Formula 1: A Look at the Most Iconic Moment in British Grand Prix History

Formula 1: A Look at the Most Iconic Moment in British Grand Prix History

Ero Samson
updated at July 8, 2023 at 11:12 AM
  • Formula 1 returns to Silverstone for the 10th round of the 2023 F1 season
  • Red Bull Racing winning every Grand Prix has dominated the 2023 season so far
  • Lewis Hamilton holds the record for the most victory at the British Grand Prix

Formula 1’s British Grand Prix has grown to become one of the most iconic Grand Prix, thanks to its high-speed corners and challenging weather conditions.

Since its inaugural race in 1950, the legendary Silverstone circuit has been a witness to captivating moments that have kept fans on the edge of their seats, with a few of those moments hidden in Lewis Hamilton's eight-time triumph on the circuit.

Formula 1, F1, British GP
Lewis Hamilton has won the most number of British Grand Prix. Image: Mario Renzi.
Source: Getty Images

In this piece, Sports Brief delves into the British Grand Prix's most extraordinary highlights.

Schumacher 1998 pit lane win

Dubbed the greatest Formula 1 driver of all time, Micheal Schumacher is no stranger to the racing, having won seven world titles.

Amongst his amazing career highlights and numerous travails, one that stands out remains the 1998 British Grand Prix win.

At the Silverstone track 25 years ago, Schumacher’s rival, Mika Hakkinen, spun out while leading the race, and the safety car provided him with an opportunity to seize the lead. However, the German driver incurred a 10-second stop-go penalty for overtaking during the safety car period.

In a quite jaw-dropping circumstance, Schumacher served his penalty in a way that will remain talked about today.

Formula 1, F1, British GP
Michael Schumacher won the 1998 British GP in the pit lane. Image: Steve Mitchell.
Source: Getty Images

The seven-time Formula 1 champion entered the pit lane on the final lap to serve the penalty while crossing the finish line in the pit lane, hence claiming victory.

McLaren appealed this surprising decision, but the race result stood, cementing Schumacher’s place in the history books as the only driver to win a Formula 1 race from the pit lane.

Sainz’s first Grand Prix victory

Carlos Sainz has been one of those unlucky drivers who have come close to winning a race multiple times but have always fallen short.

However, the 2022 British GP changed the Ferrari driver’s fate as he finally ended his winless streak after 149 races.

Formula 1, F1, British GP
Carlos Sainz secured his maiden F1 win after 150 attempts. Image: Gongora.
Source: Getty Images

Securing pole position in qualifying, Sainz found himself alongside Red Bull’s formidable driver, Max Verstappen, on the front row. Despite a first-lap crash, the Spaniard displayed remarkable determination and skill, fending off challenges from Verstappen and his teammate, Charles Leclerc.

And with each passing lap, he extended his lead, ultimately securing his maiden win after 150 attempts, which remains one of the longest waits without a win in F1 according to Planetsports.com.

Mansell's act of sportsmanship

The 1991 British GP was an interesting race as the circuit had recently undergone significant modifications, transforming it into a more technical track and setting the stage for an intense competition.

Although local hero Nigel Mansell emerged victorious, it was his act of sportsmanship that made the headlines.

This is because Ayrton Senna, driving for McLaren, ran out of fuel on the final lap, relegating him to a fourth-place finish after starting the race from second position.

Formula 1, F1, British GP
Nigel Mansell offered Ayrton Senna who had run out of fuel a lift. Image: Pascal Rondeau.
Source: Getty Images

According to reports from ESPN in a remarkable display of goodwill, Mansell offered Senna a ride on his victory lap, transcending their fierce rivalry in a moment that would forever be etched in Formula 1 history.

British GP to feature Hollywood

Sports Brief previously reported on the British Grand Prix having a Hollywood factor with the race becoming a film set for Brad Pitt and Mercedes driver, Hamilton.

According to reports, a production team has already fitted out a pit garage at the track with F1-style banners that represent on-screen characters from the flick.

Authors
Ero Samson photo
Ero Samson
Samson Ero is a sports journalist with a track record of over five years in the Nigerian media industry. He graduated from Nigerian Institute of Journalism (2021-2023).
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