Essential F1

Epizode

• 
  S2 Ep14: Norris Beats Piastri in Budapest, Russell's Nightmare & Where Is Max Going? 28.07.2026 42min

  Lando Norris wins in Budapest to become F1 2026's FIFTH different Grand Prix winner — and McLaren look like they're back in championship contention. Nicola and Ben are joined by F1 reporter and author Rachel Brookes to break down all the drama from the Hungaroring, tell us what really happened with Sky F1 and look ahead to Zandvoort.🟠 Papaya Rules Return — Oscar Piastri leads off the line only for team orders to hand the advantage to Norris. Was McLaren favouring Lando all along?🟠 McLaren's Budapest Upgrade — Are they now a genuine championship threat or is this track-specific?🏎️ Hamilton's Costly Penalties — Ferrari looked to have the beating of Mercedes all week. Did the FIA cost Lewis a crucial chance to close the gap to Antonelli?😬 Russell's Nightmare — From 5th to 20th on lap one. Good recovery to 7th or another nail in his championship coffin? George is now 59 points behind Antonelli.💪 Hulkenberg Finally Scores — The Hulk lights up the best-of-the-rest battle. Is he doing enough to keep his seat at Audi?🔮 Silly Season EXPLODES — Max to McLaren? Russell to Red Bull? Sainz to Audi? We discuss who's on the move and Rachel tells us where she thinks Max is really going. 🇳🇱 Dutch GP Preview — A farewell to Zandvoort as it leaves the F1 calendar. Can McLaren make it three in a row at Norris's home race?🏆 Prediction Championship of the World — Ben picks the top THREE in Hungary! The standings are shaking up. Rachel Brookes makes her picks for Zandvoort.🔔 Hit the bell and follow us wherever you get your podcasts📱 Find us on social media: @EssentialF1Essential F1 — the podcast for fans who love the sport, the stories, and the drama behind the racing.
• 
  S2 Ep13: George Russell 50 Points Adrift. Can Anyone Stop Kimi Antonelli? 21.07.2026 41min

  George Russell's weekend went from bad to worse: slower than teammate Kimi Antonelli all weekend, punted off by Hamilton on lap one, and now 50 points adrift in the championship. Can he salvage his season before the summer break?Jennie Gow steps in for Nicola as she and Ben Edwards break down an absorbing Belgium Grand Prix. Kimi Antonelli bags his sixth win of the season and looks utterly untouchable. Charles LeClerc grabbed second but escaped a controversial defence on Oscar Piastri — should he have been penalised? Plus, Max Verstappen secures another podium but those McLaren rumours just aren’t going away.Joining the show is legendary TV producer Andy Wilman (Top Gear, The Grand Tour, Clarkson's Farm) with a fascinating story about one of the all-time greats, ‘el Maestro’, Fangio. Plus we take a look at:  Aston Martin's dire form — Fernando Alonso finishes two laps down The tight midfield battle: Alpine vs Racing Bulls vs a resurgent Audi Isaac Hadjar's remarkable run and what it means for Red Bull's second seat Hungarian GP preview and summer break driver market speculation The Prediction Championship of the World standings update Drop your Hungary predictions in the comments!🔔 HIt the FOLLOW button so you never miss an episode. 📱 Follow us @ESSENTIALF1 on socials.
• 
  S2 Ep12: Leclerc FINALLY Wins, Verstappen Drama & FIA Under Fire 07.07.2026 38min

