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
15th November 2020: The Day That Hamilton Matched Schumi's Seven
On this episode of Chequered Past, we explore three very different chapters of racing history — each defined by mastery, resilience, and turning points.
We begin in 2020 at Istanbul Park, where freezing temperatures, a newly resurfaced circuit and relentless rain turned the Turkish Grand Prix into a treacherous skating rink. While champions and contenders slid helplessly, Lewis Hamilton rose above the chaos, reading the changing conditions better than anyone and delivering one of the most complete drives of his career to equal Michael Schumacher’s seven world titles.
From there, we turn back to the 1950s to trace the story of Jerry Unser, the eldest of the legendary Unser brothers. Though his time in top-level motorsport was short and ended in tragedy, Jerry’s pioneering spirit laid the foundations for one of America’s greatest racing dynasties — one that would go on to dominate the Indianapolis 500 for decades.
Finally, we head to Adelaide in 1987 for a season finale shaped by heat, attrition and a resurgent Ferrari. In a commanding display, Gerhard Berger delivered a rare grand chelem — pole, fastest lap and every lap led — to head a Ferrari 1–2 after Ayrton Senna’s disqualification.
Three eras, three stories — all connected by moments when drivers and teams rose to meet extreme challenges.
Cover Image: By Eustace Bagge, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Music by #Mubert Music Rendering