Afterburners Podcast

Sam and Wes sit down for a lengthy chat about the 2021 season and how it unfolded. They give their race ratings, discuss the key talking points of each race, and relive one of the greatest F1 seasons of all time.

Sam and Wes sit down for a lengthy chat about the 2021 season and how it unfolded. They give their race ratings, discuss the key talking points of each race, and relive one of the greatest F1 seasons of all time.

The finale of the 2021 F1 season rounded off a stellar year, but the race will reap headlines for all the wrong reasons. This week, Sam is joined by Wes and Henry to discuss Max Verstappen becoming the Netherlands first ever F1 World Champion, as well as the circumstances which unfolded in race control which proved crucial to how the race and ultimately the championship was decided. Was Michael Masi right? Who deserved the championship more? Should Mercedes pursue legal action against the FIA? Take a listen to our thoughts on the most controversial season finale EVER in F1 history.

This week, Sam and Wes discuss the carnage that was the inaugural Saudi Arabian GP in Jeddah, where Lewis Hamilton won with fastest lap ahead of Max Verstappen, meaning that Sunday's finale at Abu Dhabi will be a winner-takes-all race. However, it wasn't just Hamilton that hit the headlines, as not one but two red flags were brought out, and the two title contenders went wheel to wheel - quite literally.

In this week's AfterBurners Podcast, Sam and Wes discuss the life of Sir Frank Williams who sadly passed away on the afternoon of Sunday 28th November 2021, and reflect on how he brought Williams Grand Prix Engineering from the ruins of an old carpet factory in Didcot, to one of the most successful Formula One teams of all time. The two also discuss the inaugural Saudi Arabian GP in Jeddah, and who has the edge coming into the penultimate race of the year, plus a mini 'Grill the Grid' style quiz to finish.

Sam and Wes are back to discuss the inaugural Qatar GP where Lewis Hamilton ran an impeccable lights-to-flag victory, with his title rival Max Verstappen settling for second after climbing up from seventh after both he and Valterri Bottas were penalised for ignoring yellow flags during qualifying. It wasn't all about Hamilton though, as Fernando Alonso returned to the podium for the first time since the Hungarian GP in 2014, topping off an incredible weekend for Alpine as Esteban Ocon finished fifth as the Enstone-based team took home 25 points on Sunday to cement 5th place in the constructor's championship.

Sam and Wes are back to discuss the Sao Paulo Grand Prix at Interlagos where Lewis Hamilton completed one of the most stunning drives of his career, making up 25 places over the course of the weekend to win the race, and eat into Max Verstappen's championship lead. The race didn't go without controversy though, where Verstappen ran both himself and Hamilton off track at turn four - an action which the stewards decided didn't need penalising, but Mercedes since used their right to review the incident since Verstappen's onboard footage - which wasn't available at the time - has now been released. The duo also chat about the upcoming inaugural Qatar Grand Prix at Losail International Circuit with differing opinions on the track, and they reflect upon the news regarding Alfa Romeo's driver lineup for 2022.

DISLCAIMER: We didn't realise Wes' audio wasn't coming through his lapel microphone like in previous episodes so we apologise for the quality of his audio. Sam and Wes are back to discuss the relatively mediocre Mexican Grand Prix after Mercedes and Valterri Bottas took a surprise pole position, only for Max Verstappen to sail past at the first corner whilst Daniel Ricciardo in the McLaren caused the Finn to fall to the back of the pack, and the Flying Dutchman to extend his championship lead to 19 points. Meanwhile, Sergio Perez made history as he became the first Mexican driver to lead the Mexican Grand Prix and finish on the podium for his home race. In other news, the team actually correctly guessed the Driver of the Day, and a frequent listener joined in the fun as well.

Sam and Wes get ready for Round 18 of the 2021 F1 season, heading off to the Hermanos Rodriguez circuit for the Mexican Grand Prix. The lads discuss the ever-exciting world championship battle between Max Verstappen, who leads with 287.5 points, and Lewis Hamilton, as 12 points separates the two drivers. Sprint Races have been one of the hot topics this season, making its debut at two races already - Silverstone and Monza - with a third Sprint to come at the Interlagos Circuit (Brazil). However, could we be seeing Sprint Races become a regular part of an F1 weekend next season? With Mexico back after two years away, what better way to test the knowledge of Sam and Wes with a quiz of 'Can you name the Final Standings of the 2019 Mexico Grand Prix'?

Sam and Wes are back to discuss the thrilling United States Grand Prix at COTA where Max Verstappen extended his championship lead over Lewis Hamilton to 12 points, winning an enthralling race by little more than a second, as an intriguing strategy battle played out between the two championship protagonists. But it wasn't just the racing that caught peoples' eyes, oh no, but the celebrities as well. Megan Thee Stallion and her bodyguards had no time for Martin Brundle's grid walk, whereas Shaquille O'Neal stood tall on the podium.

