September 19 delivered a landmark Formula 1 first in 1971, when Jackie Stewart won a rain-hit Canadian Grand Prix that became the first World Championship race stopped by a red flag.
Stewart arrived at Mosport Park already confirmed as World Champion and underlined his authority by winning for Tyrrell.
Conditions deteriorated as heavy rain and mist reduced visibility around the circuit. Officials eventually stopped proceedings after 64 of the scheduled 80 laps because marshals could no longer see each other safely.
Ronnie Peterson finished second for March, while American racer Mark Donohue claimed third on his Formula 1 debut for McLaren. It was Stewart’s sixth victory of a dominant 1971 campaign.
The Canadian race entered the record books for more than Stewart’s victory. It became the first Formula 1 World Championship Grand Prix to be officially red-flagged. The day had already turned tragic before the Grand Prix started. Canadian driver Wayne Kelly was killed during a Formula Ford support race at Mosport.
Happy Birthday Brian and Christian
Elsewhere that same day, British racer Peter Hawtin lost his life competing at Oulton Park. Those events cast a sombre shadow over a Canadian Grand Prix already made exceptionally difficult by the weather.
Brian Henton was born on September 19, 1946. The British driver competed with several Formula 1 teams, including Lotus, Toleman, Tyrrell and Arrows. He later finished fourth in the 1983 Race of Champions at Brands Hatch, the final non-championship Formula 1 race of the modern era.
Cristiano da Matta was born on the same date in 1973. The Brazilian reached Formula 1 with Toyota in 2003 after winning the 2002 CART title. He started 28 Grands Prix across 2003 and 2004, with sixth place his best result.
But September 19 remains defined by Mosport in 1971, when Stewart’s victory coincided with Formula 1’s first use of the red flag to bring a World Championship race to an early conclusion.