Chequered Past
Chequered Past is a Formula 1 history podcast that dives deep into iconic races, legendary drivers, and forgotten moments from motorsport’s rich and dramatic past. Each episode revisits Grand Prix events that took place on the same date in history, uncovering fascinating stories, on-track controversies, and the evolution of F1 through the decades. Whether you're a lifelong fan or new to the sport, Chequered Past offers compelling insights and nostalgia-fuelled storytelling from the world’s fastest sport.
Chequered Past
9th July 1989: The Move That Shook F1
Career-defining moves take centre stage in this episode of Chequered Past, as we look back at three seismic moments in Formula 1 history.
At the 1989 French Grand Prix, Alain Prost delivered a dominant win at Paul Ricard — his fourth on home soil — just as he publicly confirmed his impending departure from McLaren. The win came amid rising tension with Ayrton Senna and marked a turning point in one of F1’s most intense rivalries. The race also featured a terrifying opening-lap crash and the quiet debut of future fan-favourite Jean Alesi.
Fast forward to 2006, and another bombshell landed: Juan Pablo Montoya stunned the paddock by announcing he was leaving F1 with immediate effect to race in NASCAR, trading Woking for Watkins Glen and closing the book on a brilliant but turbulent Grand Prix career.
And at Silverstone in 2023, the spotlight shifted to a new generation. Lando Norris thrilled home fans by jumping Max Verstappen at the start and finishing a brilliant second — signalling McLaren’s resurgence and cementing his place as Britain’s next F1 star.
From exits and arrivals to a glimpse of the future, this is the story of the moves that shook Formula 1.
Music by #Mubert Music Rendering