In the Fast Lane is the official podcast of the Australian Grand Prix. Dedicated to Formula 1 and MotoGP, hosts Matt Clayton and Michael Lamonato interview some of the biggest names in world motorsport and update you on all the latest F1 and motorcycle racing news and talking points.
We close out Season 3 of In The Fast Lane with a look ahead to the 2023 Formula 1® Rolex Australian Grand Prix™ with AGPC CEO Andrew Westacott, who joins hosts Matt Clayton and Michael Lamonato along with our AusGP Access members to discuss the unprecedented interest in next year's event (03:17), Oscar Piastri's prospects in year one at McLaren (07:35), the extension of Melbourne's contract to 2035 and whether the race was a chance to move to Sydney (12:49), the 2023 music line-up headlined by Birds of Tokyo and Sneaky Sound System (18:45), the must-see areas and activities for first-time Grand Prix™ patrons (25:30), how fans can get up close to F2® and F3® in their debuts in Melbourne (29:00), and what the coming years have in store at Albert Park (32:39).
It's the podcast you've been waiting to hear – a long chat with newly-named Red Bull Racing third driver for 2023, Daniel Ricciardo. Daniel joins hosts Matt Clayton and Michael Lamonato to talk about the emotions of returning to the team he left in 2018 (02:14), interest from Mercedes (07:07), the difficulties of seeing out his time at McLaren after being sacked (13:13), not trusting his instincts over his two years at McLaren (15:32), the awkwardness of fellow Australian Oscar Piastri taking his seat (19:25), falling out of love with aspects of F1® (22:49) and why missing the thrill of competition could dictate his return (31:48).
David Coulthard, two-time Australian Grand Prix™ victor and winner of 13 Formula 1® races, joins hosts Matt Clayton and Michael Lamonato to talk about whether Red Bull's 2022 season is the strongest in its history (01:43), Max Verstappen's controversial defiance of team orders with Sergio Perez in Brazil (04:24), the importance of finishing runner-up in an F1® season (08:06), his earliest memories of the first year in Red Bull Racing's history in 2005 (11:22), the legacy left by retiring four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel (17:50) and whether he expects to see Daniel Ricciardo back in F1® after 2023 (20:25).
Freelance MotoGP™ journalist, podcaster and analyst Simon Patterson joins hosts Matt Clayton and Chris Vermeulen to talk about Pecco Bagnaia's world championship win for Ducati and Alex Rins taking victory in Suzuki's final MotoGP™ race in Valencia (02:41), and recap the 2022 season with a game of 'Fact or Fiction?' discussing whether Fabio Quartararo or Yamaha lost the 2022 title (06:05), if Marc Marquez remains the sport's benchmark after a winless season (12:18), Jack Miller's standing in the sport at the end of his Ducati tenure (15:00), who is the fastest rider in MotoGP™ (17:05), Remy Gardner's departure from the premier class (18:14) and whether 21 sprint races for 2023 is a good thing (19:46).
Former McLaren F1® mechanic turned author, TV presenter, YouTuber and speaker Marc Priestley joins hosts Matt Clayton and Michael Lamonato to talk about how he cut his teeth in the sport with McLaren's test team (01:51), his first memories of what made Lewis Hamilton special (05:38), the fractious intra-team 2007 title fight and Hamilton's first world title in 2008 (08:20), how McLaren fell from the front from 2009 and the team's slow build to competitiveness since (11:34), Red Bull's dominant 2022 season (17:10), the stigma of Red Bull's cost cap breach and the similarities to McLaren's 2007 'Spygate' scandal (20:54), and where Ferrari have fallen short in their bid to end a long title drought (25:15).
For the first time in nine years, Red Bull Racing have won the F1® drivers' and constructors' titles in the same season, after Max Verstappen's victory in the US Grand Prix. Esteemed F1® author and journalist Mark Hughes joins hosts Matt Clayton and Michael Lamonato to reflect on Red Bull's achievements this season on the weekend of the passing of company founder Dietrich Mateschitz (02:01), the early days of Red Bull in F1® (04:17), Verstappen's record-setting season (10:29), how Red Bull aced the new regulations for 2022 while Mercedes floundered (15:40), and the ramifications of Red Bull being found to have breached F1®'s cost cap (18:39).
