What happened on this day, December 10 in Formula 1 history? Find out interesting facts and stories about Formula 1 on this day.
1957
On this day in 1957, Jean Behra and Harry Schell signed with BRM to race in the 1958 season. The same day, Colin Chapman announced that Lotus would enter F1 in 1958 with its first F1 car, the Type 12, which was a Formula Two-based design re-engineered with a larger engine and featuring an innovative five-speed gearbox. Their debut was at the 1958 Monaco Grand Prix, where Cliff Allison finished sixth, scoring Lotus’s first championship point. A promising start for Lotus in F1, a modest beginning that would lead to many innovations in the sport under Colin Chapman’s leadership.
1972
On this day it was announced that 1973 Argentine Grand Prix, originally set for 28 January, was to be canceled due to lack of funds. A month later, the race was back on the calendar after several major companies pledged financial support. The 96-lap race was won by Lotus driver Emerson Fittipaldi after he started from second position. Francois Cevert finished second for the Tyrrell team and his teammate Jackie Stewart came in third.
1974
Pierre Wache, born on this day, 10 December 1974, is a French engineer who climbed the ranks within Red Bull Racing to the role of Technical Director. With a background in engineering and a focus on aerodynamics and vehicle dynamics, Wache was instrumental in Red Bull’s on-track successes. He has also earned a doctorate in fluid dynamics from the National Polytechnic Institute of Lorraine, specialising in bio-mechanical engineering.
1992
On this day the 1992 French Grand Prix faced cancellation due to France’s stringent new anti-tobacco laws. Organisers worried that cars bearing banned logos might be seized, after a French court fined the Williams team £3.5 million under an old law for displaying Camel logos during a broadcast from the Australian Grand Prix. In the end, a compromise allowed the race to proceed.
2003
An arrest warrant was issued for Eddie Irvine after he failed to appear at Bow Street Magistrates Court in London over a speeding charge. Irvine was accused of riding a scooter at over 30 mph near Hyde Park Corner, uninsured and without a license. Ultimately, no further action was taken.
2004
Bernie Ecclestone, ever the showman, announced his interest in staging a Grand Prix through the streets of London. “I would sign a deal today,” he declared, adding that it could run alongside the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. The main hurdle? Funding the ambitious event. The concept advanced to a planning meeting, envisioning grandstands in Hyde Park and a pit and paddock area at Horse Guards Parade.
1991
Peter Hahn died on this day. He was a German-born American racing driver known for his involvement in sports car racing in the United States. In 1952, he attempted to qualify for the Indianapolis 500, a race that was part of the World Championship at the time but was ultimately unsuccessful in securing a spot on the grid during qualifying.
2010
Jacques Swaters was a Belgian Formula 1 driver and team owner. As a driver, Swaters competed in just eight Championship races in the early 1950s. However, his greater impact in motorsports came as a team owner and manager. Swaters founded the Ecurie Francorchamps team, which initially ran privateer Ferraris in F1 and later focused on sports car racing. He became a renowned Ferrari importer and collector in Belgium and maintained a close relationship with Enzo Ferrari, helping to popularise the brand in Europe.
F1 Driver Birthdays 10 December
| Birthday | F1 Driver |
|---|---|
| 10 December | None |
| Birthday | F1 Mentions |
|---|---|
| 10 December 1974 | Pierre Wache French Engineer who worked at Red Bull as Technical Director. |
F1 Driver Deaths 10 December
| Death | F1 Driver |
|---|---|
| 10 December 1991 | Peter Hahn |
| 10 December 2010 | Jacques Swaters |
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