By Joe Murphy
Beyond the champagne and the podiums and the headlines and the glitz and the glamour, there are countless stories that remain untold, hidden behind the extraordinary world of F1. In this article, we’ll dive into some lesser-known facts, peculiar incidents, and quirky stories from the rich history of Formula 1, showcasing the unexpected and offbeat side of the sport.
1. The 27 Club
For decades, the number 27 has been an infamous number in Formula 1. Why? Well, it has an eerie connection to fatalities. The curse began with Giuseppe Farina, the first-ever F1 World Champion in 1950, who was killed while racing in a Formula 2 race. After that, the number 27 seemed to follow a tragic streak of drivers. The most famous case was Jules Bianchi, who wore number 17 during his tragic accident in 2014, but it was the number 27 that seemed to carry a curse. Patrick Depailler, Gilbert Schaal, and Johny Cecotto were also drivers who wore the number 27 in various categories, and many lost their lives in unfortunate accidents. In 1982, Alain Prost (driving for Renault) even refused to race with the number 27, saying he didn’t want to be associated with the curse, after the deaths of both Depailler and Schaal. While some argue it’s merely a superstition, it’s undeniable that the number has a dark history in F1. Nico Hülkenberg is a brave man currently choosing to race with the feared number, it seems.
2. The tallest ever driver races NOW
Speaking of the German, when you think of Formula 1 drivers, the image that usually comes to mind is that of a relatively short and lean athlete, crafted for the tight cockpit and nimble steering that F1 requires. But did you know that the tallest driver in F1 history was Nico Hülkenberg? Standing at 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 meters), Hülkenberg is surprisingly tall for an F1 driver. His height might have made it difficult to fit into the tiny cockpits, yet he managed to carve out a solid career, with notable performances across multiple teams. Interestingly, Hülkenberg was once described as “the tallest man who ever managed to fit in an F1 car.” His success was a testament to his athleticism and adaptability, not to mention a little bit of luck in making his frame work with the car design.
3. One of the most important people in F1 history is unknown to 99.9% of fans
While the drivers and teams are often the focus of F1, there is one key figure who was a silent hero behind the scenes; Dr. Sid Watkins. Most fans know him as the man who tried to save Ayrton Senna’s life after his infamous crash at Imola in 1994, but what many don’t realize is how much Dr. Sid Watkins transformed Formula 1 safety during his tenure as F1’s official medical officer. What’s unknown to many is Watkins’ background before entering F1. Before becoming F1’s beloved “flying doctor,” he was an accomplished neurologist and had a deep understanding of brain injuries. One of his lesser-known achievements was his involvement in pioneering head protection technologies in motorsport. He was instrumental in the development of the HANS device (Head and Neck Support), which today is a staple for driver safety in all motorsports. Dr. Watkins had a close friendship with Ayrton Senna, and after Senna’s death, he became more outspoken about the need for driver safety. He was a driving force behind the introduction of new safety measures like the safer barriers and improved helmet designs.
4. The green flag signalled the race end!
We all know the iconic chequered flag that signals the end of a race, but did you know that in 1971, Formula 1 almost ditched it for a completely different flag? The German Grand Prix in 1971 was the site of a very bizarre moment when the race ended with a green flag instead of the traditional checkered flag, leading to chaos. The flag error occurred when race officials, confused by new rules on race duration, mistakenly displayed a green flag (indicating that the race was still live) after the race was supposed to be over. Jackie Stewart, who had crossed the line first, was confused when no chequered flag was shown, and it created a chaotic moment in the pit lane. The incident led to a revision of flag protocol, but it’s one of those quirky stories that isn’t often told when discussing F1’s long and storied history.
Aston Martin’s chance at gold…
5. Origins of the F1 Train
In the 1990s, Formula 1 saw an unusual phenomenon known as the “F1 Train.” This wasn’t a new form of transport but a racing tactic. At several races in the mid-90s, multiple F1 teams had drivers who would deliberately form a “train” of cars behind the leader. It was a tactic used to frustrate other drivers, forcing them to lose time in overtakes. Teams like Benetton and Ferrari employed this strategy to defend positions when their drivers were not the fastest on the grid. One famous example of the “train” strategy was in the 1997 Canadian Grand Prix, where drivers would form a line and deliberately hold up the faster cars behind them. It was one of the more unsporting tactics F1 has witnessed. The FIA banned the strategy in 1998, but for a brief period, it was a curious part of F1’s tactical landscape.
6. The (temporary) Ghost Driver of Monte Carlo
In 1984, during the famous Monaco Grand Prix, there were rumors of a mysterious “ghost driver” who was seen driving a non-registered car around the Monte Carlo circuit. The car was reported to have been seen zooming around at high speeds, even though the track was closed and no practice session was taking place. Eventually, it was revealed that the “ghost driver” was Alain Prost, who had somehow gotten hold of an unused car during a break and decided to take it for a lap. The only problem? The car was equipped with a standard gearbox, not the racing transmission used in the event. Prost later confessed that he was testing the car out of curiosity, and the story remains one of the strangest moments in F1 history.
As F1 continues to evolve, we can only wonder what other strange and unique tales will emerge in the future of motorsport.
WHEEL2WHEEL REPORTS 