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
22nd November 2014: The Grids That Would Decide The Title
In today’s episode of Chequered Past, we explore the qualifying sessions that shaped championship showdowns and defined the destiny of entire seasons.
We begin under the Abu Dhabi lights in 2014, where Nico Rosberg delivered one of his finest laps just as Lewis Hamilton held all the cards in the title fight. The final grid of the hybrid era’s first season set the tone for a tense and historic decider.
Then we jump to Las Vegas 2024, where George Russell stunned the paddock with a pole position few expected, Pierre Gasly delivered the best qualifying result of his career, and a dramatic, delayed Q3 shaped a grid that left the championship narrative wide open.
We also mark the birthday of Chase Carey, the executive whose leadership transformed Formula 1’s commercial model, expanded its U.S. footprint, and laid the groundwork for its modern global boom.
Finally, we trace the long and colourful history of Grand Prix racing in Las Vegas — from the Caesars Palace car-park circuit of the early ’80s, through the IndyCar years and the tragedy of 2011, to Liberty Media’s revival of F1 on the neon-lit Strip.
It’s a story of drama, reinvention, and the Saturdays that set up the Sundays we’ll never forget.
Join us as we uncover more from racing’s rich and chequered past.
Music by #Mubert Music Rendering