In this episode of Chequered Past, we relive the move that lit up Silverstone—Nigel Mansell’s unforgettable overtake on teammate Nelson Piquet during the 1987 British Grand Prix. With fresh tyres, relentless pace, and a roaring home crowd behind him, Mansell produced one of the most iconic moments in Formula One history.

We also celebrate the birthday of Guy Ligier, the no-nonsense Frenchman who transformed from rugby bruiser to F1 team boss and built a team that became a national institution. And we revisit the controversial and confusing finish to the 1998 British Grand Prix, where Michael Schumacher somehow won while serving a penalty… in the pit lane.

It’s a story of daring drives, eccentric team owners, and one very peculiar chequered flag.

Original Image: Honda Racing Gallery 1987 Williams FW11B Nelson Piquet

Creator: BWard 1997

Licensed under CC BY 4.0. Image has been adapted

Music by #Mubert Music Rendering

On this day in Formula One history: a title fight is turned on its head, a fearless talent is lost too soon, and a new British Grand Prix venue makes its debut.

We look back at the 1999 British Grand Prix, where Michael Schumacher’s high-speed crash at Stowe broke more than just his leg — it shattered Ferrari’s championship plan and thrust Eddie Irvine into the spotlight. We also honour Pedro Rodríguez, the brilliant and courageous Mexican driver who died on this day in 1971, and revisit the 1964 British Grand Prix at Brands Hatch, where Jim Clark delivered a masterclass in the circuit’s first time hosting F1’s biggest event.

Music by #Mubert Music Rendering

On this day in Formula One history, controversy reigned at Silverstone. We revisit the 1994 British Grand Prix, where Michael Schumacher’s refusal to serve a stop-go penalty — and Benetton’s failure to respect a black flag — sparked one of the sport’s most dramatic disciplinary showdowns. The fallout reshaped the championship and handed Damon Hill an emotional home victory.

We also celebrate the birthday of Jean-Pierre Jarier, the flamboyant Frenchman known for his pace, personality, and near misses, and recall Jim Clark’s composed but gritty win at the 1965 British Grand Prix — a performance marked by oil pressure trouble and mechanical restraint.

Music by #Mubert Music Rendering