In a light-hearted episode of "Grill the Grid," Formula 1 drivers were put to the test as they examined iconic moments from the sport's storied history. Among the images presented was one of the most memorable incidents from the 1991 British Grand Prix at Silverstone, a race that remains etched in the minds of F1 enthusiasts.
The 1991 British Grand Prix was a spectacle from start to finish, with British driver Nigel Mansell taking centre stage. Starting from pole position, Mansell thrilled his home crowd with a dominant performance. Despite a fierce challenge from the legendary Ayrton Senna, Mansell's determination and skill saw him reclaim the lead and secure a resounding victory on home soil.
However, it was not just Mansell’s win that made headlines—it was the dramatic turn of events on the final lap that would be immortalized in F1 history. As the race neared its conclusion, Senna found himself in a precarious situation.
Here is the video of the incident:
"Where to, Guv?" 🚖
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 4, 2024
Ayrton Senna hitches a ride back to the pit lane with Nigel Mansell 💪#F1 #BritishGP pic.twitter.com/0J0PA6au6W
His McLaren, running low on fuel, ultimately ran dry, leaving the Brazilian stranded on the track and out of podium contention. As Mansell celebrated his victory, he noticed Ayrton Senna stranded on the track. Demonstrating the sportsmanship and camaraderie that can arise even in fierce competition, Mansell offered Senna a lift back to the pits. The image of Senna riding on the side of Mansell's Williams became an iconic symbol of mutual respect and the sport's unpredictable nature.
How do F1 drivers react to the incident?
Fast forward to the present, where current F1 drivers were given the challenge of identifying the mistake in a photograph from that very moment. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, upon seeing the image, reacted with genuine surprise, exclaiming, "Did that happen?"
Here is the video:
Carlos: "No one got that right."
— Formula 1 (@F1) August 15, 2024
Lewis, Max and George: "You thought" ☝️🤓#F1 pic.twitter.com/dNJ8mG92wn
His teammate, Carlos Sainz, struggled to spot the error, focusing instead on the car number and remarking, "No one got that right. I can already tell you." Meanwhile, other drivers, including Max Verstappen, George Russell, and Lewis Hamilton, quickly identified the mistake with ease, showcasing their keen knowledge of the sport’s history.
The segment provided a humorous glimpse into how today's drivers interact with the rich tapestry of Formula 1's past. While some, like Leclerc and Sainz, were taken aback or puzzled by the image, others demonstrated an almost instinctive awareness of the sport's legendary moments.