Podcasts about Andrew Benson

Where does this victory rank among Lewis Hamilton's greatest achievements as he secures his first win for Ferrari? Jennie Gow is joined by Alice Powell, Abbi Pulling and Andrew Benson to reflect on a remarkable day for the seven-time world champion. They hear from Hamilton and discuss whether this breakthrough victory firmly establishes him as a genuine title contender.

How important could that pole position be for George Russell's season? The Mercedes driver will line up alongside Lewis Hamilton on the front row for Sunday's race, with team-mate Kimi Antonelli starting just behind. Alice Powell is joined by Abbi Pulling and Andrew Benson to look back on a thrilling qualifying session in Barcelona and hear from the top 3.

Can George Russell get his season back on track? After a difficult run of results, the Mercedes driver has slipped to third in the championship standings and faces a real challenge to close the gap at the top. Alice Powell is joined by Abbi Pulling and Andrew Benson to look ahead to the weekend and discuss whether Russell can start clawing back points on teammate Kimi Antonelli. We hear from both Mercedes drivers, delve into the latest pit lane speeding fiasco and take a look at the ongoing discussion around Formula 1's future engine regulations.

Can anyone stop Kimi Antonelli? Harry Benjamin and Andrew Benson join Rosanna Tennant after another dominant display from the young Italian. They discuss whether Antonelli is already on course to run away with the championship after extending his lead at the top of the standings to 66 points. The team also debate George Russell's recent struggles and asks whether we're finally seeing Lewis Hamilton return to something approaching his very best form.

Are Ferrari really the favourites to take their first win of the season this weekend? And is there growing tension between the two Mercedes drivers? Rosanna Tennant is joined by Damon Hill, Jolyon Palmer, Harry Benjamin and Andrew Benson to tackle the big talking points heading into the race weekend. They hear from both Mercedes drivers, as well as Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris. Plus Dutch journalist Nelson Valkenburg also joins the team to talk Max Verstappen.

Eleanor Oldroyd is joined by F1 commentator Harry Benjamin and W Series race-winner Alice Powell to look ahead to the Canadian Grand Prix. Can Kimi Antonelli keep up his title charge? And will McLaren continue their resurgence? We get immediate reaction as the key protagonists speak with the media in Montreal, plus the BBC's F1 correspondent Andrew Benson joins the show to look ahead to the weekend and discuss F1's latest developments, including the most recent set of engine regulation tweaks.

Will normal service resume, or will the break and rule changes shake things up? Ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, Harry Benjamin is joined by Jennie Gow and Andrew Benson to discuss that and the other talking points from the paddock. They cover the new regulations, the growing battle within Mercedes, and hear from Max Verstappen and Arvid Lindblad.

With the F1 season resumption in Miami just a week away, how does the title favourite see his chances? George Russell is the leading British hope in 2026, with one victory from the opening three races of the year. The Mercedes driver sits down for an in-depth interview with the BBC's F1 correspondent Andrew Benson to discuss his title hopes and the mentality surrounding that, his relationship with Max Verstappen and F1's new regulations. F1 returns for the Miami Grand Prix next week, with live commentary across the 5 Live network and BBC Sounds.

Will Lewis Hamilton win a race in 2026? Who could replace Max Verstappen if he were to leave F1 at the end of the season? Which circuits would you like to see on the calendar? And what is your favourite F1 car and livery? Harry Benjamin, British racing driver Alice Powell and the BBC's F1 correspondent Andrew Benson tackle your questions in this Q&A special. Find out the team's thoughts on current issues impacting F1 as well as some nostalgic takes, as the sport takes an enforced break due to the cancellations of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grands Prix. F1 returns next for the Miami Grand Prix at the start of May, with live commentary across the 5 Live network and BBC Sounds.

George Russell won in Australia. Kimi Antonelli claimed a first F1 victory in China. Can anyone stop Mercedes in Japan? Jennie Gow is joined by the BBC's F1 correspondent Andrew Benson and F1 journalist Scott Mitchell-Malm to look ahead to round three at the historic Suzuka Circuit. Is this era of racing ‘fun'? We hear from seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who is looking to challenge for a first race victory in Ferrari red. Plus, what is going wrong at McLaren? Jennie and Andrew speak with their team principal, Andrea Stella.

Mercedes show their strength once again, but will we have an inter-team title fight between George Russell and Kimi Antonelli after the Italian's star show in China? Ferrari produced a battle for the ages, so is Lewis Hamilton back to his best? Plus, what is going on at McLaren? Harry Benjamin, former McLaren Formula E driver Sam Bird and the BBC's F1 correspondent Andrew Benson review the Chinese Grand Prix, asking whether the new rules have worked or whether this is now a ‘battery world championship'.

