F1 Explains

Go to the F1 Nation podcast feed to hear our first episode of 2026. Christian Hewgill and Lawrence Barretto talk through all you need to know ahead of the new season

F1 Explains is moving to the F1 Nation podcast feed for the new season.Get answers to your F1 questions from Christian Hewgill and expert guests, plus race reviews and previews with Tom Clarkson - all in one place.Send your questions about the 2026 F1 season to [email protected] F1 Nation on your podcast app, hit follow or subscribe, and you'll get every new episode of F1 Explains

Lando Norris' driving style, the food which fuels the Haas pit crew, the Apex GP cars from F1: The Movie and the team boss who lets his drivers use his office toilet. F1 Explains covered all this and much more in 2025 as we answered your questions on how the sport works.Christian and the team have chosen their favourite moments from the season, which include a world-first episode recorded inside a garage during a Grand Prix, F1: The Movie director Joseph Kosinski explaining how the cars used in the film were created and Sauber's Gabriel Bortoleto's description of what happens inside the cockpit when drivers have to save fuel and tyres.Thank you for listening in 2025. Happy holidays from the F1 Explains team!Get your question answered on the podcast next seasonIf you have a question for F1 Explains email [email protected] to more official F1 podcastsIn-depth interviews with the stars of Formula 1 on F1 Beyond The GridExpert insight before and after every Grand Prix on F1 Nation 

In the months between the chequered flag in Abu Dhabi and the five red lights in Australia, Formula 1 teams are still be racing. They're building in factories, testing on simulators and wind tunnels, working flat-out to get their cars ready for a new era.New car design and power unit rules will change the game in 2026, so the work F1 teams do this winter is more important than ever. Williams Team Principal James Vowles and F1 Correspondent and Presenter Lawrence Barretto join Christian Hewgill to explain all.Lawrence tells us why the teams have less time than in previous winters to be ready for the new season, starting with the first of three pre-season tests in January. James explains the work taking place at F1 team factories, and why 2026 is such a big change.Get your question answered on the podcastIf you have a question for F1 Explains email [email protected] to more official F1 podcastsIn-depth interviews with the stars of Formula 1 on F1 Beyond The GridExpert insight before and after every Grand Prix on F1 Nation 

What does a Formula 1 driver need to become a World Champion? Can they really approach a title decider as if it’s any other race? And is it better to be leading the way or chasing?Ahead of this weekend’s three-way title showdown between Lando Norris, Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, two-time World Champion Mika Hakkinen joins Christian Hewgill in the Yas Marina paddock to explain what it takes to achieve motorsport’s biggest prize.Mika remembers the moment in his career when he knew he could win a championship, how that changed his mentality and the approach he took to his title deciders in 1998 and 1999.Get your question answered on the podcastIf you have a question for F1 Explains email [email protected] to more official F1 podcastsIn-depth interviews with the stars of Formula 1 on F1 Beyond The GridExpert insight before and after every Grand Prix on F1 Nation

In a shock reversal of the usual format, this episode of F1 Explains starts with a question that YOU have to answer. It's about an engine company with an incredible winning record in Formula 1. Any guesses?For decades, Ford won in Formula 1. Their engines powered drivers and teams to World Championships. In 2026, the company will return to the grid, partnering with Red Bull on a new F1 engine project.Christian speaks to Mark Rushbrook, Ford Global Director of Racing, to find out how the partnership with Red Bull will work, what knowledge Ford can use to help Red Bull hit the ground running and how F1 differs from Ford's other racing teams.Plus we explain why Red Bull are building their own power unit instead of continuing to buy one from another team, and how the different approaches could affect every team's success in 2026 and beyond.Get your question answered on the podcastIf you have a question for F1 Explains email [email protected] the crowning of the 2025 Formula 1 World ChampionBook your seat for a Grand Prix this season at tickets.formula1.comOne-day grandstand tickets for the 2026 Miami Grand Prix start at $85 - go to f1miamigp.com to get yoursListen to more official F1 podcastsIn-depth interviews with the stars of Formula 1 on F1 Beyond The GridExpert insight before and after every Grand Prix on F1 Nation

How do you start a brand new F1 team? Does joining at the start of new regulations in 2026 give Cadillac an advantage or disadvantage? What are the team’s goals? Cadillac F1 Team CEO Dan Towriss joins Christian Hewgill to answer your questions and tell us what we can expect from F1’s newest team. Dan also talks about their driver line-up of Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez, Cadillac’s short and long-term engine plans, the role General Motors and TWG Motorsports play in this project, and whether IndyCar star-turned-Cadillac reserve driver Colton Herta could race for the team in the future.Get your question answered on the podcastIf you have a question for F1 Explains email [email protected] the crowning of the 2025 Formula 1 World ChampionBook your seat for a Grand Prix this season at tickets.formula1.comTickets for Las Vegas available at f1lasvegasgp.comListen to more official F1 podcastsIn-depth interviews with the stars of Formula 1 on F1 Beyond The GridExpert insight before and after every Grand Prix on F1 Nation

To answer the latest load of F1 Explains listener questions, Christian is joined F1TV expert James Hinchcliffe, IndyCar race-winner who recently drove an F1 car for the first time, and F1TV lead presenter Laura Winter, who once drove an F4 car but doesn't like to talk about it...Laura and Hinch answer your questions on the differences between F1 and IndyCar machinery, how Cadillac's arrival will change the sport in 2026, how they prepare to cover race weekends and the key people F1 teams try and poach from their rivals. If you have a question for F1 Explains or a smoke machine F1TV can borrow, email [email protected] the crowning of the 2025 Formula 1 World ChampionBook your seat for a Grand Prix this season at tickets.formula1.comTickets for Las Vegas available at f1lasvegasgp.comListen to more official F1 podcastsIn-depth interviews with the stars of Formula 1 on F1 Beyond The GridExpert insight before and after every Grand Prix on F1 Nation

