F1 Back at Base - A deep dive into the high-octane world of Formula 1 with exclusive behind-the-scenes access. F1 Chequered Flag: Home of Formula 1.
Hosts Harry Benjamin and Andrew Benson react to Christian Horner's sacking after 20 years leading Red Bull Racing. They delve into the controversies, competitive challenges, and internal power struggles that contributed to his departure, analyze the potential impact on Max Verstappen's future, discuss Horner's legacy, and examine what the appointment of new team principal Laurent Mekies means for the team's direction.
Lando Norris wins his home Grand Prix and cuts the gap to teammate Oscar Piastri in the title race. Sam Bird and Harry Benjamin join Jennie Gow to reflect on the win, hear from Norris, and get reaction from Andrea Stella and Zac Brown. They also discuss the bizarre moment Norris was injured while celebrating with fans. Plus, Nico Hülkenberg joins the pod after claiming his first-ever F1 podium.
Can Max Verstappen convert pole into a race win? Nelson Valkemberg and Jennie Gow join Harry Benjamin after the Dutchman beat both McLarens to P1. They hear from Verstappen, Piastri and Norris.
What does Lando Norris’ recent win mean for his home race at Silverstone? Just one of the questions Harry Benjamin, Rebecca Clancy, Jennie Gow and Andrew Benson tackle as they look ahead to the British Grand Prix. We hear from Norris, as well as Max Verstappen, as the talk he's going to Mercedes isn't going away. Plus, Andrew chats in-depth with Alex Albon, and Harry asks Ollie Bearman the big question: what’s his favourite bear?
This episode reviews the Austrian Grand Prix where Lando Norris secured a vital win, leading a McLaren 1-2 ahead of championship leader Oscar Piastri. The discussion covers their intense battle, McLaren's impressive team management, Ferrari's mixed results with upgrades, Mercedes' struggles, and notable performances from other teams like Liam Lawson and Gabriel Bortoleto, alongside analysis of Yuki Tsunoda's future and Williams' difficulties. The panel looks ahead to the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
Lando on pole! Rosanna Tennant, Ben Edwards, Alice Powell and Andrew Benson look back at qualifying from Austria. They hear from Norris, as well as Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri, who finished second and third. Plus Max Verstappen, who starts back in seventh.
Is Max Verstappen really about to join Mercedes? What does this mean for George Russell? Just two of the questions that Rosanna Tennant, Ben Edwards, Alice Powell and Andrew Benson get stuck into. They also hear from Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Is the new F1 movie any good? Andrew and Ben give their verdict. And Brad Pitt makes his first appearance on the Chequered Flag.
Harry Benjamin and the BBC's F1 correspondent Andrew Benson discuss Red Bull’s protest against George Russell following the Canadian Grand Prix. We also hear from Mercedes reserve driver Valtteri Bottas, who sat down with Harry to speak about his early days in racing, meeting Toto Wolff, becoming Lewis Hamilton’s team-mate and what’s next for him in F1.
This episode reviews the dramatic Canadian Grand Prix, featuring analysis of the collision between McLaren teammates Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, including driver reactions. The discussion also covers George Russell's victory and Mercedes' improved performance, Kimi Antonelli's first F1 podium, and Ferrari's challenging race weekend. The hosts also highlight other notable driver performances and pick their driver of the race.
BBC Radio 5 Live's F1: Chequered Flag reviews Canadian Grand Prix Qualifying, where George Russell dramatically secured pole position alongside Max Verstappen. The episode discusses the impact of tyre choices, hears from Russell and Verstappen on their race prospects, and analyzes McLaren's mixed results with Oscar Piastri third and Lando Norris struggling in seventh. It also covers incidents involving Leclerc and Hajar, potential grid penalties, and race predictions.
