F1 Nation

F1 Explains: Sainz + Bortoleto on flying laps, race starts + clean v dirty air 16.07.2026 29min

How do drivers enable Overtake mode and active aero? What’s the secret to a quick flying lap? And how do they know when to launch on a practice race start?Williams' Carlos Sainz and Audi's Gabriel Bortoleto join Christian Hewgill in the F1 paddock to answer your questions about Formula 1.You’ll also hear how they find the perfect balance between clean and dirty air when following another car, their race weekend routine and whether everyday normal driving in road cars has any impact on their racing.Plus, Gabi puts an end to the podcast's pasta-based controvesry, and Carlos responds to a claim made by his manager and cousin Carlos Onoro on a recent episode.Got a question for an F1 driver?Send emails and voice notes to F1Explains@F1.comListen to more official F1 podcastsIn-depth interviews on F1 Beyond The Grid - including Carlos Sainz + Gabriel BortoletoExpert race previews and reviews - right here on the F1 Nation podcast feed

Russell, reliability or Ferrari? What is Kimi’s biggest threat? – Belgian GP Preview 12.07.2026 58min

Tom Clarkson is joined by former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer and IndyCar race winner James Hinchcliffe to preview this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix.Having failed to score points in two of the last three Grands Prix due to car problems, Kimi Antonelli has seen his championship lead cut from 66 points to just 25. So what is the biggest threat to Kimi’s hopes of becoming World Champion this year? His teammate George Russell, Ferrari or Mercedes’ reliability issues?On a recent episode, Jolyon suggested that Ferrari need to back Lewis Hamilton over Charles Leclerc if they’re to fight Mercedes for the title. After Leclerc’s victory at Silverstone, has his opinion changed?The guys also discuss an ‘upset’ Max Verstappen, why things could get ‘spicy’ at Racing Bulls, and Carlos Sainz’s reaction to a disappointing weekend for Williams at the British Grand Prix.You’ll also hear their podium predictions for Spa and how wet weather could mix things up. Listen to more official F1 podcastsDrivers, in-depth on F1 Beyond The GridYour questions answered by experts on F1 Explains - right here on the F1 Nationpodcast feedThis episode is sponsored byLeesa - go to Leesa.com for 25% off select mattresses PLUS get an extra $50 off with promo code NATION, exclusive for our listeners.IM8 - give your body what it deserves with IM8! Go to IM8HEALTH.com/nation and use code NATION for a Free Welcome Kit, five free travel sachets plus ten percent off your order. #im8health

F1 Explains: racing in the 1990s, snitching on Schumacher + unusual F1 records - with Damon Hill 09.07.2026 29min

How has F1 changed since Damon Hill won the World Championship? What happened to make him report rival Michael Schumacher to the stewards? Why does he share an unusual car number record?30 years after his title-winning season, Damon joins Christian Hewgill on stage at the British Grand Prix to answer these questions and more from F1 Explains listeners.Lyndsey from Maine and Toby from Manchester ask Damon about making his F1 debut relatively late in life, and what his former team Williams need to do to return to the front of the grid.F1 Explains LIVE at the Formula 1 Belgian Grand PrixSpecial guest Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull Racing Reserve DriverF1 Fanzone Stage | 1025 am | Friday 17th JulySend questions to F1Explains@F1.com - we could make you part of the showListen to more official F1 podcastsIn-depth interviews on F1 Beyond The Grid - including Damon HillExpert race previews and reviews - right here on the F1 Nation podcast feed

Leclerc ‘transforms the narrative’ + more Mercedes drama – British GP Review 06.07.2026 39min

Tom Clarkson is joined by F1TV commentary duo, former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer and lead commentator Alex Jacques, to reflect on a dramatic British Grand Prix.Charles Leclerc capitalised on more misfortune for championship leader Kimi Antonelli to take his first victory since Austin in 2024. After such a difficult run of races, why was he back to his best and how significant is this win for Charles?Reliability issues mean Antonelli has seen his championship lead cut from 66 points to just 25 over the last three rounds, but is he leaving Silverstone happier than George Russell despite the Brit taking home P2 and closing the gap to Kimi? Jolyon, Alex and Tom share their thoughts on George’s continuing struggles against his teammate and the team radio message from Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff at the end of the race. Plus, the guys discuss why Lewis Hamilton might be ‘scratching his head’ despite securing a fourth podium finish of the season and gaining more ground on Antonelli.Listen to more official F1 podcastsLando Norris on F1 Beyond The GridYour questions answered by experts on F1 Explains - right here on the F1 Nation podcast feed This episode is sponsored byBetterHelp - Don’t let stigma stand in the way of support. Start therapy with BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at betterhelp.com/f1nationShopify: You put in the work. Time to get paid like it. Free trial at shopify.com/nationGive your body what it deserves with IM8! Go to IM8HEALTH.com/NATION and use code NATION for a Free Welcome Kit, five free travel sachets plus ten percent off your order.Anthropic: For problems worth solving — get started with Claude at Claude.ai/nation

