Formula 1: Youngest F1 Drivers of all time

Formula
Formula One

#4 Mike Thackwell

Debut: 1980 Dutch Grand Prix (Result- Ret.)

Age: 19 years and 182 days

Mike Thackwell
Mike Thackwell

Mike made his Formula One debut in an atypical fashion. After being signed on by Tyrrell as the test driver in 1980, he was present at the Dutch Grand Prix as a spectator.

An injury to the regular driver, Jochen Mass, opened the doors for Thackwell to participate in the race. He made his official debut at the 1980 Canadian Grand Prix.

However, as he had to give up his car for his teammate, Jean-Pierre Jarier, at the restart, his original start was considered null and void by Formula One regulations.

The New Zealander tasted success in almost all categories of motorsport he participated in except for Formula One.

He partook in only five Grands Prix and achieved nothing of consequence, but he was considered a maverick in other racing competitions like Formula Two, Formula Three, and Formula 3000, amongst others.

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Edited by Akhilesh Tirumala
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