What Happened On This Day January 18 In F1 History?

What happened on this day, January 18 in Formula 1 history? Find out interesting facts and stories about Formula 1 on this day.

1940

Pedro Rodriguez, born in Mexico City, was celebrated for his audacious driving style. It wasn’t until 1967 that he secured a full-time spot in Formula One with Cooper, claiming his first victory at the 1967 South African Grand Prix. He later achieved another victory with BRM in 1970 and gained recognition in sports car racing and NASCAR. In July 1971, Rodriguez was killed at the Norisring in West Germany, driving a Ferrari 512 M in an Interserie sportscar race. He was known for carrying Tabasco sauce to spice up his meals, Rodriguez was easily recognisable at tracks by his distinctive deerstalker hat.

1942

Johnny Servoz-Gavin, born in Grenoble, France, competed in 13 Grands Prix from 1967 to 1970, achieving a career-best second place. After sustaining an eye injury in an off-road event in 1970, his vision deteriorated significantly throughout the season, leading him to retire from Formula One for safety reasons.

1950

Gilles Villeneuve, born on ths day in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Canada, was one of Formula One’s most thrilling drivers. Known for his exceptional skill, especially highlighted at Watkins Glen where he outpaced competitors by 11 seconds per lap in wet conditions. Despite driving a less competitive Ferrari, which fans humorously dubbed a “shitbox,” Villeneuve’s daring nature attracted large crowds. However, his penchant for risk sometimes compromised his success, and he never secured a world championship, when his career was sadly cut short. Villeneuve’s life ended tragically in 1982 during a qualifying session in Belgium, where his risk-taking caught up with him. At his funeral, Jody Scheckter, a former teammate, praised him as the fastest and most sincere man he had known. His son Jacques Villeneuve claimed the Drivers’s title in 1997.

1953

The 1953 Argentine Grand Prix was the first-ever championship Argentine event, sadly overshadowed by a tragic accident that resulted in the death of at least seven spectators and injuries to many others. During the race, on lap 40, Nino Farina attempted to dodge a spectator crossing the track, which led him to crash into the nearby crowd. Farina sustained minor leg injuries from the incident. Initially, the Buenos Aires Autodrome had welcomed around 200,000 fans, due to free admission, leading to overcrowded conditions with spectators overflowing onto the track edges. Despite this, the race continued, and Ferrari driver Alberto Ascari dominated, starting from pole position, leading every lap, recording the fastest lap, and lapping all other drivers. Ascari’s teammate, Luigi Villoresi finished second with Jose Froilan Gonzalez finishing in third for Maserati.

1953 Argentine Grand Prix Race Results

1971

Christian Fittipaldi was born on this day in Sao Paulo, becoming the third member of the Fittipaldi family to compete in Formula One. He drove for Minardi and Footwork from 1992 to 1994 before moving series to Champ Car racing in 1995, although he never matched the achievements of his uncle Emerson Fittipaldi. He ended his F1 career with 12 career points from 40 starts.

F1 Driver Birthdays 18 January

F1 Driver Deaths 18 January