How many members of an F1 team does it take to answer the latest batch of your questions? 5, as it turns out!Haas drivers Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon, Team Principal Ayao Komatsu, Race Engineer Laura Mueller and F1 ACADEMY driver Courtney Crone sat down with Christian Hewgill at the US Grand Prix in Austin.Ayao took questions about the parts Haas buys from Ferrari, and what he thinks about Cadillac's entry into F1 in 2026. Laura explains how F1 teams fix car problems during a Grand Prix. Courtney tells us how working with Haas is helping her racing career. Esteban and Ollie talk car set ups and simulators, all while eating their pre-race lunch.Got a question about F1? We'll find the best person to answer itSend your voice notes and emails to [email protected] the crowning of the 2025 Formula 1 World ChampionBook your seat for a Grand Prix this season at tickets.formula1.comTickets for Las Vegas now available at f1lasvegasgp.comListen to more official F1 podcastsIn-depth interviews with the stars of Formula 1 on F1 Beyond The GridExpert insight before and after every Grand Prix on F1 Nation

When Formula 1 drivers want to go faster, they study squiggly lines on a screen. This is F1 data, showing how drivers accelerate, brake, steer and more. Hidden in the squiggles are the secrets of speed.Tom Stallard, Race Engineer to Oscar Piastri at McLaren, and former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer join Christian Hewgill to decode F1 data. Tom answers your questions on what data is recorded, how it is fed back to the teams by hundreds of sensors on each car, and how engineers analyse thousands of pieces of information.Jolyon explains how F1 drivers study their own data to find improvements, what they can learn from looking at their team mates and rivals' data, and the data drivers need to know during qualifying and races. Got a question? We'll find the best person to answer itSend your voice notes and emails to [email protected] the crowning of the 2025 Formula 1 World ChampionBook your seat for a Grand Prix this season at tickets.formula1.comTickets for Las Vegas now available at f1lasvegasgp.comListen to more official F1 podcastsIn-depth interviews with the stars of Formula 1 on F1 Beyond The GridExpert insight before and after every Grand Prix on F1 Nation

Once McLaren team mates fighting for the Formula 1 World Championship, now legends of the F1 Paddock, Mika Hakkinen and David Coulthard know how it feels to be in the middle of a title battle.The pair join Christian Hewgill and F1 Explains listeners live on stage in Austin, Texas, to answer your questions.David and Mika explain how McLaren handled their title rivalry in the late 1990s, compare their experiences to this year's intensifying battle between Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris and discuss whether team mates can be friends.Plus, why braking in an F1 car literally takes your breath away, some dogs named after F1 stars and the racing jobs David and Mika would want to do if they weren't drivers.Have your question answered on the podcastSend your voice notes and emails to [email protected] the crowning of a World ChampionBook your seat for a Formula 1 Grand Prix this season at tickets.formula1.comListen to more official F1 podcastsIn-depth interviews with the stars of Formula 1 on F1 Beyond The GridExpert insight before and after every Grand Prix on F1 Nation

What does ‘lift and coast’ mean and why do drivers use this technique? How do they reduce their speed under a Virtual Safety Car? Why do they use a different engine mode when driving in the pitlane? And what do the buttons on an F1 steering wheel do? Sauber’s Gabriel Bortoleto joins Christian Hewgill in the paddock at the United States Grand Prix to answer your questions.Gabriel also reveals what has surprised him the most about teammate Nico Hulkenberg, how he feels about racing his manager Fernando Alonso on track and the differences between F2 and F1 cars.Have your question answered on the podcastSend your voice notes and emails to [email protected]'s All To Drive For in 2025. Be there!Book your seat for a Grand Prix this season at tickets.formula1.comListen to more official F1 podcastsIn-depth interviews with the stars of Formula 1 on F1 Beyond The GridExpert reaction before and after every Grand Prix on F1 Nation

Without marshals, we wouldn't be able to go racing.In their bright orange jumpsuits, they're hard to miss. Hundreds of them are dotted around the track to ensure the safety of all the drivers competing in every series during a Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend.  So how do they keep drivers safe? What roles are different marshals performing at different parts of the circuit? How do they know which flags to wave? What’s the process they go through when responding to incidents on track? And how do they work with Race Control? Ahead of the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Christian Hewgill and Katie Osborne have been speaking to Mike Vandament and Jennifer Kelly, both of whom volunteer as marshals at the Circuit of the Americas, to answer your questions about what they do during a race weekend. And if you're interested in becoming a marshal, Sydney Davis Yagel works for the Sports Car Club of America. It’s her job to get people started with marshalling and other trackside jobs. Sydney tells Christian and Katie how she gives people those opportunities and what type of person she thinks makes a good marshal.THE BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO FORMULA 1 FLAGSClick here to find out what all the different flags in Formula 1 mean.Have your question answered on the podcastSend your voice notes and emails to [email protected]'s All To Drive For in 2025. Be there!Book your seat for a Grand Prix this season at tickets.formula1.comListen to more official F1 podcastsIn-depth interviews with the stars of Formula 1 on F1 Beyond The GridExpert reaction before and after every Grand Prix on F1 Nation 

When F1 drivers crash, the FIA Medical Car rushes to the scene. It's a high-performance machine with a racing driver at the wheel and a doctor in the passenger seat. The Medical Car crew, Dr Ian Roberts and driver Bruno Correia, answer your questions about their vital jobs. They tell Katie Osborne and Christian Hewgill about responding to crashes, assessing driver injuries and the part of a Grand Prix when they're most likely to be called into action.Dr Ian explains how he went from working in a hospital to racetracks around the world, Bruno tells the story of swapping a racing car for the Aston Martin and Mercedes Medical Cars, and we hear what drivers are like after a crash.Get your question answered on the podcastSend your voice notes and emails to [email protected]'s All To Drive For in 2025. Be there!Book your seat for a Grand Prix this season at tickets.formula1.comListen to more official F1 podcastsIn-depth interviews with the stars of Formula 1 on F1 Beyond The GridExpert reaction before and after every Grand Prix on F1 Nation

