In the world of Formula One, precision and perfection are what evolve around the sport. The tiniest miscalculation or a single moment of misjudgment can lead to a game-changing error. These errors can have far-reaching consequences, misleading an entire championship.
On this day, 20 years ago, a significant mistake was made that changed the entire perspective of the game. Kimi Räikkönen was declared the ultimate winner, marking a pivotal point in Formula One history.
FIA announced wrong winner of Brazilian GP
In 2003, the Brazilian Grand Prix was held on April 6, at the Interlagos Circuit as it is going to be this weekend. The race was initially scheduled for 71 laps but was shortened to 56 due to two major crashes that blocked the circuit. Because of the uncertainty regarding the red flag timing, Kimi Räikkönen was initially declared to be the winner, followed by Giancarlo Fisichella from Jordan in the second position and Fernando Alonso from Renault in the third position.
However, the Jordan team filed a court appeal to review the entire race, and it was found out that Fisichella had been leading the race. The error was rectified on that Friday in Paris. Marking Jordan’s fourth and also Fisichella’s very first win.
The crazy story of how Giancarlo Fisichella won 2003 Brazilian GP- his first win and Jordan's final #F1 win
— Motorsports in the 2000s (@CrystalRacing) November 19, 2020
The race director had not realised Fisi had started lap 56, having seized the lead on lap 54.
The winner is the driver who was leading two laps prior to the red flag pic.twitter.com/y4JjTi0iNm
Although the “Iceman” failed to secure success, the Finnish driver still managed to increase his lead in the standings to nine points ahead of Coulthard. Meanwhile, Fisichella, after his triumph at the Brazilian GP occupied the fourth position in the rankings.
When asked about his condition after the correction, heartbroken Räikkönen replied with, “I am happy for the win, I am happy that the FIA admitted their mistake.”
“But the damage remains. I would have been the first Italian to win in 11 years and I was not able to stand on the top step of the podium. But it’s still a win that will go down in Formula one history.”
“And I got there in difficult conditions, in a car that is not a winning one.”
Aftermath of the wrong call in Raikkonen’s favour
The entire situation is still vividly remembered by audiences worldwide, as it marked a game-changing moment for Fisichella and the Jordans.
What if Kimi Räikkönen kept the 2003 Brazilian GP win
— Morgan 🏴🏴🏴 (@Morgz5631) March 2, 2022
(He would end the title tied on points, but would he have had different results if he won that race?) https://t.co/Ysckol2c4W
After the verdict on Friday, Räikkönen was soon demoted to the second position while Alonso remained in the third, although he failed to attend the podium ceremony due to receiving medical attention at that time.
Do you think that the error would still be corrected if Jordan did not file an appeal? Tell us in the comment section below.
