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 on this day, was celebrated for his fearless driving style. It wasn’t until 1967 that he secured a full-time seat in Formula One with Cooper, claiming his first victory at the 1967 South African Grand Prix. He later achieved another win with BRM in 1970 and gained later 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. Around the F1 paddock, he was known for carrying Tabasco sauce to spice up his meals and 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 this day in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Canada, was one of Formula One’s most thrilling drivers. Known for his exceptional skill behind the wheel, this was highlighted at Watkins Glen, where he outpaced others by 11 seconds per lap in wet conditions. He could also have won the World Championship in 1979 by beating Jody Scheckter, but he chose to follow team orders and finished behind him at the 1979 Italian Grand Prix, ending the season just four points behind in the standings.

Villeneuve’s life ended tragically in 1982 during a qualifying session in Belgium. At his funeral, Jody Scheckter, a former teammate, praised him as the fastest and most sincere man he had known.

Villeneuve’s younger brother Jacques had a successful racing career in Formula Atlantic, Can-Am, and CART, and his son Jacques Villeneuve became a racing driver, winning the Indianapolis 500 and the CART Championship in 1995 and the F1 World Championship 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 13 spectators, and consequently a young boy, and injuries to many others. During the race, on lap 31, 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 welcomed around 200,000 fans due to free admission, which led 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