Welcome to Inside the Piranha Club, a new podcast brought to you by Rebecca Clancy and Ben Hunt; two F1 journalists with a combined 19 years in the sport, who will take you behind the scenes of the dizzying spectacle that is Formula 1. We will be at the races. And without shareholders or bosses to keep happy, we won't be afraid to tell you exactly how it is or give you our views. This is not F1 from our bedrooms, this is straight talking from the track. It will be frenzied, snappy and will bite. This is Inside the Piranha Club.
Lando wins in Hungary and the ITPC guys are grateful for the summer break, as they continue to slide into the obscure with one wild tangent about going to a circus, and getting caught short in the middle of the night sleeping in a tent. There is some fascinating F1 chat in among the nonsense! Strap in for another wide ranging podcast on the Hungarian GP#F1 #HungarianGP #landonorris #hamilton
Say it ain't Stroll…Ben, Bec and MMB celebrate (yes, really!) Lance Stroll's 200th F1 GP in an unusual episode that takes a strange turn! Find out what Bec did last night, MMB says his ‘organs are on fire' and insists it's something on the South Coast. This is the preview to the Hungarian F1 GP that nobody realised they needed!#F1 #HungarianGP #LanceStroll #AstonMartin #odyssey
Is Kimi Antonelli winning all the time getting boring? The team discuss the fallout from the Belgian GP, where Antonelli recorded another victory. A fine performance from the young Italian, but it is all becoming too easy? This is his title to lose after re-opening a massive gap at the top of the championship. While Antonelli shone, it was another nightmare for George Russell. The Brit's demeanour has shifted and he lashed out at Mercedes. Could that put his seat in the team in jeopardy?Bec, Ben and Mark discuss the fallout from the F1 Belgian GP.And what is the best Christmas film? (Yes, we know it's July). #F1 #BelgianGP #Mercedes #Antonelli
While Ben enjoys a "work' trip to Canada, Bec and MMB discuss this weekend's Belgian GP as Russell looks to cut Antonelli's championship lead even further. It's been a bad start to the weekend for Lando Norris who already has a 10-place grid penalty for the race while Red Bull have made revisions to their "dangerous" car. It's going to be a busy weekend. #BelgianGP #Spa #Mercedes #McLaren #LandoNorris
Ben and Bec reflect on their week at Silverstone and the British Grand Prix, which saw a record attendance for an F1 weekend. A phenomenal event that threw up loads of talking points, including that controversial finish! Plus, Ben's 1 minute moan returns in an otherwise hugely positive podcast!#f1 #charlesleclerc #mercedes #silverstone #britishgp
George Russell's timely victory in the Austrian GP blew him back in the title race. Ben and Bec discuss the importance of his second win of the year as he's heading in to the British GP. Plus, how good was it seeing Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen racing together each other for track position? Could these new F1 rules actually be working?#F1 #AustrianGP #Mercedes #Russell
The Austrian GP is always a good one. Situated in an iconic mountain setting with glorious views, it's as much a spectacle as it is an exciting race. Ben, Bec and Mark go through their predictions for this weekend where Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton is looking to extend his good run of results. However, new upgrades for Red Bull, McLaren and Mercedes could see all four teams competing for victory. The guys pick their podiums and then go off on a strange tangent about a historic UK circuit returning to formula racing!#F1 #Hamilton #AustrianGP #Ferrari #Mercedes
Three Lions: Lewis Hamilton's maiden win for Ferrari was an emotional one as he was joined on the podium by countrymen George Russell and Lando Norris. Ben, Bec and MMB get into how much this victory would have meant, not just to Hamilton but to everyone in the paddock. The win has also opened up the F1 title fight, given Kimi Antonelli's DNF. Should Mercedes be worried that their former driver will catch them in the title race? And what about George? Can he now breathe a sigh of relief or is there still too much to do? This is the recap of the 2026 Barcelona GP#F1 #Hamilton #Ferrari #BarcelonaGP #Mercedes
The team discuss the rapid rise of Kimi Antonelli and ponder if this race is now a must-win for George Russell. Also, Ben tries to explain the new engine rules while getting distracted. And what is wrong with McLaren? Plus, Bec and MMB reveal how they have both driven F1 cars in Spain and where not to go for dinner. #F1 #BarcelonaGP #SpainGP #Mercedes #Hamilton
Antonelli dominates Monaco GP. The team discuss Sunday's race where Kimi Antonelli made it five wins in a row for the season to open up a 66-point lead in the championship. Is the title race over, or can someone fight back? While Antonelli dominated, It was another race to forget for his teammate George Russell. What does he have to do to turn his fortune around?Plus, what on Earth are these new engine changes? Ben tries to explain them.#F1 #Mercedes #Antonelli #Hamilton #Ferrari
