On This Day in Formula 1: Two Future World Champions Achieve First Win and First Podium
Follow Us
With regular racing action suspended we decided to take a look at some of the most memorable events in Formula 1 history. On the 23rd of March, two future World Champions achieved a first win and a first podium at the 2003 Malaysian Grand Prix.
Kimi Raikkonen wins first Grand Prix in Formula 1
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
23-year old Finnish racer Kimi Raikkonen started the 2003 Malaysian Grand Prix in seventh. He negotiated the early chaos in the race and managed to overtake pole-sitter, Fernando Alonso, during the first round of pit stops. Raikkonen lost the lead only to Rubens Barrichello for 3 laps following his first stop. After the Brazilian’s pitstop Raikkonen never relinquished the lead and was in a world of his own.
Trending
Liam Lawson’s Surprise Contract Clause Threatens Daniel Ricciardo’s RB Seat
April 24, 2024 11:15 AM EDT
F1 Rumor: Adrian Newey to Join Ferrari, Leaving Red Bull Amid Christian Horner-Helmut Marko Fiasco
April 25, 2024 05:55 PM EDT
“[Charles] Leclerc Doesn’t Care About Ferrari”: F1 Insider’s Brutal Blow to Fred Vasseur & Co. Has Racing Community Lashing Out
April 24, 2024 05:00 PM EDT
What Is Azzurro La Plata and Azzurro Dino? Significance of Ferrari’s Historic Change to a Blue Livery for Miami GP
April 24, 2024 04:52 PM EDT
F1 Rumor: Oliver Bearman to Join Haas as Nico Hulkenberg Leaves Seat Empty to Join Kick Sauber Team
April 26, 2024 10:45 AM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest F1 stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
The Iceman cruised to his first win over 39 seconds ahead of 2nd place Barrichello and a minute ahead of 3rd place Fernando Alonso. McLaren’s Raikkonen did not win any more races in 2003. He secured 8 more podium places in a consistent season which saw him finish second place. The Finn missed out on the driver’s world title by just 2 points. He scored 91 points to Michael Schumacher’s 93.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Fernando Alonso secures his maiden podium
Renault’s young Spanish racer Fernando Alonso qualified on pole for the Malaysian Grand Prix in 2003. This was Renault’s first Formula 1 pole in 19 years. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to hold on to the lead on Sunday. The Spaniard came home in 3rd place to join Rubens Barrichello and Kimi Raikkonen on the podium.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Alonso suffered a horrendous crash in the next race in Brazil. But, he finished on the podium as the race was stopped and he was in third place 2 laps before it got black flagged. Alonso made two more appearances on the podium en route a 6th place in the driver’s standings. Truly a breakout season for the Renault driver.