Unbelievable scenes: just six drivers take the start at the US GP

The 2005 United States Grand Prix, held on the same circuit as the legendary Indianapolis 500—though with a different layout from the IndyCar configuration—was heavily influenced by what happened to Ralf Schumacher during practice.

The German suffered a crash caused by a tyre failure at the banked oval corner, an area subjected to immense stress.

Following the incident, it became clear that all Michelin-shod cars—14 out of 20 on the grid—were facing serious safety concerns regarding their rear tyres. The French manufacturer informed the FIA that it could not guarantee the required level of safety for the full race distance.

It was therefore proposed to introduce a temporary chicane before the final corner to limit top speeds through the banked section and reduce the load on the tyres — or alternatively, to allow tyre changes during the race, something that was forbidden at the time.

However, both proposals were rejected by the FIA, as the regulations did not permit circuit modifications or such exceptions.

As a result, during the formation lap, all Michelin-equipped teams — Renault, McLaren, Williams, Toyota, BAR, and Red Bull — chose to return to the pits rather than take the start. Only six cars — the Ferraris, the Jordans, and the Minardis — lined up on the grid, in what became one of the most embarrassing moments in Formula 1 history.

The six remaining cars were the two Ferraris, the two Jordans, and the two Minardis — all fitted with Bridgestone tyres, and therefore not affected by the safety concerns.

The race was, unsurprisingly, dominated by Ferrari, who faced no real competition. Michael Schumacher went on to take victory ahead of his teammate Rubens Barrichello, while Tiago Monteiro, driving for Jordan, finished third — earning the first and only podium of his Formula 1 career.