How different is driving at night compared to racing during the day? What impact does being a celebrity have on an F1 drivers’ life? How are car numbers decided? And what’s the process behind designing a special helmet?Williams’ Alex Albon joins Christian Hewgill in the Formula 1 paddock to answer your questions. Get your question answered on the podcastSend your voice notes and emails to [email protected]'s All To Drive For in 2025. Be there!Book your seat for a Grand Prix this season at tickets.formula1.comListen to more official F1 podcastsIn-depth interviews with the stars of Formula 1, including Alex Albon, on F1 Beyond The GridExpert reaction before and after every Grand Prix on F1 Nation

What are race strategists doing during a Grand Prix? How are strategies decided for each driver within a team? What happens to that strategy when something unexpected happens, like teammates colliding with each other? And is Artificial Intelligence used when deciding the best tactics for a race?Bernie Collins, former F1 strategist at Aston Martin and McLaren, joins Christian Hewgill in the paddock to answer your questions about the sport.Bernie also explains why teams change their engine power during different sessions, why drivers try and leave their final qualifying run as late as possible, and what the rules are when a driver is asked to give a place back to an opponent. Get your question answered on the podcastSend your voice notes and emails to [email protected]'s All To Drive For in 2025. Be there!Book your seat for a Grand Prix this season at tickets.formula1.comListen to more official F1 podcastsIn-depth interviews on F1 Beyond The GridExpert reaction before and after every Grand Prix on F1 Nation

2025 is a year of change for Jonathan Wheatley. He left Red Bull in the UK to join Sauber in Switzerland. He also stepped up from Sporting Director to Team Principal. Jonathan answers your questions about moving from a World Championship-winning team to one seeking success. He tells Christian how he leads the hundreds of people working at Sauber's factory and at the racetrack, including drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto. More change is ahead for Jonathan and Sauber in 2026, as Audi-take over the team. Jonathan answers your questions on how the transition is going and Audi's ambition to win in Formula 1.F1 Explains puts your questions to F1 experts and insiders. Send yours to [email protected] from official F1 podcasts: F1 Beyond The GridSauber driver Gabriel Bortoleto's story of leaving Brazil aged 11 to chase his F1 dreamF1 NationValtteri Bottas on why he chose to join Cadillac for 2026

Ferrari is synonymous with Formula 1 around the world. They’ve won more World Championships than any other team in the sport’s history.But is that success why they’re regarded as one of the most iconic names in F1? Or is there more to it?F1 Explains is at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza to find out what makes Ferrari so special.Christian Hewgill is joined by ESPN F1 journalist, Nate Saunders, who is also the author of ‘Forza Ferrari: How F1’s most famous team can win again’, and 2012 GP2 champion and F1TV pundit, Davide Valsecchi.They discuss how Ferrari’s long history with Formula 1 began, the legacy of legendary founder Enzo Ferrari, the team’s famous Tifosi fanbase, the pressure they face from the Italian media and why winning a title with Ferrari is extra special.Christian also meets some very passionate Italian Ferrari fans, who tell us why Ferrari mean so much to them, what it was like being at Monza when Charles Leclerc won in 2024, and how they would feel if Ferrari became World Champions again after such a long wait.Get your question answered on the podcastSend your voice notes and emails to [email protected]'s All To Drive For in 2025. Be there!Book your seat for a Grand Prix this season at tickets.formula1.comListen to more official F1 podcastsIn-depth interviews on F1 Beyond The GridExpert reaction before and after every Grand Prix on F1 Nation

The driver hits the brakes. The car stops in the pit lane and 20 people go to work. Wheel guns roar. Tyres spin. The car speeds back into the race. An F1 pit stop is 2 seconds of precision under pressure.F1 Explains meets the people who make lightning-fast pit stops happen. Christian Hewgill puts your questions to Haas pit crew members Matt Thompson, Monique Hurrell and Marcus Farrer.Matt, Monique and Marcus explain how they became part of the pit crew, what happens during a stop, and what they do for the rest of the race weekend.Get your question answered on the podcastSend your voice notes and emails to [email protected]'s All To Drive For in 2025. Be there!Book your seat for a Grand Prix this season at tickets.formula1.comListen to more official F1 podcastsIn-depth interviews on F1 Beyond The GridExpert reaction before and after every Grand Prix on F1 Nation

Where do Formula 1 teams spot the drivers of the future? What are they looking for in young racers? And how did Mercedes guide Kimi Antonelli from karting to F1?   F1 Explains explores junior driver programmes, which exist to find talented young drivers and support them as they climb the motorsport ladder. Most F1 teams have these academies. Red Bull signed a young Max Verstappen, Ferrari supported Charles Leclerc and Oliver Bearman, Lando Norris was part of the McLaren programme, and Mercedes developed George Russell, Kimi Antonelli and Esteban Ocon during their junior racing. F1 ACADEMY leader Doriane Pin is also part of the Mercedes Junior Driver Programme. She tells Christian Hewgill how Mercedes spotted her and answers your questions on what the team is doing to support her career. The Mercedes programme is led by Gwen Lagrue, the man who discovered Russell, Antonelli and Ocon. Gwen explains how he identifies those with the most potential, guides them into junior car racing and decides when they are ready to step up to Formula 3, F2 and, finally, F1. Get your question answered on the podcastSend your voice notes and emails to [email protected]'s All To Drive For in 2025. Be there!Book your seat for a Grand Prix this season at tickets.formula1.comListen to more official F1 podcastsIn-depth interviews on F1 Beyond The GridExpert reaction before and after every Grand Prix on F1 Nation

