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At the 1995 Canadian Grand Prix, Jean Alesi achieved the sole Grand Prix victory of his Formula 1 career.Speaking to Tom Clarkson, Jean relives the standout moments from that unforgettable moment in Montreal – like only finding out from the fans that he was leading the race, doing a lap of honour on the back of Michael Schumacher's car, and then being whisked to the Vatican in Rome to celebrate.He talks about the emotions he felt when crossing the finish line and what he feels now when looking back – and whether only winning one race frustrates him. Jean also shares some brilliant stories from other times in his career – telling Tom how he helped inspire Eddie Jordan to make his own F1 team and why Ayrton Senna was somewhat bemused when Jean borrowed something from him.This episode is sponsored by: CarGurus: Join the millions who have already found their best deal with CarGurus.Go to cargurus dot co dot uk for complete vehicle details without any surprises.Vanta: Get started today at vanta.com/GRIDShopify: sign up for your $1 per-month trial today at shopify.com/beyondthegrid
Tom Clarkson is joined by former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer and IndyCar race winner James Hinchcliffe to look ahead to this weekend's Monaco Grand Prix.After Canada, Lewis Hamilton said he thinks Ferrari will be strong in Monaco. So, could this be the first Grand Prix of 2026 that Mercedes don't win? Are Ferrari the favourites in Monte Carlo? Jolyon, Hinch and Tom discuss the Scuderia's chances and what mindset Charles Leclerc is in before his home race, after describing Canada as the ‘most difficult weekend of my Formula 1 career'. With Kimi Antonelli looking for a fifth win in a row to extend his 43-point championship lead, where has he made a step forward in 2026? And do we need to rethink how we view George Russell's performances against his Mercedes teammate?The guys also react to the announcement that Gucci will become Alpine's title sponsor in 2027. And we look back in the archive to commemorate Jolyon's first F1 race in Monaco 10 years ago.THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY...Shopify: Sign up for your $1 per month trial today at shopify.com/nation BetterHelp: Sign up and get 10% off at betterhelp.com/f1nation
He learned how to win at Ferrari. He believes Audi can become Formula 1 World Championship contenders by 2030. For Mattia Binotto, the first step is raising the ambition of every person in his team. Audi aren't on the grid to take part. They're there to win.The Audi Team Principal tells Tom Clarkson how he plans to turn the former Sauber team into winners. Mattia talks about the pressure and opportunity created by Audi, a brand with an impressive record in other forms of motorsport. He explains the ingredients that made Ferrari the dominant team of the early 2000s and how he aims to apply the same approach to Audi. Why are drivers Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hulkenberg perfect for Audi? Could the team be a destination for a megastar like Max Verstappen? Will Mattia get a tattoo for the team's first race win? Tom asks Mattia all these questions and more.This episode is sponsored by: CarGurus: go to cargurus.co.uk for complete vehicle details without any surprises.
Tom Clarkson is joined by F1TV commentary duo Jolyon Palmer and Alex Jacques to reflect on an eventful Canadian Grand Prix.Kimi Antonelli capitalised on George Russell's DNF to claim his fourth win in a row and move 43 points clear of his Mercedes teammate at the top of the World Championship standings. What did the guys make of their wheel-to-wheel battles in Montreal? Will Mercedes ask them to dial it down? And how does this result change the mindset of the two title contenders? Behind Antonelli, Lewis Hamilton overcame a tense battle with Max Verstappen to score his best result as a Ferrari driver. Was this Lewis's best weekend since joining the team? And will he continue to avoid the simulator before races?Tom, Jolyon and Alex also discuss Franco Colapinto's best finish in Formula 1 and share their thoughts on McLaren's decision to start both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri on intermediate tyres. How much responsibility for that call lies with the drivers? THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY...Indeed: Get a £100 sponsored job credit at indeed.com/f1nation
The Formula 1 driver market is potentially just one domino away from exploding into a frenzy, so what exactly does an F1 driver need to do to get themselves into the best seat on the grid?With multiple wins, poles and podiums throughout his 15 seasons at the pinnacle of motorsport, David Coulthard was often fighting at the front. But how did he make his way into the fastest cars?Speaking to Tom Clarkson, David shares some of the remarkable tales from that journey – including his careful approach to getting a drive at Williams after the death of Ayrton Senna and why a ‘totally unnecessary' contract dispute resulted in him leaving them for McLaren. DC emphasises the importance of dealing with people, pressure and politics in navigating his way to the front of the grid. He reflects on how he negotiated with big team bosses like Ron Dennis, why he tried to use the media to his advantage and how surviving a plane crash changed his approach to life in F1.This episode is sponsored by: Shopify: sign up for your $1 per month trial today at shopify.com/beyondthegridVanta: get started at Vanta dot com slash GRIDLeesa: go to leesa.com for 30% off select mattresses PLUS get an extra 50 dollars off with promo code GRID
Tom Clarkson, Jolyon Palmer and James Hinchcliffe are back to preview this weekend's Canadian Grand Prix. After three wins on the bounce, Kimi Antonelli leads George Russell by 20 points at the top of the World Championship standings, so how crucial is it for George to beat Kimi in Montreal? If he doesn't and more teams get in the mix, will Mercedes have some tough decisions to make? For Ferrari, is Canada a defining moment in Lewis Hamilton's season? Will Charles Leclerc be thinking about his future if they're unable to fight at the front in this next run of races? Plus, the guys debate the topic of driver insecurities and share their personal experiences after Jenson Button discussed the topic on the latest F1 Beyond The Grid podcast. Listen to more Official F1 PodcastsDrivers tell their stories on F1 Beyond The Grid - click here for latest episodesExperts answer your questions on F1 Explains - right here on this podcast feedLAS VEGAS. FORMULA 1. LIKE NOTHING BEFORE.The Las Vegas Grand Prix returns November 19th – 21st, 2026.Get your tickets for the fastest weekend of the year at f1lasvegasgp.com/tickets.