  SILVERSTONE DELIVERED CHAOS AND WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT IT.The 2026 British Grand Prix had everything—a first-time winner, championship drama, controversial penalties, technical failures, and an FIA safety car decision that's got the whole paddock talking. This is Essential F1 Episode 11, and we're breaking down every moment.Kimi Antonelli came into Silverstone with a 25-point championship lead and left with his title hopes looking shakier than ever. A technical problem dropped him from a potential win to 10th, and then the FIA slapped him with a 5-second penalty for track limits while he was battling car issues. Is this where the 2026 championship turned?Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc FINALLY won a Grand Prix again—making him the fourth different winner of the 2026 season. Ferrari are building momentum, and Mercedes should be worried.Joining Nicola Hume and Ben Edwards this week is the brilliant Jennie Gow—F1 reporter, author, and friend of the show—live from the Silverstone paddock with all the insider takes.IN THIS EPISODE:🏁 Antonelli's Nightmare Weekend Started on pole, got jumped by both Ferraris, fought back to second, then a technical problem and harsh penalty ruined everything. We dig into whether this is the turning point in the championship battle.🏆 Leclerc's Breakthrough Win Ferrari's first victory since... when? Charles managed the race beautifully and finally got the luck he deserved. Are Ferrari genuine title contenders now?🇬🇧 Hamilton's Home Heartbreak Lewis jumped Antonelli at the start and looked set for a podium battle—then a jump start penalty changed everything. He still salvaged third, but was a win stolen from him?😤 Verstappen's Red Bull Frustration Max crashed out late with a technical failure and he was NOT happy. The Red Bull physio drama continues. Could this finally push him towards McLaren?🚨 FIA Under Fire That late safety car staying out until the final lap, plus Antonelli's controversial penalty—we discuss whether the FIA got it wrong and what needs to change.📈 George Russell's Lucky Break A chaotic race, a slow puncture, an extra pit stop, and somehow George ends up second. Was this the result that kickstarts his championship charge?👏 Colapinto's Mega Drive Franco started 19th and finished 9th, ahead of teammate Pierre Gasly. Alpine cling onto 5th in the constructors by a single point. The battle for best of the rest is TIGHT.🔮 Belgium GP Preview We look ahead to Spa-Francorchamps where Oscar Piastri won last year. Can Antonelli bounce back at a track where he only finished 16th in 2025?🏅 Prediction Championship of the World Ben finally scores points! The standings are tightening up. Jennie makes her picks for Belgium—can Team Guest climb the table?
• 
  S2 Ep11: Russell FINALLY Wins, Antonelli's Chaotic First Lap & Verstappen's Red Bull BACK? 30.06.2026 37min

  George Russell finally puts together a complete race weekend—and takes victory in Austria!After a rollercoaster season, Russell held off pressure from both Max Verstappen and championship leader Kimi Antonelli to claim a crucial win at the Red Bull Ring. But was he a bit lucky with those yellow flags in qualifying? And can he carry this momentum into his home race at Silverstone?In this episode, Nicola Hume and Ben Edwards are joined by former McLaren mechanic, author, F1 commentator and Wheeler Dealers star Marc Priestley to dissect a pulsating Austrian Grand Prix and look ahead to the British GP.We cover:🏆 George Russell's season-saving Austrian victory😬 Antonelli's wild first lap—three off-track moments!📈 Verstappen and Red Bull finally clicking with 2026 regs🔥 Racing Bulls double points finish (despite Lawson's car catching fire!)🤦 Ferrari's baffling strategy turns P2/P3 into P5/P8❓ We need to talk about Lando Norris...🇬🇧 British Grand Prix preview—can Lewis win a TENTH Silverstone?🎤 Marc's stories from Lewis Hamilton's early McLaren daysPlus the Prediction Championship of the World continues—and F1 2026 remains predictably unpredictable!🔔 Follow us so you never miss an episode!📱 Follow us on social media: @ESSENTIALF1🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts
• 
  S2 Ep10: Lewis Is BACK! Barcelona Drama, Leclerc's Struggles & Antonelli's Title Lead Under Threat 16.06.2026 33min

  Lewis Hamilton is a Grand Prix winner again—and this time in Ferrari red!After 686 days without a victory, the seven-time world champion finally stood on the top step at Barcelona, finishing a massive 19 seconds clear of George Russell's Mercedes. But was it the Ferrari upgrades, the strategy, or something else entirely? We discuss.In this episode, Nicola Hume and Ben Edwards are joined by motoring journalist, author and former Top Gear scriptwriter Richard Porter to break down a dramatic Spanish Grand Prix and look ahead to Austria.We cover:🏁 Hamilton's emotional return to winning ways with Ferrari🇬🇧 The first all-British podium since 1968🔧 George Russell's weekend—brilliant qualifying, questionable strategy💔 Charles Leclerc's tough spell continues with another DNF📈 Alpine's double points and their Monaco penalty appeal🤔 McLaren's puzzling form—Norris strong, Piastri struggles🏆 Championship chat: Is it now Antonelli vs Hamilton for the title?😬 We need to talk about Cadillac...🇦🇹 Austrian Grand Prix preview and predictionsPlus the Prediction Championship of the World takes a dramatic turn as nobody scores any points at Barcelona!📱 Follow us on social media: @ESSENTIALF1🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts💬 Drop your Austrian Grand Prix predictions in the comments below!#F1 #Formula1 #LewisHamilton #Ferrari #SpanishGP #Barcelona #EssentialF1 #F1Podcast #GeorgeRussell #Antonelli #AustrianGP
• 
  S2 Ep9: Monaco Mayhem, Barcelona Preview & Le Mans with Mark Blundell 09.06.2026 37min

