F1: Chequered Flag: Recent Episodes
BBC Radio 5 live
Harry Benjamin reflects on the first half of the season - school parents evening style! Accompanied by classroom favourite, former British racing driver Alice Powell, and the feared and revered BBC F1 correspondent Andrew Benson. Who has been the A* driver so far this year? Who must do better and who will be most improved in the second half of the campaign?
Harry Benjamin and Nicola Hume dive into F1’s silly season, debating Max Verstappen’s future. Could the four-time world champion leave Red Bull, and if so, where? How would this impact other driver-market moves? Plus, what do the drivers get up to in the summer break… using our own imagination of course. And we analyse Toto Wolff’s “Teletubbies” comment by asking the important question - which driver would be which Teletubby?
Harry Benjamin, Jennie Gow, British racing driver Alice Powell and the BBC’s F1 correspondent Andrew Benson react to an action-packed Hungarian GP. Lando Norris started on pole. Could he convert that to victory? Ferrari looked like the favourites coming into the weekend. Could they deliver on their promise heading into race-day? And what about championship leader Kimi Antonelli and his Mercedes team? The team dissect it all plus hear from the key drivers, including Lando Norris, Lewis Hamilton, Kimi Antonelli and Max Verstappen.
Harry Benjamin and British racing driver Alice Powell react to a dramatic qualifying at the Hungarian GP. Who would take pole position? Could Mercedes continue their domination, or would Ferrari deliver on their potential? Plus, post-qualifying penalties dominate the agenda. And Jennie Gow speaks with some of the main protagonists.
F1 has its last outing before the summer break. Kimi Antonelli is the in-form driver following his victory in Belgium. He leads the drivers’ championship by 45 points. Can anyone stop him? Lewis Hamilton had a chaotic race at Spa, but could the Ferrari have strong pace this weekend, and could the seven-time champion challenge for victory and continue his title challenge? Jennie Gow is joined by the BBC’s F1 correspondent Andrew Benson as well as F1 Academy champion Abbi Pulling and W Series race-winner Alice Powell to look ahead to the weekend. Plus, Harry Benjamin sits down with Carlos Sainz to reflect on Williams’ difficult season.
Could Mercedes have experienced two more contrasting races? Kimi Antonelli claimed his sixth victory of the season to extend his championship lead over Lewis Hamilton to 45 points, while George Russell's afternoon was over before he'd even completed the opening lap. Harry Benjamin, Sam Bird and Rebecca Clancy look back on a dramatic race and assess what it means for the title fight. They hear from race winner Antonelli, a frustrated Russell after his early retirement, and second-placed Charles Leclerc.
Can Kimi Antonelli convert pole position into his sixth win of the season? The Italian edged out Charles Leclerc in a thrilling qualifying session at Spa, with Lando Norris setting the third-fastest time, but a 10-place grid penalty will see him start from 13th. We hear from the top three and look ahead to the race.
Why won't the Max Verstappen rumours go away? And is F1 really considering bringing back mid-race refuelling? Andrew Benson, Harry Benjamin and Jolyon Palmer get stuck into those topics and more as they look ahead to the Belgian Grand Prix. They also hear from Oscar Piastri, who says there's still belief at McLaren that they can turn their season around. Plus, should Formula 1 come up with a solution to stop races finishing behind the safety car?
Do we believe Oscar Piastri when he says McLaren can fight for this year's world championship? Harry and Becky are at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, where they catch up with the McLaren driver to discuss the title race and the rumours linking Max Verstappen with a move to Woking. They're also joined by Alisha Palmowski, fresh from her F1 Academy victory at Silverstone, and debate whether Formula 1 should consider alternatives to prevent races from finishing behind the safety car.
In this special edition of the pod, Damon Hill joins Rosanna Tennant and Harry Benjamin live on stage at Silverstone to reflect on a thrilling British Grand Prix in front of a packed audience. Charles Leclerc claimed his first victory in almost two years after Kimi Antonelli's race was compromised by a wheel failure, meaning Ferrari have now won two of the last three Grands Prix. We hear from Leclerc, and the team also unpick the confusion that unfolded in the closing laps as the race finished behind the safety car.
Is there any stopping Kimi Antonelli? The young Italian followed up his Sprint victory by taking pole position for Sunday's Grand Prix. Rosanna Tennant is joined by Harry Benjamin and Andrew Benson to look back on a busy day at Silverstone. They hear from Antonelli, as well as Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton.
Can Lewis Hamilton convert sprint pole into a sprint victory? And what does the future hold for Max Verstappen? Rosanna Tennant is joined by Rebecca Clancy, Andrew Benson and Harry Benjamin to discuss those questions and look ahead to the rest of the Silverstone weekend. Plus, we hear from Verstappen and Arvid Lindblad.
What's it been like arriving at races as F1 world champion? And just how frustrating has this season been so far? Andrew Benson puts those questions and more to Lando Norris ahead of his home Grand Prix at Silverstone.
Is George Russell's season back on track? The Mercedes driver converted pole into a commanding lights-to-flag victory at the Red Bull Ring. Harry Benjamin is joined by Sam Bird and Andrew Benson to reflect on Russell's win, hear from the race winner, and assess what it means for his title hopes. Plus, former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya joins the pod to give his verdict on the race.
Did George Russell get a lucky break to take pole? The Mercedes driver did nothing wrong, but questions are being asked about whether race control was too slow to wave double yellow flags after Max Verstappen's crash at the end of qualifying. Harry Benjamin is joined by Sam Bird and Andrew Benson to debate the controversy, and they hear from both Russell and Verstappen.
Is Lewis Hamilton a genuine title contender, or are we all getting a little carried away after his victory in Barcelona? Harry Benjamin is joined by Abbie Eaton and Andrew Benson to debate whether Hamilton can really mount a championship challenge. They hear from Hamilton himself on whether he believes it's possible, while also discussing Mercedes' reliability concerns, Fernando Alonso's future, and what Formula 1's new heat hazard measures actually mean.
After his first win for Ferrari in Barcelona, can Lewis Hamilton contend for an eighth world title? Harry Benjamin and Becky Evans are joined by 1996 F1 world champion Damon Hill to discuss just that. Hill also gives his thoughts on the first all-British podium since his Dad, Graham Hill, stood on the podium alongside Sir Jackie Stewart and John Surtees in 1968. Plus, we discuss your hot takes with British racing driver Abbie Eaton. Is Charles Leclerc F1’s next Daniel Ricciardo?
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.
What does it cost to attend every F1 race as a fan? Izzy Hammond and Harry Benjamin are joined by superfan Brandon Burgess to find out. They discuss the best and worst races on the calendar from a fan perspective. We also discuss the latest listener Hot Takes following the Canadian Grand Prix. Would George Russell have beaten his team-mate Kimi Antonelli if he didn’t retire in Montreal? With the championship gap now at 43 points, is Antonelli champion-elect?
A battle for the ages, strategy blunders and retirements were the story of the day at a dramatic Canadian Grand Prix. Harry Benjamin, F1 journalist Rebecca Clancy and former McLaren mechanic Marc Priestley review all of the action, plus hear from the key drivers including Kimi Antonelli, George Russell, Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.
Who would claim sprint victory? Who would take pole position ahead of Sunday’s Canadian GP? Would we have a Mercedes battle, or would McLaren continue their resurgence? Harry Benjamin and former McLaren mechanic Marc Priestley reflect on a busy Saturday in Montreal, hearing from the key drivers, whilst also looking ahead to Sunday’s race.
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.
Izzy Hammond and Harry Benjamin are back with more F1 ramblings. This week, will Kimi Antonelli’s hot form continue? We answer your hot takes. F1 Academy racer Alisha Palmowski discusses the return of her season in Canada. Can she compete for the championship? Plus, world champion Lando Norris gives title advice to Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice, and former McLaren mechanic Marc Priestley explains F1’s latest engine change. F1 returns for the Canadian Grand Prix next week, with live commentary across the 5 Live network. Search F1 on BBC Sounds.
In this Chequered Flag special, Harry Benjamin looks into the efforts being made to create more opportunity for young people in F1. We hear from a number of trailblazers including Lewis Hamilton who, through his charitable foundation Mission 44, is opening doors to careers within the sport.
Is Kimi Antonelli now favourite to win the driver’s title? Damon Hill and Juan Pablo Montoya join Harry Benjamin to discuss that and the big talking points from the Miami Grand Prix. They hear from Antonelli, his teammate George Russell and Lando Norris.
Can Kimi convert pole into another win? Harry Benjamin is joined by Jennie Gow and Dutch commentator Nelson Valkenburg to look back on a busy Saturday in Miami. They hear from Antonelli after his third consecutive pole, as well as Max Verstappen who lines up alongside him, and sprint winner Lando Norris.
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.
As Cadillac hit the track in Formula 1’s new era, we catch up with the American team at their Silverstone base to reflect on their journey so far.
Star drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez share their thoughts on the team’s first ever races in Australia, China and Japan.
Team Principal Graeme Lowdon explains how the team are using the sport’s unexpected early-season break to take the next steps, as broadcaster Holly Samos and journalist Sarah Holt return to the team’s Silverstone base for another behind-the-scenes tour to see Cadillac’s progress in person.
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.
Haas currently sit in fourth in the F1 constructors’ standings. So how are F1’s smallest team performing so well? Izzy Hammond and Harry Benjamin visit the team’s HQ to speak with Team Principal Ayao Komatsu about their success. Plus, just how did Ollie Bearman escape from that huge accident in Japan unharmed and what are the team’s ambitions for the future? Izzy and Harry also answer your F1 hot takes. Could Gianpiero Lambiase become McLaren’s Team Principal in the future, following the announcement of his switch from Red Bull in 2028? And which driver is the most likely to be a reality TV star? F1 returns next for the Miami Grand Prix at the start of May, 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.
Izzy Hammond and Harry Benjamin look back at the Japanese GP, digesting the latest F1 trends and biggest discussion points.
Could Max Verstappen be on his way out of F1? How hard is it to change F1’s new regs? And do we currently have too many overtakes going on?
Plus, Izzy presents her favourite memes of the week, we discuss your hot takes, and call for Jack Black to be at every F1 race!
Who would shine in the land of the rising sun as George Russell and Kimi Antonelli went head-to-head at the Japanese Grand Prix? But the post-race reaction was dominated by comments from four-time world champion Max Verstappen, who tells BBC F1’s Jennie Gow that he is “not enjoying” the sport and is considering his F1 future. Harry Benjamin, W Series race-winner Alice Powell and F1 journalist Rebecca Clancy react to Verstappen’s comments and analyse the action at Suzuka. Plus, 1996 F1 world champion Damon Hill makes a guest appearance to speak about Verstappen, and reminisce on his championship win 30 years ago.
Who would prevail in the pole shootout between Kimi Antonelli and George Russell in Japan? Harry Benjamin, Jennie Gow and W Series race-winner Alice Powell reflect on qualifying at the Japanese Grand Prix. Could Ferrari challenge the Silver Arrows? And would McLaren improve their poor start to the season? Plus, Max Verstappen’s Red Bull struggles continue.
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.
Following the first two races of the 2026 Formula 1 season, we catch up with two of the sport's rising stars, Chinese GP winner for Mercedes, Kimi Antonelli, and Haas one-to-watch Ollie Bearman. With never-before-heard interviews from the series, we learn a little more about their lives on the road and at home.
As they embarked on their second year racing in the world’s fastest sport, how would they adjust to F1’s new era of cars at the opening races of the season?
F1: Back at Base is an IMG Production for the BBC.
Co-hosts & Executive Producers are Sarah Holt and Holly Samos
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.
Izzy Hammond and Harry Benjamin digest the latest F1 trends and biggest discussion points after the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.
Are F1 curses real? Are the ‘burger curse’ and ‘Red Bull second seat curse’ impacting F1?
We also celebrate Izzy’s favourite Melbourne memes and discuss your hot takes, including the prediction that Aston Martin will win a race in 2026!
Are we going too early to say George Russell will be crowned the 2026 world champion? After his dominant victory in Melbourne, Harry, Jennie and Marc look back at the opening race of the new season and ask just how big Mercedes’ advantage over the rest of the field might be. They hear from Russell, his teammate Kimi Antonelli and Lewis Hamilton.
So, Mercedes are going to run away with both the drivers’ and constructors’ titles… right? After their dominant display in the first qualifying session of the season, Harry, Jennie and Marc pick through the bones of what happened. They hear from many of the drivers and discuss what it all means heading into Sunday’s race.
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 and Jennie Gow are joined by ex-McLaren mechanic Marc Priestley and former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer from Mercedes’ Brackley HQ ahead of the new F1 season. With the new rules and regulations dominating the build-up to the 2026 campaign, we ask whether they are a good thing for the sport. Will we have a four-way fight for the title? Will Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari have a resurgence after a disappointing 2025? And how will defending champion Lando Norris fare? We hear from Norris, as well as British rookie Arvid Lindblad, plus motorsport content creator Izzy Hammond joins the team.
The countdown to Formula 1’s new era has begun in earnest. There are now just days to go until the teams unleash the new-look cars that will carry their fortunes in the landmark 2026 season. Concepts crafted inside the team’s fiercely-protected factories are about to spring into life on the track.
It’s mid-January, and the Cadillac Formula 1 team are preparing for a huge milestone on their journey to the grid. At Silverstone’s famous circuit, the race crew has assembled for a shakedown, a chance to run the 2026 F1 car for the very first time. Sergio Perez, making his F1 return for the American marque, is the first driver to put some miles on the clock for the team. The Mexican fan favourite is confident that Cadillac is “here to do great things” when it joins the F1 grid in 2026. It’s been nearly half a decade since America toasted its last F1 World Champion, 1978 winner Mario Andretti, who has also been offering his words of wisdom to the Cadillac F1 team.
The Haas team are also ticking off the milestones signposting the way to F1’s new era. Team principal Ayao Komatsu reveals how Ollie Bearman’s positive attitude is a real asset to the team’s ambitions. The British racer, about to enter his second full season in F1, has goals of his own, winning races and future World Championships.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff paused his birthday celebrations to outline how he is also developing the team’s next generation, Kimi Antonelli, into a future race-winner. As the sport enters a new era, Wolff is as curious as anybody about how the pecking order is going to shake out when racing resumes in 2026. The first questions were about to be answered when the new Mercedes F1 car took to the track for the very first time - and our intrepid guides Sarah Holt and Holly Samos were there to witness the all-important car shakedown on a rainy day at the Silverstone circuit. After completing the first flying laps, George Russell gave his verdict on the car that carries his hopes for the 2026 season. Mercedes Technical Director James Allison and the Head of Mercedes High Performance Power Trains, Hywel Thomas, were also on hand to give feedback on the fruits of their labours.
As Kimi Antonelli prepared to climb into the cockpit for the first time, he spoke of his gratitude to everyone back at base who had got him this far. The Italian has already been on an incredible journey with the Mercedes team but 2026 is just the beginning of what lies ahead in Formula 1’s new era.
F1: Back at Base is an IMG Production for the BBC, hosted by Rosamund PikeCo-hosts & Executive Producers are Sarah Holt and Holly SamosThe Producers are Alasdair Cresswell, Joe Aldridge, Jack Winstanley and MitchellMarshallProduction Management from Abbie Collingwood, Katie Killeen and Giulia DugganThe Senior Producer is Ollie KneenThe Executive Producer for IMG is Steve TebbThe Story Editor and Scriptwriter is Sarah HoltThe Showrunner is Holly SamosAnd the Commissioning Editor at the BBC is Stevie Middleton
The new year has been rung in and, for Formula 1, 2026 is here at last. The landmark year of change that the teams have been chasing for months. Inside the closely-guarded F1 factories, there are whispers of speculation about the redesigned cars and the potential for a new competitive order. But only when the cars break cover at the first race in Australia will the secret be out at last.
For Kimi Antonelli, a fresh start for 2026 began a little closer to home as the teenager flew the nest and moved into his own house in San Marino. The next milestone in his preparations for the new Formula 1 season is a training camp in Florida with his performance coach Sergi Avila, who already has a long list of physical goals for the Mercedes star.
Back at base, Mercedes reserve driver Fred Vesti has been putting in the work on the driver-simulator to unlock the secrets of the 2026 car. Holly Samos and Sarah Holt went to meet the Danish driver at the team’s Brackley HQ to find out what he’s learned about the new car so far. For Haas driver Ollie Bearman planning for the race season ahead is also now in full swing. He’s on a flying visit back home to Britain to don his 2026 race suit and the new Haas kit at a series of photoshoots. But, like all F1 drivers, he’s already thinking about getting back inside the car and is seeing the new set of technical rule changes as an opportunity.
At Cadillac’s Silverstone base the fledgling team are also counting down to the looming season. There are just over 50 days until the team makes its F1 race debut in Australia and the hustle-and-bustle at the factory is now in fifth gear as Sarah and Holly found out on their latest visit. There is an air of concentration in the race bays as the car build begins, overseen by chief mechanic Nathan Divey. Cadillac Formula 1 team’s CEO Dan Towriss wants to bring an American spin to Formula 1 - and it doesn’t get any bigger than the Super Bowl. The team will unveil the livery for its 2026 car in a TV advert aired during American football’s season showdown - watched by hundreds of millions around the world.
F1: Back at Base is an IMG Production for the BBC, hosted by Rosamund PikeCo-hosts & Executive Producers are Sarah Holt and Holly Samos
Formula 1 is in a moment of pause. The 2025 racing cars have been wheeled into storage, and the racetracks have fallen silent. But inside the top-secret F1 factories, each team is facing a winter like never before. Revised rules for 2026 are reshaping the cars and redefining what powers them, and that means the pressure is on for the hundreds working back at base.
Before diving into the future, the team at Brixworth, the home of Mercedes High Performance Powertrains, are marking the end of an era. It’s here that the engine - which drove Mercedes to eight straight Constructors’ Championships between 2014 and 2021 - first came to life. Brixworth boss Hywel Thomas has planned a very special celebration to mark the end of this engine cycle and our expert guides Sarah Holt and Holly Samos were there to join in the festivities. This is an important time of transition for Formula 1’s engine suppliers. Thomas and his Brixworth team have been developing the new engine that will power Mercedes and three other teams, on the grid in 2026.
There is parallel work going on at Brackley, where Mercedes Technical Director James Allison is overseeing all other aspects of the new season’s car design. The British engineer has more than three decades’ experience in F1 but even he is a little daunted by what he calls the “biggest ever” rule change in the sport’s history.
While the work intensifies inside the F1 factories, it is, in contrast, time for the drivers to unwind. Italian Mercedes star Kimi Antonelli is heading home to spend some time with his family and friends, while Haas driver Ollie Bearman is holidaying in the Maldives before spending Christmas with his family in Monaco. Back at base, the Haas team are hard at work preparing for F1’s new era in 2026 and that means both sides of the garage are collaborating too. Laura Muller - who works alongside Esteban Ocon and is an F1 trailblazer as the sport’s first female race engineer - has just wrapped up her first season on the pitwall. Like Bearman, she knows the experiences of 2025 will help her navigate what lies ahead.
F1 race-winner Valtteri Bottas is preparing for his return to the grid with the Cadillac Formula 1 team in South Australia. But even in an idyllic spot for winter training, the Finnish favourite is already counting down to pre-season testing and getting to the first race in Melbourne, Australia as he starts the next chapter of his F1 career.
F1: Back at Base is an IMG Production for the BBC, hosted by Rosamund Pike.
Co-hosts & Executive Producers are Sarah Holt and Holly Samos.
We open Episode Five checking in at the airport with Haas driver Ollie Bearman as he prepares to take off for the final three races of the 2025 Formula 1 World Championship. But there’s only one thing on his mind - will he get the dreaded middle seat?
Fellow rookie Kimi Antonelli is also flying high as Formula 1 touches down for the Las Vegas Grand Prix. The Mercedes teenager takes a gamble on tyre strategy but will it pay off when the cars hit The Strip? Antonelli and his race engineer Pete Bonnington are looking back on the teenager’s rookie season in 2025. Bonnington, aka Bono, was one half of F1’s most successful driver-engineer pairing with seven-time World Champion Sir Lewis Hamilton, so how does it compare working with a rookie making his first steps into F1?
While the competition is nearly over on track, the race inside the team’s top-secret F1 factories has only just begun. It’s early December, and all the teams are pushinghard to build a completely reimagined car for F1’s new era, when a new set of technical regulations are set to shake up the sport. At Mercedes, our F1 experts Sarah Holt and Holly Samos are given a guided tour by Chief Operating Officer Rob Thomas on the factory’s busiest day of the year.
As the sport prepares to move forwards into its new era, the dust is settling on the 2025 season at the finale in Abu Dhabi. There’s time for Bearman and his race engineer Ronan O’Hara to also give their verdict on his rookie season and formulate lessons to take into the British racer’s 2026 campaign. But the clock is ticking on Cadillac’s F1 debut… There are now less than 100 days to go until the US team joins the grid and team principal Graeme Lowdon is beginning to feel the pressure.
F1: Back at Base is an IMG Production for the BBC, hosted by Rosamund Pike.Co-hosts & Executive Producers are Sarah Holt and Holly Samos.
The final phase of the 2025 Formula 1 World Championship is hotting up for our rookie drivers Kimi Antonelli and Ollie Bearman with just five races to go. At the start of this episode, we’re flying high with Mercedes driver Antonelli as he boards his flight to Mexico. But when you’re a jetset driver, how do you pass the time during long-haul trips across the world?
The high-altitude circuit in Mexico City also sees fellow rookie, Britain’s Ollie Bearman, climb to a career high finish with Haas, after a wheel-to-wheel battle with title challengers Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri. Before joining the F1 grid, Antonelli and Bearman knew each other well, and used to race together as teammates in the junior Formula 2 series. In an exclusive for this podcast, we arranged a fun reunion for them to compare their rookie seasons.
As Bearman and Antonelli and the rest of the F1 pack head to Brazil, our guides Sarah Holt and Holly Samos are joining the Cadillac Formula 1 team back at base at Silverstone. Here the team are gearing up for their debut F1 season by competing against their rivals in a race simulation. This is a moment rarely seen in F1 history - but our podcast has been invited inside. Cadillac won’t hit the grid until March 2026 - but it’s crucial they iron out any gremlins now.
In the real race in Sao Paulo, there’s another major milestone for rookie Antonelli, who finishes with the best result of his F1 career. His Mercedes teammate, 2025 race-winner George Russell, gives his verdict on the rookie drivers and looks ahead to why he and Antonelli must work together if they are to win future World titles.
F1: Back at Base is an IMG Production for the BBC, hosted by Rosamund PikeCo-hosts & Executive Producers are Sarah Holt and Holly Samos.
Hollywood legend Keanu Reeves makes his entrance in Episode Three of the podcast as the actor reveals why he has chosen to document Cadillac’s journey to the Formula 1 grid in a follow-up to his award-winning 2023 series about the Brawn F1 team.
Our expert F1 guides, Holly Samos and Sarah Holt, are also closely following Cadillac’s story, and they arrive at the team’s factory for a landmark moment for the team.
Under the watchful eye of Race Team Manager Pete Crolla, the team are preparing to send off their first sea freight of the season from their Silverstone headquarters.
They are also building the garage that will home the cars at the track for the very first time. The series continues to follow 2025 rookie drivers Ollie Bearman and Kimi Antonelli in-between the races.
Bearman reveals what he’s been doing at a test session in Italy. But there are also testing times in the World Championship for the Haas racer who has picked up more penalty points on his F1 Super licence and is in danger of a race ban.
Mercedes teenage sensation Kimi Antonelli finds himself in the spotlight for a very different reason, as we go behind-the-scenes at a top-secret photoshoot ahead of the 2026 season.
The Italian reveals what team commitments he has outside of the car but, like all F1 drivers, he’s always looking forward to getting back to his job inside the cockpit.
F1: Back at Base is an IMG Production for the BBC, hosted by Rosamund Pike Co-hosts & Executive Producers are Sarah Holt and Holly Samos.
The new Cadillac Formula 1 team reveals who they’ve chosen as their race drivers for their debut 2026 season.
Returning fan favourites Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez, with more than 500 Grand Prix starts between them, are set to make history as Cadillac’s first-ever F1 driver line-up. In an exclusive for this podcast, former Red Bull race-winner Perez explains why he’s chosen to make his F1 return with the Cadillac F1 team on his first day at work at the team’s Silverstone facility.
We lift the lid on life away from the track with Haas hotshot Ollie Bearman. Beside every F1 driver is a family unit that can get left behind, but the British racer’s family have taken the unusual step of supporting his career by relocating to join him in Monaco. But the move has prompted some sibling rivalry over just who gets to use the driver simulator.
At Mercedes, Kimi Antonelli has been relying on support from soon-to-be Cadillac driver Bottas in his apprentice F1 season. The Finnish racer is a reserve for Mercedes in 2025 and has taken on a mentoring role to help guide the Italian teenager before his own return to the grid in 2026, when the master will take on his apprentice.