20 years ago, Jenson Button added his name to the illustrious list of drivers to win a Formula 1 Grand Prix, when he emerged victorious at Hungary in 2006.A moment long overdue after multiple podiums, Jenson admits he did get to a point where he thought a win might never happen.So how did he feel when he finally did cross the finish line and take the chequered flag first?Speaking to Tom Clarkson, Jenson talks through the race in great detail, before describing the emotions of that huge milestone, how he celebrated and why it changed him as a driver. Plus, the 2009 World Champion also reflects on when he was at his best in Formula 1, which driver on the current grid he relates to the most and why drivers are more insecure than we might think.This episode is sponsored by: Saily - get an exclusive 15% discount on your first Saily data plans! Use code grid atcheckout. Download Saily app or go to to https://saily.com/gridLiquid I.V. - go to liquidiv.com and get 20% off your first purchase with code GRID at checkout.
With an intra-team title battle brewing between Kimi Antonelli and George Russell at Mercedes in 2026, Tom Clarkson is joined by Jolyon Palmer and James Hinchcliffe to chat about some of the greatest teammate rivalries in F1 history.The guys discuss Lewis Hamilton's battles with Nico Rosberg at Mercedes and Fernando Alonso at McLaren, the major flashpoints during Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber's time at Red Bull, and the politics between Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost at McLaren. Why were those rivalries so fierce? What are the key ingredients for an intense fight between teammates? How much involvement should the team have? And of the current grid, which driver pairing do Tom, Jolyon and Hinch think would have the most heated rivalry if they were competing for a title?LAS VEGAS. FORMULA 1. LIKE NOTHING BEFORE.The Las Vegas Grand Prix returns November 19th – 21st, 2026.Get your tickets for the fastest weekend of the year at f1lasvegasgp.com/tickets.
Why would a double F1 World Champion at the height of his powers walk away from a winning car? For the 1976 season, Emerson Fittipaldi stunned the sport by leaving McLaren and setting up his own team. He wanted a challenge, and he certainly got one.50 years later, Emerson tells Tom Clarkson why he and his brother Wilson launched Copersucar, a team based in their home country of Brazil. He also remembers the dramatic events that led him to start his own team – winning the World Championship with Lotus and considering retirement before winning a second title with McLaren, and the conversations with Ferrari which could have changed the course of his career. Emerson's passion for F1 still burns bright. He drove his championship-winning M23 in Miami at a McLaren showrun. He also keeps a close eye on every Grand Prix, and gives his views on Kimi Antonelli's impressive start to the 2026 season.This episode is sponsored by: Vanta: get started at vanta.com/GRID.Shopify: sign up for your $1 per month trial today at shopify.com/beyondthegrid
Tom Clarkson is joined by F1 correspondent Lawrence Barretto and F1TV expert James Hinchcliffe to reflect on an action-packed Miami Grand Prix weekend. Kimi Antonelli made it three race wins in a row to extend his championship lead to 20 points. Was this the toughest win of Kimi's career and what does that tell us about him? On the other side of the Mercedes garage, how will George Russell be feeling about the title fight after losing out to his teammate again? And what do the guys make of George's comments about the Miami track not suiting him? Also on the agenda: why Lando Norris missed out on victory, Charles Leclerc's final lap spin that cost him a podium, Red Bull's turnaround and a very special day for Franco Colapinto. Plus, the guys pay tribute to former F1 driver and Paralympian Alex Zanardi, who has passed away at the age of 59. And if you'd like to hear Alex Zanardi's incredible life story, listen to him in conversation with Tom Clarkson on F1 Beyond The Grid back in 2020.
‘I've always been the youngest, the new kid, the underdog. It helps me not be intimidated'. Arvid Lindblad, the fourth-youngest F1 driver in history, is full of confidence. In his first race he fought wheel-to-wheel with World Champions. The Racing Bulls driver has made a fast start to his first season in Formula 1. He always believed he'd race at the top. He's living his childhood dream and he's loving it.Arvid tells Tom Clarkson how he went from watching F1 on TV aged 4 to racing in F1 aged 18, inspired and supported by his family, his coach – the racing driver Olly Rowland – and Helmut Marko, Red Bull's former Motorsport Advisor. He explains the coaching which helped him beat more experienced drivers as he progressed up the motorsport ladder in ever-faster cars. Arvid also looks back to his Formula 1 debut in Australia, where he overtook Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris at the start and scored points at the end, and relives the stunning qualifying lap in Japan which saw him eliminate Max Verstappen.Listen to more Official F1 PodcastsListen to the latest episodes of F1 Nation and F1 ExplainsThis episode is sponsored by:Bitdefender: visit bitdefender.com to learn more about how Bitdefender supports Ferrari to stay ahead of cyber threats and how you can make your digital life safer Rag&Bone: for a limited time, our listeners get 20% off their entire order with code GRID at Rag-Bone.com CarGurus: go to cargurus.co.uk for complete vehicle details without any surprises
Can a 'completely new' McLaren take victory in Miami? Tom Clarkson, James Hinchcliffe and Jolyon Palmer think it's the papaya team's best chance of the season so far. F1 is back after a break from racing, and everything could be different! Tom, Jolyon and Hinch debate which team will make the biggest leap forward in Miami, and how the second F1 Sprint weekend of the year puts pressure on drivers to get back up to speed quickly. Can McLaren get ahead of Mercedes? Have Ferrari got special upgrades? Will Red Bull rise back to the front? Plus, the team celebrate the news that F1 is returning to Istanbul Park - a 'modern classic' which always produces exciting racing. We're already looking forward to the 2027 Turkish Grand Prix...