Is the Monaco GP really the most glamorous F1 race of the year? Ben, Bec and Mark have their say on F1's famous race and ask if it really is too cramped, smelly and difficult to navigate. Plus, why did Charles Leclerc sign a new deal so early with Ferrari? And are the Italian team the ones to beat this weekend?#F1 #MonacoGP #McLaren #Ferrari
Ben, Bec and Mark dig into the exciting F1 Canadian GP as Kimi Antonelli was in the right place again to capitalise and open up a 43-point lead in the championship. The guys discuss if this season is already over, and what about George Russell's luck. Did McLaren stuff it up again and are they being caught in two minds? And what about Franco Colapinto going quietly about his business. Expect more anecdotes and digressions than manufactured overtakes - it's the Canadian GP review.#F1 #CanadaGP #Antonelli #Mercedes #McLaren
Canada Dry? Ben and Bec discuss the Canadian F1 GP and how the weather can cause havoc. Bec asks if George Russell must win this race to help stop his teammate Kimi Antonelli from running away with it. They discuss Lewis Hamilton's future and reveal how he will quit on his terms. Plus, that latest on Christian Horner's return to F1.
Bec, Ben, and Mark break down a chaotic and unforgettable Miami Grand Prix weekend — from paddock insights to fan zone madness in South Florida.While Bec and Mark soak up the Miami atmosphere, Ben somehow gets the best tan… in the UK. The team dives into the biggest talking points in Formula 1 right now:Are McLaren emerging as real challengers to Mercedes?Is Kimi Antonelli already getting inside George Russell's head?Why is Ben unusually positive this week?And… who literally got pooed on?! (Yes, seriously.)Plus, Bec shares what it was really like watching the race from the fan zone — the vibes, the chaos, and everything in between.If you're into F1 analysis, behind-the-scenes insights, and a bit of chaos, this is the episode for you.#f1 #MiamiGP #Mercedes #McLaren #RedBull
Bec and Mark are on the ground in Miami as Formula One returns after a month's break due to the cancellation of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Recording live from McLaren's fanzone downtown, there's plenty to unpick from the regulation tweaks to who are the biggest winners and losers from the enforced break. Are Mercedes still on top?And when will the race actually happen? With storms forecast for Sunday, could the race be pushed back to Monday?#F1 #MiamiGP #McLaren
Part 3 of our Cadillac F1 series is here — and this time, it's all about scale, speed, and serious ambition.Bec, Ben and Mark dive into how the Cadillac project went from concept to competitive reality in just nine months. How do you build a Formula 1 team almost overnight? What does “success” actually look like in year one? And just how impressive is it that they're not only on the grid — but finishing races?And does Cadillac need an American driver to really win over the fanbase there? They can't agree.This episode gets into the nuts and bolts of what it takes to make the impossible happen in modern F1, and why Cadillac's rapid rise is turning heads across the paddock.#F1 #CadillacF1
What does it really take to build a Formula 1 team from scratch? In this exclusive episode of Inside the Piranha Club, we were exclusively invited to the Cadillac Formula 1 Team in Silverstone. Featuring an exclusive interview with Graeme Lowdon, the man leading Cadillac's F1 ambitions, this episode reveals what it takes to transform a bold idea into a competitive F1 team. Lowdon shares unique insights into the realities of building a team at the pinnacle of motorsport in both the UK and the US.This episode offers rare behind-the-scenes access you won't find anywhere else.#F1 #CadillacF1
In the first of a three-part series, this episode of Inside the Piranha Club goes behind the scenes with two of the key figures shaping Formula 1's newest team: Pat Symonds, Executive Engineering Consultant, and Nick Chester, Chief Technical Officer at Cadillac F1.With just nine months from being approved to being on the grid, Symonds and Chester lift the lid on the immense challenge of building a team from the ground up — from infrastructure and staffing to car design and long-term performance targets. They share why the Cadillac project stood out to them personally, what convinced them to join, and how their combined experience is helping lay the foundations for a competitive future.We also look ahead to a milestone moment: Miami next week, set to be Cadillac's first home race in the United States. What does that mean for the team, the brand, and the wider F1 landscape?This is a rare, in-depth conversation about ambition, engineering, and what it really takes to earn a place on the Formula 1 grid.Listen out for the next two episodes later this week.
