What Happened On This Day November 8 In F1 History?

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

1933

Peter Arundell, born today in Ilford, Essex, raced in 13 Grand Prix for Lotus between 1964 and 1966 after winning the British Formula Junior Championship in 1962 and 1963. Seen as a promising talent and second driver to Jim Clark, he debuted in F1 in 1964, finishing third in his first two races. However, his career was disrupted after a severe crash in an F2 event at Reims that season, where he sustained multiple injuries, including two broken legs. Out for the remainder of 1964 and all of 1965, Arundell returned in 1966 but struggled to regain his previous form, retiring at the end of the year. He later moved to Florida, founding a software company.

1992

Williams driver Nigel Mansell‘s intended final Formula 1 race at the 1992 Australian Grand Prix turned sour after a collision with the McLaren of Ayrton Senna while battling for the lead. Frustrated, Mansell walked across the track to avoid a confrontation and criticised the stewards for their inaction, as well as his own Williams team for lack of support. “I’m glad I’m out of it,” he remarked, as he prepared to transition to the IndyCar series. “He just rammed me at 40 mph faster than I was going. I ran across the track [otherwise] there would have been a big fight, and I don’t think that’s the way to leave F1. Certain people can get away with what they want.” Meanwhile, Senna, whose teammate Gerhard Berger won the race, remained untroubled by the incident. “I have no bad feelings about it,” Senna said. “I think he’s been complaining, but that’s normal for him. He always complains.”

Berger won by 0.7 seconds from the Benetton of Michael Schumacher, with Schumacher’s teammate Martin Brundle third.

Jan Lammers, Stefano Modena, Mauricio Gugelmin and Olivier Grouillard saw their F1 careers come to an end at the chequered flag. This Grand Prix also proved to be the last for the March team.

2005

Red Bull announced that renowned designer and aerodynamics expert Adrian Newey would join as chief technical officer, enticing him away from McLaren, where he had been since 1996. Ironically, McLaren’s then-weapon—money—became the issue, as Newey reportedly sought a pay rise from $6 million to $10 million, leading him to Red Bull. “It’s a massive recruitment for us,” said Red Bull sporting director Christian Horner. “Given the choice between Adrian and Michael Schumacher, I’d choose Adrian every time. It’s of that magnitude. It shows we’re absolutely serious about our ambitions.” Newey had previously agreed to join Jaguar in 2001, only to reverse his decision after intense meetings with McLaren boss Ron Dennis.

F1 Driver Birthdays 8 November

F1 Driver Deaths 8 November