EPISODE · Mar 14, 2026 · 18 MIN
15th March 1981: The Seasons That Began Late
from Chequered Past · host Martin Elliot
On 15 March, Formula One history shows that even the start of a season cannot always be taken for granted.In 1981, political conflict between FISA and the FOCA teams had already disrupted the championship calendar. With the Argentine Grand Prix postponed and a controversial non-championship race held in South Africa, the World Championship effectively began on the streets of Long Beach, where Alan Jones led a Williams one–two finish in the United States Grand Prix West.More than three decades later, the 2015 Australian Grand Prix opened another season in Melbourne, confirming Mercedes’ dominance of the hybrid era as Lewis Hamilton led teammate Nico Rosberg to a commanding victory.But in 2020, the Australian Grand Prix became the race that never happened. As the COVID-19 pandemic spread across the world, the event was cancelled just hours before practice was due to begin — delaying the start of the Formula One season and bringing the sport to a sudden halt. Three very different moments, all tied to one date — when Formula One’s seasons didn’t start quite as planned.Send us Fan MailMusic by #Mubert Music Rendering
What this episode covers
On 15 March, Formula One history shows that even the start of a season cannot always be taken for granted. In 1981, political conflict between FISA and the FOCA teams had already disrupted the championship calendar. With the Argentine Grand Prix postponed and a controversial non-championship race held in South Africa, the World Championship effectively began on the streets of Long Beach, where Alan Jones led a Williams one–two finish in the United States Grand Prix West. More than three decad...
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15th March 1981: The Seasons That Began Late
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