On this day in Formula One history, two of the sport’s fiercest title fights were rocked by controversy. In our main story, we return to Brands Hatch in 1976, where James Hunt thrilled the home crowd with a stunning British Grand Prix win — only to have it stripped weeks later in a ruling that nearly derailed his championship bid.

We then head to Silverstone in 1981, where John Watson gave McLaren its first win in years and ushered in a new era of F1 design with the carbon fibre MP4/1.

Finally, we revisit the explosive 2021 British Grand Prix, when Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen collided at Copse Corner — a clash that ignited one of the most intense title battles in recent memory.

Three races. Two championship flashpoints. One day where Formula One’s margins were razor-thin.

Image: James Hunt British GP 1976 by Martin Lee licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Music by #Mubert Music Rendering

On this day in 1971, Jackie Stewart delivered one of the most dominant drives of his illustrious career, crushing the field at the British Grand Prix and taking a commanding step toward his second world title. In this episode, we revisit that brilliant performance at Silverstone — from Clay Regazzoni’s early lead to Stewart’s relentless pace and Tyrrell’s growing might.

We also pay tribute to motorsport legends past and present:
🧠 Juan Manuel Fangio, the quiet genius who passed away on this day in 1995 and left a legacy that still shapes Formula One.
🏎️ Ferrari’s statement win at the 1954 British Grand Prix, as José Froilán González stunned the returning Mercedes.
🕊️ And we close with the story of Jules Bianchi — the rising star whose tragic passing in 2015 changed Formula One safety forever.

A day of domination, reflection, and remembrance — this is Chequered Past.

Photo: Jackie Stewart Tyrrell 003 Brands Hatch 1971 by Martin Lee license CC BY-SA 2.0

Music by #Mubert Music Rendering

On July 16th, British drivers delivered some of the most iconic home-soil triumphs in Formula 1 history. In this episode of Chequered Past, we relive Johnny Herbert’s emotional first Grand Prix win at Silverstone in 1995 — a victory born from chaos and crowned by resilience.

We also rewind to Stirling Moss’s breakthrough at Aintree in 1955, where he became the first British driver to win the British Grand Prix, and to James Hunt’s storming Silverstone success in 1977, a rare high point in a turbulent title defence.

It’s a day when the Union Jack flew highest and British pride took centre stage.

Original Image: Johnny Herbert - Benetton B195 at the 1995 British Grand Prix, Silverstone (49720286518)

By Martin Lee licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Music by #Mubert Music Rendering