F1: Back at Base is an IMG Production for the BBC, hosted by Rosamund Pike
Co-hosts & Executive Producers are Sarah Holt and Holly Samos
We’re on a high-speed taxi ride with teenage sensation Kimi Antonelli as he takes series co-host Holly Samos on a thrilling hot lap around Silverstone, home of the British Grand Prix. The 18-year-old’s career is also hitting the gas, after Mercedes chose him to replace seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton and handed the Italian his F1 debut in 2025.
Already a social media sensation, Britain’s Ollie Bearman is also finding his feet in F1 and co-host Sarah Holt joins him in the passenger seat at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, a summer highlight on the British motorsport calendar. When it comes to life as an F1 driver, the 20-year-old Haas driver is still adapting to being in the spotlight during his rookie season.
It’s not only fresh, young drivers who are driving F1 into the future, the Cadillac Formula 1 team are also preparing to join the grid in 2026, when major new technical rules are set to shake-up the sport. On a sprawling industrial estate - just metres from the Silverstone circuit - Sarah and Holly are taking an exclusive first look at the team’s F1 factory.
But founding an F1 team - even with backing from U.S. car giant General Motors - is a huge undertaking, as Cadillac team principal Graeme Lowdon reveals in this episode.
- F1: Back at Base is an IMG Production for the BBC, hosted by Rosamund Pike- Co-hosts & Executive Producers are Sarah Holt and Holly Samos- The Producers are Alasdair Cresswell, Joe Aldridge, Jack Winstanley and Mitchell Marshall- Production Management from Abbie Collingwood, Katie Killeen and Giulia Duggan- The Senior Producer is Ollie Kneen- The Executive Producer for IMG is Steve Tebb- The Story Editor and Scriptwriter is Sarah Holt- The Showrunner is Holly Samos- And the Commissioning Editor at the BBC is Stevie Middleton
Who will be crowned the 2025 F1 champion? After Max Verstappen puts it on pole, Steve Crossman, Harry Benjamin, Rebecca Clancy and Rosanna Tennant look back at qualifying and assess how it shapes Sunday’s title decider. They hear from all three championship protagonists and discuss how the race might play out.
Will it be Max? Will it be Lando? Or will it be Oscar? Steve Crossman and the BBC F1 team look ahead to the final race of the season, hearing from all three title contenders and asking who might have the edge. Plus, they reflect on what we learned from the trio as they faced the media on Thursday.
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?
Are tensions starting to simmer at McLaren despite the team clinching their tenth constructors’ championship? Harry Benjamin and Sam Bird look back on the race and hear from both McLaren drivers after they made contact on the first lap. Team principal Andrea Stella joins the pod to put the team’s achievements into perspective. Plus, we hear from race winner George Russell and runner-up Max Verstappen.
Can Max Verstappen keep his winning streak alive? The Dutchman lines up second on the grid, just behind Mercedes’ George Russell for Sunday's race. Harry Benjamin, Sam Bird and Jennie Gow review qualifying from Singapore and hear from the top three drivers.
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.
Harry Benjamin, Jennie Gow and British racing driver Alice Powell reflect on qualifying at the Italian Grand Prix. Who would take pole position as the battle for the championship intensifies? We hear from the top three and discuss the fastest lap in Formula 1 history. Plus, how would Ferrari perform on home soil, as Lewis Hamilton looks to overcome a five-place grid penalty?
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, Harry Benjamin & reigning F1 Academy champion Abbi Pulling react to a dramatic Dutch Grand Prix. Who would take a vital victory in the battle for the championship? We hear from the key protagonists, including McLaren duo Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, as well as four-time world champion Max Verstappen. We also discuss the big winners and losers from the weekend, and ask how important this race will be in the context of the season.
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.
Jennie Gow sits down for an in-depth chat with F1’s Deputy Race Director, Claire Dubbelman, to speak about her role and how to get more women involved in motorsport. Claire discusses her career to date and how she became part of the race director team alongside Rui Marques. From controlling the chequered flag to directing safety car driver, Bernd Maylander, Claire discusses exactly what a race director does. Plus, Claire speaks passionately about female participation in motorsport and how she hopes her high-profile role in F1 will encourage more women to get involved in the sport.
Harry Benjamin sits down for an in-depth chat with 1996 F1 world champion, Damon Hill, to speak about his career and the release of his new documentary, Hill. Damon, who has been part of the 5 Live F1 team this season, discusses the influence of his father, legendary two-time world champion Graham Hill, and how his death affected him. He also details his initial love of motorbikes, how he worked his way into F1, and that world title triumph in 1996.
How valuable could that win prove to be for Lando Norris as Formula 1 pauses for its summer break? Harry Benjamin, Sam Bird and Jennie Gow look back at the Hungarian Grand Prix, where Norris saw off a late charge from Oscar Piastri to reduce the deficit to his teammate in the championship to nine points. They hear from both McLaren drivers, and a very dejected Charles Leclerc, who finished fourth having started on pole.
Lewis Hamilton called himself "useless" after a frustrating qualifying left him 12th on the grid, while teammate Charles Leclerc took pole. Harry Benjamin is joined by Jennie Gow and Sam Bird to discuss a mixed day for Ferrari. They also hear from Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, who line up second and third for Sunday’s race.
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?
Has Oscar Piastri regained the upper hand over McLaren teammate Lando Norris following his win at Spa? 1996 world champion Damon Hill joins Harry Benjamin to dissect a dramatic Grand Prix weekend in Belgium. They reflect on the key moments that defined the race, evaluate what it means for the balance of power at McLaren, and hear from the top three finishers. Plus, they get reaction from Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.
Can Lando Norris convert his qualifying pole into a race win? 1996 world champion Damon Hill joins Harry Benjamin to look back at both the sprint race and qualifying from Spa. They hear from the top three and a very dejected Lewis Hamilton.
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.
Lando Norris wins his home Grand Prix and cuts the gap to teammate Oscar Piastri in the title race. Sam Bird and Harry Benjamin join Jennie Gow to reflect on the win, hear from Norris, and get reaction from Andrea Stella and Zac Brown. They also discuss the bizarre moment Norris was injured while celebrating with fans. Plus, Nico Hülkenberg joins the pod after claiming his first-ever F1 podium.
Can Max Verstappen convert pole into a race win? Nelson Valkemberg and Jennie Gow join Harry Benjamin after the Dutchman beat both McLarens to P1. They hear from Verstappen, Piastri and Norris.
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.
It’s late September. The seasons are turning – but the wheels of Formula 1 have stopped. There is now a three-week pause before racing resumes at the U.S. Grand Prix in Austin, Texas.
At Aston Martin’s Silverstone headquarters, the cars have made a rare return home. In 2024, the cars travel to 21 countries across five continents - that’s a total 127,000 kilometres in air distance. Head of Build and Car Assembly Mark Gray is the man in charge of logistics and caring for Aston Martin’s racing cars when they are back at base. Inside the teams’ fast-paced factories, there is no respite as his work continues around the clock.
This teamwork is essential to the fates and fortunes of the drivers during a grand prix. Formula 1 is a team sport, but it also relies on the performance of just one individual - the driver. McLaren stars Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri reveal the pressures of driving a piece of work that takes hours to create and costs millions of dollars. Aston Martin drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll also share how crucial the team is when it comes to performance and reliability.
It’s not only the drivers who are feeling the pressure with six races to go in the 2024 season. Victory for Lando Norris at the last race in Singapore – and another podium for Oscar Piastri – saw McLaren stretch their lead in the team standings by 41 points. But the title hasn’t been won yet - and there is work to do back at base, as team principal Andrea Stella knows only too well.
Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali has been in Stella’s shoes, when he was at the sharp end of Championship fights during his 22-year stint with Ferrari. Domenicali understands only too well that this pause in competition is, for all 10 teams on the grid, just the calm before the storm.
The seasons have shifted again, and October is here. It’s time for racing to return at the U.S. Grand Prix, in Austin, Texas. At Aston Martin’s Northamptonshire headquarters, the team is battening itself down against forecast heavy rain and winds in the UK. It’s vital the team’s connection from Mission Control to the track doesn’t go down.
F1 journalist Sarah Holt and broadcaster Holly Samos have been given unprecedented access inside the team’s Mission Control. They have been given their own headsets, desks and data screens. For the first time, we will hear what a Sprint race sounds like from inside the team. As Aston Martin reveals top-secret radio communications, a visit to Mission Control might just change the way we understand how the teams go racing.
There are also pivotal moments for both Championships at the U.S. Grand Prix. A storm is brewing on track between friends-turned-title-rivals, Lando Norris and Max Verstappen, while Ferrari launch themselves into the battle for the Constructors’ Crown.
F1:Back at Base is narrated by Josh Hartnett. It is created and produced by Sarah Holt and Holly Samos and is an IMG Production for the BBC.
Tension is building inside the McLaren factory. The team is closer to a title than they have been for 12 years and, after dramatic races in Zandvoort and Monza, there is much to discuss. Not least the team’s philosophy that allows their drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, to freely race each other. Team Principal Andrea Stella has returned to the factory to consider whether there now needs to be a change of policy.
While Stella smooths out any wrinkles caused by the battling teammates, Production Director Ross Hood is assessing the cars ahead of the next two races in Azerbaijan and Singapore. The MCL-38s are now back at base for a service in between races.
At Aston Martin, there is also continued work going on in production. The team’s Chief Operating Officer Ben Fitzgerald is fixated on speeding up the production of the car’s floor - with the hope that it will also increase performance on track for drivers Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso. These small gains on track come from highly-detailed work back at base - and the next race is fast approaching, around the ancient city walls of Baku.
From Azerbaijan, the Formula 1 field flies on to Singapore, for the sport’s original night race. But, for the first time in our series, we will hear what happens inside an F1 factory during a grand prix weekend. F1 experts Holly Samos and Sarah Holt are visiting the McLaren Technology Centre. They have been given rare access to see inside Mission Control. This top-secret room connects the factory with the track through an exchange of detailed data which flows back and forth at high speed. But will it help the team secure victory in Singapore?
The racing around Singapore’s bumpy street circuit is unpredictable, and often attritional. Sarah and Holly will witness how McLaren’s qualifying and race unfolds from the heart of the team’s inner sanctum. With two Championships on the line, the stakes are high.
Fresh from a red-eye flight from Singapore, Aston Martin reserve driver, Stoffel Vandoorne, is already back in the team’s simulator. Here – hunkered down in the cockpit of a giant driving rig – he’s laying the groundwork for the final six races of the season. In the high-paced world of F1, the chase for pure speed never ends.
F1:Back at Base is narrated by Josh Hartnett. It is created and produced by Sarah Holt and Holly Samos and is an IMG Production for the BBC.
The Aston Martin team is preparing to unveil the super signing of the 2024 season. Someone who will shape their Formula 1 cars and - if things go to plan - the team’s future at the front of the grid. But until then the news has to be kept under wraps. In the ultra-competitive world of Formula 1 secrecy is a necessity.
The McLaren and Aston Martin teams are also gearing up for a return to racing at Round 15 of the World Championship, the Dutch Grand Prix, held at the seaside circuit of Zandvoort. Here, Lando Norris will take on Red Bull title rival Max Verstappen in his own backyard. Since becoming an F1 race-winner at the Miami Grand Prix, Norris has been racing at the next level, but he’s taking nothing for granted as he goes up against the Dutch hero in front of his adoring fans.
The titles, trophies and Championships that spur on the teams are hard-fought. The art of racing can perhaps be compared to the art of war. Aston Martin’s Performance Director Tom McCullough says the teams must steel themselves with a “war mentality” before each race weekend. Within their ranks, Aston Martin boasts a seasoned warrior - double World Champion Fernando Alonso. Team insiders call the Spanish legend a human “supercomputer” because of the high-level performance he brings on and off the track.
At Monza, the famous Italian circuit known as the Temple of Speed, the scene is set for another dramatic grand prix. Sometimes the art of racing means you have to battle those closest to you, and there’s no-one nearer than the driver on the other side of the garage. McLaren have two exciting, young drivers on their books in Norris and Oscar Piastri. Letting them race - so long as it’s a clean fight - is part of the team’s philosophy. But, after the Italian Grand Prix, will McLaren re-examine how they take on the battle for both Championships?
At their Silverstone headquarters, Aston Martin unveils a big-name signing with a live television broadcast. The team’s owner Lawrence Stroll is on hand to make the big announcement, not only to the world’s media, but the workforce assembled back at base. But even the arrival of one of F1’s most-famous names doesn’t stop the focused work inside an F1 factory. This is the pinnacle of motorsport and the stopwatch never stands still.
