AUSTRIAN GP: MOST CONTROVERSIAL MOMENTS
The Austrian Grand Prix, held at the Red Bull Ring (formerly the Österreichring and A1-Ring), has seen many memorable and controversial moments over the years. Here are some of my favourite Austrian GP moments:
1975: Vittorio Brambilla's Shock Win
The 1975 Austrian Grand Prix, held at the Österreichring on August 17th, is remembered for both a surprising victory by Vittorio Brambilla and the tragic events surrounding the race.
The 1975 Austrian Grand Prix, held at the Österreichring on August 17th, was a rollercoaster of a race. Niki Lauda (Ferrari), the home favourite, secured pole position, continuing his dominant form of the season. Vittorio Brambilla, driving for March, qualified in eighth position. The race was marked by heavy rain, which created treacherous conditions on the track and added an element of unpredictability to the event.
Niki Lauda initially led the race, but mechanical issues forced him to retire, leaving the race open for others to contend. The wet conditions caused several drivers to struggle, with many spinning out or retiring due to the challenging circumstances. Vittorio Brambilla skilfully navigated the wet track, taking advantage of other drivers' retirements and mistakes. His ability to handle the adverse conditions allowed him to move up the field.
Brambilla took the lead and maintained it until the race was red-flagged due to worsening weather conditions. Brambilla famously lost control of his car as he crossed the finish line, crashing into the barriers. This incident occurred as he waved to the crowd in celebration, slightly damaging the front of his car. This victory was Brambilla's first and only Formula 1 win, making it a memorable and unexpected triumph.
However, the weekend is marked with tragedy, as during the warm-up session on August 15th, American driver Mark Donohue suffered a catastrophic crash due to a tyre failure; the car went off the track and crashed through a catch fence, hitting a billboard structure. Initially, Donohue appeared to have escaped major injuries, but he later succumbed to a cerebral haemorrhage caused by the accident on August 19th, two days after the race. The crash also resulted in the death of a track marshal who was struck by debris from Donohue's car. The incident highlighted the dangers faced by trackside personnel during races.
The 1975 Austrian GP events emphasised the need for improved safety measures in Formula 1, both for drivers and marshals. Donohue's accident contributed to ongoing discussions about track safety and the structural integrity of barriers.
Vittorio Brambilla's win is often remembered as one of the most surprising and dramatic victories in Formula 1 history. The image of Brambilla crashing as he celebrated his win became iconic, symbolising the unpredictable nature of motorsport.
The 1975 Austrian Grand Prix stands out in Formula 1 history for its dramatic mix of triumph and tragedy, highlighting the sport's unpredictable and often dangerous nature.
1982: Elio de Angelis vs. Keke Rosberg
The 1982 Austrian Grand Prix, held on August 15th at the Österreichring, is remembered for its dramatic and closely contested finish between Elio de Angelis and Keke Rosberg.
Driving for Brabham, Nelson Piquet secured pole position, continuing his strong form in qualifying sessions. Nelson Piquet started from pole but was soon challenged by Alain Prost in the Renault. The early part of the race saw intense battles, with multiple lead changes and retirements due to mechanical failures and incidents.
Lotus driver Elio de Angelis started the race from seventh position. De Angelis steadily moved up the field, capitalising on the retirements and issues faced by the leading cars.
Keke Rosberg (Williams) also had a strong race, moving through the field from his starting position of sixth. Rosberg closed in on de Angelis as the race progressed, setting up a dramatic battle for the lead.
In the final laps, de Angelis and Rosberg were locked in a close fight for victory. Rosberg was consistently pressuring de Angelis, looking for an opportunity to overtake. The duel reached its climax on the last lap, with Rosberg attempting several moves to get past de Angelis.
Elio de Angelis held off Rosberg's advances, using precise defensive driving to maintain his position. The two cars crossed the finish line side by side, with de Angelis narrowly taking the win by just 0.05 seconds. This margin of victory is one of the closest in Formula 1 history.
This win was Elio de Angelis's first career victory in Formula 1. Despite narrowly missing out on the win, Rosberg's drive was impressive and showcased his racing talent. Rosberg's strong performance contributed valuable points towards his championship campaign, which he eventually won later that year.
The 1982 Austrian Grand Prix, with its dramatic conclusion and intense battle between Elio de Angelis and Keke Rosberg, stands out in Formula 1 history. It encapsulates the excitement and unpredictability that defined the 1982 season, making it a significant event in the sport's history.
1987: Nigel Mansell's Charge
The 1987 Austrian Grand Prix, held at the Österreichring on August 16th, is particularly remembered for Nigel Mansell's impressive drive from 14th on the grid to victory.
Nigel Mansell, driving for Williams-Honda, faced difficulties during the qualifying sessions due to technical problems, managing only the 14th position on the starting grid. Nelson Piquet, Mansell's teammate at Williams, secured pole position, showcasing the team's overall strong performance potential.
Mansell made an exceptional start, quickly gaining positions in the opening laps through aggressive yet controlled driving. The early part of the race saw several key retirements, including Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost, which helped Mansell's charge through the field.