It was an eventful day at the Chinese Grand Prix as a surprise pole sitter made history, following a dramatic sprint. Was that F1's best sprint? Plus, is Lewis Hamilton back to his best? Harry Benjamin, former McLaren Formula E driver Sam Bird and the BBC's F1 correspondent Andrew Benson reflect on Saturday at the Chinese Grand Prix, and look ahead to Sunday's race.

Who would take pole for Saturday's sprint? Would George Russell's domination continue? Can Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari keep the pressure on Mercedes at the front of the grid? Harry Benjamin, former McLaren Formula E driver Sam Bird and the BBC's F1 correspondent Andrew Benson reflect on sprint qualifying at the Chinese Grand Prix, and look ahead to the weekend's action.

Will the two Aston Martin cars make Sunday's starting grid? Harry Benjamin, Jennie Gow, Marc Priestley and Andrew Benson look back on the first day of on-track action at the Australian GP. Who is the team to beat? And why are Aston Martin struggling so badly? We hear from their team principal Adrian Newey.

Are Mercedes really favourites? Can Lando make a successful defence of his title? And are things really that bad at Aston Martin? Just a few of the questions Harry Benjamin, Andrew Benson and Jennie Gow tackle ahead of this weekend's season-opening race in Melbourne. Lando joins us on the pod to tell us whether life has changed since becoming world champion. Lewis Hamilton explains why he's so positive going into the new season. Plus, we hear from one of the new faces on the grid, Arvind Lindblad.

Harry Benjamin, British racing driver Sam Bird and the BBC's F1 correspondent Andrew Benson look back on the 2025 F1 season from McLaren's Woking HQ. We reflect on some of the pivotal points this year, hearing from world champion Lando Norris and the team principal of the constructors' champions, McLaren's Andrea Stella.

Harry Benjamin, former McLaren mechanic Marc Priestley and the BBC's F1 correspondent Andrew Benson look ahead to the Qatar Grand Prix. On the weekend where Lando Norris could claim his maiden world championship, the team hear from the British driver as well as title challengers Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen. Plus, it's another sprint weekend so the team react to Friday's sprint qualifying.

Will Lando Norris take another step toward that first world title this weekend? He's just one of the drivers Rosanna Tennant, Harry Benjamin, Andrew Benson and Alice Powell hear from as they look ahead to the race around the streets of Las Vegas. Oscar Piastri shares his mindset heading into the final three rounds, and the team react to Ferrari boss John Elkann's comments about Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.

Harry Benjamin and the BBC's F1 correspondent Andrew Benson discuss the state of the championship battle and Ferrari's struggles. Lewis Hamilton said his first season at Ferrari had been "a nightmare” while chairman John Elkann said the company's Formula 1 drivers "need to focus on driving and talk less”. Plus, Harry sits down for a chat with Haas driver Esteban Ocon.

Could Lando Norris' weekend have gone any better? Harry Benjamin is joined by Abbi Pulling and Andrew Benson to reflect on his' lights-to-flag victory, which extends his lead in the drivers' championship to 24 points. They hear from Norris himself, teammate Oscar Piastri, and Max Verstappen, who started from the pit lane to finish third.

What does Oscar Piastri need to do to rediscover his form while teammate Lando Norris enjoys a near-perfect weekend so far? Harry Benjamin is joined by Abbi Pulling and Andrew Benson to review a busy day in São Paulo. They hear from Norris, who won the sprint and then claimed pole for Sunday's race, as well as from Piastri after a tough day in both sessions, and Max Verstappen, who failed to make it out of Q3.

Now leading the championship, has the momentum swung towards Lando Norris with just four races remaining? Harry Benjamin is joined by Abbi Pulling, Jennie Gow and Andrew Benson to discuss how Norris has seized the lead from teammate Oscar Piastri. They hear from both drivers, while Max Verstappen explains why this weekend could make or break his title hopes. Plus, the team reflect on today's sprint qualifying and catch up with local boy Gabriel Bortoleto.

Harry Benjamin, British racing driver Sam Bird and the BBC's F1 correspondent Andrew Benson reflect on the Mexico City Grand Prix. Lando Norris started on pole, but could he convert that to victory? We hear from the British driver as well as title rivals Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen. Plus, how would Ferrari perform after a strong day in qualifying? And who would take our ‘hero of the race' accolade?

Harry Benjamin, former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer, F1 journalist Rebecca Clancy and the BBC's F1 correspondent Andrew Benson preview the Mexico City Grand Prix. Is Max Verstappen in the title fight? And where are things going wrong for McLaren? We hear from their CEO Zak Brown.

