Opinions

Jo Siffert: 55 years ago, the Swiss Grand Prix star died at Brands Hatch

The Swiss driver Jo Siffert was fast on both two and four wheels and had worked his way up from rag-and-bone man to Formula 1 star. One of the finest drivers of his era died on 24 October 1971.

History of the US Grand Prix: Ahead of the World Championship race in Austin – plenty of vicarious embarrassment in America

Formula 1 has established itself in the USA: thanks to the US Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas (Austin, Texas), thanks to Miami (since 2022), and thanks to the return to Las Vegas (since 2023). It wasn’t always like that.

US Grand Prix, Austin, Texas: Brace yourself for a pretty wild ride

The Circuit of the Americas near Austin (Texas) is one of the most exciting race tracks, featuring 20 corners. Join us on a wild ride through the region, its people and the track itself, with 20 facts about COTA.

Daniele Audetto on Niki Lauda: Everything that happened at Ferrari in 1976

The 1976 Grand Prix season: the duel between Niki Lauda in the Ferrari and McLaren ace James Hunt. The story was even made into a film entitled ‘Rush’. Former Ferrari racing director Daniele Audetto recounts how it was.

DTM 2012: “Bruno, come in this lap!” Drive first, discuss later

On 21 October 2012, Bruno Spengler was crowned German Champion at Hockenheim. In fact, he had already won the DTM on 30 September. How Charly Lamm saved the title in advance with his resolute command.

New puzzle: Racing rarities – this Formula 1 winner’s trophy really packs a punch

Here’s a slightly different challenge for a change: at which race was this trophy awarded, and which artist is behind it? Where and when was this photograph taken? Why not have a go yourself!

Willy Knupp: The man who brought Formula 1 to RTL

On 19 October, Willy Knupp would have turned 90. The iconic Cologne-based reporter and close confidant of Schumacher brought Formula 1 to RTL, practically for ‘a song’.

15 October 1983: Nelson Piquet, the first turbo World Champion in a Brabham-BMW

Please forgive me for recalling, once again today, the second World Championship title won by the Brazilian Nelson Piquet. But what happened back in 1983 was, after all, a real game-changer.

Our new puzzle: Racing Rarities – A snapshot from the ‘Oops!’ department

The sparse crowd had something to look at in a well-known section of a well-known circuit. Who is that? Where and when was this photo taken? Have a go yourself!

Michèle Mouton in the Audi Quattro: The day the volcano erupted

Forty-five years ago, on 10 October 1981, the young Frenchwoman Michèle Mouton became the first woman to win a World Rally Championship round in San Remo, driving an Audi Quattro.

New puzzle: Racing rarities – the prodigy is only playing second fiddle here

This racing prodigy realised on his second outing that he was merely playing second fiddle. Who is it? Where and when was this photograph taken? Have a go yourself!