Formula 1 has always been a dream for Colton Herta. Walking away from IndyCar to race in Formula 2 is a gamble. His reward, should he prove himself, could be an F1 drive with Cadillac. Colton has come close to F1 before. This time he's determined to make it.Speaking on the day he had a seat-fit for Cadillac's F1 car, Colton Herta tells Tom Clarkson about growing up at racetracks with his father, IndyCar legend Bryan Herta, his love of motorsport and F1 deals that never happened with Sauber and Red Bull's junior team. Colton also remembers leaving the US as a teenager to race in Europe, where he was teammates with a young Lando Norris in junior categories, and he looks forward to making his F1 practice session debut for Cadillac later this season.This episode is sponsored by: Shopify: sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at shopify.com/beyondthegridVanta: get started at vanta.com/GRID.
Verstappen's mentality? Schumacher's teamwork? Alonso's intelligence? Tsunoda's physique? Tom Clarkson is joined by former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer and IndyCar race winner James Hinchcliffe to build the ‘perfect' F1 driver. They debate the key attributes needed to become the best in the pinnacle of motorsport and which drivers from past and present are closest to perfection. Plus, the guys chat about the possible driver market ramifications if Max Verstappen does leave Red Bull Racing and they share their standout moments from the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix over the years.Listen to more official F1 podcastsF1 Beyond The Grid - in-depth interviews with F1's biggest namesF1 Explains - expert answers to your F1 questionsThis episode is sponsored by:IndeedGet a £100 sponsored job credit at indeed.com/f1nation QuinceRefresh your wardrobe with Quince. Go to quince.com/nation for free shipping and 365-day returns.
At this year's season-opening Australian Grand Prix, Bernd Maylander reached a remarkable milestone of 500 races as the FIA Safety Car Driver.Speaking to Tom Clarkson, Bernd reflects on how the Safety Car and his job have evolved since his first race back in 2000 and some of the most iconic races he's been involved in over the last 25 years.He talks through what a Grand Prix weekend looks like for him, the role his co-driver Richard Darker plays and some of the challenges they face – like picking up the leader when the Safety Car is deployed and judging wet conditions. Bernd also reveals what it feels like to have the fastest drivers on the planet right behind him and how he handles them complaining about his speed.This episode is sponsored by: Liquid I.V. - go to liquidiv.com and get 20% off your first purchase with code GRID at checkoutSaily - get an exclusive 15% discount on your first Saily data plans! Use code grid atcheckout. Download Saily app or go to to https://saily.com/grid
Tom Clarkson is joined by former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer and IndyCar race winner James Hinchcliffe to discuss the news that Max Verstappen's race engineer, GianPiero Lambiase, will leave Red Bull Racing in 2028 and join McLaren as their Chief Racing Officer.What does Lambiase's departure mean for Red Bull? How will it affect Verstappen's future at the team? And what will GP bring to McLaren?Plus, the guys are joined by McLaren's Technical Director of Performance, Mark Temple, who says Mercedes are 'beatable' in 2026 and tells us about the upgrade work being done at the factory before the Miami GP.THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY:Saily: Get an exclusive 15% discount on your first Saily data plans. Use code F1nation at checkout. Download Saily app or go to to saily.com/f1nation
From the first time she sat in a kart, aged 9, Doriane Pin has wanted to race in Formula 1. F1 ACADEMY champion, Mercedes Development Driver, poised to drive an F1 car for the first time - Doriane is getting closer and closer to that dream.Doriane tells Tom Clarkson her racing story so far, from feeling like a 'superhero' in her kart, to seeking sponsors at the age of 11, taking on the Le Mans 24 hours, and being spotted by the Mercedes Junior Programme.In F1 ACADEMY, Doriane switched to racing open wheel cars on Grand Prix circuits, supported by Mercedes teammates Lewis Hamilton, George Russell and Kimi Antonelli. Susie Wolff's advice helped her score points in every race, and become champion at the end of her second season.Now Doriane is Development Driver for Mercedes and is preparing for a first F1 test. Her dream remains the same: a seat on the Grand Prix grid.Follow F1 ACADEMY in 2026 Race highlights on YouTube Latest news on f1academy.com Updates on instagram Listen to more official F1 podcastsF1 Nation for expert race reviews and previewsF1 Explains to learn how Formula 1 works Listen hereThis episode is sponsored byVantaGame-changing security and compliance for your business. Get started at vanta.com/grid ShopifyStart your business with a $1 per month trial at shopify.com/beyondthegrid
Tom Clarkson is joined by former F1 driver, Jolyon Palmer, and IndyCar race winner, James Hinchcliffe, to look back on what we've learned from the first three races of the season and what we can expect from Miami onwards.The guys discuss the battle between George Russell and Kimi Antonelli at Mercedes, why Oscar Piastri and McLaren were better in Japan, and what they and Ferrari need to do to catch Mercedes.Red Bull Racing find themselves in the midfield battle, so will they regret their decision to not switch full focus to 2026 when Laurent Mekies joined as Team Principal last season? Could Max Verstappen's frustration benefit his teammate, Isack Hadjar? And with Haas and Alpine above Red Bull in the Constructors' Standings, is it clear who the fourth fastest team on the grid is?Plus, Hinch thinks Fernando Alonso is the most positive person at Aston Martin right now, Tom suggests a somewhat contentious reason why, and Jolyon isn't having any of it!THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY...Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at shopify.com/nation BetterHelp: Sign up and get 10% off at betterhelp.com/f1nationIndeed: Get a £100 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility at indeed.com/f1nation
Who overtook who? Which driver is in the gravel? Formula 1 commentators put on-track action into words. They need to be accurate, fast and entertaining to make sure you always know what's happening. F1TV and Apple TV commentator Alex Jacques is the voice of Formula 1 around the world. He welcomes Christian Hewgill into the commentary box to answer your questions. From the screens he can see and the research he does to the role of co-commentators and finding the right words at the biggest moments, Alex tells all about his job.Send us your questions for episodes on race strategy and race engineersF1Explains@F1.comF1 Nation - weekly episodes every Monday with Tom Clarkson and expert guestsF1 Beyond The Grid - Red Bull Team Principal Laurent Mekies on the 2026 challenge
Red Bull Racing were at a crossroads when Laurent Mekies took over as Team Principal halfway through 2025. After a difficult first half of the season, should they continue working on their 2025 car or write that year off and prioritise the new regulations for 2026?Their decision to stay focussed on the ‘25 car paid off, with Max Verstappen going from more than 100 points behind to missing out on the title by just two points. But in this new era of Formula 1, Red Bull have fallen down the pecking order after a difficult start to the season.Speaking to Tom Clarkson, Laurent explains why they didn't switch full focus to 2026 earlier and whether they're now paying the price for last year's turnaround.Laurent also talks about how different his experience as a Team Principal is at Red Bull compared to Racing Bulls. He shares insight into what Max Verstappen is like outside of the car, the Dutchman's future with the team and how Isack Hadjar is settling into his new surroundings. Plus, with Red Bull making their own power units for the first time this year, Laurent tells Tom why he describes their Powertrains project as a ‘crazy challenge' that only a team like Red Bull could take on.Race reviews + your questions answeredListen to the latest episodes of F1 Nation and F1 ExplainsThis episode is sponsored by CarGurusGo to cargurus.co.uk for complete vehicle details without any surprises.
