The Lunch Break Twist
In the world of the mid-1990s Formula 1 scene, Ferrari drivers Gerhard Berger and Jean Alesi were known for the odd fiery clash on track and their ability to 'enjoy' their time off it. The competitive spirit between these two often resulted in intense battles and occasional grudges. However, beneath the surface, there existed a remarkable camaraderie that transcended their on-track rivalries. They became great friends after a while, and their enduring bond remains unbroken to this day.
The Road to Chaos - When Mischief Takes the Wheel
On a fateful day at Fiorano, Berger and Alesi found themselves at the centre of a storm. There were three weeks to go until the first race of the Formula 1 season and the first test for the new Ferrari at Fiorano – important stuff then. After enjoying lunch near the circuit, they were telephoned to return to the circuit and discovered they had no means to return to the track for this critical testing session.
Seizing an opportunity that seemed too good to be true, they stumbled upon a Lancia Delta parked innocently in the car park, keys temptingly dangling from the ignition. Without a second thought, they embarked on a spirited journey that would take them from laughter to sheer disbelief.
The Unexpected Take-off
As Jean assumed the role of the driver and was not holding back. Gerhard fastened his seatbelt and took it upon himself to take charge of the handbrake. The road to Fiorano became their stage, where sideways slides and audacious manoeuvres left onlookers both amazed and perplexed. Little did they know that their impromptu adventure would take a bit of a turn. As they stormed through the gate of Fiorano and sideways into the pits they saw their brand new race car directly in front of them, the mechanics furiously working on it. Gerhard pulled the hand brake and, in a move that seemingly defied physics, the car rolled heavily and came to a halt tantalisingly close to the new Ferrari Formula 1 car.
The Fallout
The Roof of the car had completely collapsed trapping the pair inside. Alesi, who wasn't wearing a seatbelt, found himself in a most uncomfortable position with cuts on his head and knees that lead to him being taken to hospital. Gerhard was left to face the music on his own, a task he wasn't particularly looking forward to. With the aid of the mechanics, he moved the car around the corner and put a sheet over it.
Enter Ferrari team principal Jean Todt and Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo. Gerhard feared the worst and did what anyone would do in this situation – he put on his helmet and got in the F1 car, deciding that doing a stint out on track would give the situation enough cooling time to take the edge off.
After his stint, Gerhard returned to the pits to see Todt and Montezemalo standing and having a conversation. Seeking clarity, he approached Todt, raising the subject of the car crash. The response he received caught him off guard, as Todt, quite staggeringly was completely oblivious to the chaos, and asked Berger to speak normally – inquiring have you been in an accident? Confusion hung in the air as Berger struggled to comprehend the surreal conversation unfolding before him and had to confess “Yes, kind of…”
As it began to sink in, Todt's mounting concern centred on the whereabouts of Jean Alesi. Berger informed him that Jean had briefly gone to the hospital. Todt’s manner turned, however, his agitation escalated when he discovered the extent of their misadventure.
When Todt asked about the whereabouts of the car in question and was taken to the wreck hidden under the sheet, he was shocked to discover the Lancia Delta, with the newly imploded roof, was in fact his car! This did little to calm his temper.
A Bond Forged in Mischief
It's hard not to feel a sense of nostalgia for a time when Formula 1 drivers seemed to embrace the spirit of fun and adventure. The tale of Gerhard Berger and Jean Alesi reminds us of an era when camaraderie and mischief coexisted with fierce competition. In today's highly structured and demanding world of professional motorsport, their escapades serve as a delightful reminder that even amidst the intensity, there is room for laughter and spontaneous moments of joy – something that is, I am glad to say, continued in today's club motorsport scene (although a little less extreme!)
Written by Ollie and Nick Leston. Thank you for reading.