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
18th July 1976: The Controversy That Nearly Cost a Championship
On this day in Formula One history, two of the sport’s fiercest title fights were rocked by controversy. In our main story, we return to Brands Hatch in 1976, where James Hunt thrilled the home crowd with a stunning British Grand Prix win — only to have it stripped weeks later in a ruling that nearly derailed his championship bid.
We then head to Silverstone in 1981, where John Watson gave McLaren its first win in years and ushered in a new era of F1 design with the carbon fibre MP4/1.
Finally, we revisit the explosive 2021 British Grand Prix, when Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen collided at Copse Corner — a clash that ignited one of the most intense title battles in recent memory.
Three races. Two championship flashpoints. One day where Formula One’s margins were razor-thin.
Image: James Hunt British GP 1976 by Martin Lee licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Music by #Mubert Music Rendering