F1 Explains: Ask a Team Principal - with Ayao Komatsu 02.07.2026 24min

What makes one Formula 1 driver faster than another? How does an F1 team work out when and where to bring upgrades to their car? What happens when one team thinks an opponent has broken the rules? How do the 11 F1 Constructors vary in size? And what difference does that make to performance?Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu welcomes Christian Hewgill into his motorhome office at Silverstone to answer your questions about Formula 1. DAMON HILL JOINS F1 EXPLAINS LIVE AT THE BRITISH GRAND PRIX1996 World Champion Damon Hill will be joining Christian on the Silverstone main stage at 1020 BST on Saturday 4th July, so come along and watch if you’re at the race!

Can Max fight Mercedes at Silverstone? - British Grand Prix preview 02.07.2026 23min

Tom Clarkson and F1TV Lead Commentator Alex Jacques look ahead to F1 Sprint and the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.Will Mercedes' George Russell win in front of his home crowd to close the championship gap? Can Kimi Antonelli hit the ground running on an F1 Sprint weekend and return to the top step of the podium? Will the upgraded Red Bull allow Max Verstappen to challenge for victory on Silverstone's fast corners and long straights? After Ferrari's 'reality check' in Austria, will Silverstone suit their car better? Tom and Alex also discuss how Racing Bulls have become regular points-scorers.Listen to more official F1 podcastsLando Norris on F1 Beyond The GridYour questions answered by experts on F1 Explains - right here on the F1 Nation podcast feed

‘Resilient’ Russell + resurgent Max – Austrian GP Review 29.06.2026 45min

Tom Clarkson is joined in the Red Bull Ring paddock by F1TV experts James Hinchcliffe and Alex Brundle to analyse the Austrian Grand Prix.George Russell got back to winning ways for the first time since the season-opener in Australia. He retakes second place in the championship standings, reducing the gap to leader Kimi Antonelli to 40 points. How did George overcome the threat of Max Verstappen in the Red Bull? What does this win mean for his title challenge? And how impressive was his racing IQ to take pole position?On the other side of the garage, Kimi Antonelli overcame a tricky start and brake issues to finish third. But with George taking 28 points out of his lead over the last two races, how will Kimi be feeling about his own title hopes?Verstappen secured his best result of the season with P2, so why was he back in contention at the front and does this mean he’ll be consistently competitive going forward?Plus, the guys discuss a frustrating race for Ferrari after winning last time out in Barcelona and whether pressure is building on McLaren having also been off the pace in Spielberg.This episode is sponsored by: IM8: Give your body what it deserves with IM8! Go to IM8HEALTH.com/NATION and use code NATION for a Free Welcome Kit, five free travel sachets plus ten percent off your order.

F1 Explains: how driver managers do deals - with Carlos Onoro Sainz 25.06.2026 40min

For F1 drivers, being in the right team at the right time is crucial. Competition for a seat in a leading car is fierce. Moving teams is career-defining decision, and not always one the driver can fully control.To negotiate the best deal available, and to organise the rest of their busy lives, drivers have mangers. They're a mix of agent and advisor - someone the driver trusts to help make decisions.Carlos Onoro, manager and older cousin of Williams driver Carlos Sainz, sits down with Christian Hewgill to explain his role, which involves far more than doing deals. He looks back on negotiating Carlos' move to Williams, and explains why maintaining good relationships are key to success.Read more about Carlos Onoro's job on F1.comF1 Explains LIVE at the Formula 1 British Grand PrixSpecial guest 1996 F1 World Champion Damon HillF1 Fanzone Stage | 1020 am | Saturday 4th JulySend questions to F1Explains@F1.com - we could make you part of the showListen to more official F1 podcastsIncredible personal stories on F1 Beyond The Grid - including Carlos SainzExpert race previews and reviews - right here on the F1 Nation podcast feed