The Animoca Brands Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix of 2022 will go down as an instant classic, with Suzuki's Alex Rins taking his first victory for almost two years. Hosts Matt Clayton and Chris Vermeulen wrap up a breathtaking race in front of Phillip Island's biggest crowd in 10 years (01:45), while we catch up with a host of riders including Marc Marquez, Jack Miller, Fabio Quartararo, Pecco Bagnaia, Remy Gardner and many more, live from the Fan Forum Stage at the Island (15:12).
After Fernando Alonso started a record-breaking 350th Formula 1® race at last weekend's Singapore Grand Prix, we chat to his first team principal and former Minardi owner Paul Stoddart about how he reflects on his five-year run at the helm of one the sport's backmarker teams (04:37), the race to get to the grid for his first race as team boss in Australia in 2001 (09:16), his earliest memories of working with Alonso that season (12:25), the famous 2002 Albert Park race where Mark Webber finished fifth on debut (15:31), his memorable TV interview during the controversial 2005 United States Grand Prix (23:04) and his pride at the growth of the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne (27:22).
Oscar Piastri re-joins us on 'In The Fast Lane' to discuss his rollercoaster of emotions on being named as a McLaren driver for 2023 (01:39), what it means to be joining a team with McLaren's history of success and champion drivers (06:29), how having a start date for his F1® race career has sharpened his focus (09:36), what he's expecting from new teammate Lando Norris (12:35), getting a call from Daniel Ricciardo after he was named as his compatriot's successor at McLaren (14:16) and his excitement for his first true home Grand Prix at Albert Park next April (16:07).
Two-time MotoGP™ world champion Casey Stoner joins hosts Matt Clayton and Chris Vermeulen to talk about 'Return to the Island', a new mini-movie set for release on the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix's YouTube channel on September 21 (01:59), assess the state of play in the 2022 MotoGP™ championship with five races remaining (08:54), discuss his role as a rider coach advising Ducati's Pecco Bagnaia (11:00), look at Marc Marquez's dramatic return to the fray in Aragon (17:58), and offer his thoughts on next month's Animoca Brands Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix at Phillip Island (23:22).
F1® is desperate for an American driver to help boost the sport's popularity in the 'States. But should the rules be bent to allow Colton Herta onto the grid without a superlicence? F1® journalist and broadcaster Chris Medland joins hosts Matt Clayton and Michael Lamonato to talk through the background to the Herta story (02:10), what Nyck De Vries' debut for Williams at Monza tells us about the depth in European talent (10:14), if Jack Doohan is a chance to race for Alpine if Pierre Gasly sticks with AlphaTauri (17:31), and suggests ways to fix the grid confusion caused by mass engine and gearbox penalties (20:36).
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing MotoGP™ rider Brad Binder joins hosts Matt Clayton and Chris Vermeulen to talk about his progress in his third premier-class season (02:25), how MotoGP™ is closer than ever and how that impacts the racing (04:15), his thoughts on the introduction of sprint races for 2023 (07:40), the progress made by younger brother Darryn in his rookie MotoGP™ season (09:00), the end of his five-year stint as teammate to Miguel Oliveira (13:02), the impact Jack Miller can make when he joins KTM next season (14:35) and why he's been so successful in the Moto2™ and Moto3™ categories at Phillip Island (18:48).
Australians Daniel Ricciardo and Oscar Piastri are at the heart of one of the biggest Formula 1® 'silly season' stories in years. To make sense of a wild week of news on Ricciardo's future and Piastri's path to a full-time race seat, Scott Mitchell-Malm from the-race.com joins hosts Matt Clayton and Michael Lamonato to discuss where things unravelled for Ricciardo at McLaren (03:58), his options to race on or sit out in 2023 (07:09), McLaren's role in the failed relationship (13:13), the pressure Piastri will face when he debuts (17:37), how Piastri declining an Alpine seat is seen in the paddock (20:26) and the impact of the contractual tug-of-war between Alpine and McLaren on his reputation (24:06).
Spanish MotoGP™ top gun Maverick Viñales joins host Matt Clayton to talk about adjusting to life at Aprilia Racing (02:14), the difficulties in changing manufacturers after his controversial parting with Yamaha (03:09), the influence of teammate Aleix Espargaro on him joining Aprilia (05:53), how sporting director Massimo Rivola has helped motivate him (07:27) and his expectations for one of his strongest circuits at Phillip Island (10:45), while Chris Vermeulen drops in to help review the Austrian Grand Prix and discuss the introduction of sprint races to the calendar next year (14:02).
The 2022 F1® season is in its mid-season break – which means it's over to you to ask the questions! Hosts Matt Clayton and Michael Lamonato discuss a wide range of listener questions, including which F1® teams of the past they'd like to see on the 2022 grid (03:00), the verdict on F1® Sprint races after two seasons (05:36), the impact of the 2022 regulation changes (09:33), the best race of the season so far (12:22), what rule changes could benefit the sport (19:22), the impact F2® and F3® will have on the Australian Grand Prix from 2023 (23:34), if Mercedes can win a race or the constructors' title this year (29:50), which drivers and teams have impressed the most in 2022 (35:14) and who would win a go-kart race of the current grid in equal machinery (38:16).
Tech3 KTM Factory Racing MotoGP™ team rider Remy Gardner joins hosts Matt Clayton and Chris Vermeulen to talk about his progress in his maiden premier-class season (03:05), the biggest adjustments he's had to make since graduating as Moto2™ champion last year (04:15), KTM's developments throughout 2022 (06:15), his relationship with teammate and former Moto2™ title rival Raul Fernandez (10:41), uncertainty in the MotoGP™ rider market (12:44) and the return to Phillip Island for the Animoca Brands Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix in October (17:13).
Formula 1® mind coach Don Macpherson joins hosts Matt Clayton and Michael Lamonato to discuss his book 'How To Master Your Monkey Mind' (01:53), how he became involved in F1® through Sir Jack Brabham and which drivers he has worked with (07:00), the emotions of being alongside David Brabham at the tragic San Marino Grand Prix of 1994 (09:30), how drivers have become more aware of the benefits of using mind management techniques (17:15), Charles Leclerc's well-publicised emotional reactions to adversity (20:20), which drivers on the 2022 grid maximise the mental side of the sport (25:50) and how aspiring F1® drivers are employing mind-coaching techniques as early as karting (30:42). This episode contains content that may be distressing to some listeners. If you or someone you know has been affected by any of the issues raised in this podcast, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Scuderia AlphaTauri F1® driver Yuki Tsunoda joins hosts Matt Clayton and Michael Lamonato to talk about the beginnings of his European motorsport journey in 2018 (02:40), adjusting to life far away from Japan (05:35), repairing his confidence after a challenging F1® rookie season (07:48), his relationship with teammate Pierre Gasly and THAT Silverstone crash (14:35) and his excitement of F1® returning to Suzuka for this October's Japanese Grand Prix (18:32), while we wrap up Sunday's French Grand Prix won by Max Verstappen (21:43).
Ducati Lenovo Team MotoGP™ rider Jack Miller joins hosts Matt Clayton and Chris Vermeulen to talk about getting back to his roots with some motocross in Queensland in the mid-season break (01:30), his 2022 season so far (04:15), the differences between the 2022 and 2021 Ducatis (05:40), the return of MotoGP™ to Phillip Island this October (08:28), leaving Ducati after five seasons (14:30), joining good friend Brad Binder at KTM (21:10), having the contract stability he's always wanted (26:05) and how fellow Aussies Remy Gardner and Joel Kelso are faring this season (28:15).
With the 2022 MotoGP™ season at its halfway point, it's time for you to ask the questions! Hosts Matt Clayton and Chris Vermeulen discuss a wide range of topics and talking points with questions from our listeners, including which classic circuit would be a welcome addition to the calendar (02:43), which European championships offer the best path to MotoGP™ (05:36), the training and diet required to be a MotoGP™ rider (12:37), the prospects of a fully-fledged Marc Marquez return and his legacy (18:07), how riders develop their signature riding styles (23:26) and become experts in the wet (27:00), Suzuki's departure from the series at the end of the year (32:20), how MotoGP™ bikes have changed over the past decade (35:06) and whether Chris still keeps a supply of his signature bucket hats! (42:22).