  The Monaco Grand Prix delivered drama, heartbreak, and a pit lane speed gun having the weekend of its life. Nicola Hume and Ben Edwards are joined by F1 legend Mark Blundell to break down all the talking points from the streets of Monte Carlo.In this episode:🏎️ Tale of Two Red Bulls — Max's cruel luck versus Hadjar's breakthrough podium. Should Red Bull actually feel positive?🏎️ Ferrari Friction — Lewis bags another P2 while Charles crashes at a safety car restart and loses his cool with the team. How does Vasseur handle this?🏎️ Mercedes Meltdown & Kimi's Masterclass — George Russell's nightmare weekend versus Antonelli silencing every doubter who said Monaco would expose him🏎️ Racing Bulls on the Rise — Lawson's stellar drive and Lindblad pulling off an actual overtake at Monaco🏎️ We Need to Talk About... Lance Stroll — When should Aston call time?🏎️ Le Mans 24 Hours Preview — Former winner Mark Blundell gives us the inside track on this weekend's endurance classic🏎️ Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix Preview — What does it take to succeed at the Circuit de Catalunya?🏎️ Prediction Championship of the World — The standings are shaking up! Nicola leads on 37 points, but Ben's comeback is officially ON with a fastest lap point.Drop your Barcelona predictions in the comments!
• 
  S2 Ep8: Epic F1 Battles At The Canadian Grand Prix! 26.05.2026 39min

  F1 delivered a brilliant weekend of racing at the legendary Circuit Gilles Villenueve in Montreal. The Canadian Grand Prix had driver battles, tyre strategy disasters, two legends back on the Podium and amazing marshalls. Joining Ben Edwards and Nicola Hume to dissect all the action from Montreal, is BBC & Sky F1 Commentator, Harry Benjamin. Plus we look ahead to the iconic Monaco Grand Prix and see how the prediction championship is going for Ben, Nicola and our guests.  Ben's race summary McLaren's horror show Two amazing Mercedes races in one weekend Lewis Hamilton is back!  Both Red Bulls had a decent weekend Well done Franco Colapinto Time for the keyboard warriors to chill out? Let's talk about Oscar Piastri Monaco coming up Monaco predictions  As ever, please hit the follow button and tell all your F1 friends about the podcast and we'll be back after Monaco. 
• 
  S2 Ep7: F1 Life Stories: Ayao Komatsu 17.05.2026 49min

  As we have some time between the Miami GP and Canadian GP, we are filling the gap with an exclusive interview with Haas F1 Team Principal, Ayao Komatsu. We were honoured to be joined by Ayao to chat about his life in F1, how the Haas 2026 season is shaping up and so much more, including: How to say Ayao Komatsu properly! Haas F1 performance so far this season Preparation for the 2026 Formula 1 season? The most important things to running a successful F1 team? Are the tweaks to the new rules working for you or against you? How are you finding the Ferrari power unit? Does it still feel like we are in the development stages of the Championship? Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon getting to grips with the new car? Do younger F1 drivers have an advantage because they never drove the older cars? What’s your personal relationship with your drivers? Do you have a WhatsApp group for the three of you?! How did it feel coming from the engineering side to taking over from Gunther Steiner as the boss? Where did your own F1 journey start? How did you get to F1 from university? Working with Takuma Sato at BAR Honda Your relationship with Roman Grosjean The 2020 crash at the Bahrain GP How did Roman Grosjean get out of that burning car? Haas plans for the Montreal GP & Monaco GP Will the new regulations make a difference in Monaco? How Ayao and Ben met Please don't forget to follow us and tell all your F1 mates about Essential F1. We couldn't do it without you and thank you for all your support. #f1 #haasf1 #ayaokomatsu #olliebearman #estebanocon #mclaren #mercedesf1 #ferrari #redbullracing #williamsf1 #racingbulls #astonmartin #audif1 #alpine #cadillac #landonorris #oscarpiastri #lewishamilton #charlesleclerc #maxverstappen #isackhadjar #carlossainz #alexalbon #liamlawson #arvidlinblad #fernandoalonso #lancestroll #nicohulkenberg  #gabrielbortoleto #pierregasly #francocolapinto #sergioperez #valtteribottas  #kimiantonelli #georgerussell #canadiangp #monacogp
• 
  S2 Ep6: Miami Mayhem with Mercedes, McLaren and Max! 05.05.2026 37min