Difficult decisions for Ferrari + Mercedes? – Austrian GP Preview 21.06.2026 47min

Tom Clarkson is joined by former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer and IndyCar race winner James Hinchcliffe to preview this weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix.With Lewis Hamilton’s victory in Barcelona putting him just 41 points behind championship leader Kimi Antonelli, do Ferrari and Mercedes have some tough decisions to make? If Charles Leclerc doesn’t bounce back in the next few races, could Ferrari ask him to play a supporting role in a Hamilton title challenge? How would Charles respond to that? And with the threat of Ferrari lurking, will Mercedes change their approach to how they let Antonelli and George Russell race each other?Plus, the guys discuss what challenge the Red Bull Ring provides and share their podium predictions. Will Red Bull be strong at their home track? Are McLaren getting closer to a Grand Prix victory? And why might reliability be a particularly hot topic in Spielberg?THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY...Indeed: Get a £100 sponsored job credit at indeed.com/f1nation

F1 Explains: inside Audi's amazing trackside home 18.06.2026 27min

Brand new hospitality unit perfect for F1 drivers, engineers and mechanics. Three floors, two kitchens, multiple meeting spaces, lounges, racing sim room and roof terrace. Great central F1 Paddock location. Close to racetrack, garages and media centre. Comes with chef and two coffee machines. Takes just two days to build and deconstruct. Can be moved wherever you need it (Europe only) by truck. Ideal for European racetracks with no permanent team buildings For inquiries please contact Christian Hewgill or Audi Racing Director Allan McNish who can answer all the questions you have about this and other Formula 1 team motorhomes hospitality units.F1 Explains is here to answer your F1 questionsSend them to F1Explains@F1.comListen to more official F1 podcastsIncredible personal stories on F1 Beyond The Grid - including Allan McNish on his F1 careerExpert race previews and reviews - right here on the F1 Nation podcast feed

Has Hamilton’s ‘historic day’ put Ferrari in title fight? – Barcelona-Catalunya GP Review 15.06.2026 46min

Tom Clarkson is joined by ESPN’s Albert Fabrega and Brazilian journalist Julianne Cerasoli to reflect on Lewis Hamilton’s first Grand Prix victory for Ferrari in Barcelona.What does this victory tell us about Lewis after such a challenging first year with Ferrari? Why did their three-stop strategy get the better of Mercedes? And are Ferrari now a big threat to them in the title race?You’ll hear reaction from Hamilton and Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur. George Russell came home in second place, closing the gap to teammate and championship leader Kimi Antonelli after the Italian suffered a late retirement. But after starting on pole and being the lead Mercedes driver for the majority of the race, George was overtaken by Kimi late on before his DNF. So while George did make some much-needed progress, will he leave Barcelona worried? And how costly could Mercedes’ continuing reliability issues be in their season?Listen to more official F1 podcastsAlex Albon talks making Williams history on F1 Beyond The GridF1 Explains explores the race start procedure - on this feed nowThis episode is sponsored byLeesa - upgrade your sleep with an award-winning mattress, designed and assembled in the USAGo to Leesa.com for 25% off select mattresses PLUS get an extra $50 off with promo code NATION, exclusive for our listeners.

F1 Explains: how a Grand Prix gets started 12.06.2026 24min

Five red lights go out and the race is on! The start of a Formula 1 Grand Prix is a high-pressure moment - not just for the drivers, but for the woman who controls the start.Rebecca Lee is the Head of Single-Seater Operations at the FIA and the F1 Permanent Starter. She joins Christian Hewgill to answer your questions about the race start procedure. What are the rules at the start of a race? How does she keep everyone safe? Most excitingly, how does she decide when to push the button which turns the lights off, and send 22 Formula 1 cars into battle?Send us your F1 questions - we'll find the best person to answer themEmails and voice notes welcome - F1Explains@F1.comListen to more official F1 podcastsF1 Nation's preview and review of the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix is on this feedAlex Albon talks making Williams history on F1 Beyond The GridKeep up with the Formula 1 Barcelona-Catalunya Grand PrixFollow @F1 on social mediaDownload the F1 app or visit F1.com

How pressure and expectation is changing for Kimi + George – Barcelona-Catalunya GP Preview 11.06.2026 29min

Tom Clarkson is joined in the paddock by IndyCar race winner James Hinchcliffe to preview this weekend’s Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix.With Kimi Antonelli on a run of five wins in a row, and leading his teammate George Russell by 68 points in the World Championship, how is the pressure and expectation now changing for both Mercedes drivers?The guys also discuss why they think Lewis Hamilton ‘has his mojo back’ at Ferrari and what Charles Leclerc needs to get out of his recent difficult patch.Plus, as Alex Albon prepares to become the driver with the most race starts in Williams history on Sunday, what does that milestone tell us about Alex?

