Michael Thackwell (born 30 March 1961 in Papakura, Auckland, New Zealand) is a former racing driver, who participated in a number of prominent racing categories, including Formula One. The fifth youngest driver ever to qualify for a Grand Prix, he participated in five of them, making his first start on 28 September 1980 at the Canadian Grand Prix. He scored no championship points. He had previously attempted unsuccessfully to qualify for the Dutch Grand Prix which was held on 31 August 1980.