What happened on this day, January 8 in Formula 1 history? Find out interesting facts and stories about Formula 1 on this day.
1911
Tom Delaney, the world’s oldest licensed racing driver, was born. Delaney competed with the same Lea-Francis car for more than 75 years, from 1930 until just weeks before his death in 2006. In 2004, he survived a dramatic crash at Silverstone where his car rebounded off barriers and ran over him. Remarkably, he escaped with only a sore wrist and immediately called his mechanic to prepare the car for the next day’s race. In 2005, Delaney received the Motor Sports Association’s inaugural Lifetime Achievement award, recognizing his 75-year racing career. His final race took place in April 2006 at a Vintage Sports Car Club meeting at Silverstone. Invited to the Goodwood Revival that September, Delaney passed away shortly before the event. His legacy lived on, with his cars raced by his son Geoffrey and granddaughter Lucy.
2006
At 37, Michael Schumacher gave his first strong hint of retirement. “If I don’t have the chance to win races and challenge for the title, I don’t think I’ll be very keen to extend my career,” he admitted. “If we [Ferrari] want to progress, we need more staff. In F1, you cannot afford to stand still. I want to know where we’re heading.” Schumacher retired at the end of the season when his contract expired, finishing second in the drivers’ championship. However, in a stunning turn of events, he returned to Formula 1 with Mercedes in 2010.
2009
Donington Park announced it had secured planning permission to upgrade the circuit to meet FIA standards, a key step in its bid to host the British Grand Prix. After Bernie Ecclestone’s earlier declaration that the race would move to Donington, the approval marked a significant milestone. “I’m over the moon,” declared chief executive Simon Gillet. “From tomorrow morning, it’s shovels at dawn. Time to focus on 2010 and delivering the best grand prix in the world.” Despite the optimism, the project collapsed due to funding issues, and Gillet’s company went into receivership. Ultimately, the race returned to its longtime home at Silverstone.
2016
Maria Teresa de Filippis was an Italian racing driver who made F1 history as the first woman to compete in Formula One. Born in Naples, Campania, she broke barriers in a male-dominated sport, debuting in 1958.
Her first Formula One entry was at the 1958 Monaco Grand Prix, though she did not qualify. She made her official start later that year at the 1958 Belgian Grand Prix, where she finished in 10th place, cementing her legacy as a trailblazer in motorsport. De Filippis passed away in Scanzorosciate, Lombardy, leaving behind an inspiring legacy for women in racing.
F1 Driver Birthdays 8 January
| Birthday | F1 Driver |
|---|---|
| 8 January | None |
F1 Driver Deaths 8 January
| Death | F1 Driver |
|---|---|
| 8 January 2016 | Maria Teresa de Filippis (b. 1926) |
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