What happened on this day, October 5 in Formula 1 history? Find out interesting facts and stories about Formula 1 on this day.
1922
Jose Froilan Gonzalez, known as the Pampas Bull, was born on this day in Argentina. He won twice in 27 races, both for Ferrari, including their first F1 success at the 1951 British Grand Prix. His second win came after a stint with Maserati when he triumphed again at Silverstone during the 1954 British Grand Prix. His nickname was a reference to his bulk, and his close friends tended to call him “El Cabezon” or “Fat Head.”
1962
Michael Andretti, son of world champion Mario Andretti, was born on this day in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. While he became a force in US racing, his one season in Formula One was far from successful. Signed by McLaren to drive alongside Ayrton Senna in 1993, Andretti struggled to adapt from IndyCars and was hindered by his refusal to relocate to Europe. Three crashes in his first three races did not bode well, and although he finished third at Monza in September for his one and only podium, the decision had already been taken and he left the team by mutual consent immediately after. He then returned to the USA, where he enjoyed considerable success.
1969
Lotus driver Jochen Rindt won the 1969 US Grand Prix, with the Brabham of Piers Courage finishing second. Tragically, by the time the F1 paddock returned to Watkins Glen a year later, both drivers were dead. Graham Hill suffered severe leg injuries during the race when a tyre burst on his Lotus on the 92nd lap. He was fortunate to survive. Shortly before the crash, he had spun, and after climbing out of his car to push it and restart the engine, he failed to resecure his seat belts. When he veered off the track and hit a bank, he was thrown from the car. For some time, it was believed he might not drive again, but he was back in the cockpit for the opening race of the 1970 season five months later. Hill and Rindt had also survived major crashes at the 1969 Spanish Grand Prix in May. In a lighter moment, another British legend, Stirling Moss, who had been working as a commentator, was stopped by police for doing 83 mph in a 50 mph zone as he drove away from the track. BRM driver John Surtees finished third.
1975
Teamwork helped Niki Lauda secure his fifth win of the season at the 1975 US Grand Prix and Ferrari’s first-ever win at Watkins Glen. Lauda, already crowned champion, won by 4.9 seconds over the McLaren of Emerson Fittipaldi. Fittipaldi was left fuming as he was blocked for five laps by Clay Regazzoni, who, after being lapped by Lauda, refused to let Fittipaldi pass despite repeated and angry gestures from the Brazilian. Eventually, Regazzoni was black-flagged, but Lauda’s lead had increased from one to twelve seconds by then, and the damage was done. The Times condemned Regazzoni for a “blatant example of unsportsmanlike driving.” McLaren teammate Jochen Mass finished in third place.
1980
Williams driver Alan Jones took his fifth win of the season—sixth if you count the controversially discounted 1980 Spanish Grand Prix—at the 1980 US Grand Prix, just a week after clinching the Drivers’ title. “I had nothing to lose, so I was determined to enjoy myself,” he said. This would be the last Grand Prix held at the famous Watkins Glen circuit. The decline had been evident for some time, and despite attempts at resurfacing and increasing runoff areas, it wasn’t enough. Commercial reasons also played a part, as attendances had slowly fallen. This race was also the final one for the previous year’s champion, Jody Scheckter, who had managed only one points finish all season—a fifth place—in an underperforming Ferrari. “Now I am no longer a racing driver,” Scheckter said. “I am an ordinary citizen.” It was also the final race for former champion Emerson Fittipaldi, who later returned to racing in the American CART series.
Jones’ teammate Carlos Reutemann finished second in the race, with the Ligier of Didier Pironi claiming third.
2014
The 2014 Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka saw treacherous wet conditions due to the impact of Typhoon Phanfone, which caused heavy rain throughout the race. The race was ultimately won by Lewis Hamilton, who passed his Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg to claim victory while Rosberg finished second, and Sebastian Vettel took third place for Red Bull. The race, however, is sadly remembered for the eventually fatal accident involving Marussia driver Jules Bianchi, who collided with a recovery vehicle attending to Adrian Sutil‘s crashed Sauber. Bianchi sustained severe head injuries, which later proved fatal, casting a shadow over the event. Bianchi remained comatose until his death nine months later, on 17 July 2015, aged 25.
2014
Today marks the anniversary of the tragic passing of Andrea de Cesaris, who lost his life on this day in a motorcycle accident on the Grande Raccordo Anulare motorway in Rome. de Cesaris was a fast but erratic driver who competed in an impressive 208 Grand Prix throughout his F1 career. Despite never securing a victory, he achieved five podium finishes. His career was characterised by moments of brilliance, crashes, and missed opportunities.
F1 Driver Birthdays 5 October
| Birthday | F1 Driver |
|---|---|
| 5 October 1922 | Jose Froilan Gonzalez |
| 5 October 1962 | Michael Andretti |
| 5 October 1992 | Kevin Magnussen |
F1 Driver Deaths 5 October
| Death | F1 Driver |
|---|---|
| 5 October 2014 | Andrea de Cesaris |
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