Fernando Alonso made history by competing in his 400th Grand Prix, showcasing his resilience and passion for racing despite contemplating retirement.
Carlos Sainz demonstrated remarkable resilience in overcoming personal and professional challenges, securing a seat with Williams after a turbulent season.
Oli Bearman's unexpected debut for Ferrari highlights the fast-paced nature of F1, emphasizing the opportunities and pressures faced by young drivers.
Deep dives
The Impact of Lewis Hamilton's Move to Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton's announcement to join Ferrari in 2025 sent shockwaves through the Formula One community, marking the end of an illustrious era with Mercedes. His collaboration with Mercedes resulted in six Drivers' World titles, eight Constructors' titles, and numerous race victories, solidifying their place in racing history. Toto Wolff, the Mercedes team principal, shared insights into their relationship, emphasizing how they overcame challenges and disagreements to build a strong bond. This transition signifies a new chapter not just for Hamilton, but also for the sport as it prepares for dynamic rivalries in the coming seasons.
Charles Leclerc's New Challenge
With Hamilton joining Ferrari, Charles Leclerc is gearing up for a significant challenge as he prepares to team up with the seven-time world champion. Leclerc acknowledged that competing alongside a driver of Hamilton's caliber will not only bring motivation but also push him to elevate his game. He views this partnership as a valuable learning opportunity and is determined to showcase his own capabilities. The blend of experience and talent is set to create a competitive atmosphere within Ferrari as they strive for success.
Carlos Sainz's Journey to Williams
Carlos Sainz faced a tumultuous year, starting with speculation about his future and ultimately securing a seat with Williams for the upcoming season. Reflecting on his challenges, Sainz recounted the emotional journey he underwent after losing his seat and undergoing an appendectomy. Despite the struggles, he found strength in his passion for racing and the unwavering support of his loved ones. Sainz's determination to rebuild his career and bring Williams back to competitiveness speaks volumes about his resilience.
Fernando Alonso's Historic Milestone
Fernando Alonso achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the first driver in history to compete in 400 Grand Prix, a testament to his enduring legacy in the sport. In celebrating his extraordinary career, Alonso reminisced about pivotal moments that could have led to an early retirement, emphasizing his passion for racing that drives him to continue competing. His recent performances, including strong finishes and strategic execution, demonstrate that he remains a formidable competitor on the grid. The excitement surrounding Alonso continues as he navigates the ever-evolving landscape of Formula One.
Oli Behrman's Impressive Debut
Oli Behrman’s debut in Formula One was nothing short of dramatic as he raced for Ferrari at a moment's notice, impressively securing points in his first outing. Behrman detailed the whirlwind experience that began with a midday call alerting him of the opportunity, leading to a nerve-wracking yet exhilarating race weekend. His successful performances have earned him a full-time seat with Haas for the following season, marking a significant step in his career. This positive trajectory highlights the potential of young drivers in a competitive environment, setting the stage for future successes.
A driver market for the ages, Verstappen at his very best, emotional race wins, new Constructor World Champions and the end of some iconic eras. The 2024 Formula 1 season was sensational.
On F1 Beyond The Grid, the stars of this dramatic year of racing have sat down with Tom Clarkson, revealing what it’s like being at the centre of the biggest stories of the season and sharing fascinating insight into what life is like as a Formula 1 driver, Team Principal, engineer, designer, and more. In this end-of year special, Tom picks his favourite moments from a long list of stellar guests.
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…