Ben and Mark discuss the likelihood of Christian Horner's return to F1 and how the former Red Bull Racing team principal is still a target for Alpine. There is no doubt that Mercedes' Toto Wolff has enjoyed an easier ride without Horner being in the paddock. Plus they discuss the upcoming Miami GP and ask if Apple are doing enough to promote their F1 coverage.
Ben, Bec and MMB discuss Kimi Antonelli title credentials as he moves ahead of George Russell in the championship standings and whether or not Max Verstappen really could leave the sport at the end of the year. Plus, the team react to Ollie Bearman's 190mph smash and question if the FIA need to step in and change the rules.
Bec, Ben and MMB dive into Max Verstappen's controversial decision to kick out a journalist from his media session. The full details behind the latest outburst from the Red Bull driver. Also, Ben identifies a unique opportunity for people's ashes, plus the team discuss Fernando Alonso's latest arrival.#F1 #RedBull #MaxVerstappen #Alonso #JapanGP
Ben, Bec and MMB dive into your Formula One questions in this Q&A special episode. What's really going on at Aston Martin? Where has all the freight gone en route to Bahrain and Saudi Arabia? And can Lewis Hamilton still win a record-breaking eighth world title this season?Plus, in true Piranha Club fashion, the conversation takes a few unexpected turns — from funerals to fireworks, and even which circuits they'd choose to have their ashes scattered.Sharp insight, paddock gossip, and a healthy dose of chaos — just as you'd expect.
In this episode of the Inside Piranha Club F1 Podcast, we break down the biggest stories from the Chinese Grand Prix, including Kimi Antonelli's incredible Formula 1 victory that stunned the paddock.We also discuss growing frustration among F1 drivers over the latest FIA rules, and whether the sport is heading in the right direction.Plus, a brand new feature debuts on the show – Ben's One-Minute Rant, where Ben delivers his fastest and fiercest take on the biggest issue in Formula 1.Topics include: • Kimi Antonelli's Chinese GP win • Driver criticism of F1 regulations • The future of Formula 1 racing rules • Introducing Ben's One-Minute RantPerfect for fans who want Formula 1 race reactions, F1 debate, and in-depth F1 podcast discussion.
Get ready for the F1 Chinese Grand Prix as the Inside the Piranha Club podcast previews all the key storylines from Shanghai. We break down the talking points, from Mercedes' dominance, why Max Verstappen has bought a Nintendo and discuss Chinese carmaker BYD, who is reportedly contemplating joining the F1 grid.
The 2026 season roars into life at the Australian Grand Prix, and there's no shortage of stories to unpack. In this episode of Inside the Piranha Club, we dive into George Russell's victory, Ferrari's costly strategy blunder and pick apart Aston Martin's miserable start to the new campaign. Plus, Ben gives his positive verdict on Formula 1's new rules after their first real test in Melbourne. What did we learn from the season opener? Bec, Ben and MMB break it all down.
Will Aston Martin make it to the start line of the Australian Gran Prix as it begins its crucial Honda partnership in 2026?In this episode of Inside the Piranha Club, we assess the future of Aston Martin as the team builds toward its crucial 2026 works partnership with Honda. With fresh questions already emerging at the start of the season, what's gone wrong on day one — and what does it mean for the team's long-term ambitions?We also examine a growing geopolitical risk facing Formula 1: what happens if instability forces the cancellation of key Middle East races such as the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix?From power unit politics to the financial and calendar consequences, we explore how global events could shape the immediate future of Formula 1 ahead of the Australian Grand Prix.
