F1's 2005 Indianapolis Disaster: When Michelin Left Only Six Cars on the Grid

Twenty-one years ago, the 2005 United States Grand Prix at Indianapolis turned into an unprecedented farce when only six cars started the race. With mid-race tire changes banned, Michelin's rubber could not safely survive the banked Turn 13 on the newly resurfaced track, forcing all 14 of its customer teams to withdraw after the formation lap.

Why it matters:

The scandal severely damaged F1's credibility in America. The sight of a near-empty grid and furious fans left lasting scars on the sport's U.S. reputation that persisted for years.

The details:

• Ralf Schumacher's Toyota suffered a violent tire failure at the banked Turn 13 during Friday practice, with stand-in Ricardo Zonta's identical failure confirming that Michelin's tires could not last a full race distance.
• Michelin proposed a temporary chicane, tire change dispensation, or flying in a different specification, but the FIA rejected every option to preserve fairness for Bridgestone teams.
• Only six Bridgestone-shod cars remained. Michael Schumacher won ahead of Ferrari teammate Rubens Barrichello, while Jordan's Tiago Monteiro secured a hollow maiden podium.
• Sauber's Felipe Massa summed up the paddock mood, calling the episode "bad for the sport."

The big picture:

The race became a low-water mark for F1's American ambitions, hastening the sport's departure from Indianapolis after 2007. Yet considering the massive U.S. growth F1 has since achieved, the event stands as proof that even the worst reputational crises can be overcome.