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Formula One racing has always been the ace of racing championships since its inaugural session in 1950. FIA defines the rules for Formula One racing which is considered to be the premium class of single-seater auto racing all over the world. The skilful sport has always kept its fan entertained with the element of skill, glamour, style and amazing cars. It holds no doubt that it is every driver's dream to clinch the ultimate title at year end and that is World Driver's Championship Title but then, there have been a lot many instances on the racing tracks that have proved, what we say - "Humanity is the greatest virtue"
Since the time Formula One racing has marked its onset, We have seen many instances where drivers have gone out of their way to lend help to the stranded drivers. Many have been seen giving chances to their teammates to drive past them and make it to the podium and to say the max, there have also been moments where drivers have literally stopped so as to save the life of their co-drivers and yes they were successful. Hence we can say that there have been several moments where drivers have displayed great acts of sportsmanship risking their own chances of making to the podium.
Here we have Top 5 Sportsmanship Act in the history of Formula One
#5 Barrichello let Schumacher rule- Austrian Grand Prix- 2002
Back in 2001 at Australian Grand Prix, Rubens Barrichello was asked to let Schumacher overtake him and take P2 but he didn't let that happen until the very last corner. However, in 2002 Austrian GP, something different happened and took away all the attention. Ferrari ordered the same two people to swap positions but again Brazilian resisted before Todt reminded him that it was being done for the championship sake. Rubens allowed Schumacher to drive past him at the chequered flag and it came as a surprise for the latter. Seeing the staged finish, German asked Barrichello to take the top spot and even handed him the trophy as a mark of gratitude. Schumacher did return the favor to his friend in the races that took place later on.
#4 Hamilton Risks Title for Bottas- Hungary GP 2017
In 2017 at Hungary Grand Prix, what the world of Formula One witnessed was no less than an act of sacrifice and pure sportsmanship. Ferraris of Raikkonen and Vettel were leading the race until the latter had steering issues. It allowed Lewis Hamilton to pass them but the nature of Hungaroring circuit is quite typical, which makes it all the more difficult for the driver to maintain a lead. Mercedes had already made clear to Bottas to make way for Hamilton and he was given a 5-lap window to get the job done
Bottas followed the same and allowed the teammate to pass but what came up next was no less than a surprise to all of us. Hamilton slowed up and relaxed, deliberately allowing Bottas to catch up and finally on the last corner of the final lap, Hamilton let Bottas take P3 and resisted himself. Spectators had an idea that Hamilton won't risk his title for the teammate but this act made all the critics tight-lipped about the matter.
#3 Mansell Helps Stranded Senna- British GP 1991
The 1991 British Grand Prix held at the legendary Silverstone circuit was the 8th race of the season and the title was clinched by the home driver, Nigel Mansell who won the 59 lap race from the pole position, driving for Williams- Renault. It was during the same season where Mansell and Brazilian Champion fought neck to neck for the title. They were constantly chasing each other and swapping places where Mansell finally hit Senna and overtook him all the way from front.
However, a plot twist was yet to take place and it grabbed away all the attention. While 10 laps were left, Senna's McLaren ran out of fuel and he dropped back to 4th position. After taking the chequered flag, Mansell drove his way back to pick stuck up Senna and gave him a lift back to the pit lane. This showed Senna's utmost respect for the fellow driver.
#2 Purley Risks life for Williamson- Dutch GP, 1973
The 1973 season of Formula One racing can be called as the Black Year in the history of the sport which saw 2 driver casualties. Roger Williamson was racing in Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort during which a suspected tire failure caused him to lose control of his car and he smashed into pitch wall severely. The intensity of the accident was so massive that it dragged the car over 300 yards before coming to a halt upside down against the barrier.
However, Williamson remained unhurt in the accident but was caught up in the flaming wreckage. Purley couldn't resist himself and stopped his car and ran to save his fellow driver. He grabbed the only fire extinguisher available at the moment but unfortunately, it couldn't suffice to put out the fire. He even tried to turn car up upright but failed as he was alone. Though William couldn't survive but Purley's unconditional efforts, risking his own life to save the fellow driver will be known as the greatest act of sportsmanship in the history of F1.
#1 Senna became Comas' Life Savior- Belgian GP 1992
The incident dates back to 1992, when during a practice session of Belgian Grand Prix, the world of Formula One witnessed the one of the best act of sportsmanship. Erik Comas lost control of his Ligier and crashed at Blanchimont heavily. The impact of the collision was so severe that it made the Frenchman unconscious. Ayrton Senna was the very next man in the scene who halted his car and ran to save the fellow driver while the rest of the drivers continued racing.
Senna turned off his car and held his head upright to avoid further complications. He supported Comas until the medical personnel came into the scene. In an interview later Comas said "I have no memories of that moment, there are images that I saw later. My memory stopped a few seconds before my crash. After the impact, it seems that there were some leaks of fuels so the risk was high. In a few seconds it could have exploded, yes, probably, so Ayrton Senna saved my life, yes."
