September 17 links three generations of Formula 1 drivers with major team news and two dramatic Singapore Grands Prix.
Sir Stirling Moss was born on September 17, 1929. One of motorsport’s defining figures, Moss won 16 Formula 1 Grands Prix, claimed 24 podiums and 16 pole positions, yet never became World Champion. His career ended after a serious Goodwood accident in 1962, but his reputation as one of the greatest drivers never to win the title only grew.
The date also marks the 1960 birth of Damon Hill. The son of double World Champion Graham Hill, he reached Formula 1 in 1992 and became Drivers’ Champion with Williams in 1996.
Esteban Ocon was born on September 17, 1996. He later reached Formula 1 with Manor and delivered Alpine victory at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix.
In 2001, Michael Schumacher became involved in a dispute over the upcoming United States Grand Prix following the September 11 terrorist attacks.
Schumacher raised safety concerns and suggested he might not race at Indianapolis. Bernie Ecclestone warned that refusing to compete could put his championship position at risk, while Niki Lauda publicly backed the German’s concerns.Jaguar exits hello Red Bull
Three years later came major news from Jaguar. Ford announced in 2004 that it was ending Jaguar’s Formula 1 programme, saying it could no longer justify the spending. The decision also ended Ford support for Cosworth, which supplied engines to Jordan and Minardi.
The 2006 Belgian Grand Prix should have taken place on September 17, but it was cancelled because major renovations at Spa-Francorchamps could not be completed in time.
Singapore provided the biggest on-track drama in 2017. Lewis Hamilton won after Sebastian Vettel, Kimi Räikkönen and Max Verstappen collided moments after the start. Both Ferraris and Verstappen were eliminated. Daniel Ricciardo finished second and Valtteri Bottas third.
Six years later, Carlos Sainz won the 2023 Singapore Grand Prix for Ferrari. Sainz kept Lando Norris within DRS range late in the race to defend against the Mercedes cars. Norris finished second and Hamilton third after George Russell crashed on the final lap.
The result ended Verstappen’s record 10-race winning streak and Red Bull’s 15-race sequence of victories.