Lawrence Barretto, F1® correspondent and presenter at formula1.com, joins hosts Matt Clayton and Michael Lamonato to talk about an action-packed British Grand Prix where Alfa Romeo's Zhou Guanyu escaped unscathed from a massive first-lap accident (02:40), Carlos Sainz's first win for Ferrari (06:49), whether Mercedes' improved showing was a sign of things to come (14:43), Daniel Ricciardo's continued struggles at McLaren (23:01) and Mick Schumacher finally scoring his first F1® points for Haas (25:20).
Australian Formula 2® racer Calan Williams joins hosts Matt Clayton and Michael Lamonato to talk about the step up from Formula 3® with Trident (02:40), the high level of competition in F2® (04:11), his standout showing in just his third race in Saudi Arabia (07:18), experiencing Monaco for the first time (11:05), the chance to race in F2® at the Australian Grand Prix in 2023 (16:16) and his goals for the rest of the season (21:51).
With the news that the Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix will remain in Melbourne until 2035, Australian Grand Prix Corporation Chief Executive Andrew Westacott joins us to discuss the unprecedented length of the new extension (02:20), the upcoming first visits by Formula 2® and Formula 3® to the event (07:48), Australia's place as one of the opening races of the season (13:38) and the competition between cities for the right to host F1® (16:03), while we review the return of F1® to Canada and Max Verstappen's tense victory for Red Bull Racing in Montreal (18:30).
Two-time Formula 1® champion, 14-time Grand Prix winner and double Indianapolis 500 victor Emerson Fittipaldi joins us to discuss his trailblazing move from Brazil to Europe in the late 60s (02:30), the tragic and dramatic story behind his maiden F1® win in 1970 (05:30), his influence on the establishment of the Brazilian Grand Prix (11:05), the Fittipaldi motorsport dynasty (12:58) and the 2022 F1® season (19:38), while we wrap up last Sunday's Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku won by Max Verstappen (23:08). This week's episode is brought to you by Shannons. Insurance for motoring enthusiasts.
Second-year MotoGP™ sensation Enea Bastianini from the Gresini Racing Team joins hosts Matt Clayton and Chris Vermeulen to talk about his three victories to date in 2022 (02:14), the emotions of his first win in Qatar after the death of team founder Fausto Gresini (03:12), his adjusted goals for the rest of the season (06:16), why the Red Bull Rookies Cup was make or break for his career in 2013 (08:45) and the return of MotoGP™ to Phillip Island in October (13:12), while we wrap up a dominant display by Fabio Quartararo in Sunday's Grand Prix of Catalunya (15:00).
After last weekend's Italian Motorcycle Grand Prix where Valentino Rossi's famous number 46 was retired, long-time Rossi mechanic Alex Briggs joins hosts Matt Clayton and Chris Vermeulen to talk about the contrasting approaches Rossi and Mick Doohan used to win world titles (04:47), who impresses him from the current MotoGP™ grid (08:12), the increased importance of aerodynamics in MotoGP™ (11:14) and what he misses most from three decades in the world championship (15:20), while we wrap up Sunday's race at Mugello won by Ducati's Pecco Bagnaia (24:37).
Alpine Academy driver Jack Doohan joins hosts Matt Clayton and Michael Lamonato to talk about his breakthrough Formula 2® podium finish in Spain last weekend (02:35), his maiden Formula 1® test in the 2021 Alpine in Qatar (05:27), the differences between F2® and F1® machinery (07:16), why he moved into the Alpine Academy for 2022 (09:10) and how the fast rise of stars like Max Verstappen has been a game-changer for young drivers (12:36), while we wrap up last Sunday's Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona (14:56).
Grand Prix winner turned MotoGP™ pit lane reporter Simon Crafar joins hosts Matt Clayton and Chris Vermeulen to discuss whether this is the year Ducati snaps a title drought that dates back to Casey Stoner in 2007 (04:04), Jack Miller's future (07:02), how Fabio Quartararo is keeping Yamaha in the game (09:30), why Aprilia have gone from feel-good story to championship contender (16:40), Marc Marquez's limitations at Honda (20:28) and the fallout from Suzuki's shock decision to depart MotoGP™ at the end of the 2022 season (23:45).
