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
16th September 2001: The Wins That Weren’t the Story
On September 16th, Formula One has witnessed landmark victories — but sometimes the spotlight has been elsewhere.
In this episode of Chequered Past, we revisit the 2001 Italian Grand Prix, where Juan Pablo Montoya finally claimed his first win, muted by the grief of 9/11 and Alex Zanardi’s devastating crash.
We move to Spa in 2007, where Ferrari sealed a one-two and clinched the Constructors’ Championship, yet the weekend was overshadowed by the tragic death of rally legend Colin McRae.
Along the way, we reflect on the life of Karl Kling, a talented Mercedes driver whose career was shaped — and overshadowed — by the Second World War and the legends around him.
And we close at Monza in 1951, where Alberto Ascari led Ferrari to their first ever 1–2 finish in a World Championship race, a breakthrough framed by their titanic season-long duel with Alfa Romeo.
These are the wins that weren’t the story — moments of triumph that history remembers differently.
Cover Image: By Peter Wright - Juan Pablo Montoya, Williams FW23, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link
Music by #Mubert Music Rendering