Williams’ mid-90s dominance takes centre stage as we revisit the 1996 Hungarian Grand Prix—the day a calm, clinical 1–2 for Jacques Villeneuve and Damon Hill wrapped up the Constructors’ Championship with four races to spare. We unpack how strategy, traffic, and late pressure shaped the result, and why this was the moment the FW18’s superiority translated into silverware.

We also pause to remember Tazio Nuvolari, who died on 11 August 1953. From motorcycles to Grand Prix cars, “Il Mantovano Volante” redefined bravery and racecraft; we reflect on his greatest wins and the enduring legacy that drew tens of thousands to his funeral in Mantua.

Finally, we wind back to the 1991 Hungarian Grand Prix for Ayrton Senna’s pole-to-flag masterclass at a circuit where track position is everything—plus the supporting cast that made it memorable, from Nigel Mansell’s chase to Bertrand Gachot’s fastest lap for the upstart Jordan team.

Cover Image: Jacques Villeneuve 1996 by Rdikeman at the English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0

Music by #Mubert Music Rendering

In this episode of Chequered Past, we relive one of Formula One’s greatest “what might have been” moments – the 1997 Hungarian Grand Prix. Damon Hill, in the unfancied Arrows, produced a drive for the ages, leading Michael Schumacher and Jacques Villeneuve with ease… until a cruel late hydraulic failure snatched victory away on the final lap.

We also celebrate the birthday of Argentina’s Carlos Alberto Menditéguy – a remarkable sporting all-rounder who excelled not only in Grand Prix racing but also as a world-class polo player, golfer, and athlete.

Finally, we turn the clock back to 1986, when Formula One crossed the Iron Curtain for the very first time. The inaugural Hungarian Grand Prix brought Nelson Piquet and Ayrton Senna together in a thrilling battle, played out in front of a record Eastern Bloc crowd.

From underdog heroics to Cold War breakthroughs, it’s a day of drama, talent, and history – all on 10 August.

Cover image: Damon Hill 1997 Arrows Yamaha Hungary by Race27 under CC BY-SA 3.0

Music by #Mubert Music Rendering

In a perfectly timed coincidence, Episode 70 of Chequered Past celebrates the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix — a landmark 2020 race where Max Verstappen and Red Bull tore up the script to end Mercedes’ dominance with a bold hard-tyre strategy.

We also mark the birthday of Patrick Depailler, the charismatic Frenchman backed by Elf whose fearless spirit brought joy, style, and tragedy to Formula 1.

And we revisit the 1987 Hungarian Grand Prix, where Nelson Piquet seized a decisive mid-season victory as the championship battle intensified.

Three stories. One date. And this time, two seventies.

Cover Photo: Max Verstappen, 2020 pre-season testing by Jen Ross (CC BY 2.0)

Music by #Mubert Music Rendering