Previewing the Canadian Grand Prix, the panel discusses McLaren's strong form and the intense battle between teammates Piastri and Norris for the championship lead. They analyze Max Verstappen's recent collision and penalty points, his driving style, and the risk of a race ban. The episode also covers the struggles of Ferrari and Mercedes, Lance Stroll's injury situation, young driver Isaac Hadjar's potential, and changes to the 2026 F1 calendar.
In this special bonus episode of F1: Back at Base, Sarah Holt and Holly Samos tell the behind-the-scenes story of the upcoming F1 movie. Through exclusive interviews with key figures, including legendary producer Jerry Bruckheimer, Oscar nominee Kerry Condon, and F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali, we document how the new movie was made. From the idea originally being presented in a London cinema, to choosing the actors, shooting the movie, and the battle to make the film authentic, mixing ...
Reflecting on the Spanish GP, Oscar Piastri secured a dominant win, leading a McLaren one-two. Lando Norris finished second, overcoming a poor start and battling strategy calls. Max Verstappen had a chaotic end, receiving a penalty after contact with George Russell following a late safety car period and a debated tire strategy. The episode also covers notable midfield performances, Aston Martin's driver issues, and team reactions.
This episode of Chequered Flag reviews Spanish Grand Prix qualifying, where Oscar Piastri secured pole position with a stunning lap, leading a McLaren front-row lockout alongside teammate Lando Norris. The discussion covers the top three drivers' performances and interviews, including Max Verstappen in P3 and the impact of the new technical directive. Analysts also assess the performances of George Russell, Lewis Hamilton, and surprising results like Carlos Sainz's P18 and strong showings from Gasly, Hadjar, and Bortoleto, looking ahead to race strategy.
The F1 team previews the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona, discussing the circuit changes and the potential shift to a Madrid street track. They analyze the tightening championship battle between McLaren teammates Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, and assess Max Verstappen's chances. A key discussion point is the new technical directive on front wing flexibility and its potential impact on the competitive order, alongside updates on other teams like Mercedes and Williams.
Damon Hill, Rosanna Tennant, and Harry Benjamin review the Monaco Grand Prix. They discuss the impact of the new mandatory pit stop rule, Lando Norris's significant pole and win, Charles Leclerc's performance at home, Oscar Piastri's challenging weekend, Max Verstappen's strategy, and standout drives from Hadjar and Lawson, alongside commentary on driver frustrations and potential future rule changes.
Rosanna Tennant and Harry Benjamin review Monaco Grand Prix qualifying. Lando Norris secured a crucial pole position and new lap record, while home hero Charles Leclerc narrowly missed out and discussed race strategy. Oscar Piastri had a challenging weekend, including wall contact, finishing P3. Lewis Hamilton received a grid penalty, and Max Verstappen struggled to P5. They also delve into Red Bull's team dynamics and review performances across the midfield and back of the grid.
Join Rosanna, Harry Benjamin, and Jolyon Palmer for a preview of the Monaco Grand Prix weekend. They discuss the unique atmosphere and challenges of the Monaco circuit, debate the impact of the new mandatory two-stop pit rule, and analyze the intense championship battle between McLaren and Red Bull. The episode features an in-depth interview with championship leader Oscar Piastri and a check-in with Haas rookie Oliver Bearman, plus favorite Monaco memories and podium predictions.
Ben Edwards, Andrew Benson, and Marc Priestley review the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, highlighting Max Verstappen's victory and McLaren's performance. They analyze key moments, including Verstappen's first-corner move and strategic decisions by McLaren and Ferrari. The discussion includes insights from Verstappen, Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, Lewis Hamilton, and Alex Albon, covering team performance, tire strategies, and future race prospects.
Ben Edwards, Mark Priestley, and Andrew Benson review the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix qualifying session. Oscar Piastri secured pole position, followed by Max Verstappen and George Russell. The episode features interviews with the top three drivers and discusses Lando Norris' struggles and Ferrari's disappointing performance.