F1:Back at Base is narrated by Josh Hartnett. It is created and produced by Sarah Holt and Holly Samos and is an IMG Production for the BBC.
There are just 10 races left to go in the 2024 Formula 1 season - the longest season in the sport’s history with 24 grands prix. In this final phase of the season, both Championships - for the world’s best racing driver and team - are still up for grabs. At McLaren headquarters, in the commuter town of Woking just 23 miles outside London, the team is stirring again after the summer shutdown. The historic race team hit form before the summer holidays and has propelled itself into title contention for the first time in over a decade. British star driver Lando Norris and Australian ace Oscar Piastri are raring to go racing again but first they are paying a visit to the team back at base.
That’s not to say the summer break wasn’t without competition. Norris has been playing golf with McLaren’s American CEO Zak Brown, with mixed results. Piastri has used the time out of the cockpit to recover from an injury that he sustained on track. Only one of them has been going full throttle during the holidays, and that’s the boss - Zak, who travelled to California to get behind the wheel.
Meanwhile, in rural Northamptonshire - 80 miles north of McLaren’s F1 factory - the Aston Martin team is also returning to work after the summer break. The 2024 season marks the culmination of a radical transformation for the team, which is preparing to unveil the latest phase of its supersize F1 factory. For team principal Mike Krack, the regeneration going on back at base is an opportunity of a lifetime. F1 experts Sarah Holt and Holly Samos visited to get a very behind-the-scenes tour of the new facilities.
Aston Martin drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll are also preparing for the next race - the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort. Stroll has been at the factory working on the team’s simulator. Alonso, who will reach his 400th Grand Prix start in the next 10 races, is using all his experience to also guide the team forwards.
For McLaren, the 2024 season is also one of opportunity. It has been 26 years since the team won the coveted Constructors’ Championship but, this season, the team is closing in on champions Red Bull for the crown while Norris is also hunting down Max Verstappen, who leads the Drivers’ Championship.
The season has been a thriller for fans and, at Formula 1’s headquarters in London, the sport’s CEO and President Stefano Domenicali is also revelling in a phenomenal year. But what will the final 10 races bring? F1: Back at Base is an IMG Production for the BBC Hosted by Josh Hartnett Co-hosts & Executive Producers are Holly Samos and Sarah Holt The Producers are Alasdair Cresswell, Joe Aldridge and Jack Winstanley The Senior Producer is Ollie Kneen The Executive Producer for IMG is Steve Tebb The Story Editor and Scriptwriter is Sarah Holt The Showrunner is Holly Samos The Commissioning Editor at the BBC is Stevie Middleton
In this eight-part series, hosted by actor Josh Hartnett, we have been given unprecedented access to two of the most famous names in Formula 1 - McLaren and Aston Martin. These teams are unlocking the doors to their top-secret factories. It’s a critical moment in their season, but they are letting inside as they fight to the finish line in the final 10 races of 2024. With F1 experts Sarah Holt and Holly Samos as our guides, we will meet the workforce driving them forwards from the heart of their operations.
The detailed work going on back at base has driven McLaren into contention for both World titles in 2024. British star driver Lando Norris is chasing down Red Bull’s reigning world champion, Max Verstappen, for the coveted Drivers’ Championship. This is Norris’ first title campaign and we will be with him every step of the way, from his first day back at work following F1’s summer break to after the chequered flag falls at the season finale in Abu Dhabi. This is a huge season of growth for Norris, and his Australian teammate Oscar Piastri. The drivers reveal just why in this series.
At Aston Martin there is also change in the air. The team, owned by Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll, is in the final phase of building a supersize F1 headquarters on the fringes of the famous Silverstone racetrack, home of the British Grand Prix. The work going on at the evolving Aston Martin Racing Technology Campus is on a scale never seen before in F1. Holly and Sarah are given a VIP tour of the new facilities and speak to drivers Lance Stroll and double world champion Fernando Alonso about how the transformation is fuelling the team’s future ambitions.
But it’s not only the factory making headline news, so too is the arrival of the team’s “Super Signing”. Aston Martin won the race to sign the most-wanted name in Formula 1. We were there to speak to the top-secret signing before the news broke to the rest of the world’s media.
Formula 1 never stands still. The race for perfection continues around-the-clock at the factory. At McLaren, Piastri and Norris are set the task of working together to collect enough points to win a first Constructors’ Championship for McLaren since 1998. The effort to turn around the famous team’s fortunes has relied on the skill and commitment of hundreds of staff working back at base. Overseeing operations is McLaren CEO Zak Brown and team principal Andrea Stella. But, as the season reaches its climax, all they can do is watch and wait. The fate of the team now lies in the hands of the drivers but taking on reigning champions Red Bull and arch-rivals Ferrari is no small feat. As the flag falls on a thrillin 2024 season, will there be commiserations or celebrations back at base?
F1:Back at Base was created and produced by Holly Samos and Sarah Holt and is an IMG Production for the BBC.
Jennie Gow, Harry Benjamin, Jolyon Palmer and Andrew Benson look back on the 2024 F1 season, with the help of some special guests and some Christmas crackers! Where does Max Verstappen rank among the greats of the sport after winning his fourth world title? Can Lando Norris challenge next season? And will Ferrari be regretting replacing Carlos Sainz with Lewis Hamilton? Plus, we discuss Alpine’s revival, Williams’ struggles, and we give our moments of the season.
Two-time F1 world champion Fernando Alonso sits down for an in-depth chat with BBC F1 correspondent, Andrew Benson. Alonso speaks about his season with Aston Martin, the addition of Adrian Newey to the team and whether that will make them more competitive in 2025 and 2026. Plus, Alonso talks about his dreams of winning a third world title.
Harry and the team look back at a dramatic race from Interlagos. Max Verstappen tells us of his surprise at going from P17 to race win. Did McLaren once again make a strategy blunder? We hear from Norris after he finished sixth. And the two Alpine drivers are on the pod after they took the two remaining podium places.
Harry and the team look back at the sprint race from Interlagos. It was won by McLaren’s Lando Norris after he swapped positions with teammate Oscar Piastri in the closing stages. We hear from both McLaren drivers as well as Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc.
Jennie and the team look ahead to the weekend’s action. They debate the rights and wrongs of Max Verstappen’s driving style and ask whether the FIA need to look at the regulations. We hear from Verstappen and title contender Lando Norris. And we chat about who will be Max Verstappen’s team mate at Red Bull next season should Perez be released.
Harry Benjamin, McLaren Formula E driver, Sam Bird, and BBC F1 correspondent, Andrew Benson, react to an action-packed Mexico City Grand Prix. The team discuss the battle between Lando Norris and Max Verstappen, and the penalties Verstappen received. Plus, hear from Carlos Sainz after his second victory of the season. Is the battle truly on between McLaren and Ferrari for the constructors’ championship?
Harry Benjamin, McLaren Formula E driver, Sam Bird, and BBC F1 correspondent, Andrew Benson, reflect on qualifying at the Mexico City Grand Prix, where Carlos Sainz took pole. Are Ferrari the favourites heading into the race? And what next in the battle for the title, with Max Verstappen qualifying in second and Lando Norris third?
Jennie Gow is joined by former F1 driver, Jolyon Palmer, and the BBC’s F1 correspondent, Andrew Benson, to look ahead to the Mexico City Grand Prix. The team discuss Lando Norris’ controversial penalty last time out in Austin, hear from both Norris and Max Verstappen, plus discuss whether the title battle is still on with just five rounds remaining of the 2024 F1 World Championship
Jennie and the team look back at the race from Austin. They hear from the two Ferrari drivers who finished on the top two steps of the podium. And ask whether the driver’s championship race is still on after Max Verstappen beat Lando Norris to third.
Jennie and team look back at qualifying from Austin. They hear from the top three drivers and ask whether Lando Norris can convert his pole to a race win.
Jennie Gow is joined by Rebecca Clancy, Marc Priestley and Harry Benjamin for a special live podcast in Downtown Austin. The team discuss the state of F1 and the 2024 title fight. Plus, they are joined by a couple of special guests – Jamie Chadwick discusses her career to date, and Guenther Steiner talks working in F1 and being a Drive to Survive star.
Rosanna Tennant, McLaren Formula E driver, Sam Bird, and Harry Benjamin reflect on the Singapore GP. The team discuss Lando Norris’ victory, and hear from the Brit. We also hear from Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri, plus ask whether this will be Daniel Ricciardo’s last race.
Rosanna Tennant, McLaren Formula E driver, Sam Bird, and Harry Benjamin look back on qualifying at the Singapore GP. The team hear from polesitter Lando Norris, as well as Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton and Daniel Ricciardo.
Rosanna Tennant, BBC F1 correspondent, Andrew Benson, and Editor-in-Chief at Autosport, Rebecca Clancy, preview the Singapore GP. The team discuss the title battle. Will Red Bull struggle again this weekend? And will Lando Norris continue to close in on Max Verstappen in the drivers’ championship? Hear from both drivers, as well as previous race winner, Oscar Piastri.
Jennie and the team look back at a terrific race around the streets of Baku. With McLaren now leading the constructors championship by 20 points, they hear from both Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, as well as team principal Andrea Stella. They discuss what happened in the crash between Perez and Sainz, and ask whether there are any signs that Red Bull can reverse their fortunes.
Ben Edwards, Marc Priestley and Andrew Benson look back at events from Baku. They discuss what led to Lando Norris not making it out of Q1. Can Charles Leclerc convert his pole into a race win? And what on earth was happening at Williams that led to a a stewards investigation?
Jennie Gow, former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer & BBC F1 correspondent Andrew Benson look ahead to the Azerbaijan GP. The team discuss Adrian Newey’s move to Aston Martin. Will this propel Aston Martin towards the top of the grid? Plus, will McLaren enforce team orders with the drivers’ and constructors’ championship within sight?
Jennie Gow, Harry Benjamin and British racing driver, Alice Powell, reflect on the Italian GP. We hear from Charles Leclerc after he claimed an emotional victory at Ferrari’s home race. Did McLaren throw victory away though? The team debate that, as well as hearing from Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Plus, how do Red Bull recover?
Jennie Gow and Harry Benjamin are joined by F1 Academy championship leader, Abbi Pulling, to reflect on qualifying at the Italian GP. They discuss Lando Norris’ pole position, and whether Max Verstappen can recover from seventh. Plus, hear from Andrea Kimi Antonelli, after the 18-year-old Italian was confirmed as a Mercedes driver for 2025.
Jennie Gow, Harry Benjamin and Editor-in-Chief at Autosport, Rebecca Clancy, look ahead to the Italian GP. Do we have a championship battle on our hands? We hear from both Max Verstappen and Lando Norris. Plus, the team discuss Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s FP1 crash, and Andrew Benson sits down with Mercedes team principal, Toto Wolff.
Alice, Harry and Rosanna look back at the Dutch Grand Prix. They consider whether that was Lando Norris’ best drive as he took his second win of the season. We hear from Lando, as well as Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc. And, is it ok to suggest the drivers' championship is on?
Rosanna and the team look back at qualifying from Zandvoort. They hear from Lando Norris who took pole, as well as Max Vertsappen and Oscar Piastri who completed the top three. Sergio Perez is also on the pod and discusses why he has been seeing a driving coach.
Rosanna and the team look ahead to the Dutch Grand Prix. They assess where the top teams are after the summer break. McLaren boss Zak Brown tells us how even he's surprised that his team are fighting for the championship. We hear from Carlos Sainz on his move to Williams. And how much of a blow is it to Red Bull that sporting director Jonathan Wheatley is leaving the team?
Marc Priestley and Harry Benjamin join Rosanna to look back at the race. They react to George Russell's disqualification after his car came in underweight, so gifting Lewis Hamilton his second win of the season. We hear from Hamilton. Oscar Piastri is also on the pod after finishing second in his McLaren. And the guys discuss whether we have seen the last of Sergio Perez in a Red Bull.
Rosanna, Marc and Harry look back at events from Spa. They discuss whether Max Verstappen can still win the race despite starting from 11th after taking a ten-place grid penalty. We hear from the Dutchman and why he thinks the McLarens are the ones to watch. And what about Perez? He starts from the front row after qualifying third. And Charles LeClerc and Lando Norris are also on the pod.
Will Buxton and Scott Mitchell-Malm join Rosanna in Spa. They look ahead to this weekend’s race and ask what we learnt about McLaren after last weekend in Hungary. They hear from Lando Norris on how he reflects on being told to give up the win for his teammate. And Max Verstappen is also on the pod as Red Bull continue to find themselves on the back foot.