F1 correspondent Lawrence Barretto and Aston Martin Third Driver Jak Crawford are Tom Clarkson's guests in the Suzuka paddock for F1 Nation's review of the Japanese Grand Prix.Kimi Antonelli made it back-to-back wins to become Formula 1's youngest ever World Championship leader. How much pressure has he put on Mercedes teammate and title rival George Russell? With Oscar Piastri finishing P2 and Charles Leclerc also on the podium, the guys discuss where McLaren and Ferrari need to improve if they're to battle Mercedes for wins this season.Elsewhere, there's plenty of praise for Alpine's Pierre Gasly after scoring points in every race so far this season. Could they challenge the frontrunners this year? And Lawrence gives us the lowdown on what's going on at Audi after Jonathan Wheatley's sudden departure as Team Principal.
Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu is Tom Clarkson's guest on this week's F1 Beyond The Grid.Ayao has been with Haas since their debut season 10 years ago, but he's only been in charge since 2024. What has he learned about leadership in that time? How did he guide the team's recovery from such a difficult start last season? And what are Haas' targets in the new era of Formula 1?As for the drivers, Ayao tells Tom what he wants to see from Esteban Ocon this year and how long they can hold on to Ollie Bearman if his eye-catching performances continue. Ayao also reveals a lot about his relationship with owner Gene Haas and what Toyota bring to the table as the team's technical partner.F1 Nation + F1 Explains are together in 2026Get race reviews + answers to your questions all in one placeThis episode is sponsored by Vanta: get started at vanta.com/GRID
As Formula 1 heads to Suzuka, Japan, a teammate battle is brewing. George Russell and Kimi Antonelli have driven the pace-setting Mercedes to one win each. How will they race each other this season? How will Mercedes handle their drivers? Max Verstappen has been linked to Mercedes in the past, so are George and Kimi also racing to keep their place in the team? Tom Clarkson, former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer and IndyCar race winner James Hinchcliffe talk about the magic of Suzuka, the early season competitive picture and how the race weekend will unfold. Is there ‘magic in the air' for Ferrari? Can McLaren and Red Bull find more performance? At Haas, is Ollie Bearman driving towards a future in red?This episode is sponsored by Indeed: Indeed: get a £100 sponsored job credit at indeed.com/f1nation
The son of a motorsport legend, a racer since childhood, Formula 1 was Jacques Villeneuve's destiny. In 1996, the young Canadian arrived at his first Grand Prix and immediately proved he belonged there by taking pole position. In his rookie season Villeneuve won races, went wheel-to-wheel with Michael Schumacher and took Williams teammate Damon Hill to a final race title-decider. 30 years on, he sits down with Tom Clarkson to remember how he shook up the sport. Jacques explains why he left IndyCar as reigning champion to join Williams in Formula 1, and how racing on ovals influenced how he drove Grands Prix. He talks about working with race engineer Jock Clear, and experimenting with his throttle pedal and steering wheel paddles to find extra performance.Tom asks Jacques about the highlights of his first year in F1: his first pole position, his first race win and the spectacular pass he made on Michael Schumacher - an overtaking move still regarded as one of the best in F1 history.F1 Nation + F1 Explains are together in 2026Get race reviews + answers to your questions all in one placeThis episode is sponsored by:CarGurus: buy or sell your next car today at cargurus.com Shopify: sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at shopify.com/beyondthegrid Saily: get an exclusive 15% discount on your first Saily data plans! Use code grid at checkout. Download Saily app or go to to https://saily.com/grid
F1TV commentator and former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer joins Tom Clarkson in the Shanghai paddock to reflect on an action-packed Chinese Grand Prix.Kimi Antonelli became the second youngest Grand Prix winner in F1 history, leading George Russell to the second consecutive Mercedes 1-2 of 2026. So can Kimi fight his more experienced teammate for the title this year? Kimi's race engineer Pete ‘Bono' Bonnington joins the pod to share what this victory means to them and where the Italian goes from here. Lewis Hamilton claimed his first Grand Prix podium for Ferrari, after an epic battle with teammate Charles Leclerc for third place. After a strong start to the new era of F1, is Lewis back to his best? Why did he have the better of Charles in China? And have we seen more evidence that Ferrari can fight with Mercedes for wins this year? The guys also discuss another big result for Ollie Bearman at Haas, double points for Alpine, a fighting performance from Carlos Sainz in the Williams and more difficult weekends for McLaren, Red Bull and Aston Martin.
