THE BIG QUESTIONS
Watching the Tour de France, I noticed that the riders who used to be called Team Sky, Team Ineos, are now Ineos Grenadiers – some military connection? – W
Team Ineos are owned by billionaire chemical engineer, financier and industrialist Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who bought over Team Sky in 2019.
The name change is purely commercial, as Ratcliffe is using it to publicise a new car he is launching, the Ineos Grenadier 4x4.
The UK has produced the most Formula 1 world champions, but have we also produced the most drivers? –T
The UK has produced the most world champions, with 10 men – Mike Hawthorn, Graham Hill, Jim Clark, John Surtees, Jackie Stewart, James Hunt, Nigel Mansell, Damon Hill, Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button – taking the title.
There have been 775 drivers since the championship began at the 1950 British Grand Prix, from 39 countries. Again, the UK tops the list, with 169 drivers who have taken part in the 1,027 races. Indonesia became the latest to be represented in 2016, via Rio Haryanto at the Australian Grand Prix.
I’m just guessing, but has Nick Hewer presented more episodes of Countdown than anyone else apart from Richard Whiteley? – D
Nick joined the show in 2012 and has presented just over 1,500 episodes.
Des Lynam was host for 289 episodes, Des O’Connor for 470 episodes and Jeff Stelling was in charge for 657 shows.
Of course Richard Whiteley leads the way, having presented 3,882 editions of the quiz show.