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The film opens with the 1996 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, where Martin Brundle survived a spectacular crash at turn 3. After receiving clearance from race doctor Sid Watkins, Brundle hopped into a spare car to drive in the restarted race. The film then takes a brief look at the early days of Formula One racing in the 1950s, which was essentially a resumption of prewar Grand Prix racing. Niki Lauda and Michael Schumacher discuss their experiences as drivers during this period. In 1966, the FIA doubled the engine size from 1.5 to 3 liters, which saw the cars race markedly faster on tracks and facilities unchanged since before World War II. Jackie Stewart, who dominated the sport in the late 1960s and early 1970s, used his position to push for improved safety and track facilities, including safety barriers and mandatory seat belts.