What happened on this day, January 30 in Formula 1 history? Find out interesting facts and stories about Formula 1 on this day.
1901
Rudolf Caracciola, born in Remagen, Germany, emerged as a central figure in motor racing, particularly as a driver for the Mercedes team during the 1930s. He clinched the European championship—a predecessor to the FIA World Championship—in 1935, 1937, and 1938.
His notable wins began with a victory at the 1926 German Grand Prix, driving a Mercedes. Caracciola also excelled in hill-climb races and the Mille Miglia, which he won in 1931, becoming the first non-Italian victor. In 1932, he joined Alfa Romeo, securing multiple race wins and podium finishes. After establishing Scuderia CC in 1933, a severe accident during Monaco Grand Prix practice sidelined him for a year.
Despite lifelong pain and a shortened leg, he led the Mercedes team, funded by the Nazi party, to numerous victories from 1934 to 1939. Post-World War II, he continued racing until a severe crash in 1952 ended his career. Caracciola passed away in 1959 due to liver failure.
1917
Paul Frere, born on this day in Le Havre, France, was highly respected, both as a journalist known for his insightful road tests, and as a passionate racer. He competed in 11 Grand Prix from 1952 to 1956, finishing second in his final race in Belgium, and won Le Mans in 1960, driving for Ferrari alongside fellow Belgian Olivier Gendebien.
Outside of motorsports, Frere was a champion rower, securing the Belgian championships in 1946 and 1947.
Paul Frere
F1 Debut 1952 Belgian Grand Prix
Current/Last Team Ferrari
Only weeks before his 90th birthday in January 2007, Frere was badly injured in an accident near the Nürburgring and was hospitalised for 14 days in intensive care. Frere died on 23 February 2008 in Saint-Paul-de-Vence (France). Turn 15 at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, formerly the first part of the Stavelot corner, was renamed in his honour.
2009
Teddy Mayer, who helped establish Bruce McLaren Motorsport in 1963 alongside Bruce McLaren, passed away at 73.
Ron Dennis, his successor, honoured him, highlighting Mayer’s pivotal role in building upon the team’s foundation after McLaren’s untimely death in 1970. Dennis praised Mayer as one of the great figures in motor racing history. Mayer oversaw much of McLaren’s success in the 1970s, with both Emerson Fittipaldi and James Hunt taking the driver’s title during his tenure.
In addition to Formula One, McLaren also competed in USAC, CART, and CanAm under Mayer’s management. The McLaren team won the Indianapolis 500 twice; a McLaren chassis entered by Roger Penske also won the 500.
F1 Driver Birthdays 30 January
| Birthday | F1 Driver |
|---|---|
| 30 January 1902 | Gianbattista Guidotti |
| 30 January 1917 | Paul Frere |
| 30 January 1937 | Bruce Johnstone |
F1 Driver Deaths 30 January
| Death | F1 Driver |
|---|---|
| 30 January | None |
| Death | F1 Mentions |
|---|---|
| 30 January 2009 | Teddy Mayer Instrumental in establishing Bruce McLaren Motorsport in 1963. |
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