On 28th February, we mark the birthdays of Mario Andretti and Sébastien Bourdais — two champions separated by generations, united by a shared ambition.

Both conquered American open-wheel racing. Both crossed the Atlantic to test themselves in Formula One. Only one became World Champion.

In this episode of Chequered Past, we explore what happens when greatness travels — and why it does not always translate.

From Andretti’s full immersion at Lotus, to Michael Andretti’s difficult McLaren season, from Jacques Villeneuve’s immediate success to Alessandro Zanardi’s struggle for synchronisation, from Juan Pablo Montoya’s fearless adaptation to Bourdais’ battle in a modern junior team — this is the story of ambition, alignment and the narrowing margin between series.

Because Formula One is not simply the pinnacle.

It is its own ecosystem.

And crossing into it requires more than talent — it requires transformation.

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In 2006, Formula One’s championship fight reached its decisive phase — and history turned on a single plume of smoke.

In Part Two of our season review, Martin Elliot follows the final chapter of the duel between Fernando Alonso and Michael Schumacher — a battle that would close one era and confirm another.

From the controversy of Monaco to the strategic turning point in Shanghai, the title fight tightened until the two drivers arrived at Suzuka level on points. There, with Schumacher leading and poised to take control of the standings, an engine failure transformed the championship.

As Alonso sealed his second world championship in Brazil and Schumacher bowed out after seven wins and one final defiant drive, 2006 marked more than a season.

It marked transition.

The first year of the V8 era.
The final season of the tyre war.
And the end of one of the most dominant careers in Formula One history.

An era closed.
The torch passed.

Cover image: By Tinou Bao - the battle - Alonso vs Schumi, CC BY 2.0, Link

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In 2006, Formula One staged a duel between its past and its future.

In Part One of this two-part season review, Martin Elliot revisits the opening half of a championship that would come to define a turning point in modern Formula One history.

Reigning world champion Fernando Alonso began the season as the standard everyone else had to beat — but already committed to leave Renault F1 Team at the end of the year. Across the paddock, Michael Schumacher and Scuderia Ferrari regrouped after a bruising 2005, determined to reclaim their authority.

This episode explores:

• The introduction of the new 2.4-litre V8 regulations
• The final season of Formula One’s tyre war between Michelin and Bridgestone
• Renault’s early-season dominance
• Ferrari’s resurgence through the European summer
• The controversial banning of Renault’s mass damper
• And the momentum swing that transformed the championship

From Bahrain to Monza, the balance of power shifts dramatically — culminating in Schumacher’s emotional retirement announcement at Ferrari’s home race, with the title fight still hanging in the balance.

Part One sets the stage for a final three-race showdown that would test legacy, resilience and destiny.

Join us again tomorrow for engine failure, one final Ferrari charge through the field and a championship sealed in Brazil from racing’s rich and chequered past.

Cover image: By Ryosuke Yagi - P1020190.JPG, CC BY 2.0, Link

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