On this day in 2002, Michael Schumacher delivered one of the most dominant statements in Formula 1 history — sealing his fifth world title with six races to spare at the French Grand Prix. It was a clinical, strategic masterclass that ended the championship chase and cemented his place alongside Fangio in the sport’s pantheon.

We also mark the birthday of Claire Williams, whose quiet strength and leadership helped guide one of F1’s most storied teams through its modern era.

And in our final segment, we head to Hungary in 2024, where Oscar Piastri claimed his maiden Grand Prix win in a race which featured McLaren team orders, and rising tension between teammates.

It’s an episode of milestones, messages, and moments where everything changed.

Cover photo: Mschumacher 2002 by Mathieu Felten licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

Music by #Mubert Music Rendering

Silverstone has seen its fair share of drama over the decades—but nothing quite like the events of July 20, 2003. In our 50th episode, we relive the British Grand Prix that was thrown into chaos when a lone protestor ran across the track mid-race, disrupting strategies, endangering lives, and creating one of the most bizarre scenes in modern Formula 1 history. But amid the madness came a moment of redemption, as Rubens Barrichello delivered one of the greatest drives of his career to take an emotional win.

We also mark the birthday of Chris Amon—an immensely talented New Zealander who never quite got the luck he deserved—and revisit two landmark British Grands Prix: the 1957 race where Vanwall delivered a historic all-British victory, and the 1968 contest where Jo Siffert triumphed for a privateer team in a changing era.

From chaos to celebration, from heartbreak to triumph—this is Chequered Past.

Cover photo: Rubens Barrichello and Cristiano da Matta 2003 Silverstone by Martin Lee licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Music by #Mubert Music Rendering

Silverstone. Sunshine. And then – chaos.

In this episode of Chequered Past, we dive into the 1975 British Grand Prix, a race that began in dry conditions but ended in a torrential downpour that caused multiple crashes, a red flag, and a highly controversial result. Many of the leading drivers slid out in quick succession. Emerson Fittipaldi was declared the winner, but many left Silverstone wondering what might have been.

We also pay tribute to Chet Miller, and Indianapolis veteran, who tragically became the first driver to lose his life during a World Championship event on this day in 1953.

And we rewind to 1969, when Jackie Stewart delivered a commanding home victory, lapping the field on his way to British Grand Prix glory.

Music by #Mubert Music Rendering