On August 17th, Formula 1 has seen moments of chaos, courage, and change.

In 1975, the Austrian Grand Prix was hit by torrential rain, ending in tragedy for Mark Donohue but also delivering Vittorio Brambilla’s one and only win — celebrated with a crash after the chequered flag.

It’s also the birthday of Nelson Piquet, the crafty Brazilian who claimed three world titles with brains as much as bravery.

And we remember Portugal’s Mário de Araújo Cabral — a pioneering driver whose later-life openness about his bisexuality broke barriers in a sport still struggling with representation.

Finally, we revisit the 1986 Austrian Grand Prix, where Benetton stunned with a front-row lockout before Alain Prost turned the race into a decisive step toward another championship.

Cover Image: By MIDWST.BLUR under CC BY 2.0

Music by #Mubert Music Rendering