F1: Chequered Flag

In this thrilling discussion, Graeme Loudon, a motorsport entrepreneur, and Rob White, COO of the Cadillac Formula One team, dive into the complexities of entering the F1 arena. Loudon reveals the risky strategies behind Cadillac's ambitious entry and the meticulous planning required for success. White takes listeners on an exclusive tour of their UK factory, sharing insights on outsourcing and the tight timelines leading to 2026. The challenges and excitement of building a new F1 team come alive as they reflect on their journey and future hopes.

Dive into the thrilling rookie seasons of Kimi Antonelli and Ollie Bearman as they navigate the high-stakes world of Formula 1. Hosted by Rosamund Pike, this series offers a behind-the-scenes look at their journeys, featuring insights from their teams. Discover Cadillac's ambitious bid to join the F1 grid in 2026, alongside the anticipated rule changes that promise to shake things up. Join the excitement as these young drivers tackle the challenges of fame, competition, and the quest for greatness!

Damon Hill, a former Formula 1 World Champion, joins the discussion to analyze Max Verstappen's impressive pole performance as stakes rise for the title showdown. He delves into the complexities of McLaren’s driver dynamics and the strategic options facing Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. The panel debates race start tactics, potential team strategies, and how Verstappen's mindset may shape the race. Insights into Lewis Hamilton's struggles and Ferrari's future add to the thrilling preview of the season finale.

Jolyon Palmer, a former F1 driver and analyst, joins journalist Rebecca Clancy and pit-lane reporter Rosanna Tennant to dissect the thrilling title showdown between Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, and Oscar Piastri. They explore the pressure on Norris, the significance of qualifying, and Verstappen's calm demeanor amidst the chaos. Insights into media interactions reveal a mix of bravado and respect among the drivers. With historical parallels and team dynamics in play, the panel predicts this nail-biting finale will be one for the books.

British racing driver Sam Bird joins to shed light on Lando Norris, who is gunning for the 2025 drivers’ title. They delve into Norris's journey from karting to Formula 1 fame, revealing the crucial role of a driver coach in honing performance. The discussion highlights Norris's unique transparency and emotional struggles amidst the pressures of racing. Insights from his former teammate, Carlos Sainz, and McLaren's Andrea Stella underscore Norris's potential as a future champion, as they explore the balance of authenticity and competitiveness in motorsport.

Claire Dubbelman, F1's Deputy Race Director, shares her inspiring journey in a male-dominated field, detailing her rise within the motorsport hierarchy. She talks about the critical role of a race director, managing race safety, and the teamwork involved in high-stakes moments. Passionate about promoting female participation, Claire advocates for greater representation and a supportive culture for women in motorsport. She hopes her position will inspire others and emphasizes the importance of community and resilience in the racing world.

Jerry Bruckheimer, the legendary producer behind blockbusters, shares insights on crafting the highly anticipated F1 movie. F1 President Stefano Domenicali discusses the thrilling collaboration between motorsport and Hollywood, revealing the challenges of blending authenticity with cinematic flair. Meanwhile, Kerry Condon, the Oscar-nominated actress, details her preparation for the lead role, including intense training to capture the racing spirit. Together, they explore the logistics of filming at live races, aiming to attract new fans to the electrifying world of Formula 1.

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.

In the desert kingdom of Abu Dhabi, the sun is about to set on a record-breaking Formula 1 season. After an intense battle across 23 races, just one will now decide which team will be crowned World Champions. Formula 1’s oldest rivals, McLaren and Ferrari are, once again, pitted against one another in a title fight. The Scuderia have 31 titles and McLaren 20 – but only one of them will claim the Constructors’ crown in Abu Dhabi to add to their tally.The pressure is on McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Norris, fresh from his fight with Max Verstappen, must now keep his Ferrari rivals, Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc, at bay. The British star will need all the help he can get from his teammate Oscar Piastri as both of them must work together to bring the Constructors’ Championship back to McLaren for the first time since 1998. McLaren are protecting a 21-point lead at the top of the table – and to win they must outscore Ferrari by 15 points. F1 experts Sarah Holt and Holly Samos speak to the McLaren drivers on the eve of the biggest race of their lives. McLaren CEO Zak Brown and Team Principal Andrea Stella can only watch from the pit wall, the team’s fate now out of their hands.The nerves are also building back at base. McLaren’s Championship push is also the work of the hundreds of staff working at the factory, many of whom we have met during this series. If McLaren can win the title, it will have been fuelled by people power. When our guides Sarah Holt and Holly Samos return to the McLaren Technology Centre for a final time, will there be celebrations or commiserations?At Aston Martin, the team is preparing to reveal the final part of the puzzle that will complete the transformation of its Formula 1 factory. After opening the doors to our series for unprecedented VIP access to its factory, Aston Martin has cut the ribbon on new buildings and facilities - and announced major new signings. There is now one final revelation which the team hopes will set them on the road to becoming champions. The ambition to return to the front of the grid is also shared by drivers Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso.The curtain is about to fall on the 2024 Formula 1 season. A rollercoaster ride through 24 grands prix across the world. Now, the teams and drivers are going into hibernation - before the quest to become the best in F1 begins again in 2025. F1: Back at Base is an IMG Production for the BBC Hosted by Josh Hartnett Co-hosts & Executive Producers are Holly Samos and Sarah Holt The Producers are Alasdair Cresswell, Joe Aldridge and Jack Winstanley The Senior Producer is Ollie Kneen The Executive Producer for IMG is Steve Tebb The Story Editor and Scriptwriter is Sarah Holt The Showrunner is Holly Samos The Commissioning Editor at the BBC is Stevie Middleton

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 Grand Prix is run by F1 itself. So the pressure is on the event’s CEO Renee Wilm to get everything just right. There will be extra focus on this year’s Grand Prix, as Las Vegas is the first race where the 2024 Drivers’ Championship can be decided. The season has seesawed between Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and McLaren challenger Lando Norris. But it’s Verstappen who can defend his World title, simply by finishing ahead of his British rival in the Grand Prix. Back at base, McLaren are studying the data as they prepare for another crucial event in the U.S.Aston Martin race engineers Chris Cronin and Andrew Vizard are also doing their homework ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix. It’s not just the racing that the teams are preparing for back at base. At every Grand Prix across the season, the team's wine and dine guests and there are some big celebrity names on the Las Vegas guest list. But when night falls for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, and the starting lights go out, all eyes will be on Norris and Verstappen.The penultimate race of the season for the F1 teams lies 8,000 miles east of Vegas in Qatar. The 2023 race around the Lusail Circuit, which was held earlier in the year, was brutal. Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll and his Performance Coach Henry Howe reveal how they are preparing for the rigours of the desert race. The 2024 Formula 1 season is also the longest in the sport’s history, with 24 races on the calendar. McLaren driver Oscar Piastri is taking it all in his stride but the Australian does have a unique take on the brain power that is needed in F1.McLaren are aiming to flex their muscles this weekend because Qatar offers the first chance to clinch the Constructors’ crown. To do that they need to out-score rivals Ferrari by 45 points. The heat is on, in more ways than one, in Qatar.F1:Back at Base is narrated by Josh Hartnett. It is created and produced by Sarah Holt and Holly Samos and is an IMG Production for the BBC.