Alonso, Sainz, Bearman + more - The Best of F1 Beyond The Grid 2024
Dec 18, 2024
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Toto Wolff, Team Principal of Mercedes, shares insights about his long-term partnership with Lewis Hamilton, emphasizing trust and collaboration. Fernando Alonso marks a historic milestone with his 400th Grand Prix, revealing why he almost hung up his helmet early in his career. Tom Stallard from McLaren discusses Oscar Piastri's bright prospects and the team's resurgence. The podcast dives into the psychology of racing, touching on rivalries, resilience, and the thrill of debuting in F1, as experienced by Ollie Bearman.
Fernando Alonso reflects on his historic achievement of 400 Grands Prix, considering both the challenges and milestones of his career.
Carlos Sainz shares his journey of resilience following a difficult season that included recovering from an appendectomy to reclaim his confidence.
The podcast highlights the emergence of skilled rookies like Ollie Bearman, showcasing the dynamic changes and rising competitiveness in Formula One.
Deep dives
Lewis Hamilton's Groundbreaking Move to Ferrari
In a significant shake-up within Formula One, Lewis Hamilton announced his switch to Ferrari for the 2025 season, ending a historic era at Mercedes. During his time with Mercedes, Hamilton achieved remarkable success, including six Drivers' World Championships and eight Constructors' titles, firmly establishing himself as one of the most decorated drivers in the sport's history. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff reflected on the evolution of his relationship with Hamilton, highlighting their mutual respect and camaraderie that developed despite facing challenges. Their partnership was pivotal in shaping Mercedes into a dominant force in Formula One, and Wolff emphasized the importance of communication in maintaining their strong bond.
Charles Leclerc's New Challenge
As Hamilton prepares to join Ferrari, Charles Leclerc anticipates the challenges of competing against a seven-time world champion in the same car. Leclerc enjoyed a breakthrough season, claiming victories at prestigious races such as Monaco and Monza while expressing excitement about the prospect of learning from Hamilton. He recognizes the motivation Hamilton's presence will bring to the team and views their rivalry as both a challenge and opportunity for personal growth. Leclerc acknowledges the need to consistently perform at his best, with Hamilton serving as a benchmark for excellence in the sport.
Carlos Sainz's Transition to Williams
Carlos Sainz faced a tumultuous 2024 season marked by speculation surrounding his future, ultimately confirming his move to Williams for the upcoming season. Recovering from an appendectomy that sidelined him, Sainz returned to the track with determination, exemplified by his unexpected win in Australia, a moment he credits with reshaping his confidence. As he looks toward the future with Williams, Sainz expresses eager anticipation for the challenges ahead and aims to be a key player in revitalizing the team's performance. Despite the difficulties of the previous season, he remains optimistic about his next chapter in Formula One.
Rising Stars Making Their Mark
The 2024 season saw the debut of several talented rookies in Formula One, with Oli Behrman, Franco Colopinto, and Jack Doohan stepping onto the grand stage. Behrman's debut for Ferrari was particularly striking, as he not only performed exceptionally well but also earned championship points in his very first race, showcasing his potential as a future star. His impressive performance led to a full-time seat with Haas for the 2025 season, highlighting the increasing competitiveness of young drivers in the sport. This influx of new talent has raised expectations for future seasons, as these rookies strive to make their mark in a highly competitive field.
Reflections on Formula One's Legends
The podcast episode featured heartfelt reflections from various legendary figures within Formula One, including Fernando Alonso and Juan Pablo Montoya. Alonso recently celebrated his 400th Grand Prix, acknowledging the journey that led him to this monumental achievement while remaining committed to his future in the sport. Montoya shared insights about the evolving landscape of driver relationships, contrasting his era's more cutthroat environment with the camaraderie seen among today's drivers. Each legend offered unique perspectives, illustrating their passion for racing and the lasting impact of their contributions to the sport.
On F1 Beyond The Grid, the stars of the world's fastest sport slow down for in-depth interviews.
In this end-of year special, presenter Tom Clarkson picks his favourite moments from the dramatic 2024 Formula 1 season. Guests reveal what it’s like being at the centre of the biggest stories of the year, sharing fascinating insight into what life is like as a Formula 1 driver, Team Principal, engineer, designer, and more.
Fernando Alonso reflects on becoming the first driver in F1 history to compete in 400 Grands Prix and why he nearly retired much earlier in his career. Carlos Sainz explains how he recovered from physical and mental setbacks to win multiple races. And Ollie Bearman describes what it was really like making his F1 debut at such short notice in Saudi Arabia.
As well as today’s big names, legends of the past like Juan Pablo Montoya and David Coulthard relive their career-defining moments. Plus, you’ll hear memories of Lewis Hamilton’s time at Mercedes and Bruno Senna’s stories of growing up with his uncle Ayrton, 30 years on from his death.
Thank you for listening in 2024. F1 Beyond The Grid will return in 2025.
To hear the full interviews with the guests featured in this show, click on the links below…