The lights are almost out on a brand-new Formula 1 season and we are sinking our teeth into it. Ben, Bec and Mark break down all 11 teams on the grid - from reigning champions McLaren to the ambitious challengers at Ferrari, the resurgence story at Red Bull Racing, and the favourites, Mercedes. Plus the evolving picture at Aston Martin, Alpine, Williams, RB, Audi, Haas and newcomers Cadillac.Who's nailed the regulations? Who's sandbagging? And who might surprise the paddock? Bold predictions, spicy takes, and championship calls - it's all on the table.
Preseason testing isn't just about lap times, it's about intrigues, politics and throwing other teams under the bus!In this episode of Inside the Piranha Club, Ben and Bec welcome F1 business insider, Mark Mann-Bryans to the team, as they expose the politics shaping the 2026 Formula 1 grid: sandbagging secrets, technical loopholes, and the quiet power plays between Red Bull Racing, Ferrari, and the FIA. Who's really fast? Who's playing games? And who's already winning the political war before lights out?Sharp analysis. No PR spin. Just pure F1 paddock politics.
He's done it! Lando Norris is the new F1 world champion. Ben and Bec have watched the 26-year-old's career closely over the years so provide insight into his maiden world title. They also discuss if this was Max Verstappen's best season so far and what of Lewis Hamilton's strange comments at the end of the race?
Bec is in Abu Dhabi for the final race of the 2025 season as Lando Norris looks to win his first world title. The British driver looked good in FP1 and FP2 but can he get the job done? Ben assesses whether - if he were to win - this would be Max Verstappen's best title win? It's all to play for the in the Middle East as all eyes are on F1.
Just what's going wrong with McLaren?! The team admitted it made a mistake in the Qatar GP as Max Verstappen won again to take the title race down to the wire. Lando Norris still leads the title race, but he's now just 12 points ahead of the reigning world champion. Ben and Bec discuss McLaren's approach and wonder if they will change tactics ahead of the final race of the year in Abu Dhabi.
As the title fight reaches the climax, Ben and Bec discuss how Lando Norris, Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri will slug it out. Plus, they react to Adrian Newey's shock appointment as Aston Martin's team principal. Does this mean the end of the rumours liking Christian Horner to the team? And what's really going on with Ferrari and Lewis Hamilton?
Ben predicted another twist in the tale and he was right as Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are both disqualified from the Las Vegas GP for a rules infringement. With Max Verstappen winning in the desert it means the top three title protagonists are separated by just 24 points with it all still to play for with just two races and a sprint remaining! And Lewis Hamilton's time at Ferrari keeps getting worse. What does it all mean for the 7-time world champion?
Could Lando Norris end Max Verstappen's title hopes this weekend with a win in Sin City? And what about those incendiary comment from Ferrari's chairman towards the team's drivers? There's plenty to discuss in this week's episode as Bec and Ben preview the Las Vegas Grand Prix - a race that take place on the streets around the city's famous Strip and its most prominent resorts and landmarks.
Bec & Ben are joined by F1 commentator Alex Jacques, who has just released a new book called Grid to Glory picking the top 75 moments from F1 history. Alex talks about his journey to F1 and his highlights - and taking tips from commentating legend, Murray Walker.
A commanding performance from the F1 championship leader in São Paulo has seen him increase his lead in the title race. Norris was faultless with Oscar Piastri again made mistakes? Is the Aussie crumbling? Ben and Bec discuss the pressure and the brilliance of Max Verstappen. They reflect on another double DNF for Ferrari as Ben predicts who he'd like to see take over the Italian team.
Brazil Nuts: Bec goes bonkers about Charles Leclerc's latest news ahead of the São Paulo GP. Join our preview for one of the best circuits on the calendar to find out if the McLaren duo of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will manage to keep off the threat of Max Verstappen. And why is Ben in Buenos Aires?
The new F1 championship leader, Lando Norris, was booed and jeered on the podium after winning the Mexico Grand Prix. Ben & Bec overcome a noisy hotel bar to bring you a review of all the major talking points. Norris' win, Piastri's problems, Verstappen's resurgence. Plus Ben predicts who he thinks will eventually replace Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari.
With the drivers' championship hotting up and a three-way battle between Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris and Max Verstappen, the outcome of this weekend's Mexico Grand Prix could have huge ramifications in the title race. Bec and Ben discuss the race, which is one of the best venues on the calendar. They get stuck in to all things McLaren and pick who has the advantage in the championship. Plus, they answer your questions, including clarifications over George Russell's position in the pantheon of greats.