Australian-American NBC Sports broadcaster Leigh Diffey joins hosts Matt Clayton and Michael Lamonato to talk about the hype surrounding the inaugural Miami Grand Prix and F1®'s skyrocketing popularity in the United States (02:22), the effect of 'Drive to Survive' on IndyCar and NASCAR (04:00), how F1® drivers make the transition to IndyCar (09:15) and the potential for young American Colton Herta to be successful in F1® (11:50), while we look back at last Sunday's race in Miami won by reigning world champion Max Verstappen (17:28).
LCR Honda team principal Lucio Cecchinello joins hosts Matt Clayton and Chris Vermeulen to explain why MotoGP™ is more competitive than ever in 2022 (03:18), reminisce about his early days as a rider and team boss in the 125cc World Championship (05:30), reveal why Casey Stoner was so fast as a MotoGP™ rookie riding for him in 2006 (12:35) and remember Cal Crutchlow taking the first MotoGP™ wins for LCR Honda in 2016 (18:00), while we look back at last Sunday's Spanish Grand Prix won by Ducati's Pecco Bagnaia (22:55).
Australia's Moto3™ rookie Joel Kelso joins hosts Matt Clayton and Chris Vermeulen to assess the early part of his first full world championship season (01:55), talk about racing outside of Europe for the first time (02:45), outline his goals for the 2022 campaign (07:35) and look ahead to his maiden Grand Prix at Phillip Island in October (14:00), while we wrap up last Sunday's Portuguese Grand Prix won by reigning world champion Fabio Quartararo (15:10).
After the record-breaking return of the Australian Grand Prix to Melbourne, hosts Matt Clayton and Michael Lamonato wrap up Charles Leclerc's crushing win for Ferrari (02:43) and Daniel Ricciardo's promising showing for McLaren (07:53), while we hear from a host of big-name guests who joined us on In The Fast Lane Live from Albert Park including Sir Jackie Stewart, Oscar Piastri, Alex Albon, Guenther Steiner, Andreas Seidl and Ted Kravitz (13:12).
Haas F1 Team driver Kevin Magnussen joins hosts Matt Clayton and Michael Lamonato to talk about the physical challenges of his surprise return to the F1 grid (01:35), why he came back to a team that sacked him (04:05), memories of finishing second on debut in Melbourne eight years ago (06:05) and the revised expectations for Haas after such a strong start to 2022 (16:25), while we look ahead to this weekend's return of F1 to Melbourne with Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO, Andrew Westacott (21:20).
BWT Alpine F1 Team reserve driver Oscar Piastri joins hosts Matt Clayton and Michael Lamonato to discuss the specifics of his new role (02:35), staying physically and mentally ready in case he's called into action (04:55), how he's satisfying his thirst for competition without racing (09:30) and the lessons he's already learned from the team's race drivers, Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon (11:25).
Australian Superbike racer and Moto3 Phillip Island podium finisher Arthur Sissis joins hosts Matt Clayton and Chris Vermeulen to reflect on his early days racing in Europe (03:30), remember his remarkable 2012 podium in Australia (07:45), discuss walking away from the world championship at age 19 (10:15) and talk about his peers who have gone on to MotoGP™ success (13:55).
Sky Sports F1® pit lane reporter Ted Kravitz joins hosts Matt Clayton and Michael Lamonato to discuss how the all-new revolutionary F1® cars looked on track at the Bahrain test (03:05), whether Red Bull should be considered pre-season favourites and if Mercedes is off the pace (05:00), why Ferrari can approach 2022 with genuine optimism (14:20), how Daniel Ricciardo will cope with an interrupted pre-season (17:35) and predict who will be this year's World Champion (39:30).
To mark International Women's Day, Sky Sports F1® presenter Natalie Pinkham and Krystina Emmanouilides, Australian CFD engineer for the Alfa Romeo F1® Team ORLEN, join hosts Matt Clayton and Michael Lamonato to discuss how they got their starts in Formula 1® (03:00), the importance of women supporting other women working in the sport (13:35), the responsibility of mentoring and providing role models for young women looking to pursue an F1® career (19:15) and the impact of the increased female representation within the Formula 1® fanbase (23:30).
