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F1 Nation

Step inside the Formula 1 Paddock for race previews, reviews, interviews and analysis with Tom Clarkson and expert guests.

Get answers to your questions on F1 Explains with Christian Hewgill. Email F1Explains@F1.com

An official F1 podcast. For in-depth F1 interviews, listen to F1 Beyond The Grid

Jul 12 2026 | 00:58:38

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 podcasts
Drivers, in-depth on F1 Beyond The Grid

Your questions answered by experts on F1 Explains - right here on the F1 Nation
podcast feed

This episode is sponsored by

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o to Leesa.com for 25% off select mattresses PLUS get an extra $50 off with promo code NATION, exclusive for our listeners.

Jul 09 2026 | 00:29:09

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 Prix
Special guest Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull Racing Reserve Driver
F1 Fanzone Stage | 1025 am | Friday 17th July
Send questions to F1Explains@F1.com - we could make you part of the show

Listen to more official F1 podcasts
In-depth interviews on F1 Beyond The Grid - including Damon Hill
Expert race previews and reviews - right here on the F1 Nation podcast feed


Jul 06 2026 | 00:39:23

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.

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Lando Norris on F1 Beyond The Grid
Your questions answered by experts on F1 Explains - right here on the F1 Nation podcast feed

This episode is sponsored by
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Jul 02 2026 | 00:24:15

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 PRIX

1996 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!

Jul 02 2026 | 00:23:07

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 podcasts
Lando Norris on F1 Beyond The Grid
Your questions answered by experts on F1 Explains - right here on the F1 Nation podcast feed

Jun 29 2026 | 00:45:04

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.

Jun 25 2026 | 00:40:15

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.com

F1 Explains LIVE at the Formula 1 British Grand Prix
Special guest 1996 F1 World Champion Damon Hill
F1 Fanzone Stage | 1020 am | Saturday 4th July
Send questions to F1Explains@F1.com - we could make you part of the show

Listen to more official F1 podcasts
Incredible personal stories on F1 Beyond The Grid - including Carlos Sainz
Expert race previews and reviews - right here on the F1 Nation podcast feed

Jun 21 2026 | 00:47:51

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...

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Jun 18 2026 | 00:27:01

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 questions
Send them to F1Explains@F1.com

Listen to more official F1 podcasts
Incredible personal stories on F1 Beyond The Grid - including Allan McNish on his F1 career
Expert race previews and reviews - right here on the F1 Nation podcast feed

Jun 15 2026 | 00:46:53

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 podcasts
Alex Albon talks making Williams history on F1 Beyond The Grid
F1 Explains explores the race start procedure - on this feed now

This episode is sponsored by
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Jun 12 2026 | 00:24:57

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 them
Emails and voice notes welcome - F1Explains@F1.com

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F1 Nation's preview and review of the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix is on this feed
Alex Albon talks making Williams history on F1 Beyond The Grid

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Jun 11 2026 | 00:29:22

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?

Jun 08 2026 | 00:55:21

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/f1nation

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Jun 04 2026 | 00:33:07

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?

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May 31 2026 | 00:40:37

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...

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May 28 2026 | 00:30:41

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 questions
Send emails or voice notes to F1Explains@F1.com

Listen to more Official F1 Podcasts
In-depth conversations with big F1 names on F1 Beyond The Grid

Expert opinion every race weekend on F1 Nation - find the latest episode here on this podcast feed

This November, F1 takes over Las Vegas
The 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


May 25 2026 | 00:42:37

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...

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May 21 2026 | 00:26:33

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

May 17 2026 | 00:55:10

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 Podcasts
Drivers tell their stories on F1 Beyond The Grid - click here for latest episodes
Experts answer your questions on F1 Explains - right here on this podcast feed

LAS VEGAS. FORMULA 1. LIKE NOTHING BEFORE.
The Las Vegas Grand Prix returns November 19th – 21st, 2026.
Get your tickets for the fastest weekend of the year at f1lasvegasgp.com/tickets.

May 14 2026 | 00:38:02

You've seen them standing alongside F1 drivers in TV interviews. They're holding phones, recording every word the driver says. Who are they and what are they doing?

F1 Press Officers and Communications teams arrange the interviews you see and hear every race weekend. They're the link between the team, the drivers, the media and fans around the world.

