Jonathan Palmer

Jonathan Charles Palmer (7 November 1956 - Present): British racing driver from London who competed in Formula One from 1983 to 1989. Achieved 1 podium and 14 championship points across 83 races with Williams, RAM, Zakspeed, and Tyrrell. Uniquely qualified as a medical doctor from Guy's Hospital, London, before pursuing racing full-time. Won the 1981 British Formula 3 Championship and 1983 European Formula Two Championship.

Made F1 debut with Williams in 1983, scoring fourth place on debut at European Grand Prix. His career highlight came with third place at the 1987 Australian Grand Prix for Tyrrell, his only podium. Also won the Jim Clark Trophy in 1987 for naturally aspirated engine runners. At Zakspeed (1985-1987), drove uncompetitive machinery but demonstrated determination and consistency. After retiring from F1 in 1989, Palmer became a successful motorsport entrepreneur, founding PalmerSport driving experience center at Bedford Autodrome and MotorSport Vision (MSV), which owns and operates several British racing circuits including Brands Hatch, Oulton Park, Snetterton, Cadwell Park, and Donington Park.

His son Jolyon Palmer competed in F1 with Renault (2016-2017). Jonathan Palmer's post-racing business success arguably exceeded his on-track achievements.