What Happened On This Day January 22 In F1 History?

What happened on this day, January 22 in Formula 1 history? Find out interesting facts and stories about Formula 1 on this day.

1956

During the opening race of the season, the 1956 Argentine Grand Prix, world champion Juan Manuel Fangio had to borrow the Ferrari of his teammate, Luigi Musso, after suffering engine trouble in practice. Despite this, he still secured pole. When more engine issues arose during the race, Fangio switched to Musso’s car again and drove it to victory. However, his win was contested by the Maserati team, who claimed that Fangio had been helped back onto the track after a spin by unauthorised individuals. The protest was dismissed by the race officials and the FIA. Jean Behra and Maserati teammate Mike Hawthorn finished second and third, respectively.

1956 Argentine Grand Prix Results

1959

Reigning world champion Mike Hawthorn tragically lost his life in a road accident on the A3 in Surrey at just 29 years old, and a month after announcing his retirement from racing. Hawthorn’s partying had hidden his severe health struggles. He had undergone kidney surgery and was suffering from renal failure, meaning his life expectancy was already uncertain. It’s believed that after being overtaken by a Mercedes driven by Rob Walker, and fueled by his well-known disdain for the brand and the Germans, Hawthorn revved his Jaguar and attempted to chase him down. In wet conditions, he lost control, skidded for over 100 yards, hit a lorry, and flipped his car. Walker later recalled, “He came past and waved to me. The back of the car swung out, and I thought he’d correct it. Then it started to swing more, and I saw something awful was about to happen.” Hawthorn’s father had also died in a car crash six years earlier, just ten miles down the road at Hindhead.

Hawthorn had made history in 1958 by winning the Championship with Ferrari, becoming the first British driver to claim the title. In endurance racing, Hawthorn also achieved great success, winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1955 with Jaguar.

In his memory, the Hawthorn Memorial Trophy was established in 1959 by the RAC. It has been awarded annually since to the most successful British or Commonwealth driver in Formula One that season. Lewis Hamilton has won the award the most times, taking the trophy on eleven occasions.

2005

The F1 world was shocked by tabloid reports of Kimi Raikkonen’s behaviour, including claims of drunken dancing with a lap dancer and performing an impromptu strip show at a Mayfair club. After a press conference focused on the scandal, Raikkonen responded curtly, saying, “It doesn’t make me any slower. It’s my private life. What I do in the car is completely different because I’m giving everything to the team.” A team spokesman added, “We have multinational backers who don’t invest for this kind of imagery.”

2007

Emmanuel de Graffenried, the last surviving participant from the first world championship grand prix, passed away in Lausanne. Remaining active in the motorsport community until just weeks before his death, he even took part in a demonstration celebrating the 50th anniversary of Silverstone in 1998. He drove Maserati and Alfa Romeo cars in 22 races with a career best fourth place at the 1953 Belgian Grand Prix.

F1 Driver Birthdays 22 January

F1 Driver Deaths 22 January