Sophie Ogg, who was formerly F1 Communications Director at McLaren, joins Christian Hewgill to explain what's involved in the job: dealing with media requests, working with adrenaline-fueled F1 drivers and reacting to breaking news - all with the aim of letting fans know what's going on inside a Formula 1 team.

F1 Explains is here to answer your F1 questions
Send them to F1Explains@F1.com

Listen to more Official F1 Podcasts
In-depth conversations with big F1 names on F1 Beyond The Grid

Expert opinion every race weekend on F1 Nation - find the latest episode here on this podcast feed

This November, F1 takes over Las Vegas
The 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

May 10 2026 | 00:59:20

With an intra-team title battle brewing between Kimi Antonelli and George Russell at Mercedes in 2026, Tom Clarkson is joined by Jolyon Palmer and James Hinchcliffe to chat about some of the greatest teammate rivalries in F1 history.

The guys discuss Lewis Hamilton’s battles with Nico Rosberg at Mercedes and Fernando Alonso at McLaren, the major flashpoints during Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber’s time at Red Bull, and the politics between Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost at McLaren. 

Why were those rivalries so fierce? What are the key ingredients for an intense fight between teammates? How much involvement should the team have? And of the current grid, which driver pairing do Tom, Jolyon and Hinch think would have the most heated rivalry if they were competing for a title?

LAS VEGAS. FORMULA 1. LIKE NOTHING BEFORE.
The Las Vegas Grand Prix returns November 19th – 21st, 2026.
Get your tickets for the fastest weekend of the year at f1lasvegasgp.com/tickets.

This episode is sponsored by:
 
Saily: get an exclusive 15% discount on your first Saily data plans! Use code F1nation at
checkout. Download Saily app or go to to https://saily.com/f1nation

May 07 2026 | 00:27:09

Why do they say 'box, box, box', not 'pit, pit, pit'? What makes them fume on the radio? How has their job changed in 2026? F1 Race Engineers are the voice in the driver's ear, passing on information, listening to feedback, working together to get the best result possible.

Laura Müller, Race Engineer for Esteban Ocon at Haas, joins Christian Hewgill to laugh a lot and also to answer your questions on F1 car set-up, how teams know how fast their rivals are, how she became a race engineer and why a Safety Car can make her very happy or very annoyed...

F1 Explains is here to answer your F1 questions
Send them to F1Explains@F1.com

Listen to more Official F1 Podcasts
In-depth conversations with big F1 names (including Laura) on F1 Beyond The Grid

Expert opinion every race weekend on F1 Nation - find the latest episode here on this podcast feed

This November, F1 takes over Las Vegas 
The 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

May 04 2026 | 00:51:00

Tom Clarkson is joined by F1 correspondent Lawrence Barretto and F1TV expert James Hinchcliffe to reflect on an action-packed Miami Grand Prix weekend. 

Kimi Antonelli made it three race wins in a row to extend his championship lead to 20 points. Was this the toughest win of Kimi’s career and what does that tell us about him? 

On the other side of the Mercedes garage, how will George Russell be feeling about the title fight after losing out to his teammate again? And what do the guys make of George’s comments about the Miami track not suiting him? 

Also on the agenda: why Lando Norris missed out on victory, Charles Leclerc’s final lap spin that cost him a podium, Red Bull’s turnaround and a very special day for Franco Colapinto. 

Plus, the guys pay tribute to former F1 driver and Paralympian Alex Zanardi, who has passed away at the age of 59. 

And if you’d like to hear Alex Zanardi’s incredible life story, listen to him in conversation with Tom Clarkson on F1 Beyond The Grid back in 2020. 

Apr 30 2026 | 00:31:39

What’s the difference between a ‘Test Driver’ and a ‘Reserve Driver’? Well, who better to answer that than Cadillac Test Driver Colton Herta and Reserve Driver Zhou Guanyu?

Colton and Zhou join Christian Hewgill ahead of Cadillac’s first home race in Miami to answer your questions about Formula 1.

How does F2 compare to Colton’s previous career in IndyCar? What’s it like working with Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez? Who replaces a driver if they are injured or ill? How close is simulator performance to the real car? And why do drivers sometimes plunge themselves into ice baths after a race?

Send your F1 questions to F1Explains@F1.com

Experience F1 live in 2026
Book your seat for a Grand Prix this season at tickets.formula1.com

Listen to more official F1 podcasts
In-depth interviews on F1 Beyond The Grid
Expert reaction before and after every Grand Prix on F1 Nation

Apr 27 2026 | 00:52:32

Can a 'completely new' McLaren take victory in Miami? Tom Clarkson, James Hinchcliffe and Jolyon Palmer think it's the papaya team's best chance of the season so far. F1 is back after a break from racing, and everything could be different!
 
