What Happened On This Day January 24 In F1 History?

What happened on this day, January 24 in Formula 1 history? Find out interesting facts and stories about Formula 1 on this day.

1943

Tony Trimmer, born in Maidenhead, Berkshire, entered six Grands Prix between 1975 and 1978 but failed to qualify for any of them. Despite these setbacks, Trimmer was a formidable talent, winning the 1970 Shellsport British F3 title and appearing poised for greatness. However, he struggled to secure competitive drives in Formula One, often racing cars that were outdated. His best result came at the rain-soaked 1978 BRDC International Trophy at Silverstone, a non-championship event, where he finished third against stiff F1 competition. In the same year, he won the British Aurora F1 Championship, further demonstrating his skills outside the F1 World Championship.

1954

Jo Gartner, born in Vienna, competed in eight Grands Prix during the 1984 season for the Osella team. A standout in junior categories, Gartner achieved success in Formula 2 but never finished higher than fifth in an F1 race. Even this result, at the 1984 Italian Grand Prix, yielded no points, as his team had only officially entered one car, relegating his to a non-scoring position. Gartner also excelled in sports cars, winning the 1986 Sebring 12 Hours alongside Bob Akin and Hans-Joachim Stuck. Tragically, later that year, he died in a crash on the Mulsanne Straight at Le Mans when his car somersaulted and caught fire.

1983

Born on this day in San Jose, California, Scott Speed brought controversy and flair during his two seasons with Toro Rosso in Formula One. Despite his talent, Speed scored no points and gained notoriety for his outspoken nature, including a $5,000 fine for using abusive language against David Coulthard during a post-race hearing. Speed arrived in F1 with strong credentials, having won Formula Renault championships in Germany and Europe and finishing third in the 2005 GP2 series behind Nico Rosberg and Heikki Kovalainen. However, he struggled to perform in F1 and was replaced by Sebastian Vettel midway through the 2007 season, eventually moving to NASCAR.

2000

Twenty-year-old Jenson Button became the youngest British Formula 1 driver at the time, surpassing Stirling Moss, who was 21 when he debuted in 1951. Button signed a five-year deal with Williams, marking a significant milestone in his career. “I am still on cloud nine,” he told the media. “The last 45 minutes have been amazing; difficult to explain because I’ve never experienced anything like this before.” Stirling Moss praised Button’s achievement, saying, “It’s a fantastic achievement and I wish him all the best. I’m obviously sorry to have been pushed out of the record books as the youngest British F1 driver, but what the hell. We’ll have to start calling him ‘The Boy’, as they referred to me when I was new to it.”

2005

Eddie Jordan finalised the sale of his Jordan team to the Midland Group, led by 36-year-old Canadian entrepreneur Alex Shnaider. Critics doubted Midland’s long-term commitment, and their skepticism proved correct as the team was sold twice more within two years. Reflecting on his career, Jordan said, “I have devoted 35 years of my life to motor racing and have had some really fantastic times. I came into F1 on a wing and a prayer. No-one gave us a chance. Frank Williams is the only other team owner to have come through the ranks from Formula Ford to F1. I’m immensely proud of that.”

F1 Driver Birthdays 24 January

F1 Driver Deaths 24 January