Martin Donnelly is an ex-Formula One driver, an FIA Formula One driver steward, a chief instructor and brand ambassador to Lotus Cars, and a household name amongst many racing and track day enthusiasts.
With over 40 years of motorsport experience, Martin has developed Donnelly Track Academy to combine with those sharing his passion, by offering coaching to both amateur and professional drivers alike.
"Almost everything in the summer blockbuster “F1 the Movie” is fictional, but the protagonist’s spine-chilling origin story really happened exactly as depicted on screen.
Brad Pitt’s character Sonny Hayes is haunted by a high-speed crash which initially cost him his Formula One dream, but for the man who survived that crash in real life, there would be no Hollywood ending.
In 1990, Martin Donnelly was a promising British racing driver with the Lotus Formula One team, but a suspension failure in a practice session for the Spanish Grand Prix sent him hurtling into the Armco barrier at around 160 miles per hour. The aftermath is one of the most horrifying scenes ever witnessed in motorsport. . ."
"Joining Ben and Nicola on this week's Midweek F1 Podcast for the lowdown from the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa is Martin Donnelly, who is the inspiration for Brad Pitt's character, 'Sonny Hayes', in F1: The Movie."
"Martin Donnelly has reflected on the life-threatening crash that ended his Formula 1 career, which was recently recreated in the Brad Pitt "F1" movie . . ."
"The Chapman Family were pleased to welcome guests to East Carleton Manor, for this, the second celebration of Hazel & Colin Heritage. The 2024 Garden Party over the weekend of June 15-16 saw the first ever gathering of one example of each of the first 12 Lotus car designs, the Mark 1 to the Type 14. This historic variety of innovative car designs took Colin and Hazel Chapman on their extraordinary journey from the humble lock-up in North London, to the glamour of the Monaco Grand Prix - and beyond - in just 10 years."
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"In 1990 Martin Donnelly survived one of the largest Formula 1 accidents in the history of the sport, it ended his career only hours after signing his dream contract. From humble beginnings in Belfast, we learn this true story through the words of the man who knows it best; Martin himself. A truly compelling story of reaching for your dreams and dealing with adversity."
Watch now on F1TV
Documentary
"Former F1 driver Martin Donnelly sits down with David Coulthard and Eddie Jordan. The Northern Irishman remembers growing up in Belfast in the 1970s, racing against future F1 drivers in Formula 3 and forming a special relationship with a three-time F1 world champion."
Listen to PART 1 - Racing in F3 & Bonding with Senna now on Spotify
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"We covered everything from his beginning in racing, hopping over the Boarding School walls to go racing, doing it for the love of getting behind the wheel, getting noticed in the press and within the racing world, progressing through the series to link up with Eddie Jordan, controversy at Knockhill Racing Circuit, staying on Damon Hill's good side, the famous "Rat Pack" of terrific drivers & characters, getting F1 deals done, car setups, the BTCC and his involvement with the title winning INFINITI cars, and of course that horrendous accident at Circuito de Jerez that nearly claimed his life... and his staggering recovery... "
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Live video interview
"This week, F1 racing driver Martin Donnelly joins John Marcar and a very special guest host Miles Lacey for the latest Driven Chat Podcast. Martin Donnelly is perhaps best known as the survivor of a horrifying 170mph crash whilst testing his Lotus F1 car at the Jerez Circuit in 1990. It was a crash that would end his F1 career but against all odds, not his life..."
Listen now on Spotify
Available on all major podcast platforms
