What happened on this day, February 19 in Formula 1 history? Find out interesting facts and stories about Formula 1 on this day.
1952
British driver Stephen South was born on this day in Harrow. A former British Formula 3 champion, he seemed poised for a promising motorsport career and drove for Ron Dennis’ Project Four Racing in Formula 2 in 1979. He participated in only one Grand Prix for McLaren, filling in for the injured Alain Prost at the 1980 US Grand Prix West in Long Beach. Despite driving a competitive car, he failed to qualify, lagging more than three seconds behind his teammate, John Watson. His career ended tragically that same year after he lost part of his leg in a Can-Am race crash.
2004
Neel Jani made history as the first to drive an F1 car in Bahrain, driving a Sauber through the streets of Manama. The event was part of a promotional effort for the first Bahrain Grand Prix held that year. Jani reached speeds close to 185mph and was thrilled by the experience. He stated, “I’m very proud that I was the very first to drive a Formula One car in the Middle East and to show to the enthusiastic citizens what Formula One is all about,” said Jani. “It’s also the first time that I have ‘legally’ jumped a red light!”
2006
Bernie Ecclestone criticised the FIA and F1 teams for their decision to switch from 3.0 litre V10 engines to 2.4 litre V8s in an effort to reduce car speeds. Ecclestone remarked that the decision was hastily made without considering the costs of developing new engines from the ground up. He commented, “It was total nonsense; no one analyzed the problems in-depth. The constructors pledged to make the V8s, but only later they realized what costs they were about to face.”
2007
Jacques Villeneuve explored his musical talents beyond the racetrack by releasing his debut album, “Private Paradise.” He personally wrote six out of the thirteen tracks, including one dedicated to his father, Gilles Villeneuve. The album was launched at his café in Montreal, attended mostly by journalists. Villeneuve commented, “I bought a guitar in 1996 when I started racing in Formula One and started writing some songs,” he said. “I am stupidly passionate about music, it has become a bit of a drug.”
F1 Driver Birthdays 19 February
| Birthday | F1 Driver |
|---|---|
| 19 February 1919 | Erik Lundgren (d. 1967) |
| 19 February 1921 | Ernie McCoy (d. 2001) |
| 19 February 1923 | Giulio Cabianca (d. 1961) |
| 19 February 1952 | Stephan South |
F1 Driver Deaths 19 February
| Death | F1 Driver |
|---|---|
| 19 February 1996 | Antonio Creus (b. 1924) |
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