F1: Chequered Flag

Join Sam Bird, a McLaren Formula E driver, as he offers his technical insights into the thrilling Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Discussing Oscar Piastri's unexpected victory and lead in the championship, Sam dives into the controversy surrounding Max Verstappen's tactics. The conversation also explores how racing regulations are shaping team strategies, particularly between McLaren and Red Bull. With reflections on driver performances and rivalries, this chat encapsulates the adrenaline-fueled excitement of the current F1 season.

Harry Benjamin, Sam Bird and Andrew Benson look back at qualifying from Jeddah as Max Verstappen claimed pole and Lando Norris crashed out. We hear from both drivers, as well as Oscar Piastri and George Russell.

Abbi Pulling and Andrew Benson join Harry to preview the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, diving into the intra-team dynamics at McLaren as both drivers battle for the championship title. We hear from both drivers and Max Verstappen, whose future at Red Bull is under growing scrutiny.

Harry, Andrew and Marc look back at Oscar Piastri's lights to flag win in Bahrain. What happened to Lando Norris? And are we now seeing the true performance of the Red Bulls? We hear from the top three, as well as Max Verstappen.

The hosts dive into the electrifying qualifying session for the Bahrain Grand Prix. Oscar Piastri secures McLaren’s first pole position, while Lando Norris faces unexpected challenges. Emotional highs for Pierre Gasly contrast with frustrations for Max Verstappen over car setup. The team discusses tire management strategies and the impact of track conditions. Notably, Yuki Tsunoda shines with a standout performance for Red Bull, adding to the competitive landscape. Predictions for the race weekend build excitement as insights and pressures of F1 qualifying unfold.

Anticipation builds for the Bahrain Grand Prix as the hosts discuss the fierce competition among top drivers like Lando Norris and Max Verstappen. They analyze car dynamics, tire strategies, and the crucial role of qualifying positions. Ferrari's struggles and Lewis Hamilton's recent challenges are also explored. Notably, they delve into FIA governance issues, including recent controversies and the implications of new regulations. Predictions are made about potential surprises and standout performances, adding to the excitement of the upcoming race.

Alice Powell, a British racing driver and expert analyst, joins the discussion on the thrilling Japanese Grand Prix. She highlights Max Verstappen's exceptional race management and McLaren's strategic decisions that played a crucial role. The conversation dives into the intense competition in the Drivers' Championship, with standout performances from Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc. Insights on technical challenges faced by drivers, including dirty air dynamics, and the emerging talents like Isack Hadjar add depth to the analysis, hinting at an exciting season ahead.

Harry Benjamin and British racing driver Alice Powell react to qualifying at the Japanese Grand Prix. Hear from Max Verstappen after he delivered a stunning lap to secure a surprise pole position. Plus, we discuss McLaren’s chances in the race from second and third, Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari struggles at Suzuka, Isack Hadjar’s seatbelt issues, and Yuki Tsunoda’s disappointment following his first qualifying session with Red Bull at his home race.

Yuki Tsunoda, a dynamic Formula 1 driver for Red Bull Racing, shares insights on his recent driver swap with Liam Lawson. The discussion reveals his emotional journey returning to his home track at Suzuka, highlighting the intense pressures and expectations he faces. The podcast dives into Red Bull's challenges with driver management and the psychological toll on racers. Additionally, it explores the vibrant atmosphere of Suzuka and previews key strategies for the upcoming race, including the fierce rivalry between McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

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 21 World titles in total, and in this bonus episode hear exclusive interviews with Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, Andrea Stella, Zak Brown, and more insight from those driving the championship from inside the McLaren Technology Centre and how they plan to do it all again in 2025 and beyond.