Mansell executed a series of strategic overtakes, skilfully manoeuvring through the field. The car's setup and his driving skills allowed him to make the most of the opportunities presented by the race conditions. The Williams team's efficient pit stop strategy, with quick and well-timed stops, was crucial in Mansell's ascent, showcasing the team's tactical brilliance.
As the race progressed, Mansell continued his charge, eventually finding himself in a position to challenge for the lead. He overtook Nelson Piquet, his teammate, in the later stages of the race to take the lead. Piquet, who had started from pole, was unable to fend off Mansell's relentless pace.
Mansell's determination and skill saw him cross the finish line first, securing a remarkable and unexpected victory from 14th on the grid. His drive was widely praised as one of the best of his career, showcasing his ability to overcome adversity and deliver an outstanding performance.
The win was crucial for Mansell's championship campaign, providing him with vital points and momentum as the season progressed. The victory not only highlighted Mansell's skill but also the unwavering competitiveness of the Williams-Honda team and their ability to recover from setbacks.
Mansell's performance was celebrated by the team and fans alike. His ability to navigate through the field and secure victory was a testament to his skill and the car's capabilities.
Nigel Mansell's win at the 1987 Austrian GP is remembered as one of his finest drives, illustrating his tenacity and racing knowledge.
The 1987 Austrian Grand Prix remains a standout event in Formula 1 history. It showcased Nigel Mansell's exceptional driving skills and the strategic prowess of the Williams team.
1998: McLaren Team Orders Controversy
The 1998 Austrian Grand Prix, held at the A1-Ring on July 26th, is mainly remembered for the controversy involving the McLaren team and its drivers, David Coulthard and Mika Häkkinen. The race was marred by a controversial team order that sparked heated debates among fans and commentators.
Häkkinen secured pole position, continuing his strong form in the 1998 season, while Coulthard qualified second, resulting in a McLaren front-row lockout.
At the start, Häkkinen got away cleanly, but Coulthard made an even better start and took the lead from his teammate. During the race, it became evident that Häkkinen, championship leader, was under threat from Michael Schumacher of Ferrari, who was closing the gap in the standings. McLaren, aiming to maximise Häkkinen's championship chances, implemented team orders. On lap 56, Coulthard, who was leading the race, received instructions from the team to let Häkkinen pass. Coulthard visibly slowed down on the main straight, allowing Häkkinen to overtake him and regain the lead. The move was executed in a manner that was apparent to spectators and television viewers. Häkkinen went on to win the race, with Coulthard finishing second and Michael Schumacher taking third place.
The team orders and the way they were executed caused significant controversy and backlash. Fans and commentators criticised McLaren for manipulating the race result in such a blatant manner. Both Häkkinen and Coulthard faced questions about the incident. Coulthard, in particular, was seen as having sacrificed a potential victory under team orders, which led to mixed reactions about team dynamics and fairness in racing. McLaren defended their decision, stating that the team orders were necessary to support Häkkinen's championship bid. At that point in the season, every point was crucial in the closely fought battle against Schumacher and Ferrari.
The points from the Austrian GP helped Häkkinen maintain his lead in the championship. He eventually went on to win the 1998 World Championship, with the Austrian GP playing a role in that outcome.
Due to various incidents like this, the FIA later revised regulations regarding team orders, banning them in 2002. However, they were allowed again in 2011 under strict scrutiny to prevent manipulative practices.
The 1998 Austrian Grand Prix remains a significant example of the complexities and controversies associated with team orders in Formula 1. It highlights the balance teams must strike between individual race wins and broader championship strategies.
2002: Ferrari Team Orders Scandal
The 2002 Austrian Grand Prix, held on May 12th at the A1-Ring, is infamously remembered for the controversial team orders issued by Ferrari, which led to a dramatic and unpopular race conclusion.
Ferrari dominated the 2002 season, with Michael Schumacher leading the championship and Rubens Barrichello supporting his efforts. Schumacher had a significant lead in the championship standings, while Barrichello was playing the role of the number two driver within the team. Rubens Barrichello secured pole position, showcasing his strong form throughout the weekend. Qualified in second place, setting up a front-row lockout for Ferrari.
Barrichello maintained his lead from the start and was driving a solid race. Michael Schumacher stayed in second place, unable to catch Barrichello for most of the race. As the race progressed, it became evident that Ferrari was considering team orders to favour Schumacher despite his substantial lead in the championship. With a few laps remaining, Ferrari instructed Barrichello to let Schumacher pass for the win. On the final lap, Barrichello slowed down dramatically just before the finish line, allowing Schumacher to overtake him and win. The obvious move led to immediate backlash from the crowd, commentators, and fans worldwide.
During the podium ceremony, Schumacher attempted to have Barrichello stand on the top step, acknowledging that Barrichello deserved the win. The podium celebrations were awkward, with both drivers looking uncomfortable and the crowd booing.
The FIA fined Ferrari $1 million (USD) for the incident. Ferrari faced a public relations backlash, with many fans and pundits questioning the ethics of their strategy. The controversy did not significantly impact Schumacher's dominance in the 2002 season, as he went on to win the World Championship with ease.
