Matt Bishop’s Iconic #OnThisDay: A Personal Tribute to Motorsport History.
Matt Bishop, former head of communications at Aston Martin, McLaren and W Series has become known for his #OnThisDay tweets on X. Since its inception in the autumn of 2017, Bishop has used his platform to share daily highlights from the rich tapestry of motorsport history, blending his professional expertise with a personal passion for storytelling.
Matt Bishop with Lewis Hamilton in 2012.
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Reflecting on his career, Bishop revealed on the Sector 1 Motorsport x Formula Careers podcast that after concluding his tenure at McLaren, he chose not to rush back into work. This pause allowed Bishop to explore new interests, including writing a novel titled The Boy Made the Difference, with all proceeds going to charity. “I pursued this novel because my mother was a novelist, my grandmother was a novelist and my great-grandmother was a poet and suffragist. I was raised to love books and read voraciously, which I still do.”
Despite the creative success of his novel, Bishop felt a strong pull to remain connected to the world of motorsport. Thus, he launched the #OnThisDay series, a daily dive into significant events in racing history. “During the process [of writing the novel], I realised I didn’t want to disappear from the world of Formula 1 completely,” Bishop explained. The tweet series evolved into a labour of love where he shares memorable moments from motorsport’s history.
Bishop is careful about the content he selects. “I don’t commemorate every single anniversary,” he noted. “For instance, I don’t cover every win by Lewis Hamilton, Michael Schumacher, Ayrton Senna, or Alain Prost.” He went on to say that some people “assume I dislike those drivers,” but Bishop explained that’s not the case, he simply “can’t cover everything.” His choices reflect a desire to celebrate a broad range of historical moments, including non-championship Formula 1 races from the 1960s that often go unnoticed.
The tweet series, whilst fulfilling, is not without its challenges. Bishop acknowledged the darker side of Twitter (now X), “Twitter can be a cesspit of hostility and stupidity, though I’m grateful for the 99% of wonderful followers.” He explained that he occasionally faces homophobic insults but remains undeterred. “I continue because I love it, and it has become a daily routine.”
The most rewarding aspect of the project, Bishop shared, is the emotional impact it can have on his audience. “One of the most moving aspects of this project happens about once every couple of months.” He often receives messages from people deeply moved to discover that he has shared forgotten stories about their relatives who have passed away, bringing those cherished memories back to life. These interactions remind Bishop of the personal significance behind his work, bringing joy and recognition to both the figures of motorsport history and their families.
Through the #OnThisDay series, Matt Bishop has successfully merged his professional acumen and his personal passion, creating a regular tribute to the heroes of motorsport. His ongoing dedication to preserving and celebrating racing history underscores the profound impact that thoughtful, well-crafted communication can have on both enthusiasts and those touched by the sport’s legacy.
Listen to the full interview with Matt Bishop here:
