Mike Hawthorn became Britain’s first Formula 1 World Champion on October 19, 1958, defeating Stirling Moss by a single point after a dramatic season finale in Morocco.
Moss did everything required of him. The Vanwall driver won the Moroccan Grand Prix and recorded fastest lap, taking the maximum available score. Hawthorn therefore needed second place to retain his championship advantage.
Ferrari teammate Phil Hill played his part, allowing Hawthorn through before finishing third. Hawthorn came home almost 85 seconds behind Moss but secured enough points to take the title.
At the finish Moss congratulated his rival, despite having earlier demonstrated extraordinary sportsmanship when his evidence helped Hawthorn avoid a penalty at the Portuguese Grand Prix.
The day nevertheless ended in tragedy. Stuart Lewis-Evans suffered severe burns in a crash during the Moroccan race and died from his injuries six days later.
Hamilton learns from 2007
Half a century later, Lewis Hamilton took a crucial step towards his first championship with victory at the 2008 Chinese Grand Prix. The McLaren driver beat Felipe Massa and Kimi Räikkönen, leaving Shanghai needing only four points at the Brazilian finale.
Hamilton knew better than anyone how quickly a commanding championship position could disappear after his 2007 collapse, warning: “Remember last year? It’s not over until it’s over.” He was proved correct at Interlagos, where his championship was eventually secured on the final corner of the final lap.
October 19 also delivered Max Verstappen’s dominant victory in the 2025 United States Grand Prix. The Red Bull driver converted pole into a lights-to-flag win at Austin, beating Lando Norris by almost 8 seconds and reducing Oscar Piastri’s championship advantage to 40 points. Norris finished second after a fierce fight with Charles Leclerc, who completed the podium.
From Hawthorn and Moss deciding a championship by 1 point to Hamilton and Verstappen applying late-season pressure decades later, October 19 has repeatedly placed Formula 1 titles under maximum strain.