What Happened On This Day March 8 In F1 History?

What happened on this day, March 8 in Formula 1 history? Find out interesting facts and stories about Formula 1 on this day.

1968

Michael Bartels was born on this day in Plettenberg, Germany. Despite not qualifying in his four attempts at a Grand Prix with Lotus in 1991, filling in for Johnny Herbert, who had commitments in Japanese Formula 3000. While F1 wasn’t his calling, he enjoyed a successful stint in DTM racing. Bartels eventually won the FIA GT Championship, securing three titles with Maserati in 2006, 2008, and 2009.

1998

McLaren driver Mika Hakkinen clinched victory in a controversial finish to the 1998 Australian Grand Prix. His teammate, David Coulthard, deliberately slowed down during the final laps to let Hakkinen pass, following an earlier mix-up where Hakkinen inadvertently pitted due to a miscommunication put down to unauthorised radio interference. Initially leading after a strong start, Hakkinen lost his position to Coulthard, who later gave the lead. Post-race investigations revealed a pre-race agreement between the drivers that the leader at the first corner would ultimately win. This incident led the World Motorsport Council to suggest that “any future act prejudicial to the interests of competition should be severely punished”, setting the backdrop for the eventual ban on team orders in 2003.

Williams driver Heinz-Harald Frentzen secured third place, his only podium appearance of the season. The race also celebrated Bridgestone’s first Formula One victory, making it the first Grand Prix win by a tyre manufacturer other than Goodyear since the 1991 Canadian Grand Prix. Johnny Herbert also earned his only point of the season.

1998 Australian Grand Prix Race Results

2004

The Formula 1 chief, Bernie Ecclestone, introduced a new qualifying format to improve exposure for smaller teams. The format consisted of two sessions, one on Saturday and another on Sunday morning, with combined times determining the starting grid. The change faced immediate backlash from fans, who preferred knowing the pole position by Saturday. Ecclestone defended the change, explaining it aimed to increase visibility for less well-known teams during qualifying despite concerns that it might reduce viewer interest.

2021

Keith Greene, a British driver, passed away on this day in 2021. He competed in Formula One between 1959 and 1962, taking part in six World Championship Grands Prix with just three starts. Two were retirements with a best-place finish of 15th at the 1961 British Grand Prix for the Gilby Engineering team driving a Gilby 61.

Before his time in Formula One, Greene enjoyed a successful career in sportscar racing. In 1956, he drove a Cooper T39 in 11 national-level races, finishing outside the top six just once. He earned two wins and three more podium finishes.

F1 Driver Birthdays 8 March

F1 Driver Deaths 8 March