Harry and Marc look back at a cracking race in Hungary. Oscar Piastri won his maiden race in F1, but it came amid a heated row over team orders with McLaren swapping their drivers in the closing stages of the race. We hear from both of them as well as Max Verstappen, who himself had some pretty fruity radio exchanges with the team.
Marc and Harry look back at qualifying from the Hungaroring. They discuss McLaren’s first front-row lock-out since 2012 and hear from both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. And Sergio Perez is also on the pod after he hit the barriers in Q1 and starts back in 16th.
Jennie and the team round up the latest news from the paddock. They discuss Lewis Hamilton's win at Silverstone and find out how he celebrated his victory. Charles Leclerc is also on the pod and tells us why he's excited to have Hamilton as a teammate next season. And they look ahead to the race in Budapest but struggle to predict a winner.
Jennie and the team look back at a memorable day at Silverstone. They hear from a jubilant Lewis Hamilton who grabbed his first win since December 2021. We also hear from Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, who completed the podium.
Jennie and the team look back at qualifying from Silverstone. It is the first time three British drivers have been at the front of the grid at their home grand prix for over 60 years and we hear from all of them. And we ponder what happened to Sergio Perez as he starts from P19 after crashing out of qualifying.
Jennie and the team look ahead to the race weekend. They discuss in details the incident that saw Lando Norris and Max Verstappen come together in Austria. Andrew Benson sits down with Norris and gets his take on what happened. And they discuss Oliver Bearman joining Haas on a multi-year deal.
Jennie and the team look back at a dramatic race in Austria. They take a deep dive into the incident that saw Lando Norris and Max Verstappen come together. They hear from both drivers. George Russell is also on the pod as he benefitted from their coming together to win the race.
Jennie and the team look back a busy day at the track. They begin with qualifying where Max Verstappen put in a near-perfect lap to take pole. We hear from him and Lando Norris and George Russell who finished second and third. And they discuss what happened in the Sprint that also saw Verstappen finish on the top step.
Jennie and the team look ahead to the race this weekend. They hear from Lando Norris and ask whether he is now a serious challenger to Max Verstappen. We also hear from Christian Horner and discuss whether the fractured relationship between Jos Verstappen and the Red Bull team boss could see Max leave the team before the end of his contract.
Harry and the team look back at the race from Barcelona. They hear from the top three and discuss whether Lando Norris can now be described as a title contender.
Harry and the team look back at qualifying from Barcelona. They hear from the top three drivers and discuss whether McLaren can now be classified as challengers to Red Bull’s dominance.
Jennie and the team look ahead to this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix. They ask whether this race will mark the start of a run of weekends dominated by Max Verstappen. They assess why things are not going well for Lewis Hamilton. And what team appeals most to Carlos Sainz for 2025?
Rosanna Tennant, Harry Benjamin, Alex Brundle and Andrew Benson look back on a thrilling Canadian GP. Max Verstappen eventually prevailed, but we discuss the drama which led up to his victory, hearing from the three-time world champion, as well as Lando Norris, George Russell and Lewis Hamilton.
Rosanna Tennant, Harry Benjamin, Alex Brundle and Andrew Benson reflect on qualifying at the Canadian GP. We discuss Mercedes’ pace, Red Bull’s struggles and where it all went wrong for Ferrari. Plus, hear from George Russell, Max Verstappen, and Lando Norris.
Rosanna Tennant, former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer, and F1 journalist Chris Medland preview the Canadian GP. We discuss Sergio Perez’s new deal at Red Bull, plus the announcement that Esteban Ocon will leave Alpine at the end of the season. We hear from both drivers, as well as Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen, who will be going head-to-head for victory in Montreal.
Jennie and the team look back at the race in Monte Carlo. They hear from race winner Charles Leclerc, who won his home race for the first time. And we also hear from Oscar Piastri and Carlos Sainz who finished second and third.
Jennie Gow, Harry Benjamin and former F1 mechanic Marc Priestley reflect on qualifying for the Monaco Grand Prix. Can Charles Leclerc take victory at his home race? Hear from the Ferrari driver, as well as McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen, who only qualified in sixth.
Jennie and the team look ahead to the weekend in Monaco. They recount their favourite Monaco memories and explain why the debate about whether Monaco still deserves its place on the calendar is a non-starter They also hear from Lando Norris and discuss whether Red Bull should be concerned with the resurgence of McLaren.
Jennie Gow, W Series race winner Alice Powell, commentator Ben Edwards and BBC F1 correspondent Andrew Benson reflect on the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola. Hear from Max Verstappen, Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc.
Jennie Gow, W Series race winner Alice Powell, Ben Edwards and BBC F1 correspondent Andrew Benson reflect on qualifying for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola. Hear from Max Verstappen, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, who was handed a three-place grid penalty after the recording of this podcast.
Jennie Gow, former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer and BBC F1 correspondent Andrew Benson preview the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at the historic Imola Circuit. Can Lando Norris challenge Max Verstappen for race victory again? We hear from both Norris and Verstappen, plus discuss the future of Adrian Newey, Alex Albon’s new Williams contract and Kevin Magnussen’s mounting penalty points tally.
Rosanna and the team look back at Lando Norris’ first Grand Prix victory. We hear from the McLaren driver, as well as from Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc who completed the podium. They also ask whether this is start of something special at McLaren.
Rosanna and the team look back at both qualifying and the sprint Race. They hear from Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz who will start in that order for Sunday’s race. And Jolyon is less than impressed with Kevin Magnussen who found himself in trouble with the stewards own more than one occasion.
Rosanna and the team are in the paddock ahead of the Miami Grand Prix this weekend. They discuss the latest goings-on at Red Bull after their chief technical officer Adrian Newey announced he's to leave the team. Might we see him at Ferrari next? We hear from Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, who’ll be joining the Italian team next year.
Jennie Gow, Harry Benjamin, Formula E driver Sam Bird, and BBC F1 correspondent Andrew Benson reflect on the Chinese Grand Prix. We hear from race winner Max Verstappen, as well as Lando Norris and Fernando Alonso.
Harry Benjamin, McLaren Formula E driver Sam Bird, and BBC F1 correspondent Andrew Benson reflect on the Chinese Grand Prix sprint, as well as qualifying for Sunday’s race. We talk about Max Verstappen’s imperious form, Lewis Hamilton’s contrasting day, plus ask if Lando Norris will ever win a race.
Jennie Gow, Jolyon Palmer, Bec Clancy & Andrew Benson look ahead to the Chinese Grand Prix. We discuss the return to China after five years away, Fernando Alonso’s new deal at Aston Martin, and whether Max Verstappen can be challenged this weekend. We also hear from the three-time world champion, as well as Alonso.
Jennie Gow, Harry Benjamin & Alice Powell react to the Japanese Grand Prix. We hear from Max Verstappen after his third win of the season. Plus, discuss the battle at Ferrari hearing from both Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc. The team also discuss Yuki Tsunoda after yet another impressive drive, hearing from the home hero.
Harry Benjamin, Alice Powell & Andrew Benson reflect on qualifying at the Japanese Grand Prix. We hear from polesitter Max Verstappen, plus Sergio Perez and Lando Norris.
Jennie Gow, Jolyon Palmer, Bec Clancy & Andrew Benson look ahead to the Japanese Grand Prix. We discuss whether Red Bull will have more reliability issues, and how Carlos Sainz’s victory in Australia changes the dynamic at Ferrari. Plus, should Alonso have received a penalty in Melbourne? And could Sebastian Vettel make a comeback to the sport?
Rosanna and team look back at the first race of the season. They reflect on Max Verstappen’s lights to flag victory and hear from the Dutchman. Checo Perez and Carlos Sainz are also one the pod after finishing 2nd and 3rd.
Rosanna and the team look back at the first qualifying session of the season. They hear from the top three as well as Lewis Hamilton who starts back in 9th.
For the last three months, we have followed the Williams and Mercedes teams as they prepared and built their cars for the 2024 season. Holly Samos and Sarah Holt have been our guides as we’ve gone with them inside the factories - but now it’s almost time to return to the track.
First, the teams have to launch their race cars and reveal them to the rest of the world. Williams have travelled to New York to present their car in front of their American fans and partners. For homegrown driver Logan Sargeant this is a chance to mix business and pleasure.
Even on the brink of a new season, Formula 1 is already looking ahead. On the horizon in 2026 is a major new set of technical regulations. The next generation of F1 cars will use less energy - and run on sustainable fuels with net zero CO2 exhaust emissions, as the sport’s CEO Stefano Domenicali explains. The teams are also looking to the future. Mercedes are introducing sustainability initiatives close to home and Williams are on the path to transforming their organisation.
It’s the 14th of February, 2024. Valentine’s Day - and Mercedes are hoping it will be love at first sight, as their new race car makes its bow. The team have travelled just eight miles from Brackley for their pre-season launch at Silverstone, home of the British Grand Prix. It’s time for the wraps to come off the 2024 car. George Russell and Lewis Hamilton get their first drive in the car the team has lovingly built just for them.
Now, as our series comes to a close, just one question remains. How will the Williams and Mercedes cars fair in the season to come?
F1: Back at Base is an IMG Production for the BBCHosted by me, Joseph FiennesCo-hosts & Executive Producers are Holly Samos and Sarah HoltThe Producers are Alasdair Cresswell, Joe Aldridge and Jack Winstanley.The Senior Producer is Ollie KneenThe Executive Producer for IMG is Steve TebbThe Showrunner is Holly SamosThe Story Editor and Scriptwriter is Sarah HoltThe Commissioning Editor at the BBC is Stevie Middleton
Lewis Hamilton has returned from the Christmas break with some shocking news for his Mercedes team. His bombshell makes headlines around the world - with some calling it the biggest story in Formula 1 this century. Even if that’s a little far-fetched, there is no doubt that his decision has sent shockwaves through the F1 community.
At Mercedes, team principal Toto Wolff is used to having to react quickly - almost as quickly as his drivers on track. The Austrian has to face a barrage of media questions about the driver who has won six World titles with his team - and who has also become a friend. Holly Samos has exclusive interviews with the key protagonists.
While Mercedes take just a moment to reflect on Hamilton’s news, Williams are making their final preparations for the 2024 season. Logan Sargeant is back at Grove for his seat fitting along with his race engineer Gaetan Jego. Making sure the driver is comfortable in the cockpit is crucial, especially when racing on bumpy tracks at high speed.
The Mercedes factory at Brackley is also now getting back to the tick-list of preparations. The car needs a new paint job and the team has to be kitted out. With the 2024 season coming ever closer, the anticipation is building. And none more so than for the drivers, who get to drive these magnificent machines in the heat of competition.
F1:Back at Base was created and produced by Holly Samos and Sarah Holt and is an IMG Production for the BBC.
Inside their high-tech Formula 1 factories, Mercedes and Williams are in a constant cycle of pushing the boundaries in the car build. And the clock is ticking. With just a few weeks to go until the start of the 2024 season, Williams are working overtime as the final components of the car go into manufacture. Team principal James Vowles says these crucial weeks towards the end of January are the busiest time for the workforce at his Oxfordshire facility, bar none. But what will be the very last piece of the car to be made? Sarah Holt and Holly Samos are going inside the factories to find out.
At the Mercedes factory in Brackley, COO Rob Thomas is aware time is now at a premium. The wind tunnel is still hard at work trialling aerodynamic upgrades that hold the promise of more performance on track. They then need to be put into production - but can the factory afford to leave it as late as possible to give the wind tunnel team more time? There are still some important milestones to go in the car build and for Mercedes’ technical director James Allison, that’s a cause for sleepless nights.
Both factories are working as one to deliver the 2024 race cars for their star drivers in time to go racing at the opening Bahrain Grand Prix on 2nd March. The race team, who travel to the races around the world, are also honing in on their preparations. For the pit crews at Williams and Mercedes, it’s time to rehearse the quicksilver pit-stops that can make - or break - a race weekend.
F1:Back at Base was created and produced by Holly Samos and Sarah Holt and is an IMG Production for the BBC.
Back at base, Williams and Mercedes are returning to work after the winter shutdown. Now is the time for new beginnings – and whatever lies ahead for our two teams and the cars they are busy bringing to life inside their high-tech facilities. F1 experts Holly Samos and Sarah Holt are our guides as we catch up with the teams.
At Mercedes, there is one very familiar face that everyone is pleased to see - the team’s popular star George Russell. The British racer fell ill at the penultimate race of the 2023 season in Las Vegas and has been recovering ever since. George and his performance coach Aleix Casanovas have had to adapt their plans over the winter to get ready to go racing again.