Sam and Wes are back to discuss the return of the US Grand Prix at COTA in Austin, Texas as the F1 season is nearing its conclusion with just six races to go, and only six points separating Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen in the drivers' championship. The pair preview the upcoming weekend and give their predictions as to how the season will pan out, who will win the race, and who needs this win more - Hamilton or Verstappen. With the 2022 F1 calendar released, Sam and Wes also give their thoughts on the tracks for next year's campaign.

Sam and Wes chat about the 2021 Turkish Grand Prix, where Valtteri Bottas won his first race since Sochi 2020, and Max Verstappen reclaims top spot in the drivers' championship. Further down the grid, it was a good weekend for Ferrari as only half a point separates Leclerc and Sainz in the standings, and some interesting tyre strategies played out with a no-stopper and a certain German slipping and sliding around on dry tyres on a wet track.

Sam and Wes are back to talk about the upcoming Turkish Grand Prix at Istanbul, where they discuss last year's chaotic race, and offer their predictions for this week's event. They also react to the news of Qatar hosting a Grand Prix on a ten-year deal from 2022, and that Formula 1 is trying to come up with a more sustainable 'drop-in' fuel from 2025. Also, Wes mistakes the word 'persecute' for 'prosecute', and neither of the boys' internet was working perfectly so there will be some laggy sections in this episode - apologies!

Sam and Wes discuss the Russian Grand Prix and the heartbreak for Lando Norris as his maiden F1 victory figuratively slipped through his fingers as rain caused chaos in the final laps at Sochi. The pair chat about what might have been for Norris, but it was success for another British driver on the grid, as Sir Lewis Hamilton broke yet another record - one hundred race wins.

Sam and Wes sit down and talk about McLaren's impressive season so far in F1 after reaching an extraordinary achievement with overall points. Valtteri Bottas comes back to a track where he's had major success and the championship battle between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen continues with 25 points up for grabs! Anyone up for a Russian Grand Prix quiz with a hint of Vodka!! (Note: neither person got drunk in this video)

After a busy week away from the pod, Sam and Wes sit down to discuss the two latest Grands Prix in the Netherlands and Italy, as well as the F1 'silly season' and driver market, sharing their thoughts on the races and driver transfers.

Sam and Wes discuss the bizarre Belgian Grand Prix, which was delayed due to heavy rainfall, and its notorious Eau Rouge left corner which is followed by the right hand of Raidillon. George Russell was the hot topic as his P2 in the Williams from qualifying received positive waves around F1. The lads also talk about whether it was right to have a "race" with just two laps behind the safety car in heavy rain on the track in Spa. The upcoming Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort sees Red Bull's Max Verstappen return home!

After a long summer break without racing, the carbon engines burn hot and ready again as F1 season returns at Spa Francochamps in Belgium. Sam and Wes discuss the first half of the season so far and the exciting world championship battle between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. Just who will get that all important jump at the start line in Belgium, and what will be crowned world champion at the end of the season?

The 2021 Formula E season closed in dramatic fashion as Jaguar's Mitch Evans' car failed to get off the start line in the Berlin E-Prix. Sam and Wes discuss the conclusion of another unpredictable season of electric racing as well as favourite moments.

It's the summer break in the world of Formula 1, so Sam and Wes sit back and review the season so far with some thrilling racing action. Some races impressed, whilst others didn't quite live up to the expectations. The lads also gave each of the 11 races a rating out of ten. Which one one came out on top? And there is always room for a game of Who Am I to test the F1 knowledge of our hosts!

Sam and Wes review Round 11 of the F1 Season at the Hungarian Grand Prix and how discuss how a first-lap crash took out five drivers in the race, including McLaren's Lando Norris and Max Verstappen of Red Bull. They also talk about the exciting on track battle between Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton and Alpine's Fernando Alonso, whilst teammate Esteban Ocon was on a quest to hold off Aston Martin's Sebastian Vettel and Ferrari's Carlos Sainz with an eye for a first-ever race win.

Sam and Wes return to the fun F1 world and recap on the British Grand Prix, as once again Red Bull's Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes continued their quest for the title. Verstappen's crash by Hamilton was the hot topic of the weekend. The lads also give their reaction to the first ever sprint race format, who were the biggest winners and losers from the new qualifying set up. With the Hungarian Grand Prix this weekend, can Max Verstappen turn his heavy crash setback at Silverstone and claim his ever first victory at the circuit. There was also time for the guys to create their own F1 Calendar.

Sam and Wes take a look back at the Styrian GP where Red Bull's Max Verstappen dominated on a track home away from home to take his fourth race win of the season. It was heartbreak for George Russell in the Williams car after power unit issues meant that he had to conceded 8th place drive and therefore retire. AlphaTauri's Pierre Gasly had an awful race. Whilst a Mercedes' Valtteri Bottas benefited from Sergio Perez's pit stop mess up in the Red Bull car to finish third in the race The lads also discuss Ferrari drivers' points finishes, Yas Marina track changes in Abu Dhabi and Russia GP moving to St Petersburg from Sochi from 2023.

