What happened on this day, October 20 in Formula 1 history? Find out interesting facts and stories about Formula 1 on this day.
1978
Gunnar Nilsson, winner of the 1977 Belgian Grand Prix, tragically passed away from cancer at just 29 years old. “His rare talent had taken him swiftly to the top as No. 2 to Mario Andretti,” wrote The Times, “[and] he was perhaps the most naturally gifted of the new generation of Grand Prix drivers.” Diagnosed at the end of 1977, Nilsson had signed with Arrows as their lead driver for the 1978 season, but his illness progressed rapidly, forcing him to step down before the first race. In his remaining months, Nilsson focused on establishing the Gunnar Nilsson Cancer Treatment Campaign, in partnership with Charing Cross Hospital, working tirelessly and refusing painkillers to remain active in his cause. His death came just five weeks after the loss of his close friend and rival, Ronnie Peterson.
1991
After the dramatic finale of the previous season, Ayrton Senna once again found himself leading the championship heading into the 1991 Japanese Grand Prix. Nigel Mansell, needing a win to keep his title hopes alive, started alongside Senna on the front row. However, it was Senna’s McLaren teammate, Gerhard Berger, who took the lead into the first corner. Mansell, pushing aggressively to overtake Senna, spun out on lap ten due to brake failure on his Williams, handing the championship to Senna. With Berger struggling with tyre issues later in the race, Senna took the lead but then displayed one of the most compassionate moments of his career, allowing his friend Berger to pass and take victory at the final corner. Reflecting on his crash, Mansell said, “The brake pedal went soft and I couldn’t slow down. It’s a pity it finished this way, but I can’t be too unhappy. We’ve had a great championship, and Williams gave me the shot they promised.” Mansell’s teammate Riccardo Patrese was third.
Sadly, this would be Senna’s last-ever Championship, his third, after which he suffered a tragic death at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix while driving for Williams.
2005
Autosport reported that Williams had chosen Nico Rosberg for their second race seat for the upcoming season. Two weeks later, the news was made official. Team principal Frank Williams expressed his excitement, saying, “I believe many in Formula One share my excitement about Nico Rosberg. Despite his youth, he brings a wealth of experience, and it’s noteworthy that Nico has more race starts at 20 than his father had in his entire career.”
2009
Newly crowned World Champion Jenson Button expressed his desire to continue with the title-winning Brawn GP team, indicating he was eager to discuss his future. However, shortly after, Mercedes announced its acquisition of Brawn, prompting Button to sign with McLaren, forming an all-British driver lineup with Lewis Hamilton.
2024
Charles Leclerc secured a Ferrari one-two at the 2024 United States Grand Prix with teammate Carlos Sainz after taking the lead on the opening lap. A late-race battle between the McLaren of Lando Norris and Red Bull of Max Verstappen ended with Norris receiving a penalty, dropping him to fourth behind his championship rival. Norris overtook Verstappen for third in the closing stages after a tense battle between the Championship contenders. However, Norris exceeded track limits to take the place, which led to him receiving a five-second penalty for gaining an advantage, dropping him to fourth and promoting Verstappen to the final podium spot.
F1 Driver Birthdays 20 October
| Birthday | F1 Driver |
|---|---|
| 20 October 1921 | Manuel Ayulo |
F1 Driver Deaths 20 October
| Death | F1 Driver |
|---|---|
| 20 October 1978 | Gunnar Nilsson |
F1 Champion 20 October
| Date | Team/Driver |
|---|---|
| 20 October 1991 | Ayrton Senna |
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