F1 is a popular elite sport, millions of people adore it because of its danger, beautiful cars, money, and style.
The specifics of Formula One creates multiple situations that will never be forgotten. Some of them can make fans cry from happiness, the others can break people’s hearts… If you are an F1 fan, then probably you remember the moment when Michael Schumacher was confronting Rubens Barrichello against the wall and when Gerhard Berger crashed and got serious damages. Read this article to learn or recall the most memorable moments that happened in this breathtaking sport.
11. Singapore night in 2008
Bernie Ecclestone wanted to get to new markets, as the European success of F1 wasn’t enough for him. So the new era of Formula one started in 2008.
The Grand Prix in Singapore was a good idea, but many people didn’t like that they needed to watch it at night. Besides, people weren’t satisfied with the victory of Fernando Alonso, as they decided that Nelson Piquet Jr. deliberately crashed his car to help Alonso.
10. Duel of Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost in Suzuka in 1989
Healthy competition is always good but sometimes it may become even dangerous, especially if this competition is going on between the teammates. Such a situation happened between Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost. Both of them were in McLaren and they won 15 of the 16 races in 1988. Prost got more points but Senna won the championship because there was a rule that only the best 11 results can be counted. This fight was happening next year again: Senna wanted to win in Suzuka but 2 rivals collided after Senna’s attempt to overtake, after that, Alan just slammed the door, as a result of which, Ayrton’s car was damaged. Alan won the 1989 championship and left McLaren. However, Senna decided to beat Prost in 1990.
9. The Grand Prix of the USA in 2005
The US Grand Prix in 2005 was almost ruined. Tire failures were obvious for everyone, as a result of which the tire manufacturer decided to admit publicly that they couldn’t provide safe tires. A compromise was found: the administration decided to install a chicane on the corner to slow the cars down. But Jean Todt, the principal of Ferrari, said that his racers would stop the race if a chicane would be installed. Thus, just 6 racers were driving, and Ferrari got the best score for the year.
8. Lewis Hamilton’s results in 2008
The last race of season 2008 is really memorable among all F1 fans. Before that race, Lewis Hamilton had 7 points more than Felipe Massa. Felipe could win the championship only in case if he won that race, while Hamilton needed to be in 6th position at least.
It was raining, Massa was driving his car on the 1st position, while Lewis was 4th.
Suddenly Hamilton fell to 6th place because of the rain, fans thought that he wouldn’t even make it to the finish. But Glock lost it, and Lewis got the 5th position which allowed him to win that championship. It’s impossible to explain how exciting for everyone that race was.
7. The closest finish in Monza in 1971
Many years ago racing and fighting on the track were really exciting. The Grand Prix of Italy in 1971 is famous for the closest finish in Formula One. That race broke the record: it became the fastest grand prix with a speed of over 150 miles per hour.
It was won by Peter Gethin who got from the 4th position to the 1st one on the final lap. It is impressive that the first 5 cars finished in a hair over six-tenths of one second.
6. Battle of Michael Schumacher and Jacques Villeneuve in Spain in 1997
Michael Schumacher is known as one of the best F1 racers, however, not everyone can say so. Michael is talented and he won many championships but sometimes he crossed the lines trying to win by any cost. For example, Michael hit a car of Damon Hill in 1994 and Damon didn’t win the championship. Schumacher said it happened accidentally but not so many people believed him. 3 years later the same situation happened when Michael hit a car of Jacques Villeneuve. Now everyone understood Schumacher’s bad intentions. Villeneuve won the championship anyway but Michael was excluded from the championship by FIA.
5. Michael Schumacher’s reaction after passing Ayrton Senna’s record
Of course, Michael was cruel during the races but he was pretty humane too. In 2000 Schumacher got the number of wins that Ayrton Senna had. That record was important for F1, and everyone knew that Michael would be happy. But he started to cry as Ayrton was his idol. That press conference was unexpected but very sincere.
4. Nigel Mansell’s bad luck in Adelaide in 1986
Nigel Mansell was a popular British racer, and in 1986 he was close to winning the championship. Nigel was running Honda-powered Williams car which had the best quality and he had enough points to win the championship. He needed to get at least 3rd position to become the winner. But 18 laps before the finish, the left tire of his car exploded.
Nigel wasn’t damaged but his hope was broken. People will never forget that moment.
3. Duel of Gilles Villeneuve and Rene Arnoux in Dijon in 1979
What a fight happened between Gilles Villeneuve and Rene Arnoux in 1979. The last laps of the race were incredible. These racers swapped positions many times, their wheels were banged… Everything looked too exciting! As a result, Rene Arnoux finally took 2nd place.
It’s impossible to describe that duel, just watch it to be surprised how brave and mentally strong these racers are.
2. The unexpected comeback of Niki Lauda after a terrible fire
Niki Lauda got to the worst situation that can be imagined: he was stuck in the burning car after a serious crash in 1976. Niki would die there but several racers Arturo Merzario, Brett Lunger, Guy Edwards, and Harald Ertl were brave enough to save Lauda from fire. Niki’s face was seriously damaged and his lungs got some troubles as he inhaled hot gases. He got into a coma but he was lucky to recover and be able to drive just 6 weeks after the crash. Unfortunately, Lauda lost an ear and his face looked very damaged. Doctors made surgery to make Niki’s eyelids work. The famous cap of the racer was hiding his scars. Can you imagine how strong and brave Niki Lauda is? He decided to come back to F1. Even the fact of the comeback made people speechless, but Niki also finished his first race in the 4th position. This story is probably the most powerful moment in the history of sports.
1.Ayrton Senna’s death
Ayrton Senna was one of the best F1 racers, as his skills were undeniable.
He showed the quality and set records every time but then suddenly not only his career but also his life ended. Ayrton passed away because of the crash, although it was really unexpected as that accident looked pretty usual. Senna ran off the road when he was driving on the Tamburello bend at Imola. The car hit the wall at a speed of 135 miles per hour. Millions of F1 fans felt like their hearts stopped when they saw Ayrton sitting in his car motionlessly. It was unexpected but everyone realized that something terrible happened. The terrifying news about Senna’s death made so many people around the world suffer from that pain they felt because of a legendary racer’s passing. However, Senna will always be an important part of Formula One because his courage and spirit will never go away. Besides, after his crash, many significant improvements were made to cars to make sure next time if someone gets to such a situation the injuries won’t be fatal.
