What Happened On This Day October 31 In F1 History?

What happened on this day, October 31 in Formula 1 history? Find out interesting facts and stories about Formula 1 on this day.

1941

Born in Pinner, England, Derek Bell is celebrated for his five Le Mans 24-Hour race victories. However, his brief stint in Formula 1, beginning with Ferrari in 1968, is often overlooked. Bell caught the attention of Enzo Ferrari, who signed him for a few races; though Ferrari opted not to re-sign him in 1969, he drifted between various teams in short stints before finding lasting success in sports cars.

1988

Born on this day in Aigle, Switzerland, Sebastien Buemi entered Formula 1 through the Red Bull Young Driver Program, replacing Sebastian Vettel at Toro Rosso when he moved to the parent Red Bull team. Buemi impressed by outqualifying his teammate, Sebastien Bourdais, in his first race, the 2009 Australian Grand Prix, and finishing seventh. After a solid start, Buemi showed promise and finished the season in 16th. After three seasons, Toro Rosso dropped Buemi at the end of 2011, when he moved into WEC and Formula E. However, he revived a role with Red Bull as their test and reserve driver in 2012. After 55 starts Buemi ended his career on 29 points with his highest position in the Championship standings of 15th in 2011. One of his most notable incidents was the 2010 Chinese Grand Prix when a suspension failure at 200mph caused both front wheels to come off.

1999

Ferrari driver Eddie Irvine‘s best chance at a world championship concluded at Suzuka, where the McLaren of Mika Hakkinen clinched the 1999 Japanese Grand Prix win, becoming only the seventh driver to successfully defend his title. For Irvine, who would leave Ferrari for Jaguar over the winter, the narrow two-point loss left little consolation, even with a third-place finish and Ferrari’s 1999 Constructors’ Championship win. “We won one championship, but not the one I wanted,” he reflected. “Winter’s going to be tough, thinking back on races where I missed out by a point here or there, or when I let Mika pass with five laps left at the Nurburgring. Had it been a 15-race season, I’d be champion; instead, I’m second.” Irvine’s hopes faded after a difficult qualifying session placed him fifth on the grid, and Hakkinen’s teammate David Coulthard further stifled his efforts by holding back the field. “I didn’t feel great about holding Eddie up to help Mika,” Coulthard admitted, “but Ferrari confirmed it wasn’t against the rules. It’s just not something I enjoyed, especially since I wouldn’t have begrudged Eddie the championship. I didn’t break any rules, but it didn’t feel right backing into a fellow Brit.” Irvine’s teammate, Michael Schumacher, finished second.

1999 Japanese Grand Prix Race Results

F1 Driver Birthdays 31 October

F1 Driver Deaths 31 October

F1 Champion 31 October