  The 2026 F1 season is back with a dramatic race in Miami. It looks like the teams have been very busy, even if some of the drivers haven't! Kimi Antonelli become the first ever F1 driver to win his first three races from his first three pole positions and has definitely put George Russell in the shade. McLaren showed that they've still got it with Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris both putting in strong perforrmances and guess who's back! Max Vertsappen has stopped moaning about everything and seemed much happier, plus it was great to see Williams back in the room after a dreadful start to the season. It was a bank holiday, so everyone is at home, but to discuss all this and more, we welcome a new guest to Essential F1, racing driver, driver coach and F1 commentator, Alice Powell. Lots to discuss including:  Ben's Miami round upAre Max Verstappen and Red Bull back?Can Ferrari actually get a win this season?Might McLaren be Mercedes' closer competitor now?Can Williams get back to their 2025 form? Kimi Antonelli wins again. Is this Piastri all over again or is he 2026 World Champion? George Russell is not happy. Is it just because of this circuit?Miami was bonkers, but what were the most bonkers bits?A tribute to Alex Zanardi We need to talk about Isack Hadjar A look ahead to the Canadian Grand PrixPrediction Championship Please don't forget to follow us and make sure you join us next week as we welcome Ayao Komatsu, Team Principal of Haas F1 to the studio for a special in-depth interview with Ben and Nicola. If you have a question for Ayao email info@thecontentworks.com  #miamigp #f1#mclaren #mercedesf1 #ferrari #redbullracing #williamsf1 #haasf1 #racingbulls #astonmartin #audif1 #alpine #cadillac #landonorris #oscarpiastri #lewishamilton #charlesleclerc #maxverstappen #isackhadjar #carlossainz #alexalbon #estabanocon #liamlawson #arvidlinblad #fernandoalonso #lancestroll #nicohulkenberg #gabrielbortoleto #pierregasly #francocolapinto #sergioperez #valtteribottas
• 
  S2 Ep5: Return Of The Mac! McLaren Are Back On The Podium. Have We Got A Championship Fight? 31.03.2026 31min

  This year's Japanese Grand Prix was definitely more interesting than last year's. Kimi Antonelli's wins makes him the youngest driver to top the F1 leaderboard and puts George Russell in quite an awkward place. Great to see McLaren back on the podium after such a bad start to their season and does this mean that we have a Championship fight coming up, but what about Max Verstappen? Another weekend where he has been very critical of the new regs, but would he be so negative if he had a better car. To discuss all this and more, F1, Formula E and BTCC presenter, Nicki Shields joins Nicola and Ben in the studio this week. 01:10 Ben's Japanese Grand Prix Round Up03:35 Mac are back, but could Piastri have won?05:12 Ollie Bearman's accident has raised questions about the new regs08:35 Kimi Antonelli looked untouchable, what does this mean for team dynamics?11:55 Well done Pierre Gasly, holding off Verstappen. Is this the level Red Bull are at now?15:06 Leclerc and Hamilton battling is great to watch, but is it costing them valuable points?17:01 Are the 6 drivers who could all potentially be the 2026 F1 Champion?18:20 We need to talk about the under-achievers22:08 Let's look ahead to the next race, which is now Miami25:30 Miami Grand Prix predictionsDon't forget to follow us so you don't miss any of our Essential F1 content and share your thoughts in the comments. #f1 #mclaren #mercedesf1 #ferrari #redbullracing #williamsf1 #haasf1 #racingbulls #astonmartin #audif1 #alpine #cadillac #landonorris #oscarpiastri #lewishamilton #charlesleclerc #maxverstappen #isackhadjar #carlossainz #alexalbon #estabanocon #liamlawson #arvidlinblad #fernandoalonso #lancestroll #nicohulkenberg #gabrielbortoleto #pierregasly #francocolapinto #sergioperez #valtteribottas #japanesegp #miamigp
• 
  S2 Ep4: Kimi's Antonelli's First Win and Lewis Hamilton Back On The F1 Podium. Could Charles Leclerc Have Joined Him? 17.03.2026 43min

