Race and classic pictures

Not a flying Keke or Mika, but a Finn nevertheless

He wasn't a flying Keke or Mika, but he was nevertheless a Finn and actually the second man from the Land of a Thousand Lakes to race in Formula 1 after Leo Kinnunen in 1974.

Mikko Kozarowitsky, who turns 78 on this day today, signed up with RAM March in 1977 for a stint in the European races but was bumped by the better-funded - and no less famous - Boy Hayje.

But Mikko still managed to make his F1 debut in that year's Swedish Grand Prix.

Having never sat in an F1 car before, few were expecting fireworks, and the Finn indeed missed the cut.

He was offered another outing at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone a few weeks later, but crashed on his second exploratory lap, breaking his wrist.

Kozarowitzky sensibly called it a day, went home and was never seen again in F1.

Michael Delaney

Recent Posts

Bearman blasts Haas: ‘Soft tyre strategy screwed my race’

Oliver Bearman left Bahrain convinced Haas had thrown away a genuine chance of points after…

12 hours ago

F1i Driver Ratings for the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix

Valtteri Bottas, Cadillac (DNF) – 3/10 Bottas spun out in the opening laps of the…

13 hours ago

Audi to light up Singapore with striking one-off F1 livery

Audi is turning the Singapore night into a canvas of its own, unveiling a striking…

15 hours ago

The unsuspected failure of Michael Andretti in F1

Michael Andretti was born into this world on this day, 64 years ago. An impressive…

16 hours ago

Lawson hails Racing Bulls gamble after ‘doubting’ team's call

Racing Bulls turned a chaotic Bahrain Grand Prix into a points bonanza, with Liam Lawson…

17 hours ago

Alonso left wanting more despite Aston Martin’s best result

Fernando Alonso delivered to Aston Martin its best result of the 2026 season in Sepang,…

18 hours ago