What Happened On This Day October 19 In F1 History?

What happened on this day, October 19 in Formula 1 history? Find out interesting facts and stories about Formula 1 on this day.

1924

Antonio Ascari won the third Italian Grand Prix by more than 16 minutes from Louis Wagner, with the Alfa Romeos taking the first four places, with the fourth-placed Ferdinando Minoia a remarkable 48 minutes clear of Jules Goux in fifth. Mercedes withdrew from the race after Count Louis Zborowski, the millionaire racing driver son of a Polish Count and an American mother, crashed into a tree and was killed.

1958

Although Stirling Moss won the sole championship-ranking 1958 Morocco Grand Prix driving a Vanwall, the spotlight ultimately fell on Mike Hawthorn, who secured the 1958 World Championship by a single point. For Moss to claim the championship, he needed to win and set the fastest lap and for Hawthorn to finish below second. While Moss accomplished the first two, Hawthorn, in a Ferrari, finished second nearly 90 seconds behind, aided by his teammate Phil Hill, who allowed him to pass finishing third. At the finish line, as both drivers were surrounded by the crowd, Moss grinned and shook Hawthorn’s hand, saying, “So you got it, you old so-and-so.” However, the day was overshadowed by tragedy: Moss’ teammate, Stuart Lewis-Evans, suffered severe burns in a crash and died six days later.

1969

McLaren driver Denny Hulme claimed victory at the final race of the season, the 1969 Mexican Grand Prix, but the championship had already been secured by Jackie Stewart, who finished in fourth place. Stewart briefly led the race at the start before Hulme took control, eventually crossing the line 2.56 seconds ahead of Jackie Ickx and his 43-year-old Brabham teammate Jack Brabham, finishing third. “I’m satisfied,” Stewart remarked afterward. “There was nothing wrong with the car. Denny just drove a great race.”

1985

Williams driver Nigel Mansell secured his second consecutive victory at the subdued 1985 South African Grand Prix at Kyalami. The event was marked by the absence of several teams, TV networks, and journalists in protest against the race being held in apartheid-era South Africa. Despite the controversy, Mansell fended off a strong challenge from reigning world champion Alain Prost in the McLaren, ultimately finishing seven seconds ahead of his Williams teammate Keke Rosberg. The race also saw a dramatic incident between Alfa Romeo drivers Eddie Cheever and Riccardo Patrese, who spun off at the first corner and then confronted each other afterwards.

The South African Grand Prix wouldn’t return until 1992, after the end of apartheid, on a newly reconfigured Kyalami circuit. Nigel Mansell once again claimed victory at the 1992 race, this time driving a Williams powered by a naturally aspirated Renault engine.

2008

Lewis Hamilton kept the championship battle alive with a victory with McLaren at the 2008 Chinese Grand Prix, ahead of his closest rival, Felipe Massa, who finished second for Ferrari. Heading into the final race in Brazil needing just four points to secure the title, Hamilton cautioned, “Remember last year? It’s not over until it’s over.” His words proved prophetic. The China race itself offered little excitement, with the only notable overtake among the frontrunners coming when Kimi Raikkonen handed second place to his Ferrari teammate, Massa, and settled for third. “It was pretty boring, even for us drivers,” Massa admitted.

F1 Driver Birthdays 19 October

F1 Driver Deaths 19 October

F1 Champion 19 October