Williams driver Alex Albon - who reveals he competes against his old friend Russell in other sporting contests - is also building up the strength and conditioning he needs to go racing. January is the most crucial time of the year for the drivers to get race fit. This winter it feels more important than ever, as the 2024 Formula 1 season will place even bigger demands on the drivers with a record 24 races on the calendar. Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali joins the podcast conversation as the sport continues to grow.
Lewis Hamilton has been preparing for the new season in America, away from his Mercedes team. But on his last day at Brackley, the seven-time world champion spoke to this podcast about the crucial weeks ahead.
It’s not only the drivers who are operating at 100 percent. Williams team principal James Vowles and his Mercedes counterpart Toto Wolff have come back from their holidays with tales of how they spend their time outside of their demanding day jobs.
As our four star drivers do the hard yards to get race fit, it’s important to remember that they rarely drive an F1 car outside of the race season. BUT there is another tool at their disposal - the simulator. This is another top-secret facility closely guarded by the teams but for our podcast Williams driver Logan Sargeant is showing Holly Samos and Sarah Holt around. The drivers are doing all they can to prepare for the new season - but have the cars that they’re getting ready to race been built yet?
F1:Back at Base was created and produced by Holly Samos and Sarah Holt and is an IMG Production for the BBC.
When it comes to designing and building the new Williams and Mercedes Formula 1 cars for the looming 2024 season, there is precision and, most importantly, there is a plan. There has to be because all 10 teams are facing their first winter shutdown - a new ruling by the sport’s governing body, the FIA. But things don’t always go to plan - and the teams face a race against the clock to finish key bits of the car build before the Christmas holidays. Holly Samos and journalist Sarah Holt are going behind the scenes at two of the biggest names in F1, to the heart of their mammoth operations
One of the first hurdles for the teams to clear are the FIA crash tests. This series of tests is designed to ensure the safety of the sport, and crucially the drivers. However, for the teams they present one of their biggest challenges in the car build. At the Mercedes factory in Brackley they are waiting anxiously for news from the sport’s crash-testing facility at Cranfield University.
For the all-important drivers and team principals - the faces of Formula 1 - the winter is a chance to step back from the spotlight. For Williams star Alex Albon this is a time to reconnect with family while Lewis Hamilton has some thinking to do on his Christmas break in the U.S.
There are also holiday plans on the horizon for team principals Toto Wolff and James Vowles but the responsibility for the workforce back at base is never far from their minds. At Williams, Vowles knows his factory at Grove is preparing to dig deep - but what will he find when his workforce gets back to work in the new year?
F1: Back at Base is an IMG Production for the BBCNarrated by Joseph FiennesCo-hosts & Executive Producers are Holly Samos and Sarah HoltThe Producers are Alasdair Cresswell, Joe Aldridge and Jack Winstanley.The Senior Producer is Ollie KneenThe Executive Producer for IMG is Steve TebbThe Showrunner is Holly SamosThe Story Editor and Scriptwriter is Sarah HoltThe Commissioning Editor at the BBC is Stevie Middleton
Inside the Williams and Mercedes factories, where F1 cars come to life, the workforce is putting its heart and soul into the winter tasks now well underway. There are just 14 weeks between the 2023 season and the first race of 2024 in Bahrain. In this series, we have been allowed rare access into the heart of the operations. And at the Williams facility, in rural Oxfordshire, we are about to go on a VIP tour to learn how to build an F1 car.
At Brackley, home to the Mercedes’ F1 team, the factory is united by a common purpose. Mercedes dominated F1 from 2014. But when new technical rules came in at the start of 2022, Red Bull overtook Mercedes as the fastest team on track. The desire to return Mercedes to the top runs deep - and for a very significant reason.
The motivation to get the 2024 car right is massive for both teams - but first Williams and Mercedes have to absorb the lessons from last season’s car. And each team has a very specific problem that it now wants to put right.
At Brackley, work continues around the clock on the new Mercedes and the Williams factory is also working at full capacity - with extra shifts and overtime standard at this crucial time in the car build. The factories are moving up a gear, because a new car for a new season - that’s a chance to start again.
F1: Back at Base is an IMG Production for the BBCNarrated by Joseph FiennesCo-hosts & Executive Producers are Holly Samos and Sarah HoltThe Producers are Alasdair Cresswell, Joe Aldridge and Jack Winstanley.The Senior Producer is Ollie KneenThe Executive Producer for IMG is Steve TebbThe Showrunner is Holly SamosThe Story Editor and Scriptwriter is Sarah HoltThe Commissioning Editor at the BBC is Stevie Middleton
The Williams and Mercedes Formula 1 teams have given us unprecedented access to their top-secret facilities as they work over the winter preparing their cars for the 2024 season. At Mercedes, the team’s superstar driver Lewis Hamilton is going into a restricted area to see how that crucial work is coming along. We follow in his footsteps as F1 experts Holly Samos and Sarah Holt get a VIP tour of one of the most important tools when it comes to designing and building the most complex race cars in the world.
From his position at the very top, Mercedes team principal and CEO Toto Wolff is reflecting on how the team lost ground when major new technical regulations on car design came in for the 2022 season.
At Williams, new team principal James Vowles is welcoming his first major hire - as they plot a return to the front of the grid for the nine-time World Champions. The duo are part of a crack team back at base who have been getting to grips with the 2024 car since last March.
At both teams, the drivers also have their wish-list for the new cars. Alex Albon knows what avenue he wants Williams to go down and there is one person Hamilton has on speed dial when it comes to car design.
The cars that will be driven by Albon, Hamilton & co during the 2024 season are being built by 1000s of people. It’s time for them to get to work - as the race to the 2024 season picks up pace.
F1: Back at Base is an IMG Production for the BBCNarrated by Joseph FiennesCo-hosts & Executive Producers are Holly Samos and Sarah HoltThe Producers are Alasdair Cresswell, Joe Aldridge and Jack Winstanley.The Senior Producer is Ollie KneenThe Executive Producer for IMG is Steve TebbThe Showrunner is Holly SamosThe Story Editor and Scriptwriter is Sarah HoltThe Commissioning Editor at the BBC is Stevie Middleton
In this series, we have been given unprecedented access to two of the biggest teams in Formula 1 - Mercedes and Williams. It’s a few days after the final race of the 2023 season, and the teams are returning home to their UK factories after an epic year. It’s time to enjoy the year’s hard-fought success with the workforce of hundreds back at base. And we are there with them - our F1 experts Holly Samos and Sarah Holt added to the guest list.
After a dramatic season finale in Abu Dhabi, the sport’s seven-time World Champion, Lewis Hamilton, and team principal, Toto Wolff, are leading the celebrations at the Mercedes team’s twin facilities at Brackley and Brixworth. But there is a familiar face missing.
At Williams’ home in Oxfordshire, the historic team’s star drivers, Alex Albon and Logan Sargeant, have also come home. But for Sargeant, who made his F1 debut for Williams in 2023, the American’s future remains uncertain. Will he keep his place as one of just 20 drivers on the F1 grid? That’s a decision for James Vowles, who has had to make a few big calls in his first season as team principal - and his first since leaving Mercedes.
The homecoming - as happy as it is - is only a brief pause. Formula 1 is a shark. It’s always moving forward. Mercedes and Williams are not standing still. Because the winter is when the real work begins. For the teams. For the drivers. For the men and women designing, manufacturing and building the cars that will race in the 2024 season.
It’s impossible to know what lies ahead but before he leaves to spend the holiday season in America, Lewis Hamilton has one more visit to make. He’s going to a top-secret part of the Mercedes’ factory.
F1: Back at Base is an IMG Production for the BBCNarrated by Joseph FiennesCo-hosts & Executive Producers are Holly Samos and Sarah HoltThe Producers are Alasdair Cresswell, Joe Aldridge and Jack Winstanley.The Senior Producer is Ollie KneenThe Executive Producer for IMG is Steve TebbThe Showrunner is Holly SamosThe Story Editor and Scriptwriter is Sarah HoltThe Commissioning Editor at the BBC is Stevie Middleton
Rosanna Tennant and the team reflect on a thrilling Italian GP. We hear from Max Verstappen following his record-breaking tenth consecutive victory, and discuss Ferrari’s on-track battles at Monza.
Rosanna Tennant, Jolyon Palmer and Harry Benjamin reflect on qualifying at the Italian GP. Carlos Sainz took a surprise pole position on Ferrari home soil. We hear from Sainz, as well as from Scuderia teammate Charles Leclerc, and championship leader Max Verstappen.
Rosanna Tennant, Jolyon Palmer and Andrew Benson look ahead to the Italian GP. They delve into Lewis Hamilton and George Russell’s contract extensions at Mercedes, discuss Max Verstappen’s record-breaking form, plus hear in-depth from Charles Leclerc about his difficult season and his love for Ferrari.
Rosanna and the team look back at a chaotic Grand Prix in Zandvoort. They hear from winner Max Verstappen, as well as Fernando Alonso and Pierre Gasly, who finished second and third in the rain-affected race.
Rosanna and the team look back at qualifying. They hear from polesitter Max Verstappen, as well as the chasing pack including Lando Norris, George Russell and Alex Albon. They also discuss how the race may play out on Sunday.
Rosanna and team look ahead to Sunday's race in Zandvoort. We hear from Lewis Hamilton, Sergio Perez and Oscar Piastri. And the weekend marks Jennie Gow’s return to the paddock, and she’s also on the pod.
BBC Sport’s chief F1 writer Andrew Benson sits down with two-time world champion Fernando Alonso for an in-depth conversation. Alonso discusses his return to fighting at the front of the grid with Aston Martin, his exit from Alpine at the end of 2022, and why he’s seen as a bad guy in Formula One.
Harry Benjamin is joined by former McLaren mechanic Marc Priestley and former Williams reserve driver Jack Aitken to review Sunday’s Belgian Grand Prix. They discuss yet another victory for Max Verstappen, hearing from the Dutchman, as well as Sergio Perez, Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri.
Harry Benjamin and former McLaren mechanic Marc Priestley review Saturday’s day of sprint action at the Belgian Grand Prix. They hear from Max Verstappen as well as Oscar Piastri, plus discuss Lewis Hamilton and Sergio Perez’s collision.
Harry Benjamin is joined by former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer, former McLaren mechanic Marc Priestley and BBC Sport’s chief F1 writer Andrew Benson to look ahead to the Belgian Grand Prix, and react to qualifying. They hear from Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc, plus discuss Alpine’s managerial changes, and whether the format of the sprint weekend is working.
Rosanna and the team look back at Max Verstappen’s record breaking win in Hungary. They hear from the Dutchman whose ninth victory of the season was Red Bull's 12th consecutive win, breaking the record of 11 straight wins set by McLaren in 1988. We also hear from Lando Norris, Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc and Daniel Ricciardo.
Rosanna and the team look back at qualifying from Hungary. They discuss Lewis Hamilton’s first pole since 2021 and hear from the Mercedes driver. We also hear from Max Verstappen, Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo, who beat his teammate in his first race with Alpha Tauri.
Andrew Benson and Jolyon Palmer join Rosanna to look ahead to the Hungarian Grand Prix. They hear from Daniel Ricciardo who is back in F1, and ask whether McLaren’s pace at Silverstone is here to stay.
Rosanna is joined by Sam Bird and Harry Benjamin to look back at the race. They hear from there top three, ask whether this result is a turning point for McLaren, and question what is happening at Ferrari.
Sam Bird and Harry Benjamin join Rosanna to look back at qualifying from Silverstone. They hear from the top three and discuss whether McLaren can finish the race with either driver on the podium.
Ahead of the British Grand Prix, Jennie Gow returns to the paddock to sit down with Sir Lewis Hamilton. They discuss his desire to win an eighth world championship, where he gets his motivation from and being involved with a Hollywood movie.
Andrew Benson and Jack Aitken join Harry Benjamin look back at the action from the Red Bull Ring. They hear from the top three and ask whether Max Versatappen can actually win every remaining race this season.
Harry Benjamin is joined by Jack Aitken and Andrew Benson to review the day’s action. They hear from Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez after the pair had an altercation on the first lap. And they also reflect on the news that Dutch racing driver Dilano van 't Hoff died after a crash at Spa in the Formula Regional European Championship.
Jolyon Palmer and Scott Mitchell-Malm join Rosanna Tennant to look ahead to the weekend’s action. They hear from championship leader Max Verstappen, Williams driver Alex Albon and Esteban Ocon, who couldn't hide his excitement after taking a phone call from new Alpine investor Ryan Reynolds.
