Michael Schumacher's first F1 team-mate - mercurial racer, currency broker, tragic death
dailystar.co.ukREAD MORE: 7 sport stars with surprisingly big net worth - billionaire tennis ace to Barcelona flopThe mercurial Italian started his F1 career at Alfa Romeo in 1980, with his debut finishing after just eight laps as a result of engine failure.
In his second outing, de Cesaris tangled with Derek Daly and crashed after two laps. He moved to McLaren the following year.During his spell at McLaren the nickname ‘Andrea de Crasheris’ was earned, having crashed 19 times that year, and managing only to finish 6 of the 14 races he started that year.
Team boss Ron Dennis grew so upset with the Italian’s frequent mishaps that not only did he not extend his driver’s contract, he never signed an Italian driver to McLaren again.Moving back to Alfa Romeo, de Cesaris became the youngest man ever, at 22, to take pole position at Long Beach Grand Prix.
Whilst leading the race, a bout of road rage took over, angrily shaking his fist at the backmarker who had forced him wide. As a result, de Cesaris forgot to change gear, hitting the rev limiter, allowing the returning Niki Lauder in second to overtake him and win the race.
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