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
2005: The Season That Changed Everything Part 2
In the second half of our deep-dive into the 2005 Formula One season, we rejoin the story with Fernando Alonso leading the points – but Kimi Räikkönen and McLaren mounting a ferocious chase.
Part 2 follows a run of races where McLaren’s outright pace is breathtaking, yet Renault’s blend of consistency, reliability and calm decision-making keeps Alonso’s title bid on course.
We chart the key beats of the run-in:
- Germany and Hungary – Alonso wins at Hockenheim while Räikkönen retires from contention, only for Kimi to hit back with a dominant victory at the Hungaroring, cutting the gap and underlining McLaren’s speed.
- Istanbul and Monza – Räikkönen controls the inaugural Turkish Grand Prix from pole, with Alonso limiting the damage in second, before Montoya leads a McLaren victory at Monza as Alonso and Renault focus on banking points rather than taking wild risks.
- Spa and Suzuka – Kimi produces two of the defining drives of his career: victory at a wet-dry Belgian Grand Prix, then that unforgettable Suzuka charge from 17th on the grid, completed with a last-lap pass on Giancarlo Fisichella for the win, while Alonso scores important podiums to keep the title firmly in his hands.
- Brazil and China – In São Paulo, a McLaren 1–2 isn’t enough to stop Alonso clinching the World Championship with third place, becoming the youngest F1 champion in history at the time. In Shanghai, Alonso signs off Renault’s season with another victory as McLaren’s constructors’ challenge falters with Juan Pablo Montoya’s retirement and Räikkönen forced to settle for second.
Across Part 2, we explore:
- How McLaren’s relentless speed produced some of the most memorable wins of the V10 era
- How Renault’s strategy and reliability quietly won them both titles
- How Alonso’s measured approach contrasted with Räikkönen’s attacking style – and why, over a season, that difference mattered
This episode completes the story of a season where regulation changes toppled Ferrari’s dynasty, McLaren often had the fastest car but not the biggest trophy, and a 24-year-old Spaniard rewrote the record books.
Join us as we relive Räikkönen’s greatest charges, Renault’s decisive calls, and Alonso’s coronation as World Champion – from racing’s rich and chequered past.
Music by #Mubert Music Rendering