Being the boss of Formula 1 is a big job. F1 teams, drivers, race promoters, sponsors and more than 825 million fans worldwide rely on Stefano Domenicali to lead the sport forwards. It’s a huge responsibility, so how does he keep everyone happy?  Speaking to Christian Hewgill, Stefano explains exactly what his job involves and how the role compares to his time as Ferrari Team Principal.He also answers your questions about the cost cap, the calendar, the points-scoring system, the sport’s growth in the US and why Formula 1 is entering a new era in 2026. And with so many exciting new additions to the sport in the last few years - like F1 Sprint, the spectacular Las Vegas Grand Prix, the trailblazing F1 ACADEMY, and F1 The Movie - what does Stefano think the next big thing for Formula 1 will be?Get your question answered on the podcastSend your voice notes and emails to [email protected] ZEROF1 is on-target to be Net Zero by 2030. The sport has reduced its carbon emissions by 26% since 2018. Read more here. F1 THE MOVIE starring Brad PittNOW PLAYINGGet tickets nowIt's All To Drive For in 2025. Be there!Book your seat for a Grand Prix this season at tickets.formula1.comListen to more official F1 podcastsIn-depth interviews on F1 Beyond The GridExpert reaction before and after every Grand Prix on F1 Nation

He's a race-winner, a Haas driver and he lays claim to being the tallest person on the F1 grid (hairstyle permitting). Esteban Ocon joins F1 Explains to answer the latest batch of listener questions.Among the topics in our inbox: how drivers prepare mentally and physically, why they get handed a little paper ticket at their post-race weight check, how being tall affects the job of an F1 driver, and whether fireproof underwear is comfortable.Esteban also talks about working with his Haas race engineer Laura Mueller, how drivers sense when it's time to change tyres during a wet race, his pre-race rituals and how he keeps his concentration while racing.Get your question on the podcast!Send your voice notes and emails to [email protected] THE MOVIE starring Brad PittNOW PLAYINGGet tickets nowIt's All To Drive For in 2025. Be there!Book your seat for a Grand Prix this season at tickets.formula1.comListen to more official F1 podcastsIn-depth interviews on F1 Beyond The GridExpert reaction before and after every Grand Prix on F1 Nation

How do F1 teams help new drivers settle in? What are the secrets of Silverstone? Could Taylor Swift help Ollie Bearman go faster? Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu answers these questions and more in the latest F1 Explains live show, recorded at the British Grand Prix.F1 Explains listeners Eilín from Ireland, Maya from New York and honeymooning couple Amie and Sam join Ayao and Christian Hewgill on-stage. They ask Ayao how Esteban Ocon and Ollie Bearman adapted to their new team, the differences between rookies and experienced drivers, and how F1 stars stay focused during a race. Will Ayao use Christian's idea of playing his drivers' favourite songs over the radio to give them a boost? Watch this space...Get your question on the podcast!Send your voice notes and emails to [email protected] THE MOVIE starring Brad PittNOW PLAYINGGet tickets nowIt's All To Drive For in 2025. Be there!Book your seat for a Grand Prix this season at tickets.formula1.comListen to more official F1 podcastsIn-depth interviews on F1 Beyond The GridExpert reaction before and after every Grand Prix on F1 Nation

1996 Formula 1 World Champion, Damon Hill, and F1TV’s lead commentator, Alex Jacques, join Christian Hewgill at the British Grand Prix for an F1 history lesson - 75 years since the World Championship began at Silverstone in 1950.How did the pinnacle of motorsport begin? What did the first World Championship look like in terms of the cars, the calendar and the Constructors? Who were the sport’s biggest superstars in the early decades? What have been the biggest technological advances? How has safety improved over time? Alex takes us through the defining moments of each era, how Formula 1 transformed into the spectacle it is today and what we can expect in the future.And Damon talks about his life in Formula 1 – how he went from watching his World Champion father Graham as a child to following in his footsteps by winning the title in ’96, his epic rivalry with Michael Schumacher, being teammates with the legendary Ayrton Senna – and how the sport is so different now to when he was racing.Get your question on the podcast!Send voice notes and emails to [email protected]: THE MOVIE starring Brad PittNOW PLAYINGGet tickets nowIt's All To Drive For in 2025. Be there!Book your seat for a Grand Prix this season at tickets.formula1.comListen to more official F1 podcastsIn-depth interviews on F1 Beyond The GridExpert reaction before and after every Grand Prix on F1 Nation

F1 Explains will be live on-stage at the British Grand Prix with two special guests: Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu, and F1 legend David Coulthard will join Christian Hewgill to answer your questions. See you there!F1 EXPLAINS LIVE AT SILVERSTONE Friday 4th July Main Stage 1115-1145 Free to all British Grand Prix Friday or weekend ticket-holders Send your questions for Ayao and David to [email protected] your question on the podcast!Send voice notes and emails to [email protected]: THE MOVIE starring Brad PittOnly in cinemas June 2025Get tickets nowIt's All To Drive For in 2025. Be there!Book your seat for a Grand Prix this season at tickets.formula1.comListen to more official F1 podcastsIn-depth interviews on F1 Beyond The GridExpert reaction before and after every Grand Prix on F1 Nation

How do F1 commentators call races? What do F1 team radio messages mean? How do drivers make sure their laps in qualifying are as fast as possible? In this 'mega' episode, F1TV commentary duo Alex Jacques and Jolyon Palmer explain how they do their jobs - the camera shots and data they look at during a Grand PrixAlex and Jolyon also help Christian Hewgill decode F1 team radio messages, and break down how teams approach qualifying. Get your question on the podcast!Send voice notes and emails to [email protected]: THE MOVIE starring Brad PittOnly in cinemas June 2025Get tickets nowIt's All To Drive For in 2025. Be there!Book your seat for a Grand Prix this season at tickets.formula1.comListen to more official F1 podcastsIn-depth interviews on F1 Beyond The GridExpert reaction before and after every Grand Prix on F1 Nation

