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
10th September 1961: The Glory That Came with Grief
On this day in Formula One history, 10th September, Monza delivered moments of triumph and heartbreak in equal measure.
In 1961, Ferrari dominated qualifying with a 1–2–3–4 grid lockout, but the race ended in disaster as Wolfgang von Trips and 15 spectators lost their lives, even as Phil Hill became America’s first World Champion.
Seventeen years later in 1978, Mario Andretti clinched the title at Monza, but celebrations were overshadowed by the tragic death of his teammate Ronnie Peterson.
Between those tragedies, the 1967 Italian Grand Prix produced one of the greatest individual drives in F1 history, as Jim Clark fought back from a puncture and a lap down to retake the lead, only to run dry on the final lap.
And in 1995, Monza once again proved unpredictable, with Johnny Herbert seizing victory after chaos struck Ferrari, Williams, and Benetton’s title leader Michael Schumacher.
This episode, “The Glory That Came with Grief”, explores the highs and lows that make Monza one of Formula One’s most evocative venues—where joy and sorrow have often gone hand in hand.
Cover Image: By Harry Pot, CC BY-SA 3.0 nl, Link
Music by #Mubert Music Rendering