  Congratulations to F1's newest winner, Kimi Antonelli, who put in a blistering shift to win the Chinese GP. And he was joined on the podium by his team-mate George Russell, Bono and Lewis Hamilton who looked like a proud dad. Lewis said that it was some of the best racing he's ever experienced and Ferrari are back in form, but could they have had both cars on the podium rather than letting the drivers battle it out? Joining Ben Edwards and Nicola Hume to discuss this and lots of other talking points from this weekend is BBC 5 Live and Sky F1 Lead Commentator, Harry Benjamin. 01:10 Welcome01:30 Ben's race roundup 04:06 Lewis Hamilton is back, but could Ferrari have split the two Mercedes?06:55 Another stellar drive from Ollie Bearman. Bigger things in 2027?10:55 Alpine have race pace. Are they the best of the rest?13:14 Where are Red Bull's Wings? 16:20 Even worse than Red Bull, what has happened to McLaren?19:43 Arise Kimi Antonelli! Faultless first podium. Could he win the title?24:12 What do we think of the season so far?29:47 We need to talk about Aston Martin36:33 Looking ahead to the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka38:09 Prediction Championship Of The World! Don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss any Essential F1 content. 
• 
  S2 Ep3: Has The Australian F1 Grand Prix Set The Pace For The Season? 10.03.2026 39min

  Formula One returned for 2026 with the Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park in Melbourne. New Season and new rules set the scene for an interesting race from the the start. Joining Nicola Hume and Ben Edwards for the debrief is broadcaster and host of the BBC's F1: Back At Base, Holly Samos. Ferrari are back. Charles Leclerc on the podium, but could they have won? Welcome Arvin Lindblad. What a debut from the only rookie. It was a terrible Saturday followed by a sensational Sunday from Max Verstappen, but he Mebourne curse struck again for Oscar Piastri and 5th for Lando Norris. Did McLaren overcook it in 2025?Meanwhile, Mercedes are back. Toto Wolff is smoother than ever, but they didn't have it all their own way and as the new regulations are here, what do we think of the 2026 F1 style? We talk about the fact that drivers are now having to back off in qualifying. Is this right? And there's no time to rest as it's the Chinese F1 Grand Prix this weekend in Shanghai with the first Sprint race. Could this circuit give us a good idea of what is to come this year? The team share their predictions for the Chinese Grand Prix. 
• 
  S2 Ep2: All The New F1 Tech Explained 06.03.2026 16min

  With the biggest change in rules for years, there's a lot of new stuff to get our heads around for Formula One this season. Ben, Tommo and Vicki are here to tell you about all the tech including aero, energy recovery and boost.
• 
  S2 Ep1: We Are Back For Formula One 2026! 04.03.2026 51min

  New Season. New Rules. New Studio! We are back with Essential F1 - the Formula 1 podcast that's essential for everybody who's into F1. The Oracle - Ben Edwards, is here to guide us through what will be a very interesting season, with the biggest set of rule changes in a generation. Joining Ben to discuss what pre-season testing has shown us and to run through all the teams, is ‪@TommoMcCluskey‬ and the legendary Vicki Butler-Henderson steers us through the 2026 chicances. And fresh from testing, Producer Jim has a few points for Ben & Tommo to discuss. 
• 
  S1 Ep26: Lando Norris Comes Out On Top! With Colin Furze 09.12.2025 43min

  Congratulations to Lando Norris, the 10th British driver to become Formula 1 Champion.With the whole season coming down to the last race, Lando, Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri were all in contention. All Lando needed to do was keep his cool, and that's exactly what he did to win the title and 2025 F1 Drivers' Championship. As it's last episode of Midweek F1 for the 2025 season we thought we'd get out of the studio and head to YouTuber and F1 Superfan, Colin Furze's incredible bunker to take a look back at Lando's road to becoming 2025 F1 Champion and what we can expect in 2026, with all the changes that are coming. It's been an equally nail-biting end to our Prediction Championship Of The World and we'll find out whether Ben Edwards, Nicola Hume, The Guests or Producer Jim has won.We'd like to thank everybody that has listened to Midweek F1 this year and wish you all the best for the festive season. Please don't forget to subscribe and we'll see you in 2026. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Midweek F1 Team. 
• 
  S1 Ep25: What Were McLaren Thinking?! 03.12.2025 45min

