Chequered Past

28th September 2008: The Night Race That Cast a Shadow

Martin Elliot Season 1 Episode 120

On this day in Formula 1 history, the sport staged its first-ever night race at Singapore in 2008 — a dazzling spectacle that would later be darkened by scandal. 

In this episode, we revisit the drama of Crashgate, the pitlane chaos that cost Felipe Massa dearly, and the pivotal swing that helped Lewis Hamilton towards his first world title. 

We also celebrate the birthday of Mika Häkkinen, remembering his championships, his rivalry with Schumacher, and his heartbreak at the 1997 Luxembourg Grand Prix. 

Speaking of that race, we relive Jacques Villeneuve’s crucial win, the Schumacher brothers’ clash, and the double McLaren heartbreak that reshaped the title fight. 

Finally, we turn back to Montreal in 1980, where Alan Jones emerged from chaos, pile-ups and penalties to claim the World Championship and mark the rise of Williams as a Formula 1 powerhouse. 

Cover Image: By chensiyuan, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link

Music by #Mubert Music Rendering