Filmed on real F1 racetracks, in the middle of real F1 action, F1 The Movie is the most authentic racing movie ever. Director Joseph Kosinski tells Christian Hewgill how the movie was made - how it all started with an email to Lewis Hamilton, how the team modified real race cars to film the spectacular racing sequences, and how he shot scenes on the grid, on the track and in the pit lane during F1 race weekends.F1 The Movie – in cinemas June 25th internationally, June 27th in North AmericaFind a screening near you at f1themovie.comGet your question on the podcast!Send voice notes and emails to [email protected]: The Movie on official F1 podcastsBrad Pitt tells F1 Beyond The Grid how he became his character Sonny HayesDamson Idris + Kerry Condon talk about preparing for their roles on F1 NationIt's All To Drive For in 2025. Be there!Book your seat for a Grand Prix this season at tickets.formula1.com

Watching F1 on TV is incredible. Seeing the action live is even better. With 24 amazing races, different ticket options and viewing positions to choose from, how do you plan a trip to a Formula 1 Grand Prix?Katie Osborne and Christian Hewgill speak to Gavin and Megan, F1 fans from Colorado who are going to this weekend's Austrian Grand Prix during their honeymoon. They want advice planning their weekend - what to take to the track, where to sit, and what to do besides watching the races. F1 Experiences is the closest you can get to Formula 1, with pit lane walks, track tours and photos with the F1 World Championship trophy. Find out more at f1experiences.comSend your questions and messages to [email protected] can buy tickets for F1 in 2025 and 2026 at tickets.formula1.comThe 2026 F1 Calendar is out now - choose your race here F1: THE MOVIE - in theatres June 25th / June 27th (US)Find a showing - f1themovie.com

What is a ‘driving style’ and how many different ones are there? What’s the secret to executing a champagne pop on the podium? And how do F1 drivers come up with ideas for special helmet designs and create the final product?McLaren driver Lando Norris joins Christian Hewgill at the Canadian Grand Prix to give you the answers.Lando also tells us what he likes to eat for breakfast, why he has to get up so early on race day, his guilty pleasures, what he’d be if he wasn’t an F1 driver, and why he wants to become World Champion. Get your question on the podcast!Send voice notes and emails to [email protected]: THE MOVIE starring Brad PittOnly in cinemas June 2025Get tickets nowIt's All To Drive For in 2025. Be there!Book your seat for a Grand Prix this season at tickets.formula1.comListen to more official F1 podcastsIn-depth interviews on F1 Beyond The GridExpert reaction before and after every Grand Prix on F1 Nation

He's a legend of Formula 1, a three-time World Champion who fought to make the sport safer. Sir Jackie Stewart's good work continues today with his charity Race Against Dementia.Sir Jackie joins Christian Hewgill to answer your questions on how F1 has changed since the 1960s and 70s, the great drivers of the past and how F1 cars and racetracks have become safer over the decades.Lady Helen Stewart, Jackie's wife, was once his timekeeper. She stood at the side of the track with a stopwatch to record his lap times. In 2014 they learned she has dementia, a brain disease which can affect memory, thinking and behaviour. Sir Jackie explains how his charity funds research to find a cure.Formula 1 is proud to support Race Against DementiaThe global charity, founded by Sir Jackie Stewart OBE, funds pioneering research into the prevention and cure of dementia. Find out more at raceagainstdementia.comGet your question on the podcast!Send voice notes and emails to [email protected] SOON...Lando Norris and Esteban Ocon - send in your questions for our Ask an F1 Driver specials with two Grand Prix winners. F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali - send your questions on his job running Formula 1.F1: THE MOVIE starring Brad PittOnly in cinemas June 2025Get tickets nowIt's All To Drive For in 2025. Be there!Book your seat for a Grand Prix this season at tickets.formula1.comListen to more official F1 podcastsIn-depth interviews on F1 Beyond The GridExpert reaction before and after every Grand Prix on F1 Nation

Teamwork. Racing. Pasta. We explore all that and more as Mika Hakkinen joins Christian Hewgill and F1 Explains listeners live on-stage at the Monaco Grand Prix.Double World Champion Mika talks about what he learned from racing Michael Schumacher. Their rivalry started as teenagers in karts and continued when they fought for F1 titles in the late 1990s.F1 Explains listeners Lisa, Daniel and Tessa ask Mika their questions on whether the friendships between today’s drivers affect how they race on-track and what skills Mika took from F1 into life post-racing.Plus Mika talks about his favourite race day foods and signs a special piece of artwork for a fan in the crowd.Get your question on the podcast! Send voice notes and emails to [email protected] SOON: F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali - send your questions on his job running Formula 1F1: THE MOVIE starring Brad PittOnly in cinemas June 2025Get tickets nowIt's All To Drive For in 2025. Be there!Book your seat for a Grand Prix this season at tickets.formula1.comListen to more official F1 podcastsIn-depth interviews on F1 Beyond The GridExpert reaction before and after every Grand Prix on F1 Nation

No room for mistakes. No time to breathe. The Monaco Grand Prix is a unique challenge. Legends win here, but even the greats have failed to complete 78 laps on the narrow streets of Monte Carlo.Christian Hewgill is in Monaco to find out what makes this race special. Monaco winner and two-time F1 World Champion Mika Hakkinen explains why it's such a difficult Grand Prix, mentally and physically. F1TV Commentator Alex Jacques tells us about the history of the race, and about the brand-new tyre rule which will change things this year. Plus, Christian tours the track to ask F1 fans why they think Monaco is magical and discovers that nearly everyone at the race this weekend has the same name...F1 Explains has won a global podcast award!GOLD in the SPORTS PODCAST category at the New York Festivals Radio Awards.We couldn't make this podcast without you. Thank you for listening and sending your questions to [email protected]: THE MOVIE starring Brad PittOnly in cinemas June 2025Get tickets nowIt's All To Drive For in 2025. Be there!Book your seat for a Grand Prix this season at tickets.formula1.comListen to more official F1 podcastsIn-depth interviews on F1 Beyond The GridExpert reaction before and after every Grand Prix on F1 Nation