The 2002 Austrian Grand Prix remains one of the most controversial races in Formula 1 history, illustrating team dynamics and race strategies' complex and sometimes contentious nature.
2016: Hamilton vs. Rosberg Collision
The 2016 Austrian Grand Prix, held at the Red Bull Ring on July 3rd, is notably remembered for the dramatic last-lap collision between Mercedes teammates Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg. This incident was significant in their intense rivalry during the 2016 season.
Heading into the Austrian GP, Nico Rosberg led the championship standings, but Lewis Hamilton was closing in, making every race crucial for both drivers. Lewis Hamilton secured pole position, with Nico Rosberg starting from sixth due to a grid penalty. Despite starting sixth, Rosberg quickly went through the field and soon battled for the lead. Both Mercedes drivers were involved in a strategic battle, including different tyre strategies and pit stops.
By the race's closing stages, Hamilton and Rosberg were running first and second, respectively, with Rosberg in the lead as the final lap began. On the final lap, Hamilton closed in on Rosberg and attempted to overtake him on the outside going into Turn 2. As Hamilton tried to pass, Rosberg took a defensive line but understeered into Hamilton, causing a collision. The contact damaged Rosberg's front wing, while Hamilton managed to stay on track.
Hamilton recovered from the collision and went on to win the race. Despite the damage, Rosberg crossed the finish line but dropped to fourth place due to the incident. Hamilton expressed frustration over the collision but ultimately was pleased to secure the victory. Rosberg defended his actions, suggesting he was within his rights to defend his position, but also faced criticism for the incident.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff was visibly upset, labelling the collision as "brainless" and criticising both drivers for risking the team's result. The FIA investigated the collision and ultimately decided not to penalise either driver, ruling it as a racing incident.
The collision intensified the already heated rivalry between Hamilton and Rosberg. Hamilton's victory reduced Rosberg's lead in the championship, adding further tension to the season. Despite the collision, Nico Rosberg managed to hold on and eventually won the 2016 World Championship by a narrow margin, retiring from the sport at the end of the season.
The 2016 Austrian Grand Prix collision remains a defining moment in the Hamilton-Rosberg rivalry, exemplifying the intensity and drama that characterised their battle for supremacy within the Mercedes team.
2020: Dramatic Season Opener
The 2020 Austrian Grand Prix, held at the Red Bull Ring on July 5th, marked the highly anticipated return of Formula 1 after a long hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The race was characterised by numerous incidents, retirements, and dramatic moments, making it one of the season's most chaotic and memorable races.
The COVID-19 pandemic postponed and cancelled several races, making the Austrian GP the season opener. Strict health and safety protocols included no spectators, limited team personnel, and social distancing measures.
Valtteri Bottas secured pole position for Mercedes, with his teammate Lewis Hamilton qualifying second. However, Hamilton received a three-place grid penalty for a yellow flag infringement, promoting Max Verstappen to second on the grid.
Valtteri Bottas maintained the lead at the start while Verstappen and Hamilton followed. Max Verstappen's race ended early due to an electrical issue on lap 11, forcing him to retire. On lap 26, Kevin Magnussen's Haas suffered brake failure, causing him to spin off, bringing out the race's first Safety Car.
Several drivers encountered technical issues and reliability problems, leading to multiple retirements. The retirements included Daniel Ricciardo (Renault), Lance Stroll (Racing Point), and George Russell (Williams), who also retired due to a fuel pressure issue. The second Safety Car was deployed on lap 52 after Romain Grosjean and Kimi Räikkönen retired due to mechanical failures. Räikkönen's front-right wheel detached from his car, leading to the Safety Car intervention.
On the restart following the second Safety Car, Hamilton and Alex Albon (Red Bull) collided while battling for second place. Albon attempted to pass Hamilton around the outside of Turn 4, but contact was made, sending Albon into the gravel. Hamilton received a five-second penalty for causing the collision. A third and final Safety Car period was triggered when Daniil Kvyat's AlphaTauri suffered a puncture, spreading debris on the track.
With Hamilton's penalty, the final laps saw a dramatic fight for the podium positions. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) and Lando Norris (McLaren) took advantage of Hamilton's penalty and the continuing chaos of the race to gain positions and points for their teams.
Bottas avoided the chaos and secured victory for Mercedes. Leclerc finished second, a remarkable result given Ferrari's struggles throughout the weekend. Norris claimed his first-ever podium finish by crossing the line in fourth but moved up to third after Hamilton's penalty was applied.
A total of nine cars retired from the race due to various mechanical failures and incidents. The high number of retirements raised concerns about the cars' reliability, likely influenced by the extended break and the rushed preparations. Hamilton's penalty was one of the significant moments, influencing the final podium positions.
The 2020 Austrian Grand Prix will be remembered for its chaotic nature, dramatic incidents, and the excitement of racing resuming after the pandemic-induced break.
These moments highlight the Austrian Grand Prix's unpredictable and dramatic nature, making it one of the more exciting tracks in the history in Formula 1. We will see this weekend if the 2024 Austrian GP is added to this list…
