Formula Once Upon A Time

Ultimate Sound & Vision

Taking you back to the golden era of Formula 1 - the time of mavericks, free spirits, drivers dicing with danger, and even death. These are the biggest events and incidents from the history of F1, including stories that could not be told - until now! With deep knowledge and experience in the sport, hosts Norman Howell and Roberto Boccafogli are joined by legends of F1 and industry insiders. Welcome to Formula Once Upon A Time.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last refreshed: August 20th, 2025 at 3:44 AM ⓘ

Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.

Follow on

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

RSS

Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app

Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

Alain Prost - "Le Professeur" on an F1 and Formula E merger and the background to Alonso and Renault/Alpine.

Four times F1 World Champion Alain Prost talks about his unique relationship with Ayrton Senna. Plus "Le Professeur" talks in detail about the precise differences in driving an F1 car in his championship winning days and driving one today. As a Formula E team manager and a man still in the thick of F1 he looks to the future of the two series - an amalgamation is inevitable. Why Renault have signed Fernando and the background to the upcoming Alpine marque. Prost is highly intelligent and speaks o...

Dec 11, 2020•47 min•Season 1Ep. 9

The torment of Eddie Jordan - Italians are mummy's boys

EJ joins Norman Howell and Roberto Boccafogli to recount how Michael Schumacher lied to him and tells how much he really got paid. Eddie says there's "nothing more pleasant than making Briatore pay" and says that Bernie was the master, saving him from bankruptcy. Hear why David Coulthard is a nightmare and why no Italian has won an F1 World Championship in decades. Who is the greatest of all time, Senna? Prost? Hamilton? Can you imagine James Hunt working with Toto Wolff? Where are the Silver Ar...

Nov 12, 2020•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 9

Bernie's bombshells - what Lewis should do now - disappointing Liberty - plus how Enzo Ferrari was a "proper guy".

Just before his 90th birthday Bernie Ecclestone, the F1 mastermind, had a chat with his former employee Norman Howell. In his own understated way Bernie explains how he transformed the sport into a worldwide phenomenon and how the takeover by Liberty ended in disappointment. He also has some ideas for what Lewis Hamilton should do next saying he's now actually bigger than F1. Bernie's hand shake seals the deal but he's always warned people that it can be a licence to lose money. Regrets, he's no...

Oct 27, 2020•30 min•Season 1Ep. 8

Ferrari - The Word from the mouth of the Prancing Horse

Piero Ferrari, son of Enzo Ferrari, speaks his mind about the ups and downs of the Scuderia, as its celebrate 1000 races in Formula 1. How important is F1 to Ferrari? You'll be surprised by what he says. Piero also contrasts the drivers of today in their hi-tech machines with the stars of yesteryear, the men who drove by the seat of their pants. Piero also reveals that he was the interpreter each time his father and Bernie Ecclestone met to shape the future of the sport. Hosted on Acast. See aca...

Sep 11, 2020•37 min•Season 1Ep. 6

The $10m Handshake: blacked out cars, Semtex pistons and the major manufacturers

Bernie contracted his people on a handshake - his handshake was better than a contract. But not everyone's handshake was the gentleman's agreement that was expected. This is the story of some F1 handshakes that meant nothing in reality and led to major engine manufacturers joining or not joining the Formula 1 paddock. Norman Howell and Roberto Boccafogli are joined by former Ron Dennis and McLaren man, Bob McMurray. Hear how Lamborghini almost became an F1 engine supplier and Peugot got in and t...

Aug 14, 2020•36 min•Season 1Ep. 7

Show me the Money - what people get paid in F1

Who pays who and how much do they all get? Whilst Lewis Hamilton is reputed to have been offered £40m by Mercedes, some drivers actually pay the team for their seat. Where does that money come from? Daddy? A Government Department? A rich multi-national? Norman Howell and Roberto Boccafogli follow the money trail in Formula 1 and they're joined by Ian Phillips who reveals what money changed hands at Jordan and what Ron Dennis agreed to pay EJ. Plus how much were Jordan/Benetton paid to run Schuma...

Jul 29, 2020•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 4

Lauda "You're gonna have to shoot me down".

The second part of our Niki Lauda tribute - taking us back to the golden era of F1. Maurice Hamilton joins Norman Howell and Roberto Boccafogli and takes us through all the things he learned about Lauda when he was writing his book - Niki Lauda - The Biography. Hear about the big accident and the incredible comeback that inspired the film "Rush". But also learn about the driver that only the paddock people knew and the man that took on the Boeing Corporation and won. Niki Lauda's life as a racin...

Jul 09, 2020•54 min•Season 1Ep. 3

"Niki was the first real professional driver" - Daniel Audetto

Niki Lauda, a true Formula 1 legend; Daniel Audetto was team manager at Ferrari during Niki's time with the Scuderia. They were close, Daniel went to the hospital with Niki after his life changing accident. Norman Howell and Roberto Boccafogli talk to Daniel about Niki the racer but also about Lauda the man. Tweet us @formulaoncepod This is the first of two podcasts about Niki Lauda. Don't miss Maurice Hamilton talking about Niki in Lauda "You're gonna have to shoot me down". Hosted on Acast. Se...

Jul 09, 2020•27 min•Season 1Ep. 2

Senna, the Hills and Monaco

Ayrton Senna mastered Monaco and so did the Hill family, Graham and his son Damon. Damon joins us to discuss this remarkable place and the special relationship drivers had with the track. Jean Alesi gives us the driver's eye view, literally and F1 veteran Joe Ramirez who worked closely with Ayrton Senna takes us behind the scenes for a fantastic insight into the man who many regard as the greatest F1 driver ever. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Jul 03, 2020•41 min•Season 1Ep. 1

Welcome to Formula Once Upon A Time

An introduction to a brand new podcast series all about the golden era of Formula 1. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 03, 2020•2 min

For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android