‘Fearless, peerless’ Kimi + ‘bamboozled’ Russell – Monaco GP Review with Laura Winter + Lawrence Barretto 08.06.2026 55min

Tom Clarkson is joined in the Monte Carlo paddock by F1TV lead presenter Laura Winter and F1 correspondent Lawrence Barretto to dissect a dramatic Monaco Grand Prix.Kimi Antonelli secured his fifth win in a row, extending his championship lead to 66 points. What did we learn about Kimi this weekend? And is he proving to be a ‘generational talent’?On the other side of the Mercedes garage, a drive-through penalty left George Russell out of the points. He says he’s ‘bamboozled’ by his recent struggles. So what’s going wrong for George? Where does he go from here? And is he fighting for more than just the title now?Ferrari also endured mixed fortunes in Monaco. Lewis Hamilton scored his second P2 in a row, while Charles Leclerc crashed out late in the race. The guys discuss why Lewis is starting to gain momentum in the team and the ‘emotional rollercoaster’ Charles is currently riding, after announcing a new multi-year deal with Ferrari.Also on the agenda, Isack Hadjar’s first podium for Red Bull, Max Verstappen’s retirement on lap 1 and more reliability concerns for McLaren. THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY...Indeed: Get a £100 sponsored job credit at indeed.com/f1nationSaily: Get an exclusive 15% discount on your first Saily data plans! Use code F1nation at checkout. Download Saily app or go to to saily.com/f1nation

F1 Explains: Monaco mastery, pole positioning + 'more power' - with Alex Jacques 04.06.2026 33min

Why do F1 cars need a pre-race warm-up? How do drivers master the streets of Monaco? Why does pole position swap sides at different circuits? These are just some of the questions we're answering in our latest quickfire special. Christian Hewgill is joined by Alex Jacques - F1TV commentator and lover of Canadian cuisine. Also answered: what do F1 drivers mean when they ask their team for 'more power'? What happens when tyres start 'graining'? Why is damaging a rear wing a race-ending incident?We love your F1 questionsSend emails or voice notes to F1Explains@F1.comTell us what you think of Official F1 Podcasts - you could win a Charles Leclerc posterAnswer some questions and find Terms & Conditions at f1fanvoice.comMore Official F1 Podcasts F1 Nation's Monaco GP Preview with Jolyon Palmer and James Hinchcliffe - right here on this feed F1 Beyond The Grid has in-depth interviews with F1 stars

Are Ferrari favourites? – Monaco GP Preview with Palmer + Hinchcliffe 31.05.2026 40min

Tom Clarkson is joined by former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer and IndyCar race winner James Hinchcliffe to look ahead to this weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix.After Canada, Lewis Hamilton said he thinks Ferrari will be strong in Monaco. So, could this be the first Grand Prix of 2026 that Mercedes don’t win? Are Ferrari the favourites in Monte Carlo? Jolyon, Hinch and Tom discuss the Scuderia’s chances and what mindset Charles Leclerc is in before his home race, after describing Canada as the ‘most difficult weekend of my Formula 1 career’. With Kimi Antonelli looking for a fifth win in a row to extend his 43-point championship lead, where has he made a step forward in 2026? And do we need to rethink how we view George Russell’s performances against his Mercedes teammate?The guys also react to the announcement that Gucci will become Alpine’s title sponsor in 2027. And we look back in the archives to commemorate Jolyon’s first F1 race in Monaco 10 years ago.THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY...Shopify: Sign up for your $1 per month trial today at shopify.com/nation BetterHelp: Sign up and get 10% off at betterhelp.com/f1nation

F1 Explains: brain training for F1 drivers - with an expert coach 28.05.2026 30min

