, he was killed in 1969 during a hill climb when he lost control of his McLaren and struck a bridge.

1935

Bill Brack was born in Toronto, Canada. He participated in the Canadian Grand Prix in 1968, 1969, and 1972, but did not finish any of the races. After retiring from racing, Brack established a Chrysler dealership in Toronto.

1936

Trevor Taylor was born in Sheffield. He competed in 27 Grands Prix between 1959 and 1966, achieving his best result with a second-place finish at the 1962 Netherlands Grand Prix. Taylor faced financial difficulties after the 1987 stock market crash, which forced him to sell his collection of F1 trophies and memorabilia.

Taylor died at the age of 73 after contracting cancer on 27 September 2010 in Rotherham, England..

1958

Adrian Newey, widely regarded as one of the greatest engineers and aerodynamicists in Formula One history, was born on Boxing Day. Newey-designed chassis have won 12 World Constructors’ and 14 World Drivers’ Championships. He began his F1 journey under Harvey Postlethwaite at Fittipaldi F1 and later enjoyed a successful stint designing cars for the IndyCar and CART championships. Returning to F1, Newey helped secure constructors’ championships for both Williams and McLaren before transforming Red Bull Racing from midfield competitors into dominant race and championship winners. In his spare time, Newey indulges his passion for racing by driving vintage and classic race cars. He has also participated in endurance events, including the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans. From 2025 onwards, Newey is set to serve as technical director and co-owner of Aston Martin in Formula One, where the team hope to challenge for titles.

1992

Jan Flinterman passed away in the Netherlands at the age of 73. He participated in just one Grand Prix, the 1952 Netherlands Grand Prix at Zandvoort. Flinterman started the race in a Maserati A6GCM but retired after six laps due to a differential failure. He later took over Chico Landi’s similar car and finished ninth, albeit seven laps behind the leaders.

F1 Driver Birthdays 26 December

F1 Driver Deaths 26 December