As the New Year’s Honours are announced, Chequered Past reflects on a rare form of recognition in motorsport — knighthood — and what it reveals about lasting impact in Formula One.

This episode explores the stories of three figures whose influence reshaped the sport far beyond race wins and championships. Jackie Stewart, who led the fight to make safety unavoidable. Frank Williams, who built an independent team on discipline, resilience, and uncompromising standards. And Lewis Hamilton, whose success in the cockpit gave him the authority to challenge Formula One to look beyond itself.

Alongside them, we reflect on other knighted figures — Stirling Moss, Jack Brabham, Patrick Head and Ron Dennis — whose contributions helped define what Formula One chose to value across different eras.

As one year ends and another begins, this is a story about leadership from the sharp end, honours earned through change, and the legacies that outlast the chequered flag.

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Music by #Mubert Music Rendering