It's race week. You've got a flight to catch. You need to score points this weekend or you might lose your seat. Fans want selfies at the airport. Your engineer needs your thoughts on car set-up. A pundit just said something about you on a podcast. Your Team Principal is calling you... This is the high-pressure life of a Formula 1 driver. To cope, they need to be mentally strong. How do they train their brains to handle the demands of racing at the very top, and who helps keep their minds in shape?Christian puts your questions on this to an expert on how F1 drivers' brains work. Dr Tommy Wood is Lead Scientist for Motorsport at Hintsa Performance - a company which provides coaches and sports psychologists for many drivers on the grid.Tommy tells us how F1 drivers block out distractions and focus on their on-track performance and explains the coaching which helps them do it. Does age affect a driver's mental abilities? And do off-track friendships between drivers have an effect when battling wheel-to-wheel?F1 Explains is here to answer your F1 questionsSend emails or voice notes to F1Explains@F1.comListen to more Official F1 PodcastsIn-depth conversations with big F1 names on F1 Beyond The GridExpert opinion every race weekend on F1 Nation - find the latest episode here on this podcast feedThis November, F1 takes over Las VegasThe Las Vegas Grand Prix returns November 19 - 21, 2026 — and tickets are on sale now! Be there for the fastest weekend of the year. Click here for tickets

'Flashpoint' at Mercedes, ‘magic’ Lewis + Franco's finest - Canadian GP Review with Jolyon Palmer + Alex Jacques 25.05.2026 42min

Tom Clarkson is joined by F1TV commentary duo Jolyon Palmer and Alex Jacques to reflect on an eventful Canadian Grand Prix.Kimi Antonelli capitalised on George Russell’s DNF to claim his fourth win in a row and move 43 points clear of his Mercedes teammate at the top of the World Championship standings. What did the guys make of their wheel-to-wheel battles in Montreal? Will Mercedes ask them to dial it down? And how does this result change the mindset of the two title contenders? Behind Antonelli, Lewis Hamilton overcame a tense battle with Max Verstappen to score his best result as a Ferrari driver. Was this Lewis’s best weekend since joining the team? And will he continue to avoid the simulator before races?Tom, Jolyon and Alex also discuss Franco Colapinto’s best finish in Formula 1 and share their thoughts on McLaren’s decision to start both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri on intermediate tyres. How much responsibility for that call lies with the drivers? THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY...Indeed: Get a £100 sponsored job credit at indeed.com/f1nation

F1 Explains: how drivers reach F1 – with Juan Pablo Montoya 21.05.2026 26min

Why do some drivers move across the world to pursue their racing dreams? How important is it to compete in different series on the motorsport ladder? And what mentality do you need to make it to Formula 1? Seven-time Grand Prix winner Juan Pablo Montoya joins Christian Hewgill to talk about the route to F1 – a journey he completed successfully and one he’s reliving again through his son Sebastian, who’s currently competing in F2.Juan talks about leaving Colombia at a young age, how Sir Jackie Stewart helped him in his early racing days, and what Sebastian needs to make that final step up to F1. Plus, Juan Pablo shares his advice for young kids hoping to reach the pinnacle of motorsport.Picture: Clive Mason/ALLSPORT/Getty Images

Will Kimi’s momentum continue? Big weekends for George, Lewis + Charles? - Canadian GP Preview with Palmer + Hinchcliffe 17.05.2026 55min

Tom Clarkson, Jolyon Palmer and James Hinchcliffe are back to preview this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix. After three wins on the bounce, Kimi Antonelli leads George Russell by 20 points at the top of the World Championship standings, so how crucial is it for George to beat Kimi in Montreal? If he doesn’t and more teams get in the mix, will Mercedes have some tough decisions to make? For Ferrari, is Canada a defining moment in Lewis Hamilton’s season? Will Charles Leclerc be thinking about his future if they’re unable to fight at the front in this next run of races? Plus, the guys debate the topic of driver insecurities and share their personal experiences after Jenson Button discussed the topic on the latest F1 Beyond The Grid podcast. Listen to more Official F1 PodcastsDrivers tell their stories on F1 Beyond The Grid - click here for latest episodesExperts answer your questions on F1 Explains - right here on this podcast feedLAS VEGAS. FORMULA 1. LIKE NOTHING BEFORE.The Las Vegas Grand Prix returns November 19th – 21st, 2026.Get your tickets for the fastest weekend of the year at f1lasvegasgp.com/tickets.