Will what happened in Singapore change the dynamic between McLaren's two drivers for the rest of the season? Harry Benjamin is joined by Andrew Benson, Jennie Gow, Jolyon Palmer and Will Buxton to preview the race in Austin. We hear from both McLaren drivers, while George Russell discusses his new Mercedes contract and Haas's Ollie Bearman sums up his season so far.

Harry Benjamin and the BBC's F1 correspondent Andrew Benson discuss McLaren's constructors' title victory. We talk about their rise from worst team at the start of 2023, to two-time champions by the end of 2025. But now that this title is wrapped up, how will they manage the ongoing battle for the drivers' championship between Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris?

Jennie Gow is joined by Ruth Buscombe, Andrew Benson and Edward Russell for a special live podcast in Singapore. The team discuss racing in Singapore and the 2025 title fight. Plus, they are joined by a couple of special guests – F1 Academy driver Alisha Palmowski, and Sauber team principal Jonathan Wheatley.

Can Lando Norris continue to narrow the gap to McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri as F1 heads to Singapore? Eleanor Oldroyd is joined by Jennie Gow and Andrew Benson to discuss the championship rivals at McLaren and whether Red Bull's Max Verstappen has forced himself back into the title picture. We hear from Norris, Piastri and Verstappen.

Harry Benjamin & the BBC's F1 correspondent Andrew Benson discuss McLaren's messy Baku weekend, Max Verstappen's title hopes, Christian Horner's Red Bull departure and Fernando Alonso's Aston Martin comments. Plus, Harry sits down for an in-depth chat with Williams driver Alex Albon, who speaks about his career to date, and why Williams have had an upturn in form under James Vowles.

Ben Edwards, reigning F1 Academy champion Abbi Pulling & the BBC's F1 correspondent Andrew Benson react to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Would the race be as dramatic as qualifying? Would polesitter Max Verstappen secure his second successive victory? And would Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris fight back up the grid in the title battle? We hear from Verstappen, Norris and Piastri.

Ben Edwards, reigning F1 Academy champion Abbi Pulling and the BBC's F1 correspondent Andrew Benson reflect on a chaotic Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Who would take pole? Would Verstappen continue to compete at the front following his win in Italy? And how would Piastri and Norris perform as the McLaren's battle for the title? We hear from the key protagonists as well as a couple of surprise performers.

Jennie Gow, former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer and the BBC's F1 correspondent Andrew Benson look ahead to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Will Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri's title battle intensify in Baku, with McLaren team orders dominating the headlines? We hear from both Norris and Piastri, as well as Max Verstappen, who answers whether he thinks Red Bull are back in the hunt at the front of the grid following his win in Italy.

Harry Benjamin and the BBC's F1 correspondent Andrew Benson reflect further on the story dominating Formula 1 following the Italian Grand Prix – McLaren team orders. Should they have swapped Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris? We answer your questions and ask whether the move was fair. Plus, we go behind the scenes on a race gantry, finding out what it is like to control the lights for a grand prix, hearing from F1's official race starter, Rebecca Lee.

Harry Benjamin and British racing driver Alice Powell reflect on a dramatic Italian Grand Prix. Could McLaren challenge polesitter Max Verstappen for victory at Monza? Would team orders come into play as Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri battle for the championship? We hear from the key drivers of the day, plus the BBC's F1 correspondent Andrew Benson.

Jennie Gow is joined by former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer and the BBC's F1 correspondent Andrew Benson to look ahead to the Italian GP. We hear from McLaren's Australian star, Oscar Piastri, who sits down for an in-depth chat with Rick Edwards to speak about topping the driver standings and his title chances. Where does Lando Norris now stand in the championship fight after his retirement at the Dutch GP? We'll hear from the Brit. Plus, the team talk about Ferrari following their double retirement in the Netherlands. Can Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc bounce back at their home race?

Rosanna Tennant, Andrew Benson, Harry Benjamin & Abbi Pulling react to qualifying at the Dutch Grand Prix. Who would take pole position in the battle between the McLaren drivers? We hear from both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Plus, could Lewis Hamilton get his season back on track in the Ferrari following a disappointing first half of 2025? We also get the team's predictions ahead of Sunday's grand prix.

Rosanna Tennant, former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer & the BBC's F1 correspondent Andrew Benson look ahead to the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort. We hear from both McLaren drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, as their championship battle intensifies. Can Lewis Hamilton turn around his tough start to life at Ferrari? And will home hero Max Verstappen return to winning ways for Red Bull? Plus, we discuss Cadillac's driver announcement for 2026 as Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez return to the grid.

