As the 2025 season enters its final stretch, it’s time to rewind and take a moment to
reflect on the years passed in Formula 1. Here’s a rundown of the key events that
unfolded on this day, 30th September, in previous years.
1979: A Good Day For Williams
On 30th September 1979, Alan Jones secured his fourth win in five races at the
Canadian Grand Prix, securing Williams valuable points and another victory. The
race was not short of action, with only ten out of twenty-four drivers crossing the
finish line. The race also served as Ricardo Zunino’s debut race due to Niki Lauda’s
retirement from Formula 1 just a few days beforehand.
1990: An Eventful Day In Spain
The 30th September 1990 saw an eventful Spanish Grand Prix deliver plenty of
drama. Ferrari dominated the day with a commanding 1-2 finish with Alain Prost
emerging victorious, his teammate Nigel Mansell close behind in second. However,
Ayrton Senna endured a contrasting fate and was forced to spectate from the
sidelines due to an early retirement from the Grand Prix.
1997: A Champion Was Born
On 30th September 1997, a future four-time consecutive world champion, Max
Verstappen, was born to parents Sophie Kumpen and Jos Verstappen in Hasselt,
Belgium.
2001: Hakkinen’s Last Hurrah
The 30th September 2001 saw Mika Hakkinen secure his final victory at the U.S.
Grand Prix. He successfully climbed the ranks from fourth place to first, crossing the finish line ahead of the rest of the grid and lifting the first-place trophy for McLaren.
Hakkinen’s win was due to McLaren’s airtight pit-lane tactics and Hakkinen’s
impressive strategy on the track. This race is also well known for being a tribute to
the 9/11 attack, which occurred a couple of weeks prior.
2007: Ticking All The Boxes
The 2007 Japanese Grand Prix saw Lewis Hamilton secure victory for McLaren by
winning the Japanese Grand Prix. He not only succeeded in acquiring first place, but also started the race in pole position and performed the fastest lap of the entire Grand Prix.
2018: A Front Row Finish
The 2018 Russian Grand Prix was a successful day for Mercedes, whose drivers
Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas crossed the finish line in first and second,
respectively, with Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel coming in close in third. Due to good communication, collaboration, successful team orders and a selfless sacrifice from
Bottas, Hamilton’s win ultimately aided him in securing his eventual 2018 drivers’
championship win.
Written by Reo.
Edited by Alexandra.
Featured image credit: f1-fansite.com
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