EPISODE · Feb 28, 2026 · 22 MIN
28th February 1940: The Champions Who Crossed The Atlantic
from Chequered Past · host Martin Elliot
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.Send us Fan MailMusic by #Mubert Music Rendering
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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...
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28th February 1940: The Champions Who Crossed The Atlantic
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