Anthony Davidson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Anthony Davidson
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Davidson in 2019
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| Born |
Anthony Denis Davidson
18 April 1979 Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, England
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| Spouse(s) |
Carrie Bond
(m. 2006) |
| Children | 2 |
| FIA World Endurance Championship career | |
| Years active | 2012–2021 |
| Teams | Toyota, DragonSpeed, Jota |
| Starts | 59 |
| Championships | 1 (2014) |
| Wins | 13 |
| Podiums | 31 |
| Poles | 4 |
| Fastest laps | 2 |
| Best finish | 1st in 2014 (LMP1) |
| Formula One World Championship career | |
| Nationality |  British |
| Active years | 2002, 2005, 2007–2008 |
| Teams | Minardi, BAR, Super Aguri |
| Entries | 24 (24 starts) |
| Championships | 0 |
| Wins | 0 |
| Podiums | 0 |
| Career points | 0 |
| Pole positions | 0 |
| Fastest laps | 0 |
| First entry | 2002 Hungarian Grand Prix |
| Last entry | 2008 Spanish Grand Prix |
| 24 Hours of Le Mans career | |
| Years | 2003, 2009–2017, 2019–2021 |
| Teams | Prodrive, Aston Martin, Peugeot, Toyota, DragonSpeed, Jota |
| Best finish | 2nd (2013) |
| Class wins | 0 |
Anthony Denis Davidson (born 18 April 1979) is a British former racing driver and broadcaster. He competed in Formula One, the highest class of international racing, between 2002 and 2008.
Anthony also had great success in endurance racing. He won the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2014 with the Toyota team. After his racing career, he became a well-known commentator and expert for racing on TV.
Contents
Early Racing Days
Anthony Davidson was born in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, England. He started kart racing when he was just eight years old in 1987. He quickly became very good, winning three British championships and one Italian championship.
In 1999, he moved into single-seater cars, which are cars with open wheels like Formula One cars. He raced in Formula Ford and won a big event called the British Formula Ford Festival. The next year, he was almost champion in British Formula Ford and won the prestigious McLaren/Autosport Young Driver of the Year Award.
In 2001, Anthony raced in the British Formula Three championship. He finished second overall, showing he was one of the best young drivers. He also won the famous Pau Grand Prix and the FIA European Formula Three Cup.
Formula One Adventures
Starting with BAR and Minardi
In late 2000, Anthony Davidson joined the British American Racing (BAR) Formula One team as a test driver. Test drivers help teams develop their cars and practice.
In 2002, he got his first chance to race in Formula One with the Minardi team. He filled in for another driver for two races. Even though he had to retire from both races, his lap times were very close to his experienced teammate, Mark Webber.
He continued as a test driver for BAR, which later became Honda. In 2004, he became a "third driver," which meant he could drive an extra car during Friday practice sessions at races. This was a great way for him to show his speed and help the team test tires and car setups.
In 2005, he got another chance to race for BAR when his teammate was unwell. However, his engine broke down early in the race.
Driving for Super Aguri
In 2007, Anthony finally got a full-time racing seat with the Super Aguri team. This was his big chance to compete in every Formula One race.
During the 2007 Canadian Grand Prix, he was doing incredibly well, running in third place! But then, his car hit a groundhog on the track, which damaged his car and pushed him back to 11th place. It was a very unlucky moment that cost him his first Formula One points. He finished the season without scoring any points.
Super Aguri kept Anthony for the 2008 season, but the team faced serious money problems. Sadly, Super Aguri had to leave Formula One after only four races in 2008. This meant Anthony lost his racing seat.
Working with Mercedes
After Super Aguri, Anthony returned to Honda as a test driver. When Honda left Formula One, the team was bought and became Brawn GP. Anthony continued as a test driver there. Later, Mercedes-Benz took over the team, and Anthony stayed on as a reserve and simulator driver.
He continued this important role with the Mercedes F1 Team for many years. Even though he wasn't racing in Formula One, his work in the simulator helped the team develop their cars and win championships.
Sportscar Racing Success
After his full-time Formula One career ended, Anthony moved into sportscar racing. This type of racing often involves long-distance races with multiple drivers sharing one car.
In 2009, he raced in the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans race with Aston Martin Racing. He then joined the Peugeot team for 2010 and 2011. With Peugeot, he won several important races, including the 2010 12 Hours of Sebring and the 2011 6 Hours of Spa. These wins helped Peugeot win the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup championship.
In 2012, Anthony joined Toyota to race their new hybrid car in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Unfortunately, he had a big crash during the race and suffered some back injuries.
He recovered and continued racing with Toyota in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). In 2013, he finished second at Le Mans and third in the WEC drivers' championship.
The 2014 season was his best in sportscars. He won four races and finished third at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Most importantly, he became the 2014 World Endurance Drivers' Champion with his teammate Sébastien Buemi. This was a huge achievement!
He continued to race in WEC until 2021, even competing in the LMP2 class with teams like DragonSpeed and Jota.
Life Beyond Driving
Becoming a Commentator
Anthony Davidson is also well-known for his work as a commentator and expert. He started working with the BBC in 2009, giving his thoughts on Formula One races.
Since 2012, he has been a key part of the Sky Sports F1 team, where he provides analysis during race weekends. He is known for his detailed explanations and insights, thanks to his experience as a driver. He also commentates on the FIA World Endurance Championship races.
Video Game Advisor
Anthony has also worked as an advisor for Codemasters, the company that makes the official F1 video games. He helped them make the games more realistic and fun for players. He even appears as a commentator in the games, starting from F1 2015 all the way to F1 24.
Helmet Design
Anthony's racing helmet design is quite special. He shared that it was inspired by another racer, Eddie Cheever. When Anthony was young, he and his father, who was a graphic designer, changed Cheever's helmet colors to match the flags of the UK and the European Union. He has used this design throughout his entire racing career.
Personal Life
Anthony Davidson married his wife, Carrie, in 2006. They have two children and live in Brackley, England. His brother, Andrew Davidson, was a contestant on the first season of the reality TV show Big Brother in the UK. Anthony was also friends with the late IndyCar driver Dan Wheldon when they were growing up.
See also
In Spanish: Anthony Davidson para niños
