On this day in 1984, Niki Lauda gave Austria a victory to remember. At the Österreichring, he overcame Nelson Piquet and capitalised on Alain Prost’s retirement to deliver his one and only home win — a result that swung the World Championship in his favour and ultimately secured the closest title margin in Formula 1 history.

In this episode of Chequered Past, we relive that pivotal Austrian Grand Prix and the celebrations that followed. We also look back to 1973, when Ronnie Peterson’s speed lit up the same circuit, and to 2001, when Michael Schumacher equalled Alain Prost’s win record and sealed his fourth title in Hungary. And we pause to wish Nico Hülkenberg a happy birthday, reflecting on a career of resilience that finally delivered a long-awaited podium.

Cover Image: By twm1340 - 1984 United States Grand Prix, Fair Park, Dallas, Texas, CC BY-SA 2.0

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Music by #Mubert Music Rendering