Tom, Jolyon and Hinch debate which team will make the biggest leap forward in Miami, and how the second F1 Sprint weekend of the year puts pressure on drivers to get back up to speed quickly. Can McLaren get ahead of Mercedes? Have Ferrari got special upgrades? Will Red Bull rise back to the front?
 
Plus, the team celebrate the news that F1 is returning to Istanbul Park - a 'modern classic' which always produces exciting racing. We're already looking forward to the 2027 Turkish Grand Prix...

Apr 23 2026 | 00:52:02

What happens in a Formula 1 team's garage during a race? In a world-first episode, recorded inside the Haas garage during the 2025 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...
 

F1 Explains LIVE at the Miami GP Fan Fest
Wednesday 29th April | 4pm | Miami Beach
Special guests: Colton Herta + Zhou Guanyu from Cadillac F1 Team
For details, terms and conditions and to register for free tickets go to f1miamigp.com/fan-fest

Send your F1 questions to F1Explains@F1.com

Experience F1 live in 2026
Book your seat for a Grand Prix this season at tickets.formula1.com

Listen to more official F1 podcasts
In-depth interviews on F1 Beyond The Grid
Expert reaction before and after every Grand Prix on F1 Nation

Apr 20 2026 | 00:48:29

Verstappen's mentality? Schumacher's teamwork? Alonso's intelligence? Tsunoda's physique? Tom Clarkson is joined by former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer and IndyCar race winner James Hinchcliffe to build the ‘perfect’ F1 driver. 

They debate the key attributes needed to become the best in the pinnacle of motorsport and which drivers from past and present are closest to perfection. 

Plus, the guys chat about the possible driver market ramifications if Max Verstappen does leave Red Bull Racing and they share their standout moments from the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix over the years.

Listen to more official F1 podcasts
F1 Beyond The Grid - in-depth interviews with F1's biggest names
F1 Explains - expert answers to your F1 questions

This episode is sponsored by:

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Apr 16 2026 | 00:29:44

Cadillac have made a solid start in F1. The challenge now is to make their car faster. With a long break before the Miami Grand Prix, there's time for hard work at the factory... and for Team Principal Graeme Lowdon to answer your F1 questions.

How do Formula 1 teams get all their kit to Grands Prix? What’s the difference between Reserve, Test and Development drivers? And how do team members working at the team's bases in the US and UK during race weekends help the team at the track?

Graeme also gives his assessment of Cadillac’s first three races in F1 and tells Christian Hewgill what the team are working on during the April break.

Listen to more official F1 podcasts
F1 Beyond The Grid - in-depth interviews with F1's biggest names
F1 Nation - expert views on the latest F1 news

Apr 12 2026 | 00:39:22

Tom Clarkson is joined by former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer and IndyCar race winner James Hinchcliffe to discuss the news that Max Verstappen’s race engineer, GianPiero Lambiase, will leave Red Bull Racing in 2028 and join McLaren as their Chief Racing Officer.

What does Lambiase’s departure mean for Red Bull? How will it affect Verstappen’s future at the team? And what will GP bring to McLaren?

Plus, the guys are joined by McLaren’s Technical Director of Performance, Mark Temple, who says Mercedes are 'beatable' in 2026 and tells us about the upgrade work being done at the factory before the Miami GP.

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY:

Saily: Get an exclusive 15% discount on your first Saily data plans. Use code F1nation at checkout. Download Saily app or go to to saily.com/f1nation

Apr 09 2026 | 00:39:29

So much has changed for the 2026 F1 season. How has it affected the job of a race strategist?  The new cars and new tyres mean teams have to think differently when planning their pit stops. Race-winning strategist and Sky Sports F1 expert Bernie Collins joins Christian Hewgill to explain it all.

Bernie also answers your questions on what F1 teams are doing during the April break in racing, how much it costs to race in F1, and what happens when drivers don't set a time in qualifying.

Send us your question, we'll find the best person to answer it
Email F1Explains@F1.com

Listen to more official F1 podcasts
F1 Beyond The Grid - in-depth interviews with F1's biggest names (including Bernie!)
F1 Nation - expert race previews, reviews and reaction to breaking news - right here on this feed

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