Sam and Wes look back on action from the Paul-Ricard circuit as once again Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton did battle in France. The mind games between Red Bull and Mercedes were definitely in play as mistakes were made and places were gained. Strong performances from the McLaren team while Ferrari were not at it with the race pace and both Aston Martin drivers, Sebastian Vettel and Lance Stroll, finished in the points places for the first time this season. The lads also preview the Styrian GP in Austria this weekend.

Sam and Wes look back on the Azerbaijan Grand Prix where there was loads of drama with high speed crashes, lock-ups and a very unexpected podium in Baku. Championship leader and Red Bull driver, Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes are separated by just four points in Driver's Standings. What could go wrong in Baku? The lads also gear up the French GP this weekend at the Paul-Ricard circuit, the first of a triple-header weekend. Oh, and the red, blue run-off areas around the French track is quite a head spin and one to make the eyes sore.

Sam and Henry discuss the Monaco GP snorefest as Wes is away on holiday

Sam and Wes gear up and preview the Azerbaijan Grand Prix with Henry Buxton, our guest regular. F1 returns to Baku City Circuit for the first time since 2019, where Mercedes' Valtteri Bottas was the last winner. Can Max Verstappen start his own winning streak on the streets of Baku or will Hamilton come back and reclaim his throne at the top of the Drivers Championship?

Sam, Wes & Henry come together to discuss McLaren's Monaco-exclusive Gulf livery, plus whether the Monaco GP itself is famous for the racing or the spectacle.

100 Pole Positions in F1!! 98 Race wins in F1!! Ladies and Gentlemen.... Lewis Hamilton!!!! Sam and Wes discuss an historic weekend in Formula 1, looking back at the Spanish GP with guest regular, Henry Buxton as Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton once again took the checkered flag in Barcelona. The lads also discuss Red Bull's Max Verstappen and his tyre management during the race, as well as Charles Leclerc's brilliant driving performance for the Ferrari team.

Sam and Wes look back at last weekend's race in Portugal, as Lewis Hamilton picked up his 97th race win in F1, with guest Henry Buxton and discuss how it wasn't a good weekend for Red Bull's Max Verstappen despite a second-place finish at Portimao. There were also good performances from the McLaren team. The Spanish GP takes place in Barcelona this weekend and the lads preview last year's race and make their predications for round four of F1 2021 calendar.

Sam and Wes gear up for the third race of the F1 calendar taking place in Portimao, Portugal with guest Henry Buxton. The lads discuss the new Sprint Race format that will be introduced later this season and reflection from last year's race that was dominated by Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton.

Sam and Wes chat about crazy Imola GP in Italy with guest, Henry Buxton. They also discuss Red Bull's Max Verstappen getting his first win of the season and an outstanding performance from McLaren's Lando Norris.

From southern Europe in Italy, Sam and Wes take a look back and review last weekend's crazy Formula E double-header race in Rome, whilst previewing F1 Imola Grand Prix with guest regular, Henry Buxton. WARNING: Some very Bad Italian (though it was a pretty good try)

Sam and Wes chat about the first ever Extreme E race in the sandy desert of Al-Ula, Saudi Arabia with a rundown of the teams and drivers taking part in the new series to raise awareness for areas affected by climate change. Also, looking ahead to an ELECTRIFYING race weekend as Formula E is back with two races on Saturday and Sunday for the Rome E-Prix.

After Sunday's season-opening race in Bahrain, Sam and Wes discuss all the thrills of the duel in the desert with special guest, Henry Buxton. Lewis Hamilton v Max Verstappen display signs of a likely championship title fight. A certain fast and furious Mexican driver breezing through the grid after starting in the pit lane and it was a F1 race debut to remember for a young Japanese rookie scoring first points. QUIZ! QUIZ! QUIZ!

Sam and Wes start off the episode previewing the Bahrain Grand Prix this weekend with special guest, Henry. They also paid tributes paid to the late female racing driver Sabine Schmitz, also known as the "Queen of the Nurburgring". The three of them also talk about their favourite drivers and teams, and round things off with a Bahrain-themed quiz.

This week, Sam and Wes share their favourite memories of the late, great Formula One broadcaster Murray Walker and discuss pre-season testing and whether we can gauge how the teams might perform based on how quick they were in testing. Plus, season three of Formula One: Drive To Survive airs on Netflix on Friday 19th March so Sam and Wes chat about their favourite and funniest moments of the first two seasons.

Sam and Wes discuss the remaining car launches: Ferrari, Aston Martin, Haas and Williams. Also, having some fun with a Formula 1 Charles Leclerc quiz on and ranking all 10 cars on the grid.

Looking into the car launches so far - McLaren, Alpha Tauri, Alfa Romeo, Red Bull, Mercedes and Alpine