The F1 Chequered Flag podcast previews the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, discussing the historic Imola track and its potential last year on the circuit. They analyze the growing rivalry between McLaren's Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris against Max Verstappen, assess Ferrari's struggles with Lewis Hamilton, and highlight the debut of Italian rookie Kimi Antonelli. The episode also touches on FIA penalty changes and the pressures faced by young drivers.
Harry Benjamin & the BBC’s F1 correspondent Andrew Benson react to the news that Alpine have replaced Jack Doohan with Franco Colapinto for the next five races. It comes in the same week that Oliver Oakes leaves his role as Alpine team principal. We also hear from Sauber team principal Jonathan Wheatley, who sits down with Jennie Gow to discuss his F1 career and his new role at Sauber before the transition to Audi in 2026.
Special guest, former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner, speaks with Harry Benjamin about his career. Harry is also joined by the BBC’s F1 correspondent Andrew Benson to talk more about Max Verstappen’s Saudi Arabian GP penalty and the fallout from that. Plus, Harry and Andrew discuss Audi’s F1 chances and whether Cadillac will be competitive.
With two race wins from two at the start of the 2025 F1 season, McLaren couldn’t have got off to a better start in the defence of their constructors’ world title. So what better time to look back on exactly how they achieved that success in 2024? In this bonus episode of F1: Back at Base - How To Go Racing, Holly Samos and Sarah Holt take you behind the scenes at McLaren as they finally became World Champions again after a 26-year wait. McLaren are one of the most decorated teams in F1, winning ...
This episode reviews the Chinese Grand Prix, focusing on Oscar Piastri's victory and McLaren's overall performance, including Lando Norris's brake issues and the team's dynamic. The discussion covers Ferrari's struggles, Mercedes' improved showing with George Russell, and Red Bull's challenges with Verstappen and rookie driver Liam Lawson. Additionally, the podcast highlights the impressive performance of the Haas F1 team.
When will we next see a female driver in Formula One? Eleanor Oldroyd is joined by former F3 driver Alice Powell and BBC reporter Charlotte Simpson to examine why there aren’t any female drivers currently at the sport’s elite level. They look at the existing programmes designed to boost the number of female drivers and ask what more can be done. Leading female driver Abi Pulling talks through her experiences in the sport, while Susie Wolff explains the aims of the F1 Academy in developing female...
This episode recaps the thrilling conclusion of the 2024 F1 season, focusing on McLaren's quest for the Constructors' Championship and Aston Martin's ongoing transformation. Interviews with drivers Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso, along with team principals Zak Brown and Andrea Stella, provide insights into the intense competition and future ambitions. The episode culminates in McLaren's victory celebration and a look at Aston Martin's new wind tunnel, highlighting the relentless pursuit of perfection in Formula One.
In just 15 days’ time, the final chapter in the story of the 2024 Formula 1 season will be written. A triple header of races - from the bright lights of Las Vegas to the heat of Qatar and Abu Dhabi – will decide the World Championships. It’s late November, and time for Formula 1 to take up residency in Las Vegas. The sound of engines roaring down the city’s world-famous Strip will soon bring in the crowds. Unlike other races on the calendar, which are organized by local promoters, the Las Vegas ...
The McLaren and Aston Martin Formula 1 teams are preparing for a “Super Sunday” in Brazil. For just the sixth time in the sport’s history, both qualifying and the race are taking place on the same day. Stormy weather is testing the teams’ resources and resolve at the Interlagos Circuit, home to the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. The teams and drivers arrive at the track at the crack of dawn, ready to think on their feet in a marathon day ahead. After a well-orchestrated performance in Saturday’s Sprint R...
Rick Edwards joins Jennie Gow, Harry Benjamin and Andrew Benson at the F1 75 launch event. The team look ahead to the start of the new season, discuss the glitz and glamour of this new day in the F1 calendar, and speak to the drivers, including George Russell and Lando Norris, as well as the team bosses, including Toto Wolff, Christian Horner and Fred Vasseur.
