‘Medieval war at the Osterreichring’; — from the archives
Österreichring, austria, August 13, 1972 It is easy to forget that the permanent race-track, in the hills overlooking the village of Zeltweg, was opened only three years ago. Even before…
As US Air Force One touched safely down, STP Pontiac number 43 raced past it on the parallel back straight of Daytona. Its driver was in the midst of one…
Even before you meet Mario Andretti, the bare statistics tell you this man is unique. In a full-time career lasting an astonishing 35 seasons, he was a winner in F1,…
Only six Mexican drivers have ever raced in Formula 1 — but each has left their mark on the world championship. Matt Bishop looks back on their careers
Most people associate that iconic image of Colin McRae pirouetting his Subaru in Saltire-soaked jubilation at Chester race course with the moment that he won the 1995 World Rally Championship…
So many victories slipped from his grasp that Nigel Mansell could perhaps fill this series on his own. Indeed he could single-handedly keep The Championship That Got Away going for…
I’m sitting outside a bistro in the warm Paris sunshine, enjoying a pre-lunch aperitif with Henri Pescarolo. Not for nothing is this man known as Monsieur Le Mans. He has…
The true value of most great technological breakthroughs can usually only be appreciated with the benefit of hindsight. Life didn’t change the moment Karl Benz first swung his Motorwagen into…
Niki Lauda was on course to win the F1 title for Ferrari by the time of the 1977 Italian GP but, after announcing he'd be leaving the team, the tifosi booed him before a fascinating race as he battled Mario Andretti, team-mate Carlos Reutemann, and old foe James Hunt
"For a single decade, racing was my life. During my years in the cockpit I built friendships and rivalries with flamboyant drivers, eccentric team owners - and the odd character…
The first world title 1963 The year of Profumo, great train robbers, ‘loveable mop tops’ – and the grassy knoll. In its midst, a quiet Scottish hill farmer delivered on…
We’ve noted before the potency of the motor-racing gene, the father-and-son successions such as the Hills and the Villeneuves, and dynasties from the Unsers to the Andrettis. More rarely, a…
Just imagine for a moment that it’s the spring of 1962. The telephone rings and your friend and employer on the other end asks you to fly to Italy and…
You’ve heard the words of caution. Audi, in advance of its Formula 1 arrival in 2026, is already speaking in hushed tones about needing a couple of seasons to gain…
In 1928, having taken the Land Speed Record four times but recently lost it once more, Campbell is determined to regain it and is searching for a suitable course to unleash…
James Hunt was the first Grand Prix driver I really disliked. It was, I suppose, a result of me being a member of the establishment, schooled in manners and diplomacy…
Phil Hill, who in September 1961 became America’s first Formula 1 world drivers’ champion, began his climb to the top 11 years earlier with his maiden significant victory. That happened…