MotoGP™ TV commentator and long-time paddock insider Matt Birt joins hosts Matt Clayton and Chris Vermeulen to make sense of pre-season testing (03:05), ponder Jack Miller's future beyond 2022 (07:40), assess Remy Gardner's prospects in his rookie MotoGP™ season (11:20) and predict who will be this year's World Champion (27:40).
Max Verstappen is the 2021 Formula 1® world champion. On our final episode for the year, we're joined by esteemed journalist, broadcaster and former Williams F1® team manager Peter Windsor to discuss all the big talking points from the controversial finish to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, look at where to now for Red Bull and Mercedes, and wrap up a thrilling 2021 season.
David Coulthard, 13-time Grand Prix winner and two-time victor in Melbourne, joins us to talk about the chaotic first Saudi Arabian Grand Prix that set up a winner-takes-all showdown between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen in Abu Dhabi, and reflects on his time as teammate to the retiring Kimi Raikkonen and driving for the late Sir Frank Williams.
With the Formula 1® title to be decided by a two-race showdown between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, we're joined by Ben Hunt, F1® journalist from The Sun newspaper in the UK, to look at how Hamilton has dragged himself back into contention, Mercedes' late-season surge, and the escalating tension between rival team principals Toto Wolff and Christian Horner.
Four-time Formula 1® World Champion and current Alpine F1® non-executive director Alain Prost talks about Alpine's race-winning 2021 season, Oscar Piastri's role as Alpine's test driver next year, Daniel Ricciardo's time with the team under the Renault name and the Max Verstappen vs Lewis Hamilton championship fight, while we wrap up Sunday's inaugural Qatar Grand Prix.
In our final MotoGP™ podcast of the year, we wrap up the season-ending Valencia Grand Prix, Remy Gardner's Moto2™ world title triumph, Ducati's premier-class dominance and a fitting farewell for Valentino Rossi, while we debate who should make the list of the top 10 MotoGP™ riders of the 2021 season.
Formula One's managing director of motorsport Ross Brawn joins us to talk about the third and final 2021 instalment of the F1® Sprint last weekend in Brazil, the future of the concept for next season, the ferocious title fight between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton and the impact of the regulation changes for 2022.
With the 2021 MotoGP™ campaign coming to a close at Valencia this Sunday, we catch up with Australia's Ducati Lenovo Team rider Jack Miller to sum up the best world championship finish of his career, how Ducati has made giant strides this season, and talk about Remy Gardner's chances of winning the Moto2™ world title this weekend.
FIA Formula 1® Race Director & Safety Delegate Michael Masi joins us to reflect on a chaotic three years in the job, discuss the biggest misconceptions about his role and talk about the revamped Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit set to host the Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix 2022, while we review Sunday's Mexico City Grand Prix won by Max Verstappen.
With Valentino Rossi's 26-year world championship career coming to the finish line in Valencia this month, we're joined by Nick Harris, the long-time voice of MotoGP™, to remember the key moments in "The Doctor's" career, the impact he's had on the world championship, and the legacy he'll leave after he departs the Grand Prix grid.
Long-time Dutch Formula 1® commentator and media figure Olav Mol looks at the rise of Max Verstappen in the Netherlands, explains the massive support behind the Red Bull Racing star's world championship quest, and offers his thoughts on the head-to-head title battle between Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.
Former World Superbike, Grand Prix and World Endurance Championship racer Steve Martin joins us wrap up a dramatic Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Misano that saw Fabio Quartararo secure the 2021 MotoGP™ World Championship, while we talk about the strength of the Australian Superbikes scene and Joel Kelso's ascension to the Moto3™ World Championship next year.
As part of National Safe Work Month in Australia, FIA Formula 1® Medical Rescue Co-ordinator Dr Ian Roberts and FIA Formula 1® Medical Car Driver Alan van der Merwe discuss their differing paths to their roles, the biggest safety advances in F1® and how they helped Romain Grosjean survive his dramatic crash in Bahrain last year, while we review Sunday's US Grand Prix won by Max Verstappen.