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
20th November 1960: The Drama That Came After The Titles Were Decided
On this day in motorsport history, the championships were already settled — but the drama was far from over.
In today’s episode, we revisit the 1960 United States Grand Prix at Riverside, a race held as the sun set on the 2.5-litre era. With Ferrari absent and the titles wrapped up, you might expect a procession — yet instead, Stirling Moss delivered a masterclass, Lotus scored a dominant 1–2, Jim Hall pushed his car across the line to finish seventh, and a young Jim Clark nursed a failing water pump to reach the chequered flag in his first American Grand Prix.
We then celebrate the birthday of Stefan Bellof, one of racing’s brightest and briefest stars. From his extraordinary 6:11.13 lap of the Nürburgring Nordschleife to his electrifying drives in Formula One, Bellof’s story reminds us that greatness isn’t always measured in championships.
Finally, we look back at the 2022 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, a season-ender with the titles long decided — yet still full of tension and emotion. Max Verstappen sealed a record-breaking 15th win, Charles Leclerc clinched second in the championship after a strategic duel with Sergio Pérez, and Sebastian Vettel bowed out of Formula One with a final point and a paddock-wide farewell.
Even when the trophies are already engraved, Formula One has a way of delivering compelling theatre.
The Drama That Came After the Titles Were Decided brings together three moments that prove the stories don’t stop when the championships do.
Music by #Mubert Music Rendering