What do the red flashing lights on F1 cars mean? When do drivers attack and defend? How do F1 mechanics fix crashed cars so quickly? F1 Explains answers your questions after the first race of 2026.F1 Correspondent and Presenter Lawrence Barretto joins Christian Hewgill to explain battery recharging, the way drivers are using Boost and Overtake modes, and what the new active aero front wings have in common with electric toothbrushes...And, after Mercedes showed their speed in Australia, we look at how power unit manufacturers work with their customer teams.Get your question answered on the podcastSend your questions to F1Explains@F1.comF1 Explains + F1 Nation have teamed up for 2026Find the latest race previews and reviews on this feed - 2026 Chinese GP Preview out now with Tom Clarkson and Jolyon PalmerThis week on F1 Beyond The GridCadillac CEO Dan Towriss talks about launching the team
'Mercedes will have less of an advantage... I think there's some magic in the air for Ferrari'. Tom Clarkson and Jolyon Palmer chat through the big talking points ahead of the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix.What makes the Shanghai International Circuit such a challenge, and how will the racing be different to what we saw in Australia? Will we see Ferrari, Red Bull and McLaren get closer to the pace-setting Mercedes?The first F1 Sprint weekend of 2026 means less preparation time for everyone, including last year's Chinese Grand Prix winner, Oscar Piastri. Will he 'pay the price' for not racing in Melbourne?Can Aston Martin unlock more performance, and will Mercedes-powered Williams and Alpine show more speed in Shanghai?F1 Nation and F1 Explains have teamed up for 2026Listen to episodes right here on this feed, and send your F1 questions to F1Explains@F1.comThis week on F1 Beyond The GridCadillac CEO Dan Towriss on the team's first Grand Prix
The newest team in Formula 1 are here to compete. Cadillac have earned the respect of their rivals. Now they're pushing to get faster.CEO Dan Towriss takes Tom Clarkson back to the start of the story - how he and his TWG Motorsports company first became involved in discussions about F1, conversations with General Motors and Cadillac, the work to build a team, choosing their race drivers and making their F1 debut in Australia.Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas are the first Cadillac F1 drivers. What do they bring to a new team? What does the future hold for the team's reserve driver, IndyCar star Colton Herta? And what are the team's aims in their first season? The learning curve is steep at the pinnacle of motorsport, but as Dan says, ‘no part of this should be easy'.This episode is sponsored by: Vanta: get started at vanta.com/GRIDLiquid I.V. : go to liquidiv.com and get 20% off your first purchase withcode GRID at checkoutRag & Bone: It's time to upgrade your denim with Rag & Bone. For a limited time, our listeners get 20% off their entire order with code GRID at rag-bone.com
A life lived on the road with Formula 1. It’s part history lesson, part travel diary, and part behind-the-scenes pass to the Formula 1 paddock, from someone who has been there for it all. Respected F1 journalist, broadcaster and podcaster Tom Clarkson has seen the sport from the inside for decades. With more than 500 consecutive Grands Prix attended since 1998, Clarkson has travelled the world alongside Formula 1’s modern evolution. From the drivers who left the biggest mark, the circuits that stand above the rest and the press conferences that lit up the paddock — Clarkson shares stories from the road, including regular meetings with former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone. Plus, the boys unpack Oscar Piastri’s Melbourne weekend, the pressure cooker of the modern paddock, and the global surge of Formula 1. And then there’s the future. New regulations have arrived, plus the Audi Revolut F1 Team joins the grid, there's new power units, and sustainable fuels engineered by bp set to help shape the next era of the sport. *** Follow the Howie Games on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehowiegamespod/ Follow the Howie Games on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehowiegames A huge thanks to Tommy for stopping by!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A life lived on the road with Formula 1. It’s part history lesson, part travel diary, and part behind-the-scenes pass to the Formula 1 paddock, from someone who has been there for it all. Respected F1 journalist, broadcaster and podcaster Tom Clarkson has seen the sport from the inside for decades. With more than 500 consecutive Grands Prix attended since 1998, Clarkson has travelled the world alongside Formula 1’s modern evolution. From the drivers who left the biggest mark, the circuits that stand above the rest and the press conferences that lit up the paddock — Clarkson shares stories from the road, including regular meetings with former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone. Plus, the boys unpack Oscar Piastri’s Melbourne weekend, the pressure cooker of the modern paddock, and the global surge of Formula 1. And then there’s the future. New regulations have arrived, plus the Audi Revolut F1 Team joins the grid, there's new power units, and sustainable fuels engineered by bp set to help shape the next era of the sport. *** Follow the Howie Games on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehowiegamespod/ Follow the Howie Games on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehowiegames A huge thanks to Tommy for stopping by!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tom Clarkson is joined in the Albert Park paddock by former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer and Channel 10's Richard Craill to reflect on an entertaining season opener in Melbourne. Mercedes took the first victory of this new era of Formula 1, with George Russell leading Kimi Antonelli to a 1-2 finish. George might be the favourite to become World Champion, but could Kimi challenge him for the duration of the season? Ferrari's Charles Leclerc finished third, ahead of teammate Lewis Hamilton in fourth. Can they take the fight to Mercedes this year? And could we see Hamilton back on the top step? Plus, the guys discuss how far behind Red Bull and McLaren are, a sensational F1 debut from Racing Bulls rookie Arvid Lindblad, points for Audi in their first race, and why there may be signs of encouragement for Aston Martin after a very challenging start to the season. F1 Nation and F1 Explains have teamed up for 2026Scroll down to find Williams Team Principal James Vowles answer your questionsThis episode is sponsored by:Indeed: get a $75 sponsored job credit at indeed.com/podcast
A temporary break from normal programming for a special and very timely, F1 podcast. Join Howie and respected F1 journalist, podcast host (and Hollywood star) Tom Clarkson for his Player Profile, before we dive deep into life on the road covering the relentless Formula 1 schedule. It’s a great catch-up between mates as they unpack all things from back at the track (plus the heartbreak of the opening race at Albert Park). Let's have some fun. Tommy even answers his OWN question. This special episode is all thanks to our friends at BP, the technology partner of the Audi Revolut F1 team.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After a long winter, we're finally going racing this weekend in Melbourne. Ahead of the 2026 Australian Grand Prix, Williams Team Principal James Vowles explains how the team has prepared for the weekend, his favourite things about the 2026 regulations, and whether the first race will really tell us who's fastest.James joins Christian Hewgill on the F1 Fanzone stage at Albert Park to look ahead to a mouth-watering new season and to answer questions from F1 Explains listeners Sophie, Victoria and Karen.And James also tells us what jobs he'd give to Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon if they weren't drivers.We want your questions about how Formula 1 works! Email F1Explains@F1.comF1 Explains and F1 Nation have teamed up for 2026. Subscribe to this feed for race previews and reviews every Monday with Tom Clarkson and guests.F1 Beyond The Grid with Carlos Sainz - out now
