

F1: Chequered Flag
BBC Radio 5 Live
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

5 snips
Aug 7, 2025 • 26min
Chequered Flag Extra: Damon Hill Special
Damon Hill, the 1996 F1 World Champion and son of legendary driver Graham Hill, shares his riveting journey through the world of motorsport. He opens up about the profound impact of his father's legacy and how tragedy shaped his career. Delving into his early passion for motorcycles, he recounts his unexpected rise to F1 glory. The conversation touches on the emotional aftermath of the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix, blending triumph and loss. Hill's insights on his new documentary give a personal glimpse into the complexities of racing life.

Aug 3, 2025 • 25min
Hungarian Grand Prix Review
Lando Norris's thrilling one-stop victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix takes center stage as he narrowly fends off teammate Oscar Piastri's two-stop strategy. The race highlights include George Russell's podium finish and a dejected Charles Leclerc, who started on pole but ended fourth. As emotions run high, the dynamic between veteran drivers and rising stars is explored, particularly a seasoned driver's impressive performance on his 44th birthday. The discussion wraps up with debates over the Driver of the Day and insights into future races.

9 snips
Aug 2, 2025 • 27min
Hungarian Grand Prix Qualifying Review
Sam Bird is a seasoned commentator and analyst for Formula 1, while Jennie Gow serves as a pit lane reporter, bringing her on-the-ground insights to the discussions. They dive into Lewis Hamilton's dismay after qualifying 12th, contrasting it with Charles Leclerc's unexpected pole. The duo explores the emotional rollercoaster of F1, the impact of varying track conditions, and the fierce rivalry between McLaren teammates. They also stir up excitement by making predictions ahead of the Grand Prix and discuss the intricacies of tire strategies and car performance.

Aug 1, 2025 • 58min
Hungarian Grand Prix Preview
Sam Bird, a seasoned Formula E driver and former Mercedes test driver, joins commentator Harry Benjamin and F1 star Lando Norris to preview the Hungarian Grand Prix. They dive into the fierce rivalry at McLaren between Norris and Oscar Piastri, providing thrilling insights. The conversation also touches on Carlos Sainz reflecting on life in F1, and Benjamin shares the story behind his iconic race-start catchphrase. They wrap up with predictions and a peek into the competitive dynamics shaping the season.

6 snips
Jul 27, 2025 • 31min
Belgian Grand Prix Review
Damon Hill, the 1996 F1 world champion, joins Harry Benjamin to dive into the thrilling details of the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa. They discuss Oscar Piastri's stunning victory and whether he's outshone teammate Lando Norris. Hill analyzes the tense moments throughout the race, from rookie Piastri's tactics to the challenges faced by Ferrari. Listeners get insight into drivers' strategies, the impact of weather delays, and reactions from stars like Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. It's a captivating look at shifting team dynamics and racing brilliance.

15 snips
Jul 26, 2025 • 19min
Belgian Grand Prix Qualifying Review
Damon Hill, the 1996 Formula One world champion, joins Harry Benjamin to dissect the thrilling qualifying and sprint race at Spa. They dive into Lando Norris's impressive pole position and his challenges during the sprint. The duo analyzes Charles Leclerc's standout performance and Ferrari's upgrades, contrasting it with Max Verstappen's struggles under pressure. They also ponder the impact of weather conditions on race strategies, pit stop tactics, and the dynamics within teams, setting the stage for an exciting upcoming race.

7 snips
Jul 25, 2025 • 57min
Belgian Grand Prix Preview
Alisha Palmowski, a promising Red Bull team racer in the F1 Academy, joins to dissect the ongoing drama at Red Bull Racing. They dive deep into Laurent Mekies' appointment and its implications for Max Verstappen’s future. The discussion highlights the challenges of transitioning to new leadership and adapting to evolving team dynamics. Alisha shares insights into her own racing journey, the fierce rivalry in the F1 Academy, and the critical importance of momentum and mindset in the sport. A thrilling preview of the Belgian Grand Prix awaits!

Jul 16, 2025 • 29min
Chequered Flag Extra: What next for Max Verstappen?
Jaime Alguersuari, a former Toro Rosso driver now playing a pivotal role in motorsport discussions, shares insights into the recent upheavals at Red Bull. The conversation delves into the impact of Christian Horner's departure as team principal and the potential future for star driver Max Verstappen. Alguersuari analyzes the dynamics under new principal Laurent Mekies, exploring leadership transitions and their implications. The episode also touches on the evolving landscape of Formula One, including driver developments and the challenges ahead for the Red Bull team.

16 snips
Jul 9, 2025 • 23min
Horner sacked as Red Bull team principal
Christian Horner's shocking dismissal as Red Bull's team principal sends ripples through the F1 community. The discussion dives into how this leadership change may affect the team’s dynamics and the future of star driver Max Verstappen. As internal strife and performance issues come to light, the impact on engineering strategies and driver compatibility is scrutinized. With new leadership on the horizon, listeners ponder what this means for Red Bull Racing as they gear up for the British Grand Prix.

9 snips
Jul 6, 2025 • 27min
British Grand Prix Review
Sam Bird, a key figure at McLaren, joins Jennie Gow to celebrate Lando Norris's thrilling win at the British Grand Prix. They dive into the chaotic moments of the race, including a bizarre incident where Norris was accidentally hit by a curtain while celebrating. The discussion also highlights Nico Hülkenberg's emotional first podium finish in 15 years and the fierce rivalry between McLaren teammates. Fans are treated to insights on strategic decisions and the intense spirit of competition that marked this unforgettable race.