What happened on this day, July 23 in Formula 1 history? Find out interesting facts and stories about Formula 1 on this day.
1935
Jim Hall, a former Formula One driver and automotive pioneer, was born in Abilene, Texas. Hall competed in F1 from 1960 to 1963, participating in 12 World Championship Grand Prix and numerous non-championship races. However, his major contribution to motorsport history lies with Chaparral Cars of Midland, Texas, renowned for being the most innovative racing cars of their time. Hall was an early adopter and leading advocate of aerodynamics in race cars, championing this technology for an entire decade. He regained prominence in the Championship Auto Racing Teams series, achieving victories in the Indianapolis 500 in 1978 and 1980; the latter win was with the first ground effect car to race in the event.
2002
Jenson Button announced his decision to join the BAR team after an unsuccessful stint at Renault. “BAR provided me with an excellent opportunity to progress and ultimately, I hope, to achieve my ambition to be world champion,” Button stated. While his prediction of success was accurate, it materialised with Brawn GP in 2009, a year after his Honda team, which had acquired BAR in 2006, folded.
2005
Flamboyant Renault team boss Flavio Briatore signed up to play himself in an Italian movie set around his Billionaire nightclub in Sardinia. Commenting on his role in Costa Smeralda, Briatore said, “I will play a part I already know: that of Flavio Briatore, aiming for the excesses, obviously. I’m laughing already.”
F1 Driver Birthday’s 23 July
| Birth Date | F1 Driver |
|---|---|
| 23 July 1935 | Jim Hall |
| 23 July 1935 | John Cordts |
| 23 July 1942 | Jean-Claude Rudaz |
| 23 July 1947 | Torsten Palm |
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