Five years after Carlos Sainz left McLaren, his former team and his former teammate are the reigning Formula 1 World Champions. As he watched Lando Norris reach the summit of world motorsport, did he ever think ‘that could have been me?'. Speaking to Tom Clarkson, Carlos reflects on leaving McLaren and becoming a race winner with Ferrari before joining Williams. He remembers feeling ‘powerless' during a difficult start to the 2025 season, and reveals the work which led him to stand on the podium later in the year.Carlos gives his first impressions of the 2026 F1 cars and explains why he wants to use the ‘peak' of his career to take Williams back to the top. Listen to other official F1 PodcastsF1 Nation Australia Grand Prix PreviewF1 Explains: what you need to know for 2026 This episode is sponsored by: Shopify: sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at shopify.com/beyondthegridQuince: go to quince.com/GRID for free shipping and 365-day returns.CarGurus: buy or sell your next car today with CarGurus at cargurus.com
James Hinchcliffe, Jolyon Palmer and Tom Clarkson look ahead to the first race of the 2026 Formula 1 season, the Australian Grand Prix.Are Mercedes favourites? Are fast-starting Ferrari title contenders? How will McLaren's teammate battle develop now Lando Norris is reigning champion? Can Max Verstappen put Red Bull in the mix? There are so many questions at the start of a new era of racing. Hinch, Jolyon and TC debate it all.Plus, how will Williams and Alpine perform? Can Aston Martin recover after a difficult winter? Is 2026 a big chance for Haas? Which of the new teams – Audi or Cadillac – will have a stronger season? And the team make their pre-season predictions: who will win in Melbourne, and who will be the 2026 F1 World Champion?F1 Nation and F1 Explains have teamed up for 2026Scroll down to find Christian Hewgill + Lawrence Barretto explaining all you need to know about the new F1 seasonThis episode is sponsored by: BetterHelp: sign up and get 10% off at betterhelp.com/F1NATIONShopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at shopify.com/nation Indeed: get a £100 sponsored job credit at indeed.com/f1nation
Boost your knowledge ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season. Christian Hewgill and F1 Correspondent + Presenter Lawrence Barretto run through the key terms and new rules of the sport's new era.Plus we answer your questions on how drivers will recharge their brand new batteries, how the arrival of Cadillac will change qualifying and the new advanced sustainable fuel powering the new cars.We want your questions about how Formula 1 works! Email F1Explains@F1.comF1 Explains and F1 Nation have teamed up for 2026. Subscribe to this feed for race previews and reviews every Monday with Tom Clarkson and guests.And check out the new season of F1 Beyond The Grid. New episodes start Wednesday 4th of March with Carlos Sainz
F1TV commentator and former Renault driver Jolyon Palmer joins Tom Clarkson to reflect on pre-season testing, as Formula 1 gets set for a very exciting new era.The teams and drivers have had a shakedown in Barcelona, followed by two, three-day tests in Bahrain, ahead of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in March.So what have we learned about the new cars? Which teams look competitive? Who still has a lot of work to do? And what do we think the pecking order is heading to Melbourne?What Next?F1 Nation is back next Monday with our big season preview before the Australian Grand Prix. And F1 Explains returns for 2026 this Friday on the F1 Nation feed. Presenter Christian Hewgill is joined by F1 correspondent Lawrence Barretto to answer your questions about the new cars and regulations. Send them in to f1explains@f1.com
F1 Nation is back for 2026 and we're teaming up with F1 Explains - the podcast which answers your questions about the sport.On Mondays F1 Nation will bring you expert reaction to F1 action, and insider views on breaking news from Tom Clarkson, Jolyon Palmer, James Hinchcliffe + more F1 insiders.On Fridays, F1 Explains will tackle your questions on the sport. Christian Hewgill gets the answers from drivers, team bosses and the men and women who work behind the scenes. Send your questions to F1Explains@F1.comF1 Nation and F1 Explains - all in one place. New episodes start on Monday February 23rd
F1 Explains is moving to the F1 Nation podcast feed for the new season.Get answers to your F1 questions from Christian Hewgill and expert guests, plus race reviews and previews with Tom Clarkson - all in one place.Send your questions about the 2026 F1 season to F1Explains@F1.comSearch F1 Nation on your podcast app, hit follow or subscribe, and you'll get every new episode of F1 Explains
A title fight full of twists and turns, a new World Champion, rookies reaching major milestones and Formula 1 on the big screen. The 2025 season was nothing short of dramatic on and off track. Here, on F1 Beyond The Grid, Tom Clarkson has sat down with the people in the thick of all that drama and in this end-of-year special, Tom picks out his highlights. You'll hear from the new World Champion Lando Norris, who reveals how he changed his mental approach to racing, and his race engineer Will Joseph. Lando's title rival and teammate Oscar Piastri explains how he made so much progress from 2024 to 2025. And McLaren CEO Zak Brown and Team Principal Andrea Stella tell us how they've managed to get Lando and Oscar to buy into the team's racing philosophy. Away from the champions, Isack Hadjar reflects on how he bounced back from a nightmare F1 debut in Australia. Esteban Ocon and his race engineer Laura Mueller explain how they've built a relationship in their first year working together at Haas. And Valtteri Bottas tells Tom why he's got unfinished business with F1 ahead of his return with Cadillac in 2026. From the cockpit to the pitwall, Williams Team Principal James Vowles shares his pride after Carlos Sainz secured the team's first podium since 2021 and Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur gives his thoughts on Lewis Hamilton's first year in red. Plus, four-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel reflects on the highs and lows of his career and Hollywood icon Brad Pitt reminisces on what it was like becoming F1 driver Sonny Hayes for F1: The Movie. Thank you for listening in 2025. F1 Beyond The Grid will return in 2026. To hear the full interviews with the guests featured in this show, click on the links below… Lando Norris Oscar Piastri Andrea Stella + Zak Brown Helmut Marko Fred Vasseur James Vowles Brad Pitt Sebastian Vettel