F1 Explains LIVE with Mika HakkinenFormula 1 Monaco Grand Prix 2025Saturday 24th May, 1:30pmF1 Fanzone stageSend your question to [email protected], tell us you're coming and you could be part of the showF1: THE MOVIE starring Brad PittOnly in cinemas June 2025Watch the trailer nowIt's All To Drive For in 2025. Be there!Book your seat for a Grand Prix this season at tickets.formula1.comListen to more official F1 podcastsIn-depth interviews on F1 Beyond The GridExpert reaction before and after every Grand Prix on F1 Nation

What happens in a Formula 1 team's garage during a race? In a world-first episode, recorded inside the Haas garage during the Miami Grand Prix, mechanics, engineers and strategists tell F1 Explains what they do while the cars are racing.How are the pit crew told it's time for a pit stop? How do strategists make their calls? How do mechanics make sure new tyres are ready to go? Christian Hewgill explains it all from an exclusive position surrounded by data screens, engineers and equipment. Plus, we listen in to team radio channels, learn what F1 tyres are recycled into after each race, resist the urge to eat the pit crew's mid-race treats and rub shoulders with a rock music legend... It's All To Drive For in 2025. Be there!Book your seat for a Grand Prix this season at tickets.formula1.com Listen to more official F1 podcastsIn-depth interviews on F1 Beyond The GridExpert reaction before and after every Grand Prix on F1 Nation

How do F1 bosses keep the pressure off young drivers? What's it like launching a brand new team? Former Haas Team Principal and future star of the F1 movie Guenther Steiner answers these questions and more in an episode recorded live at the Miami Grand Prix.F1 Explains listeners Jenny, Joshua and Sydney join Christian Hewgill on-stage to ask Guenther their questions about running an F1 team. Guenther explains how to keep experienced drivers motivated and names the drivers he thinks will help the new Cadillac get off to a strong start in F1 next season.Plus, Guenther's role alongside Brad Pitt in this summer's F1 movie, fun with LEGO and Christian gets some parents in the crowd to make a shocking admission... Experience the Miami Grand Prix for yourself in 2026! Keep watching F1MiamiGP.com and tickets.formula1.com for information on race ticketsListen to more official F1 podcastsIn-depth interviews on F1 Beyond The GridExpert reaction before and after every Grand Prix on F1 Nation

Formula 1 races in incredible places. Miami is unique. Home of two-time Superbowl champions the Miami Dolphins, the Miami Open tennis, other world-class sporting events and concerts, the Hard Rock Stadium is transformed into a Grand Prix track where hundreds of thousands of fans enjoy the action both on and off the circuit.Christian Hewgill is in Miami to answer your questions how the event happens, meeting Miami GP President Tyler Epp, plus John Murphy and Kathy Nowak, who oversee building the racetrack, the one-of-a-kind F1 paddock inside the stadium itself and the campus with its marina, yachts, and beach club.Experience the Miami Grand Prix for yourself in 2026! Keep watching F1MiamiGP.com and tickets.formula1.com for information on race ticketsSee F1 Explains LIVE with Guenther Steiner at the Miami Grand PrixFriday May 2nd - 1:45pmHard Rock Stadium, 300 LevelFree to all Grand Prix ticket-holdersListen to more official F1 podcastsIn-depth interviews on F1 Beyond The GridExpert reaction before and after every Grand Prix on F1 NationJoin us at a Formula 1 Grand Prix in 2025Go to tickets.formula1.com to book your seat

He's a former racer who's now boss of Alpine. Oliver Oakes joins F1 Explains for another 'Ask A Team Principal' special.He tells Christian Hewgill how he deals with feedback from drivers Pierre Gasly and Jack Doohan, while keeping hundreds of team members working together.Plus, Oliver explains how he became a Team Principal in Formula 1 after starting out as a driver and team boss in F3 and F2.See F1 Explains LIVE with Guenther Steiner at the Miami Grand PrixFriday May 2nd - 1:45pmHard Rock Stadium, 300 LevelFree to all Grand Prix ticket-holdersEmail [email protected] with your question for Guenther, and you could be part of the showListen to more official F1 podcastsIn-depth interviews on F1 Beyond The GridExpert reaction before and after every Grand Prix on F1 NationJoin us at a Formula 1 Grand Prix in 2025Go to tickets.formula1.com to book your seat

How do drivers stay so calm when they’re about to crash? What’s the difference between a slipstream and dirty air? Why do F1 cockpits have small ‘windscreens’? How do you become an F1 presenter? And what exactly is the role of a driver’s press officer? Christian Hewgill is joined by F1TV main presenter Laura Winter and IndyCar race winner James Hinchcliffe to answer your quickfire questions.Get your question answered by an F1 expertBig or small, if you've got a question we'll find the best person to answer it.Send your email or voice note to [email protected] A £100 F1® STORE VOUCHER, A  LEGO F1® COLLECTION BUNDLE + MORE THIS EASTER WITH F1 UNLOCKEDThanks to F1 Unlocked, you can win an amazing F1® Partner prize bundle, which includes: £100 F1® Store voucher, 2025 Miami Grand Prix poster, Puma F1® Racing Jacket, Hot Wheels F1® diecast bundle and a LEGO F1® collection bundleDon't miss out on this exciting opportunity. To enter - go to f1.com/Easter-unlocked-podcastFull terms and conditions are on that page too. Entries close on Tuesday 22nd of April.Listen to more official F1 podcastsIn-depth interviews on F1 Beyond The GridExpert reaction before and after every Grand Prix on F1 NationJoin us at a Formula 1 Grand Prix in 2025Go to tickets.formula1.com to book your seat