Steve Crossman is joined by British racing driver Sam Bird and the BBC's F1 correspondent Andrew Benson to get an insight into exactly who Lando Norris is, as he challenges for the 2025 drivers' title. What makes the British driver tick? How has he got to the top of the sport? And can he become a champion? Plus, hear from Norris himself as well as some of those who know him best, including friend and former team mate Carlos Sainz and McLaren team principal Andrea Stella.

Steve Crossman is joined by Jennie Gow, Harry Benjamin, Sam Bird and Andrew Benson to preview the Hungarian Grand Prix. They dive into the growing rivalry at McLaren as Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri continue their charge for the title. We hear from both drivers. Williams' Carlos Sainz sits down with Steve to reflect on life in F1. Plus, why does Harry Benjamin have a catchphrase to start every race?

What does Laurent Mekies' appointment mean for Red Bull and Max Verstappen's future? Harry Benjamin is joined by Andrew Benson, Rebecca Clancy and Alisha Palmowski to preview the Spa weekend and break down the ongoing drama at Red Bull. They hear from the new team principal and Max Verstappen.

Harry Benjamin and the BBC F1's correspondent Andrew Benson are joined by former Toro Rosso driver Jaime Alguersuari to speak about the situation at Red Bull. What next for the team following Christian Horner's removal as team principal? And what next for their star driver Max Verstappen? Plus, we hear what new Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies is like to work under, and whether he'll be able to turn the team's fortunes around.

Harry Benjamin and the BBC F1's correspondent Andrew Benson react to the breaking news that Christian Horner has been sacked as Red Bull team principal after 20 years in the role. Red Bull GmBH said in a statement: "Red Bull has released Christian Horner from his operational duties with effect from today." We discuss the facts, ask what it means for Max Verstappen's future, and also ponder the team's future.

What does Lando Norris' recent win mean for his home race at Silverstone? Just one of the questions Harry Benjamin, Rebecca Clancy, Jennie Gow and Andrew Benson tackle as they look ahead to the British Grand Prix. We hear from Norris, as well as Max Verstappen, as the talk he's going to Mercedes isn't going away. Plus, Andrew chats in-depth with Alex Albon, and Harry asks Ollie Bearman the big question: what's his favourite bear?

Lando Norris wins in Austria, cutting the gap to his McLaren teammate at the top of the drivers' standings. Rosanna Tennant is joined by Ben Edwards, Alice Powell and Andrew Benson to reflect on the race. They hear from Norris, runner-up Oscar Piastri and third-placed Charles Leclerc, as well as McLaren boss Andrea Stella, with F1 now heading to their home race at Silverstone.

Lando on pole! Rosanna Tennant, Ben Edwards, Alice Powell and Andrew Benson look back at qualifying from Austria. They hear from Norris, as well as Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri, who finished second and third. Plus Max Verstappen, who starts back in seventh.

Is Max Verstappen really about to join Mercedes? What does this mean for George Russell? Just two of the questions that Rosanna Tennant, Ben Edwards, Alice Powell and Andrew Benson get stuck into. They also hear from Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Is the new F1 movie any good? Andrew and Ben give their verdict. And Brad Pitt makes his first appearance on the Chequered Flag.

Harry Benjamin and the BBC's F1 correspondent Andrew Benson discuss Red Bull's protest against George Russell following the Canadian Grand Prix. We also hear from Mercedes reserve driver Valtteri Bottas, who sat down with Harry to speak about his early days in racing, meeting Toto Wolff, becoming Lewis Hamilton's team-mate and what's next for him in F1.

Harry Benjamin and Jennie Gow are joined by F1 Academy champion Abbi Pulling and the BBC's F1 correspondent Andrew Benson to look ahead to the Canadian Grand Prix. Andrew sits down for a chat with Lando Norris, who speaks about his battle with team-mate Oscar Piastri for the drivers' title as well as team orders at McLaren. We also discuss Max Verstappen's moment of madness in Spain, how he'll bounce back this weekend, and who the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve will suit.

Jolyon Palmer and Harry Benjamin join Rosanna to preview the weekend's action. Championship leader Oscar Piastri sits down with Andrew Benson for an in-depth chat, while the team discuss the new two-stop pit rule. Gimmick or game-changer? Plus, Harry checks in with Haas driver Oliver Bearman, and the team reveal their favourite Monaco memories.

Ben Edwards, Andrew Benson & former McLaren mechanic Marc Priestley react to Max Verstappen's victory at the Emilia-Romagna GP. The team hear from the Dutchman, as well as McLaren duo Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Lewis Hamilton gives his thoughts after a turnaround in form for Ferrari, plus Alex Albon speaks about another strong Williams performance.