F1 Records Unlikely To Be Broken

[inimitablestoo]

Amen to that; conversely, the 20 years since Senna died is the longest spell without a fatality (in the cockpit at least; sadly we have lost three trackside workers in that period). That in itself seemed to contribute to yesterday being very much a celebration rather than just a memorial.

[D-Type]

Without a fatality in Formula 1 certainly. But, sadly this does not apply to other forms of racing, testing or, as you say, to trackside workers.

[journeyman racer]

I think that one is pretty safe.

[anfield5]

Amen to that; conversely, the 20 years since Senna died is the longest spell without a fatality (in the cockpit at least; sadly we have lost three trackside workers in that period). That in itself seemed to contribute to yesterday being very much a celebration rather than just a memorial.

What about Maria deVillota. Her accident was in a F1 car, albeit at a private test. Her subsequent death from a cardiac arrest, was caused by the accident

[D28]

What about Maria deVillota. Her accident was in a F1 car, albeit at a private test. Her subsequent death from a cardiac arrest, was caused by the accident

Yes sadly it was, This was covered in the 20 years since Senna thread below

[inimitablestoo]

It's a tricky one, because I don't believe it's been formally established* that her death was caused by the accident - although it seems very likely, and it is her family's belief. While not wishing to overlook Maria, it has nevertheless been 20 years since a death of an F1 driver at a Grand Prix itself. (As such, Ratzenberger's death was the first at a GP meeting in 12 years, disregarding de Angelis' at the Paul Ricard in 1986)

*If anyone can correct me on this, please feel free

[D-Type]

Folks,
Please remember this is about people's lives not simply a mere statistic.

[inimitablestoo]

Indeed; I was hoping to keep it on the respectful side of such matters. Let's just say the safety levels are considerably better today than at any previous time and leave it there.

[anfield5]

Indeed; I was hoping to keep it on the respectful side of such matters. Let's just say the safety levels are considerably better today than at any previous time and leave it there.

Absolutely. As far as motorsports and other dangerous sports go F1 has an incredible record for safety and long may this continue

[inimitablestoo]

There is one stat that won't be broken, pending another change in the rules - smallest or largest numbers to have won a Grand Prix. Since 0 isn't one of the numbers the drivers can choose from, that can't even be equalled, while for reasons known only to them the German Grand Prix organisers insisted that entries for the 1952 race were given three-figure numbers. Thus Alberto Ascari's 101 - despite being the smallest number in the field - will remain the largest ever to have won a race.

But not the largest to have been fielded, of course, since that remains Lella Lombardi's #208 Brabham (a tie-up with Radio Luxembourg and its 208 MW frequency, terms which may have to be explained to younger readers )