So, Kimi Raikkonen is relocating his entire family of five from Switzerland to Italy by buying two new properties – and all of it to keep young 8-year-old Robin Ace close to the heart of the Italian karting world as he starts to amass podiums and wins. It’s a sacrifice alright, but it’s synonymous with plenty of other familial legacies in Formula 1 history:
1. The Hills: Graham and Damon
Graham Hill, a racing icon of his time, died when Damon was 15. But he recognised that potential – even though Damon would do most of it alone. He even started on two wheels rather than four, but Damon’s 1996 championship with Williams was as much a personal victory as it was a tribute to his father’s faith and unwavering support. And it left a lump in all of our throats, as well as Murray’s.
2. The Rosbergs: Keke and Nico
Keke Rosberg’s guidance was instrumental in moulding fellow world champion Nico’s early career. Not just content with providing resources, Keke was initially a driver manager and mentor, and their combined dedication created a legacy – culminating in Nico’s 2016 championship win and eternal defeat of F1 great and teammate Lewis Hamilton. Nico himself sacrificed a lot for that – and then happily retired in the way his dad never really did.
3. The Verstappens: Jos and Max
Jos Verstappen’s much-more-than-hands-on involvement in Max’s career transcended mere financial backing – he dumped him on a few motorways, for instance. It was a harsh upbringing with more karts and schools involved, but from Max’s boyhood days to his pre-shaving meteoric rise in F1, Jos was an omnipresent guiding force – until he retired himself to become a rally driver to this day.
4. The Brundles: Martin and Alex
Martin Brundle, perhaps better known for commentating than driving, leveraged his incredible F1 network to create multiple platforms for his boy, Alex. From test drives to mentoring sessions, Martin was deeply involved. Alex, while charting his own path in endurance racing, also made a mark as a remarkably Dad-like commentator, echoing his father’s post-racing career as well as his voicebox to establish the Brundle name as synonymous with both racing and analysis.
5. The Piquets: Nelson and Nelson Jr.
Nelson Piquet’s foundational support for his junior namesake extended beyond the racetrack. The senior Piquet’s emphasis on discipline, resilience, toughness and strategic acumen was instrumental in shaping Nelson Jr.’s career, preparing him not just for an infamously failed F1 career and forever at the centre of ‘crashgate’, but then the challenges of other series and endeavours.
6. The Sennas: Ayrton and Bruno
Ok, not exactly father-son. But Bruno Senna, stepping into F1 in that black and gold Lotus just like his uncle, had the colossal task of honouring the legacy of his uncle. The foundational years, influenced by Ayrton’s guidance as well as the family’s commitment, helped Bruno navigate the complex world of F1 and at least put himself in those history books.
7. The Villeneuves: Gilles and Jacques
Jacques’ path to F1 was shadowed by the legacy of his late father, Gilles. The senior Villeneuve’s dedication ensured Jacques had the right tools at his disposal, but JV was just a child when his dad flew through the air to his grim death in 1982. Jacques’ 1997 championship win with Williams, though, was a culmination of years of preparation – and arguably a deserved championship not just for the boy, but for his dad, too.
Some more of my favourites? How about Jan and Kevin? The Fittipaldis? The Andrettis? The Laudas? The Scheckters? The Schumachers? Have we missed any? Be sure to let us know.