Oliver Askew joins Harry Benjamin to look back at the race in Montreal. They hear from winner Max Verstappen who is now level on race wins with Ayrton Senna. We also hear from Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton who made up the podium.
Rosanna and the team look back at qualifying from Montreal. They hear from the top three and discuss how the race may play out.
Rosanna Tennant and the BBC F1 team look ahead to the Canadian Grand Prix. As Max Verstappen looks to equal Ayrton Senna’s record of 41 race wins, they discuss whether he has already etched his name as one of the sport’s greatest drivers. They also discuss Mercedes change in fortunes and whether the form they showed in Barcelona two weeks ago will continue this weekend.
Marc Priestley and Andrew Benson join Harry Benjamin to look back at the Spanish Grand Prix. They hear from the top three and ask whether Mercedes have finally put their woes behind them.
Harry Benjamin is joined by Marc Priestley and Andrew Benson to look back at qualifying from Barcelona. They hear from the top three drivers and discuss how the race could unfold.
: Andrew Benson and Marc Priestley join Harry Benjamin to look ahead to the action from Barcelona. They hear from Fernando Alonso after he gave his Aston Martin team their best finish of the year in Monaco. And can Red Bull really win every race this season?
Rosanna Tennant, Harry Benjamin and former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer react to the Monaco GP, where Max Verstappen claimed victory ahead of Fernando Alonso. We hear from both Verstappen and Alonso, as well as Esteban Ocon, Sergio Perez and Carlos Sainz.
Rosanna Tennant, Harry Benjamin and former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer reflect on qualifying at the Monaco GP. We hear from polesitter Max Verstappen, as well as Sergio Perez and Fernando Alonso.
Eleanor Oldroyd looks ahead to the Monaco Grand Prix alongside Jack Nicholls, Rosanna Tennant and former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer. Known as the ‘Jewel in the Crown’ of the F1 season, the team discuss whether anyone can stop Max Verstappen, if Mercedes’ upgrade will work, and where Lewis Hamilton’s future lies.
Jack Nicholls and BBC Sport’s chief F1 writer, Andrew Benson, react to the news that the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix has been called off this weekend because of major flooding in the region.
Jack Nicholls, Harry Benjamin and former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer react to the Miami GP. Max Verstappen came from 9th on the grid to claim victory. We hear from the Dutchman, as well as Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez, and Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso.
Christian Hewgill, Harry Benjamin and former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer reflect on qualifying at the Miami GP, where Sergio Perez took a surprise pole position to ramp up the title battle. We hear from the Mexican, as well as team-mate Max Verstappen who starts only in ninth.
Jack Nicholls is joined by former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer and Christian Hewgill to look ahead to the Miami GP. They discuss the championship battle at Red Bull, plus hear from Lewis Hamilton as well as Williams driver Logan Sargeant ahead of his home race.
Jack Nicholls is joined by Sam Bird and Andrew Benson to look back at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. They hear from the top three drivers and ask whether Charles Leclerc is happy at Ferrari.
Sam Bird and Andrew Benson join Jack Nicholls to look back at the sprint race from Baku. They hear from the winner Sergio Perez as well as from Max Verstappen and George Russell who made contact on the first lap.
Jack is joined by Rebecca Clancy and Andrew Benson to look ahead to the first sprint weekend of the season. They discuss the new format and debate its strengths and weaknesses. They also chat about the management restructuring at Mercedes and look back at qualifying that took place on Friday.
Jack Nicholls, Rosanna Tennant and former Williams reserve driver Jack Aitken reflect on a chaotic Australian GP. Hear from the top three as well as Pierre Gasly and Carlos Sainz, who were caught up in the carnage at the end of the race.
Jack Nicholls, Rosanna Tennant and former Williams reserve driver Jack Aitken look back at qualifying for the Australian GP. They hear from Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez, as well as Mercedes duo George Russell and Lewis Hamilton.
Rosanna Tennant is joined in the Melbourne paddock by BBC Sport’s chief F1 writer Andrew Benson, and Australian racing driver-turned-reporter Sam Power to look ahead to the Australian GP. They look at whether there is friction at Red Bull after Sergio Perez’s victory last time out in Saudi Arabia, discuss Aston Martin’s strong start to the season, and ask where it has all gone wrong for McLaren. Plus, hear from Lewis Hamilton as well as Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, and home favourite Oscar Piastri.
Alice Powell and Andrew Benson join Jack Nicholls to look back at the race in Jeddah. They hear from the top three drivers and discuss whether Aston Martin can really finish the season in second place.
Alice Powell and Andrew Benson join Jack to reflect on qualifying from Jeddah. They hear from the top three drivers and ask what Max Verstappen can do starting from 15th on the grid.
Andrew Benson and Jolyon Palmer join Jack to look ahead to the race in Jeddah. They ask whether the Red Bulls really are unbeatable this season after their one-two in Bahrain. And with Ferrari and Mercedes already struggling this season, will Aston Martin prove to be the second-best team in F1? Plus we find out if Jolyon has ever pulled a “sickie” to avoid media commitments when he was a driver.
Jack is joined by Sam Bird and Rosanna Tennant to look back at Max Verstappen’s win in Bahrain. They hear from the top three and debate what was learnt from the first race of the season.
Rosanna Tennant and Sam Bird join Jack Nicholls to look back at qualifying from Bahrain. They discuss the winners and losers and hear from Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton.
Steve Crossman looks ahead to the new F1 season which begins this weekend. He is joined by Jolyon Palmer, Sam Bird and Jack Nicholls. We also hear from Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.
Jack Nicholls, Jolyon Palmer, Andrew Benson and F1 reporter Rosanna Tennant react to testing and look ahead to the 2023 F1 season. Plus, hear a special message from our presenter and reporter Jennie Gow .
Jennie Gow and the BBC F1 team look back at a year dominated by Red Bull Racing. They speak to world champion Max Verstappen and his boss Christian Horner after the team won both the driver’s and constructor’s titles. Despite getting the jump on their competitors in 2022 under the new regulations, the success came at a price with the team being fined for breaking cost cap regulations and the relationship between the two drivers not always as harmonious as they would wish.
Sam Bird and Jack Nicholls join Jennie Gow to look back at qualifying from Yes Marina. They hear from the top 3 and from Sebastien Vettel who took part in his last qualifying session
Ahead of the final race of the season, Jennie and the team look at a few of the stories making the headlines from the paddock. They chat about the drama at Red Bull and hear from Sergio Perez. Haas boss Guenther Steiner explains the decision to swap Mick Schumacher for Nico Hulkenberg and they discuss whether there is any truth behind the rumours regarding Ferrari.
All episodes of Spygate available right now on BBC Sounds.
In 2007 an improbable, low-fi crime nearly brought the high octane world of Formula One to its knees. Narrated by Pete Tong, Spygate draws in some of the most powerful men in the sports history and pits iconic teams McLaren and Ferrari against each other, all set against the backdrop of Lewis Hamilton’s record-breaking debut and his ferocious rivalry with Fernando Alonso. Buckle up - this season is one hell of a ride.
Jennie Gow, Jack Nicholls and Williams reserve driver Jack Aitken reflect on a frantic grand prix in Sao Paulo, where George Russell claimed his first win in Formula One. We hear from Russell, as well as teammate Lewis Hamilton, and Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz. Plus, we dissect the team orders argument at Red Bull, hearing from both Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez.
Jack Nicholls and the team reflect on the sprint race in Sao Paulo, where George Russell claimed victory and pole position for Sunday’s race. They hear from Russell, as well as Carlos Sainz, Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen and Kevin Magnussen, who took a surprise pole position in Friday’s qualifying for the sprint.
Jennie Gow and the team look ahead to the penultimate race of the 2022 season – the Brazilian Grand Prix. They revisit the subject of whether the sprint race works, discuss Max Verstappen’s dominance, and ask whether Lewis Hamilton can finally claim his first win of the season.
Jennie Gow and the team react to the Mexican Grand Prix, and Max Verstappen’s record-breaking 14th win of the season. They hear from Verstappen, as well as Lewis Hamilton and home hero Sergio Perez.
Jennie Gow and the team reflect on qualifying at the Mexican Grand Prix, where Max Verstappen claimed pole position. They hear from the world champion, as well as Mercedes duo George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, who qualified in second and third respectively.
Jennie Gow, Jack Nicholls, former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer and BBC Sport’s chief F1 writer Andrew Benson discuss the fallout as Red Bull’s penalty for breaching the budget cap is announced. They hear from team principal Christian Horner, as well as look ahead to the weekend’s Mexican Grand Prix.
Jennie Gow, Jack Nicholls and former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer preview the Mexican Grand Prix. They discuss whether Max Verstappen’s dominance will continue, plus talk about Lewis Hamilton and his future in the sport. We hear from both Verstappen and Hamilton, as well as Alpine driver Fernando Alonso.
Jennie and the team look back at the race from Austin. They discuss Max Verstappen’s victory, Red Bull claiming the constructors title and hear from the top three.
Jennie and the team look back at qualifying from Austin. They hear from the top three and discuss how they see Sunday’s race unfolding.
Jennie and the BBC F1 team reflect on Max Verstappen’s second world championship. They ask how many more he could win, and discuss just how good he is. They also talk about the latest with Red Bull’s pending punishment for breaking the cost cap regulations and look ahead to the weekend’s action.
Jennie and the team discuss the issues that F1 experienced last time out in Japan. The chat about the confusion that ensued post-race about whether Verstappen was world champion, why a recovery vehicle was on the track and question why the FIA have yet to announce the details and punishment regarding Red Bull breaking the cost cap regulations. And they have a discussion about Daniel Ricciardo’s arrival in the paddock!
Jack Nicholls and Marc Priestley join Jennie to look back at the rain-delayed race. They hear from many of the drivers and discuss why it went so wrong for Max Verstappen.
Jack Nicholls and Marc Priestley join Jennie to look back at the rain-delayed race. They hear from many of the drivers and discuss why it went so wrong for Max Verstappen.
Jennie and the team look back at qualifying from Singapore. They dissect what went wrong at Red Bull which meant Verstappen did not complete a lap in that final run. They also hear from the top three on the podium and Christian Horner who answers accusations his Red Bull team have broken budget cap rules.
Jennie and the team look back at qualifying from Singapore. They dissect what went wrong at Red Bull which meant Verstappen did not complete a lap in that final run. They also hear from the top three on the podium and Christian Horner who answers accusations his Red Bull team have broken budget cap rules.
Jack and Jolyon join Jennie to look ahead to the Singapore Grand Prix. They hear from Max Verstappen, who could wrap up his second world title this weekend and debate whether he and his team are getting credit for what they are achieving this season.
Jack and Jolyon join Jennie to look ahead to the Singapore Grand Prix. They hear from Max Verstappen, who could wrap up his second world title this weekend and debate whether he and his team are getting credit for what they are achieving this season.
Jack and Jolyon join Jennie to look ahead to the Singapore Grand Prix. They hear from Max Verstappen, who could wrap up his second world title this weekend and debate whether he and his team are getting credit for what they are achieving this season.
Jennie Gow, Jack Nicholls and Formula E driver Sam Bird react to the Italian Grand Prix, where Max Verstappen won yet again to move within touching distance of his second title. We hear from Verstappen, Charles Leclerc and George Russell, as well as Nyck de Vries, who impressed on his F1 debut.
Jennie Gow, Jack Nicholls and Formula E driver Sam Bird react to the Italian Grand Prix, where Max Verstappen won yet again to move within touching distance of his second title. We hear from Verstappen, Charles Leclerc and George Russell, as well as Nyck de Vries, who impressed on his F1 debut.
Jennie Gow, Jack Nicholls and Formula E driver Sam Bird react to the Italian Grand Prix, where Max Verstappen won yet again to move within touching distance of his second title. We hear from Verstappen, Charles Leclerc and George Russell, as well as Nyck de Vries, who impressed on his F1 debut.
Jennie Gow, Jack Nicholls, former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer and W Series driver Beitske Visser react to the Dutch Grand Prix, where Max Verstappen won on home soil. We hear from the championship leader as well as Carlos Sainz, Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton and George Russell.
Jennie and the team look back at qualifying from Zandvoort. They hear from the top four drivers and discuss how the race may play out.
Jennie is joined by Jack Nicholls and Jolyon Palmer to look ahead to the Dutch Grand Prix. They discuss the Max Verstappen effect on his home race and whether Red Bull can be beaten at Zandvoort. They also hear from Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton and chat about the impact of Oscar Piastri joining McLaren.
