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
25th November 2012: The Race That Tested Nerves and Talent
25 November in motorsport history brings together a trio of stories defined by pressure, resilience, and the ability to perform when everything feels on a knife-edge.
Our main feature revisits the 2012 Brazilian Grand Prix, one of Formula 1’s most chaotic and emotionally charged finales. From Sebastian Vettel’s first-lap spin and damaged Red Bull to the endlessly shifting weather, collisions, strategies, and championship permutations, Interlagos delivered a title decider that demanded both nerve and brilliance from every contender. It was the day Vettel fought back from last place to secure a historic third straight championship.
We also celebrate the remarkable life of Slim Borgudd, the Swedish session drummer who swapped stages for racetracks and carved out a place in Formula 1 through sheer determination and talent. His journey from playing with ABBA to scoring a world championship point is one of the sport’s most endearing and unlikely tales.
Finally, we turn to the 2018 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, a season finale defined not by drama but by reflection. Lewis Hamilton capped a dominant year with an eleventh win, Daniel Ricciardo bid farewell to Red Bull, and Fernando Alonso closed a chapter of his long and storied F1 career under the Yas Marina lights.
A day of battles, transitions, and extraordinary characters, The Race That Tested Nerves and Talent captures motorsport at its most unpredictable — and its most human.
Cover image: By Josh Hallett, USA - United States Grand Prix - Qualifying, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link
Music by #Mubert Music Rendering