While the list of drivers that entered, at least one Grand Prix during the last 74 years is long. There is also the group of drivers that were to appear on the grid however for whatever reason never appeared on the grid or had their contract terminated like Jos Verstappen with Arrows for 2002. I took the time to dive recently into my physical and digital archive to uncover some of those drivers that for whatever reason didn’t race while they would. This is by the way not some “wannabe” drivers list. Plenty of drivers that stated they would race. Though, never came close to sign a deal with a team.
Jorge de Bagration – 1968 Escuderia Nacional CS(Lola) / 1974 Escuderia Nacional CS(Surtees)
Jorge de Bargration is an interesting driver, you might never have heard of him before. He is one of those drivers that tried their luck in the Formula One in the late 1960s and 1970s. As well, he was the head of the Royal house of Georgia. Jorge who was born in Italy, his father went in exile in Italy following the Bolshevik Revolution. However, they moved to Madrid at when he was only six months old. Therefore, Jorge would appear with the Spanish nationality at the start of many races. His career started on motorcycles at the age of 15. He moved to four wheels in 1963 when he appeared at the start of several Hill climbs and rally’s.
He debuted in lower Formulae series in 1967 when he appeared in the Formula Three in a Brabham BT18. In 1968, he moved to the Formula Two, that year it was said that he would appear at the start of the Spanish Grand Prix at Jarama. This would have been with a Lola. Somehow, he did not appear at the start of the Spanish Grand Prix. Several years passed by racing in the Spanish Touring Car Championships with a BMW 2002TI. Eventually progressing into Sportscar Racing and winning races. While racing in several series the Formula One was still luring. In 1974, six years after his first attempt, Jorge was one of the drivers on the entry list for the Spanish Grand Prix.
He appeared on the list with a third works Surtees TS16 along with the cars of Jochen Mass and José Carlos Pace. He would appear with number 29 on the grid. However, only days before the Grand Prix the deal he made with his sponsor-felt trough. Which meant that he would not be able to qualify the Surtees.
Jarno Trulli – 2010 Toyota / 2012 Caterham
Who doesn’t remember the Trulli train? Jarno Trulli made his debut in 1997 with Minardi he moved the same year to Prost Grand Prix. Eventually he ended up in 2002 with the Renault team where he booked his best successes. He won in 2004 the Grand Prix of Monaco with the Renault R24, which would be his only victory. The last two races of 2004 he joined the Toyota team who were keen to contract Trulli as one of their drivers. During his years with Toyota, he developed himself as a steady driver however also as the Trulli train. In 2009, Jarno was in speaking terms with the team to sign a multiple-year deal for after 2009. This deal was signed, however due to the economic malaise he would never appear in the TF110. Not even when Stefan Grand Prix purchased the team.
Luckily, for Jarno in 2010 there were four new teams on the grid. One of the, Lotus Racing would become his new home on the grid. It were not his best years in the Formula One and it seems he became only slower the longer he stayed on the grid. For 2012, Jarno Trulli would stay as a driver for Team Lotus. However, in the winter of 2011 the team changed it’s name to Caterham. While Trulli tested with the new CT01 at Bahrain during pre-season testing the team announced that Vitaly Petrov would replace Trulli. What in ever understood is that Trulli stated that he was “proud” he helped the team to become a real Formula One team.
John Watson – 1985 Toleman
John Watson has an interesting career in the Formula One. He made his debut in 1973 for the Hexagon of Highgate team who entered Watson for the British Grand Prix that year. He was to debut with a Brabham BT37. Later that year he would appear with a Brabham BT48 at the start of the USA Grand Prix at Watkins Glen. With several seasons racing for McLaren, he retired at the end of 1983. However, two years later Watson would return on the grid as one of the drivers for the Toleman team. There was only one slightly problem the team was struggling. Struggling to appear on the grid, struggling to get the package together.
Therefore, Watson could be a good choice as one of their drivers. He tested with the new Toleman however, he would not appear with the team that season at the start of any Grand Prix. Toleman disappeared from the grid. However, Watson would make one comeback that year on the grid for McLaren. This was during the European Grand Prix at Brands Hatch.