Drivers, sponsors, repairing crashes and making big decisions; Formula 1 Team Principals have a lot to handle. Williams Racing boss James Vowles answers your questions about his job.What does it mean when a team says they're focusing on F1's new rules in 2026? How does James deal with team mate battles? How are Williams supporting young women reach F1? Christian Hewgill asks James these questions and more in an interview which is hilariously interrupted by Alex Albon. It's safe to say this episode really lifts the lid on what happens behind the scenes in an F1 Team Principal's office...Get your question answered by an F1 expertBig or small, if you've got a question we'll find the best person to answer it.Send your email or voice note to [email protected] to more official F1 podcastsIn-depth interviews on F1 Beyond The GridExpert reaction before and after every Grand Prix on F1 NationJoin us at a Formula 1 Grand Prix in 2025Go to tickets.formula1.com to book your seat

190 mile per hour corners. Heavy braking zones. Twists and turns with no room for error. Suzuka, home of the Japanese Grand Prix, tests Formula 1 drivers' skills to the limit. But what are those skills? What are the 20 drivers actually doing with their hands, their feet, and their eyes, which allows them to drive so fast?Former F1 racer and Aston Martin ambassador Pedro de la Rosa answers your questions on the incredible abilities of F1 drivers. He tells Christian Hewgill how they hit corner apexes perfectly, brake and accelerate precisely and how they develop their racing instincts. Ask us something, and be on the podcastBig or small, if you've got a question we'll find an expert to answer it.Send your email or voice note to [email protected] to more official F1 podcastsIn-depth interviews on F1 Beyond The GridExpert reaction before and after every Grand Prix on F1 NationJoin us at a Formula 1 Grand Prix in 2025Go to tickets.formula1.com to book your seat

What does the CEO of a Formula 1 team actually do? What happens in the F1 boss group chat? How are McLaren going to handle their drivers in 2025? Who decides who gets to go on the podium to collect the Constructors' Trophy?Zak Brown answered these questions and more on-stage at the Australian Grand Prix. Christian invited F1 Explains listeners Chloe, Samantha, Lauren and Katy to ask Zak their questions, including whether Zak will be celebrating success with more tattoos or shoeys.Send us your F1 questionsDrivers? Cars? Something else you want to know more about?Send your email or voice note to [email protected] to more official F1 podcastsIn-depth interviews on F1 Beyond The GridExpert reaction on F1 Nation Join us at a Formula 1 Grand Prix in 2025Go to tickets.formula1.com to book your seat

A new car to drive. A new Race Engineer to talk to. When Formula 1 drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Carlos Sainz move teams, they have a lot to learn.Mercedes Reserve Driver Valtteri Bottas tells Christian Hewgill about the challenges drivers face when switching sides, from learning buttons on their steering wheel to understanding the voices in their ear. Then, 2009 World Champion Jenson Button returns to the podcast to share his experiences of moving from Williams to Honda to McLaren. Send us your F1 questionsDrivers? Cars? Something else you want to know more about?Send your email or voice note to [email protected] to more official F1 podcastsIn-depth interviews on F1 Beyond The GridExpert reaction on F1 NationJoin F1 Unlocked and win Miami GP ticketsWeekend tickets + more for you and three friends are up for grabsEnter here Terms and conditions apply. Entries close 2 April

Faster cars. Brighter spotlight. Higher pressure. A Formula 1 debut is a dream come true, but rookies need to impress, or their first season could be their last...2009 World Champion Jenson Button tells Christian Hewgill the lessons he learned from his first year in F1 with Williams, what the 2025 rookies should try and achieve and the mistakes to avoid. Oscar Piastri's Race Engineer Tom Stallard explains how he and the team supported Oscar in his rookie season, and answers your questions about how new F1 drivers adapt to racing the fastest cars on the planet.Get your question answered on the podcast!Send emails and voice notes to [email protected] Explains LIVE at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix 2025 With special guest, McLaren CEO Zak Brown F1 Fanzone Stage, near the Brabham Grandstand 1130-1200, Saturday March 15th Official Formula 1 podcastsReaction to every race on F1 NationIn-depth interviews on F1 Beyond The GridExperience F1 live in Las VegasNew ticket options, expanded grandstands and lower prices for 2025Find out more at F1LasVegasGP.com

Christian's just about to leave for the Australian Grand Prix, but before he goes he's got all the details of F1 Explains LIVE in Melbourne - with special guest, McLaren CEO Zak BrownF1 Explains LIVE at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix 2025 F1 Fanzone Stage, near the Brabham Grandstand 1130-1200, Saturday March 15th Got a ticket for the track on Saturday? You can come to the show If you'll be at the race and have a question for Zak Brown, email it to [email protected] - we might be able to make you part of the showF1 Explains will return with a brand new episode on Friday March 14thBe at a race this season! Grandstands, general admission + hospitality at tickets.formula1.com

Formula 1 teams have one chance to test their cars before the 2025 season. With every lap, drivers and engineers learn more about their new machines. Why is pre-season testing so important, and how do teams get the most out of it?From Bahrain, Christian and Katie are joined by F1TV Lead Presenter Laura Winter, who gives us the lowdown on testing. Then Alpine rookie Jack Doohan, McLaren's Oscar Piastri and other key team members explain what happens at testing, and how they gather data ahead of the first race.Got questions about F1? We'll answer them! Send emails or voice notes to [email protected] Let us know if you'll be at the Australian GP - you could be part of our live show Coming soon to Las Vegas - F1 karting + more at Grand Prix Plaza Race, shop and eat at the home of the Formula 1 Las Vegas GP See iconic cars at F1 X - a brand new 4D exhibition Opens at Grand Prix Plaza, Las Vegas, March 29th Tickets from March 6th at grandprixplaza.com Read more here on F1.com It's all to drive for. Be there Grandstand seats, general admission + hospitality at tickets.formula1.com Get closer to the track in Miami with the new Campus Pass - f1miamigp.com

