Patrick Tambay's F1 apprenticeship was wayward to say the least – but, as Matt Bishop writes, when the Frenchman was called up by Ferrari in its hour of need, he duly delivered

Sergio Perez’s inability to challenge Max Verstappen is seen by many as a weakness. But he doesn’t blunt Red Bull’s driver title chances as the team-mate battles at Ferrari, Mercedes and McLaren do, says Matt Bishop

Two wins from the first two races of the 1979 F1 season set Jacques Laffite on course to win the championship in the brilliant Ligier JS11. Matt Bishop tells the story of how a deserved title slipped through his and the team's fingers

Behind the F1 championship successes of Mika Häkkinen and Lewis Hamilton stood Aki Hintsa, says Matt Bishop. McLaren's team doctor developed a pioneering fitness regime, but was also a rock in turbulent times. His influence is still felt, seven years after his untimely death

Alex Ribeiro struggled to make it in F1, driving a series of sub-par cars. Only after retirement, says Matt Bishop, did the 'Jesus Saves' helmet-wearer find his place at the very back of the grid

A qualifying demon who hid his intelligence — and fun side — Mika Häkkinen won his first world championship 25 years ago. Does he qualify as one of the all-time F1 greats, asks Matt Bishop?

Bernie Ecclestone may be responsible for a "hefty chunk" of F1's global success, but he has also often found himself at the heart of controversy. The reason for both? He's fearless, writes Matt Bishop

Gunnar Nilsson never had time to deliver on his F1 championship-winning potential, writes Matt Bishop. Claimed by cancer after only two brilliant grand prix seasons, the Lotus driver nevertheless continues to inspire

For over 40 years, we knew Murray Walker as the voice of Formula 1. Matt Bishop recalls his candid stories when the "greatest motor sport commentator" was off air

Ron Dennis’s calm and reserved air has led some to make entirely incorrect assumptions about him. Matt Bishop recalls experiences of working in F1 with the former McLaren boss which disprove his cold image

Gilles Villeneuve wrestled the Ferrari 126C to two grand prix wins in 1981, but his podium finish at that year's Canadian Grand Prix in torrential conditions, with a damaged car, should be celebrated too, says Matt Bishop

Felipe Massa did everything he could at the 2008 Brazilian GP to win that year's F1 championship, writes Matt Bishop. Now he's fighting for the same title again, with potential court action on the horizon, and chaos if he wins