  What a weekend at Lusail for the Qatar Grand Prix! McLaren had it in the bag, but what went wrong and what does this mean for the final race of the season? This is even more like a Hollywood F1 movie than the actual Hollywood F1 movie. Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris and Max Verstappen have all had an incredible 2025 season in their own way and any one of them could be crowned Formula 1 Champion this weekend. Joining Ben and Nicola to discuss everything and share some incredible F1 driver stories of his own is Top Gear and Grand Tour genius, Andy Wilman. Don't forget to hit the follow button so you don't miss an episode. 
• 
  S1 Ep24: All Shook Up In Las Vegas! With Tommo McCluskey 25.11.2025 50min

  What a weekend in the desert of Nevada for the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix. McLaren F1 will certainly hope that what happened in Vegas stays in Vegas. Although it wasn't the most exciting race of the year, there's lots to talk about between now and next weekend in Qatar. Thanks to both McLaren's being disqualified, the Driver's Championship battle goes on. Could Max Verstappen achieve the seemingly impossible? What about Kimi Antonelli's astonishing drive, holding off Oscar Piastri and Charles Leclerc to help George Russell to the podium, and talking of rookies, we take a look at who's who in F2 and could be on the F1 grid in 2026. Joining F1 commentary legend, Ben Edwards to discuss all of the above and try and answer Producer Jim's questions is BBC 5 Live's Jennie Gow, and F1 YouTuber, Podcaster and all-round nice guy, Tommo McCluskey. And of course we look ahead to the penultimate race of this season in Qatar, where Lando Norris could win his first Formula 1 Driver's Championship...or not. 
• 
  S1 Ep23: Pitlane to Podium with Rachel Brookes 12.11.2025 47min

  What a race weekend in Brazil, overtaking for fun, crashes and penalties! It looked like a clean start then turned into an early safety car, and the restart was bonkers with Piastri, Antonelli and Le Clerc going three wide, with Le Clerc out as a result.  Then there was a virtual safety car, Max got a puncture and changed tyres, he then ripped through the field.  Piastri got a 10 second penalty for a restart overtaking move.  Then everyone over took everyone, pits galore and Lando won again. Oh and throw in a stand out drive from Kimi Antonelli holding off Max to second place! Just a few things to discuss. Joining Ben Edwards and Nicola Hume in the hotseat this week is Sky F1's Rachel Brookes. Please don't forget to follow us wherever you listen so you don't miss the final three episodes of this season. 
• 
  S1 Ep22: Lando Norris Nicks The Win In Mexico! With Harry Benjamin 29.10.2025 49min

  It's advantage Lando Norris as he leads the 2025 F1 Championship by 1 point after a fantastic race weekend in Mexico. And we've got not just one, but two voices of Formula 1 in the studio this week as we welcome back BBC 5Live and Sky commentator Harry Benjamin to join Ben Edwards and Nicola Hume. The Mexico GP was like a Rallycross race with so many people on the grass, and then lots of penalties, interesting tyre strategies and what about that Virtual Safety Car! So much to discuss along with a look ahead to Brazilian GP at Interlagos - will Max Verstappen dominate again? And of course podium predictions. As always Producer Jim has chosen some storylines from the weekend to discuss including the first corner crush, Max and Lewis kissing, Ollie Bearman not messing about, George Russell's potty mouth, Oscar Piastri's gameplan and whether that Virtual Safety Car cost Max Verstappen second place. Plus Harry Benjamin tells us about how meeting Martin Brundle for the first time didn't quite go to plan. Don't forget to follow us wherever you listen to your podcasts so you don't miss an episode of Midweek F1. 
• 
  S1 Ep21: Sheriff Max Is Back In Town! With Holly Samos 22.10.2025 55min

  The Cowboys were out in force for the United States Grand Prix in Austin this weekend and the Sheriff was most definitely Max Verstappen with a sprint race win followed by a Grand Prix victory. The drama started a day early in Austin with a first lap crash in the sprint race that took out both McLarens, compounded by Max winning again!  Giving him a further 8 point swing in the championship. Then on Sunday he did it again, making it a 23 point swing! To further compound McLaren’s frustration Ferrari at last had a good race with Charles LeClerc nipping into second starting on fresh tyres. Norris had to overtake Leclerc twice on track either side of pitstops but finally got it done right at the end.  While this was going on Piastri was having a very quiet race down in 5th.  All of which means we now have a three-way fight for the drivers championship! Things are really hotting up as we get into the last sector of the season and joining Ben Edwards and Nicola Hume to give you the lowdown on the F1 hoedown is presenter of the BBC Chequered Flag 'Back At Base' podcast and former pitlane reporter, Holly Samos. Please don't forget to follow us wherever you listen to Midweek F1 so you don't miss an episode.