What happened on this day, December 31 in Formula 1 history? Find out interesting facts and stories about Formula 1 on this day.
1948
Sir Malcolm Campbell, legendary racing driver and land speed record holder, passed away at his Reigate home at the age of 63. Unlike many of his contemporaries involved in high-speed pursuits, Campbell died peacefully in his bed after a series of strokes. Renowned for breaking the land speed record nine times between 1924 and 1935, he became the first person to exceed 300 mph in his final attempt. Campbell also set the water speed record four times. As a Grand Prix driver, he triumphed in the 1927 and 1928 Grand Prix de Boulogne behind the wheel of a Bugatti T39A. His legacy lived on through his son Donald, who continued setting records on land and water until his tragic death in 1967 during a crash on Coniston Water.
1954
Herman Tilke, a pivotal and polarising figure in modern Formula One circuit design, was born. Tilke is credited with designing many of today’s prominent F1 tracks, including Sepang in Malaysia, Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Shanghai, Istanbul, and Valencia. He also spearheaded the layouts for new venues in India and the USA. Known for creating tracks that encourage overtaking with his signature tight corners at the end of long straights, Tilke has faced criticism for producing “bland” circuits that detract from the spectacle of racing. In his defence, Tilke stated, “Some races have a lot of action, others not. That is the same in every sport,” adding, “Racing is very dangerous, and nobody wants dead or injured drivers.”
1998
Frank Williams, the mastermind behind one of Formula One’s most successful teams, was knighted in the New Year’s Honours List. The Times described his remarkable career as “combining ruthlessness with a magnificent obsession,” resulting in nine Constructors’ Championships and seven Drivers’ titles over 30 years.
1999
Racing legend Stirling Moss was knighted, a recognition he valued more than any of his on-track achievements. Moss, who humorously attributed part of his fame to his memorable name, quipped, “Thank goodness I wasn’t called Hamish, which is what my mother wanted to call me.” Reflecting on his career, Moss expressed no regrets about never winning a drivers’ title, declaring the knighthood “an acceptance by the British nation.”
2000
Logan Sargeant, an American racing driver born on 31 December, competed in Formula One from 2023 to 2024 for Williams Racing after a successful stint in the 2022 Formula 2 Championship with Carlin Motorsport, finishing fourth in the final standings. Sargeant’s F1 career was short, securing just a single career point from 36 starts. His final race came at the 2024 Dutch Grand Prix, where Sargeant was replaced at the following race by Argentine driver Franco Colapinto for the remainder of the 2024 season after a series of poor performances.
2021
Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, became the only F1 driver to be knighted while still competing in the sport. The 38-year-old was named and knighted in the New Year’s Honours list not long after controversially losing the world title to Max Verstappen at that season’s 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Hamilton could have been knighted after becoming the most decorated driver in F1 history. His seven titles remained, alongside the legendary Michael Schumacher.
F1 Driver Birthdays 31 December
| Birthday | F1 Driver |
|---|---|
| 31 December 2000 | Logan Sargeant |
| Birthday | F1 Mentions |
|---|---|
| 31 December 1954 | Hermann Tilke German engineer, racing driver and circuit designer, who has designed numerous Formula One motor racing circuits. |
F1 Driver Deaths 31 December
| Death | F1 Driver |
|---|---|
| 31 December 1980 | Kenny Eaton |
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