August 13 produced some memorable moments in Formula 1 history, from Ronnie Peterson’s final Grand Prix victory to Nigel Mansell’s famous albeit rare defeat of Ayrton Senna and more.Super Swede Ronnie Peterson’s final Formula 1 victory in 1978. The Lotus driver dominated the Austrian Grand Prix, finishing more than 47 seconds ahead of Patrick Depailler, with Gilles Villeneuve third for Ferrari. Peterson died just weeks later following complications after his crash at Monza.
At the 1989 Hungarian Grand Prix, where Mansell delivered one of Ferrari’s most memorable victories. On Lap 58, Mansell and Senna approached the struggling Onyx of Stefan Johansson. As Johansson slowed, Mansell reacted instantly, sweeping past Senna and into the lead.
Mansell eventually won by almost 26 seconds from the McLaren-Honda, with Thierry Boutsen third for Williams-Renault. It became one of the defining overtakes of Mansell’s career and one of Ferrari’s standout victories of that era.
Eleven years later, Mika Häkkinen won the 2000 Hungarian Grand Prix after a superb start from third. The McLaren driver passed both pole-sitter Michael Schumacher and teammate David Coulthard before controlling the race at the Hungaroring.
Hakkinen vs Schumacher
Häkkinen crossed the line 7.916 seconds ahead of Schumacher, with Coulthard third. More importantly, victory moved the defending World Champion two points ahead of Schumacher in the standings, while McLaren took a one-point Constructors’ Championship lead over Ferrari.
August 13 also witnessed Emerson Fittipaldi winning the 1972 Austrian Grand Prix for Lotus after passing Jackie Stewart for the lead. The victory gave the Brazilian a commanding 25-point championship advantage with three races remaining, on his way to becoming World Champion.
The 1995 Hungarian Grand Prix brought another Williams victory, Damon Hill leading David Coulthard home for a one-two after Michael Schumacher retired with a fuel pump problem.
But the race is also remembered for one of F1’s strangest incidents. After his Footwork stopped, Taki Inoue climbed out to deal with the car, only to be struck by the medical car and injured.
Finally, August 13 marks the 1944 birth of Divina Galica, a four-time Winter Olympian who later reached Formula 1 and became the third female driver to compete in the World Championship.
(Source: F1 History)