What happened on this day, February 18 in Formula 1 history? Find out interesting facts and stories about Formula 1 on this day.
1898
Enzo Ferrari was born in Modena, Italy, on February 18, 1898, although his birth certificate states his birth date as 20 February. As the founder of the iconic Ferrari car company, he became a legend in the motor industry and Formula One. Ferrari remains the most successful and only team to have competed in every F1 World Championship since its inception in 1950.
Over the years, Enzo became a dominant force in motorsport, known for creating intense rivalries between his drivers over the coveted number-one status. The ‘Old Man’ remained in charge of the team he founded in 1947 until his death. Under his leadership, Scuderia Ferrari won 9 Drivers’ Championships and 8 Constructors’ Championships in Formula 1 during his lifetime.
In a fitting tribute, at the second Grand Prix following his death, Gerhard Berger led a Ferrari one-two finish ahead of teammate Michele Alboreto at the 1988 Italian Grand Prix at Monza, the only race McLaren drivers were not on the podium in 1988. It was also Ferrari’s final win at Monza until 1996.
1998
In the wake of Ayrton Senna‘s death four years prior and amidst ongoing safety trials in Italy, the FIA, led by President Max Mosley, decided to implement black boxes in all Formula 1 cars starting from the upcoming season. Mosley found the safety prospects promising, yet scepticism remained. Harvey Postlethwaite, the technical director for Tyrrell, commented, “It would provide additional data, but deciphering the exact cause of accidents from that data is a complex challenge.”
2005
Ron Dennis revealed that McLaren had nearly secured Michael Schumacher in 2000, but ultimately did not have the capacity to accommodate him. “We had the opportunity but we did not take it,” said Dennis. “Five years ago we met at Monte Carlo and there were discussions. The problem is that when you say to someone, ‘we want you to drive for us’, the team has to be in a position to deliver on that commitment. The team was not in the position to do that at the time. We both went away and thought about it and we decided collectively not to make Michael an offer. So it wasn’t a money thing.”
2007
Monte Carlo residents were surprised to see a Formula One car speeding through their streets in February, well ahead of the 2007 Monaco Grand Prix. This spectacle was part of a Shell TV advertisement shoot featuring Irish drivers Paddy Shovlin and Michael Cullen in a Ferrari F2003. The advert showcased the car racing through iconic locations in New York, Sydney, Hong Kong, and Rome, intercut with footage of classic Ferrari race cars.
2008
Lewis Hamilton was honoured with a prestigious Laureus World Sports Award following his impressive inaugural season with McLaren in 2007. Hamilton narrowly missed the championship by one point, matching the score of his teammate, double-world champion Fernando Alonso.
F1 Driver Birthdays 18 February
| Birthday | F1 Driver |
|---|---|
| 18 February 1958 | Giovanni Lavaggi |
| Birthday | F1 Mentions |
|---|---|
| 18 February 1898 | Enzo Ferrari Known for founding the Scuderia Ferrari racing team and the Ferrari automobile manufacturer that followed. |
F1 Driver Deaths 18 February
| Death | F1 Driver |
|---|---|
| 18 February 1984 | Bill Boyd (b. 1915) |
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