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
12th September 2021: The Comebacks That Came at Monza
On this day, Formula One’s stage at Monza has seen comebacks of every kind — from redemption and resilience to sheer survival.
In our main feature, we relive the 2021 Italian Grand Prix, where Daniel Ricciardo silenced the doubters with a brilliant victory, leading McLaren to their first 1–2 finish in over a decade. It was a comeback for both driver and team, made possible by the dramatic clash between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen that changed the course of the season.
We also look back to 1976, when Niki Lauda stunned the world by returning to the cockpit just six weeks after his near-fatal Nürburgring crash, bravely finishing fourth against all odds. In 1982, Ferrari salvaged pride at home with a double podium for Patrick Tambay and Mario Andretti, showing resilience after the loss of Villeneuve and Pironi. And in 1999, Heinz-Harald Frentzen took advantage of Mika Häkkinen’s uncharacteristic mistake, keeping Jordan’s title hopes alive.
Along the way, we remember American racer Tony Bettenhausen, whose own racing legacy — and family legacy — remains an enduring story of perseverance.
From miraculous recoveries to title twists, this episode celebrates the comebacks that could only happen at Monza.
Cover Image: By Lukas Raich - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Music by #Mubert Music Rendering