As Formula 1 enters an exciting new era of fast, thrilling and sustainable racing in 2026, what can we expect on track? Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff, and Managing Director of Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertains, Hywel Thomas, explain how the new power units and advanced sustainable fuels will enhance performance and demand different skills from the drivers and teams. Toto and Hywel tell Tom Clarkson how they feel on the eve of this new rule cycle compared to 2014, when they went on to win eight Constructors' World Championships in a row, and what they make of rumours in the paddock pitching them as pre-season favourites. You'll also hear their thoughts on how George Russell and Kimi Antonelli performed in 2025 and what they can achieve in the coming years. This episode is sponsored by: Truewerk: upgrade your day with workwear built like it matters. Get 15% off your first order at truewerk.com with code GRID. Indeed: listeners of this show will get a $75 sponsored job credit to help get your job the premium status it deserves at indeed.com/GRID. F1 Store: F1 Store: treat the F1 fan in your life this festive season with exclusive gear from the Official F1 Store. Shop now at F1Store.formula1.com
F1TV experts Jolyon Palmer and James Hinchcliffe join Tom Clarkson in the Yas Marina paddock after Lando Norris was crowned Formula 1 World Champion for the first time. He was 34 points adrift after round 15, so how did Lando complete such an incredible comeback in this title fight? Has he broken the mould in terms of what we imagine a World Champion to be like? And how will being champion change Lando? You'll hear reaction from the man himself, as he talks about turning his ‘struggles into strengths' and winning this title 'the Lando way'. His race engineer Will Joseph also joins the pod to discuss how they overcame a challenging first half of the season and where they go from here. On the other side of the garage, Oscar Piastri came home in P2 but fell short of the title by 13 points. Why did Oscar lose out after leading the championship for most of the season? What does he need to work on to take the next step? And is there a chance that Oscar will become second favourite at McLaren now that Lando has a title to his name? Max Verstappen won the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix for his eighth race win of the season, but misses out on what would have been a fifth title in a row by just two points. Could Max and Red Bull have done anything differently to put more pressure on McLaren in this race? Has this been Max's best season in Formula 1? And will Red Bull's transformation in the second half of the year give Max more reason to commit his long-term future to the team? Listen to more official F1 podcasts In-depth interviews with F1's biggest stars on F1 Beyond The Grid Your F1 questions answered by the experts on F1 Explains THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY... Aura Frames: For a limited time, go to AuraFrames.com to get $35 off Aura's best-selling Carver Mat frames. Just use promo code NATION at checkout. Indeed: F1 Nation listeners can get a $75 sponsored job credit at Indeed.com/nation F1 Store: Treat the F1 fan in your life this festive season with exclusive gear from the Official F1 Store. Shop now at f1store.formula1.com
F1 correspondent and presenter Lawrence Barretto joins Tom Clarkson in the Yas Marina paddock to reflect on a high-stakes qualifying for Sunday's title-deciding Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The three title contenders make up the top three on the grid – with Max Verstappen on pole, championship leader Lando Norris in second and Oscar Piastri in third. How can Max make life difficult for Lando and Oscar behind? What can we expect from the McLaren drivers at the start into turn 1? Will team orders come into play? And what impact could the likes of George Russell in P4 and Charles Leclerc in P5 have on the fight at the front?
F1TV experts Jolyon Palmer and James Hinchcliffe join Tom Clarkson in the Yas Marina paddock to preview this weekend's thrilling three-way title showdown at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Just 16 points separate the top three of Lando Norris, Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri. So what does each driver need to win the title? And how will each of them approach such a huge occasion? The guys discuss all the different scenarios that could shape the outcome of this title fight and whether the McLaren drivers will help each other if in a position to do so. Plus, Tom, Hinch and Jolyon react to Red Bull's announcement that Isack Hadjar will replace Yuki Tsunoda for 2026.
2025 has been a year of firsts for Laura Mueller and Esteban Ocon. For Laura, it's her first season as a race engineer. For Esteban, it's his first season with Haas. And it's their first time working with each other. So how are they finding it? What do they need from one another to get the best out of each other? And how do they communicate in and out of the car? Speaking to Tom Clarkson, Laura and Esteban take us inside their first year working together and how the relationship between a race engineer and an F1 driver works. They provide fascinating insight into how they talk to each other on team radio – explaining when the right time to speak during a lap is, how often they should speak and why that can change in different scenarios. Laura and Esteban also reflect on the highs and lows of this year – including how they bounced back from a challenging season-opener in Melbourne to score points in China the week after. And you'll hear all about Laura's path to becoming F1's first female race engineer and the childhood hero who inspired this journey. This episode is sponsored by: F1 Store: treat the F1 fan in your life this festive season with exclusive gear from the Official F1 Store. Shop now at F1Store.formula1.com Shopify: sign up for your $1 per month trial and start selling today at shopify.com/beyondthegrid Aura Frames: For a limited time, save on the perfect gift by visiting AuraFrames.com to get $35 off Aura's best-selling Carver Mat frames by using promo code GRID at checkout Vanta: get started at vanta.com/GRID Honda Vintage Culture: right now, listeners can get 20% off the full Honda Vintage Culture range. Just head to hondavintageculture.com and use the code BTG20 at checkout
F1TV commentator Jolyon Palmer and Alpine Reserve Driver Paul Aron join Tom Clarkson in the Lusail paddock to reflect on another huge twist in this year's title race. The guys talk about the decisive moment of the Qatar Grand Prix, when everyone except both McLaren drivers pitted under the Safety Car and Max Verstappen took full advantage to ensure the championship fight goes down to the season-finale in Abu Dhabi. What was McLaren's thinking behind that strategy? Why did it cost them victory? And how should they have reacted differently? Tom, Jolyon and Paul also discuss why Oscar Piastri was back to his best in Qatar and why Lando Norris wasn't quite at the level he's shown in recent weeks. And with just 16 points now separating Lando, Max and Oscar, what will their mindset be in the build-up to this mouth-watering title showdown at the Yas Marina Circuit? Also on the agenda: Carlos Sainz's incredible performance to secure his second podium for Williams, another weekend to forget for Ferrari and a strong result for Fernando Alonso and Aston Martin following the news that Adrian Newey will become their Team Principal in 2026. Listen to more official F1 podcasts In-depth interviews with F1's biggest stars on F1 Beyond The Grid Your F1 questions answered by the experts on F1 Explains THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY... F1 Store: Treat the F1 fan in your life this festive season with exclusive gear from the Official F1 Store. Shop now at f1store.formula1.com Square: Get up to $200 off Square hardware at square.com/go/f1nation.
