What happened on this day, January 31 in Formula 1 history? Find out interesting facts and stories about Formula 1 on this day.
1908
Born in Kentucky, Bill Cantrell was primarily known as a speedboat racer but also competed in the 1950 Indianapolis Grand Prix, co-driving with Bayliss Levrett. A race that formed a part of the first F1 World Championship.
1930
Jo Bonnier was born on this day in Stockholm and competed in 109 Formula One races, but won only once, at the 1959 Dutch Grand Prix.
Jo Bonnier
F1 Debut 1956 Italian Grand Prix
Current/Last Team Ecurie Bonnier
His life ended tragically in a crash during the 1972 Le Mans, where his Lola collided with a Ferrari and was launched over the barrier into trees.
1934
Born in Monza, Italy, Ernesto Brambilla participated in two Italian Grand Prix; he did not qualify in 1963 and failed to start in 1969. Post-racing, he operated a workshop in Monza with his brother Vittorio Brambilla, who also raced in Formula One.
1954
Mauro Baldi, born in Reggio Emilia, Italy, raced in 41 Grands Prix from 1982 to 1985 for Arrows, Alfa Romeo, and Spirit securing just five career points. He achieved greater success in sports car racing later in his career where he won the World Sportscar Championship in 1990 with Sauber, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1994 with Porsche; he won the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1998 and is a two-time winner of the 24 Hours of Daytona with Doran.
1966
JJ Lehto, born on this day in Espoo, Finland, entered 70 Grand Prix from 1989 to 1994; his best finish was third at the 1991 San Marino Grand Prix.
After a memorable stint in sports cars, during which Lehto won the American Le Mans Series in 2004 and was a two-time winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1995 and 2005, as well as a two-time winner of the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1999 and 2005, he moved into TV commentary. He also continued to dabble in local rally racing.
He raced for Onyx, Scuderia Italia, Sauber, and Benetton, claiming 10 career points.
1996
Following the tragic death of Ayrton Senna in 1994, the FIA introduced aviation-style black boxes in cars as part of new safety measures. “Before that we thought there was nothing wrong with our safety, but then it went the other way and Formula One was portrayed as a blood sport,” FIA boss Max Mosley explained.
F1 Driver Birthdays 31 January
| Birthday | F1 Driver |
|---|---|
| 31 January 1908 | Bill Cantrell |
| 31 January 1930 | Jo Bonnier |
| 31 January 1934 | Tino Brambilla |
| 31 January 1954 | Mauro Baldi |
| 31 January 1966 | JJ Lehto |
F1 Driver Deaths 31 January
| Death | F1 Driver |
|---|---|
| 31 January 1960 | Harry Blanchard |
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