When it comes to driver etiquette on the public roads, the general public can leave a lot to be desired, cause a lot of frustration amongst other road users. Even the slightest mistake, such as leaving it until after they’ve almost turned to indicate or sitting in the inside lane at 45mph, can lead to bottled up anger being unleashed in a blinding rage. This is usually contained within the metal box they’re driving and the completely oblivious guilty party will never know the suffering they’ve caused.
In in the world of racing, however, those little mistakes can much more significant consequences. Instead of making someone brake a little earlier than they’d expect to, they end up forcing them into a tyre barrier at 150mph. This intensity the drivers deal with at all times means that when there is an altercation, the rage often manifests itself physically rather than a few choice words. We shouldn’t say these are our favourite motoring meltdowns, but we’ve put together a list of some of the most incredible times a driver has snapped and thrown racing respect out of the window.
Piquet vs. Salazar
It can often be a dangerous game when you approach a backmaker. In a perfect world, they’ll pull over to one side of the track and let you through without any fuss. Unfortunately for Nelson Piquet, at the 1982 German Grand Prix at Hockenheim, the worst happened as Eliseo Salazar decided that late braking was a really smart idea. Having already been passed by Piquet into a tight chicane, Salazar stuck his front wing up the inside of Piquet’s car, tapping the rear tyre and causing them both to crash out of the race.
Almost as quick as his lap times Piquet jumped out of this car to confront the embarrassed Chilean driver. After a few choice hand gestures, Piquet decided that some martial arts action was needed to get his point across, shoved and attempting to kick Salazar. He didn’t put up much of a fight, but having just taken out the leader of the race, he probably just wanted to hide.
Verstappen vs. Ocon
In 2018 and at the ripe old age of 21 years old, Max Verstappen was starting to really show the world that he would be a future Formula 1 world champion. In Brazil, Max was leading the Grand Prix and looking comfortable for the win, but similar to the Piquet and Salazar situation, a backmarker would decide the fate of the race.
The difference in this situation is that Esteban Ocon, who was on fresh super soft tyres, decided that he wanted to unlap himself and dive up the inside of the race leader. Sticking your car up the inside into the apex of turn two in Brazil is a brave move at any time, but when you’re unlapping yourself against the leader, you better make sure you’re clear of them. Ocon was not…
Verstappen went on to finish behind Lewis Hamilton to take second place in a race he really should have won. He decided to make his feelings known to Ocon and in the rather fitting location of the weighing scales, Max tested his boxing skills with a few shoves and choice words to the Frenchman.
Schumacher vs. Coulthard
There were quite a few headlines at the 1998 Belgian Grand Prix. There’s always good action at Spa-Francorchamps, but 1998 was one for the ages. To call it a chaotic start would be an understatement. There was a 13-car pile-up leading to an hour’s delay in the rain-soaked circuit.
Following the restart, Damon Hill in the Jordan managed to fight his way to the front in the first corner, whilst pole sitter Mika Hakkinen spun causing yet more chaos. As the race continued, the then two-time World Champion Michael Schumacher took the lead from Hill and began to build a commanding lead. He was lap up on David Coulthard in the McLaren before disaster struck.
Coulthard slowed right up to let Schumacher go by, but a combination of surprise and lack of visibility in the rain led to the German crashing into the back of the McLaren and putting them both out of the race. As you’d probably expect, Schumacher wasn’t amused and stormed his way into the McLaren garage for a not-so-friendly chat with Coulthard. In what are now iconic images, the Ferrari mechanics held him back before he could do as much damage to Coulthard as Coulthard had done to his front wing.
Luca Corberi
Taking a step away from Formula 1, one of the most spectacular displays of losing control, and one we vehemently condone, was in a 2020 world karting final. An incident that had Jenson Button calling for a life-time ban for the 15-year-old, Corberi, after crashing out of the race with a bit of contact, decides to wait for his opponent to come past him once more. He then proceeds to throw a part of his kart at the other driver as he drives by at top speed.
This dangerous and idiotic display wasn’t enough for Corberi as he finds his opponent in the pits and decides to tackle him to the ground and throw a multitude of kicks and punches until he’s dragged off. That’s not before his father, who owns the circuit, decides to run in and slam someone against the wall. Thankfully the FIA took action and handed the hot-headed Italian a 15-year ban.
Vettel vs. Hamilton
Since he left Ferrari, Sebastien Vettel has slowly become a fan favourite. His happy demeanour and support of causes makes him an easily lovable character. However, you don’t have to cast your mind too far back to when he was causing all kinds of havoc on the race track. One of the craziest moments in his career came at the 2017 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. While following under the safety car, Vettel felt as though Hamilton had brake checked him a little and decided to vent his frustration by pulling alongside the leader and ramming the side of his car. The footage showed that Hamilton hadn’t applied the brakes during the incident, leaving Vettel as the man who just rammed Hamilton because he wasn’t concentrating properly.
Webber vs. Vettel – “Multi-21”
Unfortunately for Vettel, he makes another appearance on the list for his actions during the 2013 Malaysian Grand Prix. In an era where Red Bull were dominating, Vettel decided that it would be a good idea to pick a fight with his teammate Mark Webber. After starting on pole, Vettel was overtaken by Webber and then they both settled into a comfortable stride in first and second place.
However, Vettel had other plans. Despite the team telling Vettel to ease off with the famous ‘Multi-21’ order (finish in the one-two order you are currently in), the German proceeded to close down the gap to Webber and start fighting for the race lead. The team proceeded to tell Vettel to look after his tyres and hold position, but it was too late and Vettel was in a battle to pass his bewildered teammate in an attempt to win the race.
With a final plea from team principal Christian Horner saying ‘”this is silly Seb, come on,” Vettel eventually got around Webber for the lead and went on to win. He claimed that he was really scared down the main straight, but sympathy was in short supply. When the pair finally talked in the podium room, Webber just uttered the words “Multi-21 Seb” and gave him a look that could kill.
Images courtesy of Motorsport Images.
Keyword: Six motorsport meltdowns