What Happened On This Day January 31 In F1 History?

What happened on this day, January 31 in Formula 1 history? Find out interesting facts and stories about Formula 1 on this day.

1908

Born in Kentucky, Bill Cantrell was primarily known as a speedboat racer but also competed in the 1950 Indianapolis Grand Prix, co-driving with Bayliss Levrett. A race that formed a part of the first F1 World Championship.

1930

Jo Bonnier was born in Stockholm and competed in 108 Formula One races but celebrated only one win, at the 1959 Netherlands Grand Prix. His life ended tragically in a crash during the 1972 Le Mans, where his Lola collided with a Ferrari and was launched over the barrier into trees.

1934

Born in Monza, Italy, Ernesto Brambilla participated in two Italian Grand Prix; he did not qualify in 1963 and failed to start in 1969. Post-racing, he operated a workshop in Monza with his brother Vittorio Brambilla, who also raced in Formula One.

1954

Mauro Baldi, born in Reggio Emilia, Italy, raced in 41 Grands Prix from 1982 to 1985 for Arrows, Alfa Romeo, and Spirit securing just five career points. He achieved greater success in sports car racing later in his career where he won the World Sportscar Championship in 1990 with Sauber, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1994 with Porsche; he won the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1998 and is a two-time winner of the 24 Hours of Daytona with Doran.

1966

JJ Lehto, born in Espoo, Finland, participated in 70 Grands Prix races from 1989 to 1994, achieving his best finish with a third place at the 1991 San Marino Grand Prix. After a noteworthy stint in sports cars, he moved into TV commentary, though he still dabbled in local rally racing. He raced for Onyx, Italia, Sauber, and Benetton, claiming 10 career points.

1996

Following the tragic death of Ayrton Senna in 1994, the FIA introduced aviation-style black boxes in cars as part of new safety measures. “Before that we thought there was nothing wrong with our safety, but then it went the other way and Formula One was portrayed as a blood sport,” FIA boss Max Mosley explained.

F1 Driver Birthdays 31 January

Birthday	F1 Driver
31 January 1908	Bill Cantrell
31 January 1930	Jo Bonnier
31 January 1934	Tino Brambilla
31 January 1954	Mauro Baldi
31 January 1966	JJ Lehto

F1 Driver Deaths 31 January

Death	F1 Driver
31 January 1960	Harry Blanchard

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Lee is our staff writer specialising in anything technical within Formula 1 from aerodynamics to engines. Lee writes most of our F1 guides for beginners and experienced fans having followed the sports since 1991, researching and understanding how teams build the ultimate machines. Like everyone else on the team he listens to podcasts about F1 and enjoys reading biographies of former drivers.