Winning four Formula 1 World Championships is a feat only six elite drivers have achieved. Competing under the highest pressure, year after year, has given Sebastian Vettel rare racing insight. Since retiring from the sport in 2022, he's been raising awareness of causes he cares about, and reflecting on his career – the peaks, how he learned to balance risks and rewards, and the years where his competitive fire started to fade. The four-time World Champion looks back at his life on the F1 grid with Tom Clarkson. He gives his thoughts on the three drivers racing for the 2025 title: how he admires Lando Norris for being a role model, why he thinks Max Verstappen is under less pressure than his rivals, and how Oscar Piastri's intelligence impresses him. Sebastian also remembers his time racing at Ferrari, and why he felt he was ‘on his way down' in his final years with the team. Plus, he shares the advice he gave friend and rival Lewis Hamilton before he joined the Scuderia. This episode is sponsored by: Salesforce: visit salesforce.com/f1 to learn more about how Formula 1 drives fan excitement with Agentforce - the powerful AI from Salesforce Truewerk: upgrade your day with workwear built like it matters. Get 15% off your first order truewerk.com with code GRID
Every driver who wants to win with Red Bull needs to impress Helmut Marko. The veteran Motorsport Advisor oversees the team's young driver programme and helped launch the careers of Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen. A former F1 driver himself, he knows what it takes to race under the highest pressure. Helmut tells Tom Clarkson about his life in racing: childhood adventures in Austria with future world champion Jochen Rindt, and the serious eye injury which ended his driving career just as he was about to join Ferrari. He tells the story of how he met Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz, and how they started the F1 team which would go on to win races and championships with Vettel and Verstappen. Plus, Marko explains how Verstappen and Team Principal Laurent Mekies have changed the team's approach in 2025 and picks the young driver with potential to be a future champion. This episode is sponsored by: CarGurus: go to cargurus.co.uk for complete vehicle details without any surprises Vanta: get started at Vanta.com/GRID. F1 Authentics: discover unique F1 items found nowhere else at the official home of F1 memorabilia. For a limited time, use the code BTGRID10 for an exclusive 10% off your next order. Exclusions apply. Shopify: sign up for your $1 per month trial and start selling today at shopify.com/beyondthegrid
With three rounds left of the 2025 season, Oscar Piastri is still in contention to become Formula 1 World Champion for the first time. So what's it like being in the thick of an F1 title fight with so much at stake? Speaking to Tom Clarkson before the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, Oscar opens up about the pressure of a title battle and why fighting a teammate is different to racing against any other driver. He also discusses whether his relationship with teammate Lando Norris has changed this year and how he feels McLaren have handled the challenge of treating them both equally. It's easy to forget that this is only Oscar's third season as an F1 driver. With seven wins, seven podiums and five pole positions, he's taken a huge leap forward. What exactly did he work on over the winter to make so much progress this year? And how are race engineer Tom Stallard, manager Mark Webber and new physio Artturi Simila all helping his development? As well as reflecting on the highs, Oscar also talks about dealing with setbacks in Australia, at Silverstone and in Azerbaijan, which is good insight into how he'll bounce back from a difficult weekend in Brazil. It's All To Drive For in 2025. Be there! Book your seat for a Grand Prix this season at tickets.formula1.com Listen to more official F1 podcasts Every race analysed on F1 Nation Expert answers to your questions on F1 Explains THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY... SelectQuote: Get the right life insurance for you, for less, and save more than 50% at selectquote.com/beyondthegrid Rag & Bone: Upgrade your denim game with Rag & Bone! Get 20% off sitewide with code GRID at www.rag-bone.com
McLaren have won back-to-back Constructors' titles for the first time since the early ‘90s. Just eight years ago, in 2017, they finished second to last, so how exactly have they transformed into World Champions since then? Speaking to Tom Clarkson at the McLaren Technology Centre, CEO Zak Brown and Team Principal Andrea Stella outline how they've masterminded McLaren's remarkable turnaround together, revealing just how desperate the team's situation was at the start of this journey, and how they're planning to sustain their recent success in the years to come. But in the immediate future, their eyes are on the next prize, as they chase a first Drivers' World Championship since Lewis Hamilton won in 2008. Going into the final four rounds of the 2025 season, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are separated by just one point at the top of the standings. Zak and Andrea discuss how the pair have evolved during their time at McLaren, criticism of their approach to this title fight, and whether they'll have any regrets should Max Verstappen beat Lando and Oscar to the crown. This episode is sponsored by: Vanta: get started at Vanta.com/GRID Indeed: listeners of this show can get a $75 sponsored job credit to help get your job the premium status it deserves at indeed.com/GRID Shopify: sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at shopify.com/beyondthegrid