What did F1 drivers do after racing? Zanardi, Alguersuari and more

While there’s no shortage of former Formula 1 drivers visible on any F1 broadcast, retired drivers don’t always go into punditry after their time behind the wheel – some drivers take on different careers entirely.

• F1 starts: 46 (2009 – 2011
)• F1 wins:
0• F1 championships: 0

Spaniard, Jaime Victor Alguersuari Escudero (to give his full name) joined the ranks of F1 drivers in 2009 with Toro Rosso, the move into the team coming after having his talents nurtured as part of the Red Bull Junior programme. Despite being the youngest- ever F1 driver at the time of his debut, his time in the world of F1 was brief and without notable success. He did make the top 10 in a few races, his best season being his final year in 2011.

Even while still racing though, Jaime was pursuing another career in music. This is not unique among F1 drivers but whereas, for example, former F1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve’s album Private Paradise has been met with complete indifference, Alguersuari has achieved notable success in this field. In line with his quoted philosophy of reinvention and the pursuit of new objectives he has adopted DJ Squire as his identity within the music world and his debut album Organic Life topped the iTunes chart 5 days after its release.

Jaime has his own studio in this native Barcelona and led the 2010 Music Conference there. He hasn’t limited his artistic output to music, also having dabbled in the world of acting . However, it is his music that continues to provide the most success since hanging up his crash helmet. With a style described as being “jazz like” he mixes styles and influences, from long held musical traditions to cutting edge electronic sounds.

With releases through a number of labels and live sets at well-known venues, the fame of DJ Squire may have already eclipsed that of Alguersuari the grand prix driver.

Pedro Diniz

Photo by: Sutton Images

• F1 starts: 98 (1995 – 2000)
• F1 wins: 0
• F1 championships: 0

Brazilian Diniz joined the Forti F1 team in 1995 before moving to Ligier then Arrows and Sauber. Although he drove in six seasons he only managed to amass 10 points in that time. His best results were two fifth places, one in 1997 and one in 1998, both with Arrows. His career was marked by bad luck, retiring from far more races than he finished.

After his driving career came to an end…