F1 pre-season testing is just days away, and F1 teams are racing to be ready. What's going on inside their factories? How long does it take drivers to be 100% confident in a brand new car? How do strategists get ready for the first race? Plus, who do you root for - the driver or the team?Ahead of the 2025 season, Christian Hewgill and Katie Osborne get the answers to these questions and more from F1 Correspondent and Presenter Lawrence Barretto, and F1TV strategy expert Ruth Buscombe Divey.Get your F1 question answered in 2025Send voice notes or emails to [email protected] to more official F1 podcasts F1 Beyond The Grid - exclusive interviews with F1's biggest stars F1 Nation - expert Grand Prix reviews and previews Discover F1 UnlockedUnseen. Unheard. F1 Unlocked. Dive into exclusive content from F1 experts, redeem rewards and enter money-can't-buy competitions. Click here to join for free

On F1 Beyond The Grid, Formula 1's fastest stars slow down for in-depth conversations with Tom Clarkson.They reveal what it’s like being at the centre of the biggest stories of the season and share fascinating insight into what life is like as a Formula 1 driver, Team Principal, engineer, designer, and more. In this end-of year special, Tom picks his favourite moments from a long list of stellar guests.Fernando Alonso reflects on becoming the first driver in F1 history to compete in 400 Grands Prix and why he nearly retired much earlier in his career. Carlos Sainz explains how he recovered from physical and mental setbacks to win multiple races. And Ollie Bearman describes what it was really like making his F1 debut at such short notice in Saudi Arabia.As well as today’s big names, legends of the past like Juan Pablo Montoya and David Coulthard relive their career-defining moments. Plus, you’ll hear memories of Lewis Hamilton’s time at Mercedes and Bruno Senna’s stories of growing up with his uncle Ayrton, 30 years on from his death.Thank you for listening in 2024. F1 Beyond The Grid will return in 2025.To hear the full interviews with the guests featured in this show, click on the links below…Toto WolffCharles LeclercCarlos SainzJuan Pablo MontoyaDavid CoulthardBruno SennaFernando AlonsoAndy StevensonOllie BearmanAyao Komatsu Tom StallardPaul MonaghanExperience F1 liveTickets for the 2025 F1 season are available now at tickets.formula1.comDiscover F1 UnlockedUnseen. Unheard. F1 Unlocked. Dive into exclusive content from F1 experts, redeem rewards and enter money-can't-buy competitions. Click here to join for freeThis episode is sponsored by:Vanta: visit vanta.com/GRID for $1,000 offSelectQuote: Get the right life insurance for you for less at selectquote.com/BEYONDTHEGRIDUnbound Merino: head over to unboundmerino.com where new customers can use the code GRID for 10% off of their order!Masterclass: get up to 50% off at masterclass.com/GRID 

How do Formula 1 drivers find the fastest way around the track? How do teams scout future superstars? Why is driving in F2 the best way of reaching the top? What really happens on the grid before a race? In 2024, F1 Explains answered these questions and many more sent in by listeners from all over the world.Christian Hewgill and Katie Osborne have picked the most fascinating moments from the podcast's second season: Liam Lawson on how drivers find the racing line Ollie Bearman reveals Ferrari's young driver scouting camps Oscar Piastri on how F2 prepared him to win in F1 Jack Doohan explains braking at 200mph Bernie Collins' guide to the F1 pit lane Planning the F1 calendar How performance engineers coach drivers to go faster What happens on the grid in the minutes before the race start Whether you're a new F1 fan or a long-time follower, there's always something more to learn about F1. If you have a question you'd like us to answer, send it as an email or a voice note to [email protected] Thank you for listening, for sending questions and for coming to our live shows in 2024. F1 Explains will be back for more in 2025.Listen to more official F1 PodcastsF1 Beyond The Grid - in-depth interviews with F1's biggest starsF1 Nation - Grand Prix reviews and previews from inside the F1 paddockExperience F1 liveTickets for the 2025 F1 season are available now at tickets.formula1.comDiscover F1 UnlockedUnseen. Unheard. F1 Unlocked. Dive into exclusive content from F1 experts, redeem rewards and enter money-can't-buy competitions. Click here to join for free

'To finish first, first you have to finish'. Formula 1 teams can't score points, wins or championships unless their cars make it to the chequered flag. Reliability Engineers like Sauber's Laura Villadelprat work in the garage and the factory to keep the cars on-track and avoid the dreaded DNF (Did Not Finish).Laura explains how F1 teams know when it's time to swap old car parts for new ones, how they monitor reliability in real time, and what they do to investigate the causes of race-ending problems.'Hi F1 Explains, my F1 question is...'You can get your question answered on the podcast. Send your question to [email protected] to more official F1 podcasts F1 Beyond The Grid - exclusive interviews with F1's biggest stars F1 Nation - expert Grand Prix reviews and previews Discover F1 UnlockedUnseen. Unheard. F1 Unlocked. Dive into exclusive content from F1 experts, redeem rewards and enter money-can't-buy competitions. Click here to join for free

F1 cars are out-of-this-world to drive, even for experienced racers. Pato O'Ward is a race-winner in IndyCar with Arrow McLaren, but when he jumps in a Formula 1 car as Reserve Driver for McLaren F1 Team, he's blown away. Pato joins Katie and Christian to answer your questions about the differences and similarities between Formula 1 and IndyCar - the cars, the racetracks, the pit stops and more.'Hi F1 Explains, my question is...' Be part of the podcast. Send your question to [email protected] the inner sanctum of Formula 1 - in F1 GarageCatch all the on-track action and indulge in premium hospitality throughout the Grand Prix weekend. Find out more and book hereTickets for the 2025 F1 season are available now at tickets.formula1.com Discover F1 UnlockedUnseen. Unheard. F1 Unlocked. Dive into exclusive content from F1 experts, redeem rewards and enter money-can't-buy competitions. Click here to join for free