With the wedding of Renault Boss Flavio Briatore and Elisabetta Gregoraci hitting the headlines recently (and also the author of this article about to marry also, though hopefully without hitting the headlines), it seems fitting to have a look at some other brides and grooms from the Formula 1 love paddock.

Flavio

While many of us normal folk suffer long draughts without a partner until a chance meeting at a rainy bus-stop ignites the flames of love, well, in the high octane razzle dazzle lifestyle of F1, passion can accelerate to new heights, so that anyone involved in the sport, be it driver, team member or even program seller, will become an object of desire. Of course the pressures of work and travel take their toll on relationships, but you can be sure that if you’ve got a lush apartment in Monaco to go back to between races, you won’t be single for very long! However, many partners of F1 people who do tag along with the touring circus do gradually fit in, and occasionally contribute to the racing team’s operations. Bette Hill, wife of 1962 & 1968 Champion Graham and mother of 1996 Champion Damon, was not only a great motivator for success, but also a rather handy timekeeper! I don’t mean she would time how long it took Graham to return from the pub after a night out with his mates, but more like how quick he could drive his Lotus around the high speed Monza circuit! She was sometimes seen in the pits, stopwatch in hand, checking up on how the boys out on the track were doing. These days it’s all digital timing and electronic wizardry, sadly making the likes of Bette Hill redundant. 

The Hills

1970’s ace James Hunt, never had any problems attracting the ladies! He was always seen at the track with a glamorous female in his slipstream. Indeed the 1976 Champion had an unbridled reputation for rather a healthy appetite for the old karma-sutra! James brazenly wore his badge of honor upon his racing overalls – ‘Sex –Breakfast Of Champions!’ Most of us have cornflakes… but nevermind! Eventually, James Hunt settled for top model Susy, but their marriage unfortunately didn’t last the full race distance. After two years Susy opted for a man with a bit less horsepower, but nevertheless very talented, in the form of actor Richard Burton.

A

Jacques Villeneuve – the Canadian Champion, has dated some lovely ladies in his time, including Australian singer Dannii Minogue. Eventually, the couple went their separate ways and Jacques later teamed up with new beau Johanna. As is tradition, the Villeneuve’s car had the ‘Just Married’ sign painted on the rear end, though here at Parc Ferme we’re not sure exactly where Johanna will sit as they drive off to enjoy their honeymoon?!

Villeneuve Jnr

Sometimes Formula 1’s cupid fires his arrows and creates pairings that the average onlooker might find unconventional. Bernie Ecclestone –F1’s stocky ringmaster, and towering wife Slavica are such a couple, but as an old friend of mine once said ‘it’s all the same when you’re lying down!’ –how reassuring! 

 

Bernie...

 

Iceman Kimi Raikkonen is known for his cool demeanor, but even the Finnish Champion almost broke into a full smile for his wedding photo! No wonder! With sumptuous bride – the former Miss Scandinavia J

enni Dahlman at his side, Kimi’s icy temperament is sure to melt! Let’s hope his gearbox didn’t over heat on his wedding night.