Kimi Raikkonen is not the only racer coming from Espoo, Finland. So is Jyrki Jarvi Letho, better known as JJ Letho, who is turning 50 on this date. The Finn made his Formula One debut in late 1989 with Onyx and would stay with the Jean-Pierre van Rossem-owned team until its demise at the 1990 Hungarian Grand Prix.

Letho bounced back at BMS Scuderia Italia where he picked up his sole career podium in San Marino. He then drove for one year at Sauber before joining Benetton for the 1994 season. However, a neck injury in winter testing forced him to skip the first two grands prix, with test driver Jos Verstappen taking over.

Letho only contested a handful of races at Benetton, the combination of diminished health and Michael Schumacher proving too much of an obstacle to overcome. The Finn made two final appearances at Sauber that year before embracing a successful sportscar career that saw him clinch outright victory at the 2005 Le Mans 24 Hours.

Martin Businaro

Recent Posts

Alpine double-podium in Brazil could deliver $30 million windfall

Alpine’s remarkable double podium at the São Paulo Grand Prix with Esteban Ocon and Pierre…

10 hours ago

F1i's Driver Ratings for the 2024 São Paulo GP

Alexander Albon, Williams (Did Not Start): 5.5/10 Alex Albon is definitely going through something of…

12 hours ago

Jos Verstappen rips British media after Brazilian Max fest

Jos Verstappen wasted no time after his son spectacular win at the São Paulo Grand…

13 hours ago

Leclerc left with ‘mixed feelings’ after disappointing Sao Paulo GP

Charles Leclerc's weekend in Sao Paulo was unfortunately a stark contrast to Ferrari's recent triumphs…

15 hours ago

Back when Kimi knew exactly what he was doing

Twelve years ago on this day, Kimi Raikkonen took a popular win at the 2012…

16 hours ago

Mercedes fined for starting grid tyre pressure infringement

The Mercedes team was hit with a fine by the FIA after Sunday’s Sao Paulo…

17 hours ago