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The 90s Part II: A new order rises
The death of F1's biggest draw heralded the beginning of a new era and prompted the biggest safety drive in its history.
The death of F1's biggest draw heralded the beginning of a new era and prompted the biggest safety drive in its history.
Michael vs Damon/Jacques/Mika
Schumacher giving up a sure thing with Benetton (pictured) to help revive Ferrari's fortunes in 1996 left the door open for three drivers to claim championship glory at his expense in Adrian Newey-designed cars. Damon Hill and Jacques Villeneuve with Williams and Mika Hakkinen with McLaren.
Shame on Schumi
Having won plaudits for taking on and beating Jacques Villeneuve's superior Williams FW19 in his Ferrari on numerous occasions in 1997, Schumacher shot himself in the foot with a cynical attempt to end Villeneuve's race at the season ending European GP. He lost to Villeneuve by just three points and ended up being excluded from the championship standings by the FIA.
The darkest weekend
The death of Austria's Roland Ratzenburger during qualifying for the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix and Ayrton Senna's (in pic) fatal crash on raceday prompted mourning the world over and forced F1's governing body to launch a no-expenses-spared campaign to ensure no driver would ever die at the wheel of an F1 car again.
Star car
Adrian Newey's unmatched knowledge of aerodynamics made the Renault-powered Williams FW18 the class of the field in 1996.
