30 years ago, F1 drowned at the Australian GP in Adelaide

With 14 laps and 50 kilometers raced, and only 2 drivers on the podium, this Grand Prix retained the record for the shortest race in F1 history before the sinister 2021 Belgian Grand Prix dethroned it. Once again, drivers and bosses followed the law of particular interests, those disappointed with the red flag being those who had opposed the start of the 1989 GP already contested under the flood. Will F1 ever learn from its mistakes? Patrick Camus - AH803 from November 05, 1991

Published on 07/11/2021 à 22:00

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30 years ago, F1 drowned at the Australian GP in Adelaide

“Be careful, mini tornado in Adelaide, the airport has just been closed,” says a local resident. The race has every chance of being canceled.” “Hey guys, we're not in the States here. The FI runs whatever the conditions! The proof: look at the pre-grid. They are all here! » Not a car is missing. And the flood continues. Two years ago, a few attempts, led in particular by Cheers and Piquet, had been launched with the aim of delaying the departure. This time, no one moves. Not even those who, two years ago, belonged to the “against” camp. What unconsciousness! Worse still since, based on the principle that the second official practice session had been contested in "wet conditions", the race management judged it useful not to offer the drivers a second warm-up of 20 minutes before the start! Assassination… Certainly, legality was preserved but logic and security were completely flouted. Finally, they were all there, helmeted, strapped in. Even Berger and Patrese, two of those who in 89 had cried scandal. Sixteen turns during they provoked the laws of nature and life. To put on a show? Yes, car breakers. The first act of note is due to the flying shoemaker, Schumacher. Qui, déboitant pour doubler Piquet, devient la