Jennie is joined by Sam Bird and Jack Nicholls to look back at the Belgian Grand Prix. They hear from the top three and from Lewis Hamilton who crashed out on the first lap.
Sam Bird joins Jennie and Jack to look back at qualifying from Spa. They hear from Max Verstappen, Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc.
Jennie is joined by Jack and Jolyon to look ahead to the Belgian Grand Prix. They hear from Daniel Ricciardo and discuss where it went wrong for the Australian after it was announced he is to leave McLaren at the end of the season.
Steve and Barry Jones take the pod to London to speak to Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn ahead of their fight in October. As well as the two fighters, they hear from promoters Eddie Hearn and Kalle Sauerland and look ahead to next weekend's heavyweight class between Oleksandr Usyk and Antony Joshua in Saudi Arabia.
Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc sits down with Andrew Benson to chat about the first half of the season. They discuss missed opportunities, racing against Max Verstappen and playing golf.
Jennie Gow, Harry Benjamin and former F1 mechanic Marc Priestley react to a dramatic Hungarian Grand Prix. Max Verstappen took a stunning victory, having recovered from tenth position. We hear from the Dutchman as well as both Ferrari drivers, Lewis Hamilton and George Russell.
Jennie Gow, Harry Benjamin and former F1 mechanic Marc Priestley react to qualifying at the Hungarian Grand Prix, where George Russell took a surprise pole position. We hear from Russell as well as Carlos Sainz, Charles Leclerc, Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff.
In an F1: Chequered Flag special, BBC Sport's chief F1 writer Andrew Benson speaks to Mercedes driver George Russell about his first season with the Silver Arrows, racing against Lewis Hamilton and memes.
Following the announcement of Sebastian Vettel's retirement at the end of the season, Jennie Gow, Jolyon Palmer and Harry Benjamin hear from drivers and journalists, as well as the man himself. They also look ahead to the Hungarian Grand Prix. Can Charles Leclerc bounce back after his retirement last weekend?
Jack Aitken and Jack Nicholls join Jennie Gow to look back at the French Grand Prix. They hear from the top three and from Charles Leclerc who crashed out from the lead.
Jennie and the team look back at qualifying from Circuit Paul Ricard. They hear from the top two drivers and from Carlos Sainz who starts from the back of the grid.
Jennie and the team the discuss the big issues ahead of the race at Paul Ricard. They hear from title rivals Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc and chat about Daniel Ricciardo’s decision to use social media to pledge his future to McLaren.
Jamie Chadwick and Andrew Benson join Jack Nicholls to look back at the race from the Red Bull Ring. They hear from both Ferrari drivers after mixed day for the Italian team, and from Lewis Hamilton who finished third.
The team look back at the sprint from the Red Bull Ring and chat to many of the drivers.
Jennie and the team look ahead to the Austrian Grand Prix. They hear from Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc on the their recent performances and from Zhou Guanyu after his horrific crash at Silverstone last weekend.
Jennie and team look back at an incident-packed race from Silverstone. They hear from Carlos Sainz, Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen.
Jennie and the team look back at qualifying from Silverstone. They hear from the top three as well as the three British drivers.
Jennie is joined by Harry Benjamin and Ben Hunt from the Sun to look ahead to the weekend’s race. They discuss the language used by Nelson Piquet regarding Lewis Hamilton and the reaction it has prompted. They hear from Hamilton himself and from Max Verstappen, and also discuss why Mercedes could have a decent weekend at Silverstone.
Jennie Gow, Jack Nicholls and Jack Aitken review the Canadian Grand Prix, where Max Verstappen took victory ahead of Carlos Sainz. They hear from the top three, as well as championship contender Charles Leclerc.
Jennie Gow, Jack Nicholls and Williams reserve driver Jack Aitken reflect on qualifying for the Canadian Grand Prix, where Max Verstappen took pole position ahead of Fernando Alonso. Hear from both as well as Carlos Sainz and Lewis Hamilton.
Jennie Gow, Jack Nicholls and Williams reserve driver Jack Aitken preview the Canadian Grand Prix. They hear from Charles Leclerc, Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.
Jennie Gow, Jack Nicholls and Andrew Benson look ahead to the Canadian Grand Prix. They discuss Ferrari's woes, Mercedes' bouncing issues, plus hear from 1979 world champion Jody Scheckter about the potential return of the South African GP.
As well as hearing from the drivers, they ask why Ferrari continue to throw away points as both Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz failed to finish the race.
Jack is joined by Marc Priestley to look back at qualifying from Baku. They discuss Charles Leclerc’s sixth pole of the season and how once again Red Bull’s Sergio Perez out-performed his teammate Max Verstappen.
Jennie and the team look ahead to the race in Baku. They discuss how another strategy call cost Ferrari victory in Monaco, why Sergio Perez signing a new contract at Red Bull was a “no-brainer” and who the street circuit will suit this weekend.
Jennie and team look back at the race from Monaco. They hear from the top three and breakdown where the race was won and lost.
Jennie and the team are joined by chef Tom Kerridge to review the day’s action. They hear from Charles Leclerc who starts from pole and from Lewis Hamilton who starts eighth.
Jennie, Jack and Jolyon preview the Monaco Grand Prix. They debate whether the race should still be on the F1 calendar, is Mercedes’ resurgence genuine and were Red Bull right to implement team orders in Spain.
Marc Priestley and Jack Nicholls join Jennie Gow to review the Spanish Grand Prix. They hear from the top three drivers and debate who was their driver of the day.
Jennie Gow, Jack Nicholls and Marc Priestley reflect on qualifying for the Spanish Grand Prix, where Charles Leclerc took pole position ahead of Max Verstappen. Hear from both as well as Carlos Sainz and Lewis Hamilton.
Jennie and the team look ahead to the race this weekend. They hear from Red Bull boss Christian Horner who has accused Aston Martin of copying their car design. And the team debate whether Mercedes have finally sorted out their problems.
Jennie and the team look back at the inaugural Miami Grand Prix. They hear from the top three and discuss whether the event was a success.
Jack and Jolyon reflect on qualifying from Miami. They discuss how the session played out and hear from the top three.
Jennie and the team look ahead to the inaugural race in Miami. They discuss what it means to have a second race in the USA and what the drivers can expect from the new circuit,
Jennie and the team look back at the action from Imola. They hear from the top 3 and from Lewis Hamilton who finished 13th.
Jack is joined by Jamie Chadwick and Andrew Benson to look back at the sprint race. They hear from the top two and from Lewis Hamilton who finished in 14th.
Reigning W Series champion Jamie Chadwick joins the F1 team to preview the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. They discuss Ferrari’s dominant start to the season, what is happening at Red Bull and whether Mercedes can get on top of their problems.
Jennie and the team look back at events from Melbourne. They hear from race winner Charles Leclerc, as well as Max Verstappen and George Russell. And they discuss where Aston Martin is going wrong after a very poor showing from them over the three days.
Jennie and the team look back at qualifying from Melbourne. They hear from both Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen who occupy the front row of the grid.
Jennie and the team look ahead to the race in Melbourne this weekend. They also reflect on events in Saudi Arabia two weeks ago and ask whether DRS is playing too much of a part in racing in 2022.
Jennie Gow, Jack Nicholls and Sam Bird look back on a dramatic Saudi Arabian Grand Prix that saw Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc go head-to-head once again. It was Verstappen who prevailed on this occasion, and we hear from the victorious Dutchman as well as Leclerc.
Jennie Gow, Jack Nicholls and Sam Bird look back on qualifying for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. They hear from pole-sitter Sergio Perez as well as Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz, Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. Plus they preview Sunday's race.
Jennie Gow, Jack Nicholls and Jolyon Palmer look ahead to the second round of the 2022 F1 season, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. They look at whether Ferrari are real title contenders, discuss Red Bull’s woes and hear from Haas driver Kevin Magnussen.
Jennie Gow, Jack Nicholls and Sam Bird look back on the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix. They hear from the top three and debate the big talking points from the day.
Jennie and team look back at qualifying from Bahrain. They hear from Charles Leclerc, Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton and look ahead to Sunday’s race.
Jennie and team look back at the first’s day action from Bahrain. They discuss who looked good and who struggled ahead of qualifying on Saturday.
Jennie and the team preview the 2022 F1 season which gets underway this weekend in Bahrain. They hear from Max Vertsappen as he begins the defence his world title and discuss the multitude of rule changes that come in to effect this weekend.
Former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer hosts a Christmas party for the 5 Live Formula 1 team team.
Despite a few no-shows, his guests include Jack Nicholls, Jennie Gow, Steve Crossman, Andrew Benson and Radio 1’s Christian Hewgill.
They reminisce about the 2021 season and explain why it will go down as the greatest in the sport’s history.
They also hear from new world champion Max Verstappen.
Jennie and the team look back at the Russian Grand Prix. They hear from race winner Lewis Hamilton who registered his 100th win in the sport. And Lando Norris talks about the decision that cost him his first race win.
Jennie and team look back at qualifying from Monaco. They hear from polesitter Charles Leclerc as well as Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen.
Jennie and the 5 Live F1 team count down their top 10 moments of 2020. From Lewis Hamilton’s record-equalling 7th world title to Romain Grosjean’s dramatic crash in Bahrain, they discuss each moment and why it made it on the list. We relive some of those thrilling moments and hear from those involved.
Jack Nicholls and the team chart Mercedes' dominance of the sport. We hear from boss Toto Wolff and Lewis Hamilton.
Jennie Gow is joined by Jack Nicholls, Jolyon Palmer and Andrew Benson to discuss what’s been a busy week of announcements regarding the future of Formula One. We hear which races have been postponed or cancelled and how the teams are planning to help the NHS. Plus, the team reflect on the cancellation of the Australian Grand Prix weekend just hours before it was scheduled to start.
Steve Rider hosts a special end of year quiz as the 5 Live F1 team battle it out to show who has the best knowledge of the 2019 Formula 1 Season.
Ten years ago today, Jenson Button was crowned the Formula 1 world champion. In this special episode he sits down with Victoria Turner to reminisce about that fairy-tale season in 2009 and the many highs and some lows that came with it.
Claire and the team reflect on a farcical end to qualifying at Monza where only two drivers managed to start their final lap. It was Charles Leclerc that took pole, from Lewis Hamilton in second. We hear from both drivers.
Jennie Gow, Jack Nicholls and former Formula One driver Jolyon Palmer discuss a thrilling final race of the season in the desert as Lewis Hamilton wrapped a championship winning season in style with victory in Abu Dhabi.
We sit down with two-time Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso who reflects on his career and explains why he is leaving the sport. Former Renault driver Jolyon Palmer and the BBC's chief F1 sports writer Andrew Benson also look Alonso's legacy and discuss what the future holds for the Spaniard.
Lewis Hamilton signs off the first half of the F1 season with a win in Hungary and now holds a 24 point lead over title rival Sebastian Vettel. Jennie Gow, Jolyon Palmer and Jack Nicholls discuss.
As the popularity, participation and coverage of women’s sport continue to grow – Jennie Gow investigates whether the use of grid girls is a sexist, outdated relic in 2017. Hear the thoughts of the models themselves alongside F1 drivers, team and circuit bosses. Plus find out how the issue is being considered in boxing, cycling and darts.
Jennie Gow presents a Formula One special looking at why Lewis Hamilton has recorded more pole positions than any other driver. Hear from Hamilton himself, his former team-mate Jenson Button, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff and Allan McNish on what sets Hamilton apart on a single lap shoot-out.
The 5 live F1 team look back at the Monaco Grand Prix which was won by Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel.
Fresh from winning the Russian Grand Prix, Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas joins our podcast looking ahead to the Spanish Grand Prix. We ask him; can he beat Hamilton again?
Jack Nicholls and the 5 live F1 team review the opening race of the 2017 season which saw Sebastian Vettel take victory in Australia.
The 5 live Formula 1 team bring you up to speed with the latest F1 news and interviews. Plus a preview of the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.
Jennie Gow is joined by Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, deputy team principal of Williams Claire Williams, Mark Gallagher and Andrew Benson to look ahead to the 2017 Formula One season.
The 5 live F1 team look ahead to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as the season comes to a climax. Will Rosberg or Hamilton win the World Championship?
Long Synopsis
The 5 live Formula One team look ahead to what could be a pivotal Brazilian Grand Prix this weekend for Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton.
Tom Clarkson and the team are in Austin to preview the American Grand Prix - can Lewis Hamilton put pressure on Nico Rosberg in the race for the World Championship?
Jennie Gow and Jack Nicholls look ahead to the 2016 Formula 1 season, with the latest from pre-season testing. You'll hear from rising star Max Verstappen, who outlines his hopes for the new campaign.