Remembering F1's Infamous Race at Indianapolis in 2005

Twenty-one years ago today, Formula 1 witnessed its weirdest race ever. The 2005 United States Grand Prix at Indianapolis is remembered not for the racing, but for what happened before it started.

The Tyre Crisis

The problems started on Friday. Ralf Schumacher suffered a heavy crash in his Toyota when his left-rear Michelin tyre failed at the banked Turn 13. Ricardo Zonta replaced Schumacher and had a similar failure in practice. Michelin told its seven customer teams the tyres were unsafe for the race distance.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway sign

Since pit stops in 2005 only allowed refuelling, the tyre situation got even riskier for the race. Michelin asked the FIA to allow a temporary chicane at Turn 13 to slow cars down. The FIA refused, saying it would be "grossly unfair" to Bridgestone teams who had brought safe tyres.

Six Cars Take the Start

After last-minute negotiations failed, the seven Michelin teams made their decision. The 14 cars completed the parade lap but pulled into the pits before the race started. Only six cars lined up on the grid: Ferrari, Jordan and Minardi on Bridgestone tyres.

Michael Schumacher led from start to finish, winning ahead of teammate Rubens Barrichello. It was Schumacher's only win of the 2005 season.

Tiago Monteiro finished third for Jordan, scoring his only F1 podium. Narain Karthikeyan, Christijan Albers and Patrick Friesacher completed the order.

The race left a crowd of over 100,000 fans booing and throwing objects onto the track. It remains one of F1's darkest weekends.

US Grand Prix, at a glance

See also: These Are The 3 Oldest F1 Race Winners

About the author

Victor R.

Victor R. López is a Venezuelan journalist from Tumeremo who focuses on Formula 1 and motorsport. He covers driver news, race weekends and key stories from across the sport for F1-Fansite.com.

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