What happened on this day, November 7 in Formula 1 history? Find out interesting facts and stories about Formula 1 on this day.
1956
Born in Lewisham, Jonathan Palmer pursued a career in medicine before shifting gears to motorsport. Dominating the British Formula Three Championship in 1981 and Formula Two in 1983, he entered Formula One, first with RAM, then Zakspeed, following an impressive one-off drive with Williams in the 1983 European Grand Prix. Palmer later joined Tyrrell for three seasons. In 1987, he won the Jim Clark Cup as the top non-turbo driver, but the 1988 season faltered due to an uncompetitive car. His fortunes briefly improved with the 018 chassis in 1989, though he was eventually outshone by Jean Alesi. Aware of his standing, Palmer chose to retire. He later commentated for the BBC and launched the junior racing series Formula Palmer Audi in 1998. He also went on to operate several race circuits.
1968
Ian Raby passed away on this day, three months after a severe accident during a Formula Two race at Zandvoort. Initially treated in the Netherlands, he was later transported to a London hospital by the Grand Prix Medical Service. Despite early signs of recovery, his condition deteriorated. A notably superstitious man, Raby carried a rabbit’s foot, favored red cars with white wheels, and refused to race under the number 13. Between 1963 and 1965, he participated in three Formula One Grand Prix.
1993
Ayrton Senna concluded his six years with McLaren triumphantly, winning the 1993 Australian Grand Prix—his fifth victory of the season and, ultimately, the 41st and last of his career. It would also be the last time he would finish on the podium, score points, or even finish a race since the following season, he retired in Interlagos and Aida and died at Imola. It was also the last win for a Brazilian driver until Rubens Barrichello at the 2000 German Grand Prix.
For Williams driver Alain Prost, who had already secured his fourth championship, this was also his final race. Reflecting on the moment, he shared, “It was difficult, thinking it’s the last time you will put your helmet on, put on your gloves, get into the car and think about the start.” On the podium, Senna extended an olive branch to his former rival, but Prost, wary, remarked, “I don’t think now is the right moment to talk about peace. It’s important to make peace while you’re driving, but the last time I tried, a month later, he deliberately crashed into my car at 170 mph. I’m not a hypocrite. For me, it’s too late now.”
Prost’s teammate, Damon Hill, finished the race third.
2010
At the 2010 Brazilian Grand Prix, Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel won, starting from second on the grid, while his teammate Mark Webber followed closely to secure second place. Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso completed the podium in third. Leading up to the race, Red Bull held a 27-point advantage over McLaren in the 2010 Constructors’ Championship. With Vettel and Webber’s one-two finish, Red Bull clinched its first Constructors’ Championship, a historic achievement since acquiring Jaguar in 2005.
The race weekend was also notable for Nico Hulkenberg of Williams, who claimed the first pole position of his F1 career.
2021
The 2021 Mexico City Grand Prix marked the 21st running of the Mexican Grand Prix, rebranded to recognise the support from the Mexico City government. Initially scheduled for 31 October, the race was postponed by a week due to adjustments in the Formula 1 calendar, which reduced the total number of races from 23 to 22 because of COVID-19.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen claimed victory, with Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton finishing second and Verstappen’s teammate Sergio Perez taking third. The race was also memorable for Kimi Raikkonen, who, driving for Alfa Romeo, finished in 8th place, scoring the final points of his Formula 1 career.
F1 Driver Birthdays 7 November
| Birthday | F1 Legend |
|---|---|
| 7 November 1971 | Zak Brown Former Professional Racing Driver and C.E.O. of McLaren Racing |
| Birthday | F1 Driver |
|---|---|
| 7 November 1948 | Alex Ribeiro |
| 7 November 1956 | Jonathan Palmer |
F1 Driver Deaths 7 November
| Death | F1 Driver |
|---|---|
| 7 November 1967 | Ian Raby |
| 7 November 1975 | Piero Dusio |
F1 Champion 7 November
| Date | Team/Driver |
|---|---|
| 7 November 2010 | Red Bull Racing |
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