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 March 1981: The Seasons That Began Late
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
On 15 March, Formula One history shows that even the start of a season cannot always be taken for granted.
In 1981, political conflict between FISA and the FOCA teams had already disrupted the championship calendar. With the Argentine Grand Prix postponed and a controversial non-championship race held in South Africa, the World Championship effectively began on the streets of Long Beach, where Alan Jones led a Williams one–two finish in the United States Grand Prix West.
More than three decades later, the 2015 Australian Grand Prix opened another season in Melbourne, confirming Mercedes’ dominance of the hybrid era as Lewis Hamilton led teammate Nico Rosberg to a commanding victory.
But in 2020, the Australian Grand Prix became the race that never happened. As the COVID-19 pandemic spread across the world, the event was cancelled just hours before practice was due to begin — delaying the start of the Formula One season and bringing the sport to a sudden halt.
Three very different moments, all tied to one date — when Formula One’s seasons didn’t start quite as planned.
Music by #Mubert Music Rendering