What Happened On This Day December 8 In F1 History?

What happened on this day, December 8 in Formula 1 history? Find out interesting facts and stories about Formula 1 on this day.

1983

Swiss driver Neel Jani was born in Rorschach, Switzerland. He served as the third driver for Toro Rosso in 2006, participating in Friday practice sessions. Later, he competed for Team Switzerland in the A1GP, contributing to their 2007-08 championship win. With an Indian father, Jani’s cultural ties extended to Force India, where he was also linked.

1999

Known for stirring things up on the track, Ireland’s Eddie Irvine found a fresh audience to entertain (or offend) when he was invited to judge the Miss World competition. Miss Ireland, Emir Holohan-Doyle, claimed Irvine had commented, “apparently you’ve got a nice arse,” though his spokesperson clarified he was “just joking.” Holohan-Doyle added, “Eddie was meant to interview me but instead talked about his wild night and how hungover he was. Before I knew it, my three minutes were up. As I walked to the next judge, he shouted, ‘This is Emir, she’s a Paddy!’”

2002

After being pulled over for driving 80mph in a 50mph zone near Kitzbühel, Austria, Ralf Schumacher was met with disbelief from the traffic officer who quipped, “If you’re Ralf Schumacher, I’m Arnold Schwarzenegger.” Schumacher had to call his wife to confirm his identity at the station. It was his second driving ban; he had lost his license in April 2001 for reaching 100mph in a 60mph zone. His wife Cora’s take? “Ralf causes accidents you’d expect from women.”

2004

Ferrari icon from the 1970s, Carlos Reutemann, took a step back in time when he tested a modern Ferrari, the F2004, at the Fiorano test track. Reflecting on the experience, he said, “It was unforgettable. The power from the engine is astounding; it’s a completely different beast compared to what I drove in my day. Watching Formula One on television today might make it look easy, but after trying it myself, I can assure you it’s anything but.”

2024

Round 24 of the season, the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, marked the finale of the season, a weekend when the Constructors’ Championship was still up for grabs. McLaren and Ferrari were locked in a fierce battle, separated by just 21 points, as the season reached its climax. Adding to the emotion, Lewis Hamilton bid farewell to Mercedes after an illustrious and record-breaking career with the team.

Come Sunday, Lando Norris secured McLaren’s first Formula 1 constructors’ championship in 26 years with a victory at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Norris had led from start to finish, and his fourth win of the season was enough to seal the championship by 14 points, even though Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc finished second and third. Leclerc’s brilliant drive, having started 19th on the grid, kept the tension high. Had anything happened to Norris’ car, Ferrari would have clinched the title. Lewis Hamilton took fourth place in his final race for Mercedes, overtaking teammate George Russell around the outside of Turn Nine with just six corners left in the race. McLaren last won the Drivers’ championship in 2008 with Hamilton, but their team’s title drought went all the way back to 1998.

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  2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: Full Weekend Report & Highlights

2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Race Results

F1 Driver Birthdays 8 December

F1 Driver Deaths 8 December