22nd October 1989: The Collision That Crowned a Champion

On this day in Formula 1 history, titles were won, tempers flared, and eras ended.In this episode, Chequered Past revisits four unforgettable races that all took place on 22 October — each marking a pivotal chapter in the sport’s story.We begin in Mexico 1967, where Denny Hulme’s calm consistency earned him New Zealand’s first (and still only) World Championship. Then to Japan 1989, for one of the most explosive title deciders of all time — when Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost’s collision at Suzuka changed Formula 1 forever. Next comes Aida 1995, where Michael Schumacher sealed his second consecutive crown with a masterclass in precision at the Pacific Grand Prix. And finally, to Brazil 2006, where Felipe Massa triumphed at home, Fernando Alonso secured his title, and Michael Schumacher bowed out with one last breathtaking charge.Four decades, four defining moments, one incredible date. It’s the story of the collisions, comebacks, and farewells that shaped the sport’s rich and Chequered Past.Cover image: by Juan Pablo Donoso, 1989 Japanese GP, CC BY-SA 2.0Send us Fan MailMusic by #Mubert Music Rendering