Thierry Boutsen celebrates F1 comeback at Spa

Belgian Thierry Boutsen (67) is a triple Grand Prix winner in Formula 1. In last weekend’s Masters Racing Legends, ahead of the Spa Six Hours, Boutsen made his comeback in an F1 race, on the track where he made his Formula 1 debut in 1983.

“Is it 31 years ago already?” Boutsen reflects on the question – when did you last drive a Formula 1 at Spa? – and smiles that characteristically modest, held-back smile of his. Spa is where his career in F1 started in 1983, and ended, with Jordan in 1993. What should have been a beautiful farewell race after ten years in F1, was cut short when his Jordan 193 failed on the very first lap.

“It is true that Spa often was synonymous with mechanical difficulties during my time in F1, but I will not complain too much. I was on the podium here in 1988 with the Benetton, placing third.” Both Boutsen and teammate Nannini were disqualified post-race for fuel irregularities after inspection. In 1989, Boutsen finished fourth in his first year with Williams-Renault.

“F1 is the best”

Boutsen is completely relaxed in the Masters Historic Racing tent, as he waits for his second race. “It is indeed much more fun driving a Formula 1 car without the pressure to perform, as you endure it during your professional career. I’m only doing the one race, I have no ambition to restart a career in historic racing. But this was simply a terrific opportunity, to be able to drive an F1 car here.”

“I have to say, I needed to readjust a bit at first, it didn’t all come naturally as it used to. But after a few laps, I felt the old habits come back. It’s like riding a bicycle, you don’t forget how to do it. And for a racer, nothing beats the driving feeling you experience in a Formula 1 car. It’s the best thing you will ever drive. Of course, you leave a bit of margin here, but it’s still a lot of fun.”

Tom Pryce Shadow

Boutsen is driving a Shadow DN5, raced by Tom Pryce in the 1975 season. It was the year the young British talent won the Race of Champions in the Shadow-Cosworth, held outside of the F1 championship, in March at Brands Hatch.

For Thierry Boutsen, this generation of Cosworth-powered F1s precedes the car he made his debut in. “Even if my Arrows had a Cosworth engine as well.” During our chat, the Belgian stresses how much he is here to just have a bit of fun, but in his second race, we see none of that. Boutsen had a troublesome first race, relegating him to the back of the grid for the second race.

From the back to the front

In typical Spa weather – five minutes of rain followed by sun, and then more rain – the Belgian wastes no time. In the matter of just a few laps, he has carved his way to the front, showing his wet-weather skills are still intact. In the end, he finishes fourth among the faster cars and second in his class. That’s just the thing with these guys, the talent will always shine through.

Highlights here.