Max Verstappen's win in the US GP and the Sprint Race has turned this season's Drivers' Championship into a three-horse race that now leaves the McLaren duo of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri nervously looking over their shoulders. Ben and Bec discuss the championship permutations after the Dutchman's victory. They also discuss the upturn in results for Ferrari - despite a curious statement from the company's chairman coming in support of team boss Fred Vasseur. Plus they discuss the latest in the race for the FIA presidency.
Why is the U.S. Grand Prix in Austin so popular? Ben & Bec discuss one of the most iconic locations on the F1 calendar as the race in Austin has become one of the favourites for drivers, teams and media since its debut in 2012. They also discuss the championship fight between McLaren's Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris and how the team should let them race. They assess if Max Verstappen is really in the running for the title. Plus, they discuss livery launches and what George Russell's new deal means for Mercedes.
Sky F1 lead presenter Simon Lazenby joins Bec & Ben to discuss his new book, Pressure, that digs into Formula 1 and looks at the jobs behind the scenes. Lazenby has covered F1 since 2012 and lifts the lid on what it's like being in the paddock. He shares his top experiences including jumping out of a plane in Austin while strapped to a sailor.
It's wasn't a thriller but it's created some incredible talking points. McLaren won the constructors' championship but the focus wasn't on the success but its two drivers coming to blows. The gloves are off between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in their fight for the drivers championship. Ben and Bec discuss how McLaren will manage the conflict. Plus they discuss how George Russell, with Ben saying he's Britain's No.1 F1 driver. And it was another shocker for Ferrari with more misery for Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.
Ben and Bec discuss what it takes to compete in the Singapore Grand Prix. Why has Max Verstappen never won there before and will the McLaren drama continue? Plus, they also address the sad news of Lewis Hamilton's dog, Roscoe.
Is Max Verstappen back in the title race? Bec and Ben discuss the Red Bull driver's brilliant and dominant win in Azerbaijan while the McLarens melted. Championship leader Oscar Piastri made uncharacteristic errors and Lando Norris failed to take full advantage of the Australian's bad luck. Plus, what a weekend for Williams' Carlos Sainz in what was a popular podium. Christian Horner gets a Red Bull windfall and what is going on at Alpine?This F1 packed Podcast brings you all the latest news and insights form the Formula 1 paddock.
Fresh from their trip to Goodwood Revival, Bec and Ben get stuck into previewing the Azerbaijan GP in Baku. What will happen with the two McLaren drivers fighting for the title. Have McLaren managed it the right way? What about Red Bull. Is this really the team's “rebirth”, as Helmut Marko says? They also discuss Carlos Sainz's overturned penalty from Monza and how Ollie Bearman could be banned in a bumper episode.
Did Lando Norris, second place in the Italian GP feel hollow? The fans in Monza made their feelings known. Bec & Ben discuss the fallout and whether Oscar Piastri will take matters into his own hands while Max Verstappen dominated and rewrote the record books in the process. It's the Italian GP debrief.
An eclectic episode that goes off piste rapidly. Thankfully, after some talk about the paddock facilities, Ben and Bec get down to discussing the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. Is the title race over? Has Oscar Piastri got it sewn up? What about Lewis Hamilton, what's going on there? Williams put the heat on the stewards and are F1 races too long?
Bec & Ben return from a spell in the pits and heading for new horizons. As F1 returns from the summer break, they discuss the season so far, who will win the title and can Williams keep on impressing? They also get stuck into ‘silly season' and have their say on Cadillac's driver choice for 2026. Plus, where is Christian Horner going?
Bec and Ben are back after a few weeks away - and what a race to feature. The São Paulo GP had the lot - and virtually killed off Lando Norris' title hopes. There is plenty to discuss from Verstappen's brilliance, what happens to McLaren now? And does Sergio Perez have a place on the grid for 2025 - or not. There's loads more, including the odd swear word, so some community service/fine (delete as applicable) will be on the way!
After a fantastic week at the Singapore Grand Prix, Bec and Ben reflect Max Verstappen's swearing, his punishment from the FIA and his protest against the governing body. Plus they discuss Daniel Ricciardo's departure and assess his replacement, Liam Lawson.
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