1994 was supposed to be the year JJ Lehto became one of F1’s top drivers, but the season ended his Grand Prix career. How did such a golden opportunity turn into a poisoned chalice? After beating former race winner Alboreto to the second Benetton seat for 1994, Lehto would have been forgiven for thinking regular podium visits were just around the corner. This was the Finn’s first top F1 drive after
The upcoming book details what can be learnt about the1994 Benetton controversies whenever other drivers sat within the car, like Herbert. So what was the Grand Prix winner’s view of driving it? Johnny Herbert had been tipped for F1 stardom before sustaining serious leg injuries following a horrific multi-car pileup during anF3000 race in the summer of 1988. Despite not having fully recovered, the Englishman bravely returned to racing at
1994 would change the Formula One forever, especially after the dark Grand Prix weekend in Imola. First Rubinho crashed badly with his Jordan 194, however he only broke his arm. On Saturday, Roland Ratzenberger died due a horrible accident during the qualification session, 12 hours later Ayrton Senna would die when his steering wheel from the Williams broke. Only bad things happened in 1994 ? No Nigel Mansell made his
The upcoming book details what is learnt about the Benetton controversies when Schumacher tested a Ligier for one day in December 1994. For instance was the German as impressive when not driving a Benetton? Before we answer this let us remember the background surrounding this test. In early 1994 the Ligier team were in financial trouble following their team owner, Cyril de Rouvre, having been jailed on fraud charges. Benetton
Nigel Mansell won the 1992 F1 world championship comfortably before announcing his shocking switch to American Indy car racing for the following year. He had become fed up with protracted contract renewal negotiations so departed his beloved Williams and F1 on sour terms. Given these circumstances, it makes Mansell’s return to both for 1994 all the more remarkable. The newest blog from Ibrar Malik. The upcoming book provides more detail,
On the 13th of August I had an interview with Ibrar Malik, the writer of the book: 1994 – The Untold Story of a Tragic and Controversial F1 Season. Better still, it was a conversation between two fans, two fans who share the same passion for the same season. 1994 Is probably the most controversial season in Formula One history. Illegal software, wheel banging on the tracks, and sadly some
“Berger was the thickest driver I have worked with, Alesi was a close second”…those are the forthright views of a former Benetton mechanic who is ready to let rip! The ex-Benetton mechanic has kindly contributed towards the upcoming book, but cannot be named because he still works in F1. However, his anonymity means he can be brutally honest. An amazing article by Ibrar Malik! Benetton started 1996 with high hopes
For the Larrousse team it became harder to survive during the 1994 season. The team was not able to update and develop the LH94, as there was no money left to invest. Besides the lack of finance, Érik Comas managed to score twice a point, though it was clear that it was a struggle to survive and to appear on the grid in 1994. A reconstruction of the last months
25 Years ago Formula One lost one of its greatest ever drivers. Ayrton Senna's passing was felt across the globe, especially Brazil, which declared three days of official mourning. He had been the world’s most famous racing driver and his death was broadcast live on television in front of millions. The grief felt was on par with the deaths of Princess Diana or JFK, and he is still sorely missed
F1 Mechanic Paul West worked for Williams throughout the 1990’s and is a massive contributor towards the upcoming book. This blog is therefore dedicated to him. Therefore an release date for the F1 1994 book is announced. In January 2019 the book will be published by Performance Publishing. The book will contain 200 rare photo's will be in the book. Some fragments of the book will be published on the
