F1: Chequered Flag
BBC Radio 5 Live
F1 Chequered Flag from the BBC offers expert analysis of every F1 race, with exclusive insight into every twist and turn of the F1 season. Each episode brings you in-depth race reviews, breaking down the strategies that shape each Grand Prix and the key players making headlines. Hear from F1 stars like Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris, and the bosses of powerhouse teams like Red Bull, Mercedes, Ferrari and McLaren. And get up to speed on the cars and tactics changing the game. Coming up this season: what will it take for Max Verstappen to win his fifth consecutive world title? Can McLaren retain their lead from the 2024 Constructors Championship? Will Oscar Piastri or Lando Norris take the lead, the two McLaren team-mates turned rivals? How will Lewis Hamilton perform after his shock switch to Ferrari? And what can we expect from this season’s rookie drivers, Oliver Bearman, Kimi Antonelli, Jack Doohan, Isack Hadjar and Gabriel Bortoleto?Stay tuned for the latest F1 updates, straight from the track.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 9, 2025 • 28min
São Paulo Grand Prix Review
Join Abbi Pulling, reigning F1 Academy champion, and Andrew Benson, BBC F1 correspondent, as they dive deep into the thrilling São Paulo Grand Prix. They analyze Lando Norris' perfect race weekend, his tire management, and the implications for his championship lead. Oscar Piastri's incident and the controversy around his penalty are unpacked, while Max Verstappen's impressive climb from the pit lane sparks discussions on Red Bull's challenges. The team also highlights Kimi Antonelli’s stellar performance and Ferrari's woes, wrapping up with a look ahead to the exciting Las Vegas race.
Nov 8, 2025 • 31min
São Paulo Qualifying Review
Andrew Benson, BBC F1 correspondent, joins the discussion on qualifying at São Paulo. They explore Lando Norris's sprint victory and how he secured pole position, showcasing his impressive form. The team analyzes Oscar Piastri's struggles, highlighting the pressure he faces amid a challenging season. Max Verstappen's unexpected Q1 exit is dissected, along with Red Bull's performance woes. The conversation wraps up with insights on Kimi Antonelli's standout weekend and predictions for the race, set against possible drizzle conditions.
Nov 7, 2025 • 57min
São Paulo Grand Prix Preview
Join reigning F1 Academy champion Abbi Pulling as she shares insights on the São Paulo Grand Prix. Abbi explores Lando Norris's recent championship surge and the mindset shifts propelling his performance. The panel discusses the impact of a suspension tweak on his results, along with Max Verstappen's do-or-die attitude heading into the race. They reflect on Interlagos' unique atmosphere, potential wet weather challenges, and predictions for both drivers' and constructors' battles, including an exciting talk about rookie Gabriel Bortoleto.
Oct 30, 2025 • 20min
Chequered Flag Extra: Aston Martin Special
In a captivating discussion, Andy Cowell, a former Mercedes power unit lead now helming Aston Martin, shares insights from his impressive career in motorsport. He dives into the ambitious vision of Lawrence Stroll and the team's transition to a works team. Andy elaborates on the impact of Adrian Newey's engineering prowess and the challenges posed by the upcoming 2026 regulations. With excitement brewing around Aston's new facilities and partnerships, Andy fuels hopes for a competitive future on the grid with a touch of humor.
10 snips
Oct 27, 2025 • 42min
Mexico City Grand Prix Review
In this lively discussion, Andrew Benson, BBC Formula 1 correspondent, and Sam Bird, British racing driver, provide in-depth analysis of the Mexico City Grand Prix. They delve into Lando Norris's impressive pole-to-victory triumph and the fan reactions he faced on the podium. The duo unpacks the chaotic start featuring Verstappen, Hamilton's penalty implications, and Ferrari's strategic execution. They also spotlight Oliver Behrman's outstanding drive to fourth, naming him 'hero of the race.' Racecraft insights and technical details bring the action to life!
Oct 26, 2025 • 27min
Mexico City Grand Prix Qualifying Review
In this episode, British racing driver Sam Bird shares his expertise on the thrilling qualifying session at the Mexico City Grand Prix. He analyzes Lando Norris's impressive pole lap and discusses McLaren's setup advantages over teammate Oscar Piastri, who faced challenges. The championship landscape intensifies as Max Verstappen battles grip issues, while Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton shine with strong performances. Sam also dives into first-lap strategies and tyre management, offering race predictions that heighten the anticipation for Sunday.
Oct 24, 2025 • 49min
Mexico City Grand Prix Preview
Join former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer, BBC's Andrew Benson, and journalist Rebecca Clancy as they dissect the lead-up to the Mexico City Grand Prix. They evaluate Max Verstappen's resurgence in the title fight and unpack McLaren's internal dynamics and recent struggles. The panel discusses the unique challenges of the high-altitude circuit, Red Bull’s strategic maneuvers, and the implications of rookie drivers on the championship landscape. All this while predicting race outcomes and analyzing the potential for team disruptions!
Oct 20, 2025 • 32min
United States Grand Prix Review
Is it unthinkable that Max Verstappen has become some people’s favourite for the drivers’ title? 1996 world champion Damon Hill joins Jennie Gow and Harry Benjamin to reflect on his lights-to-flag victory in Austin. They hear from the four-time world champion, as well as the two McLaren drivers he’s hunting down - Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
Oct 19, 2025 • 33min
US Grand Prix Saturday Review
Has Max Verstappen put himself in the title race? With both McLaren drivers failing to score in the sprint and the Dutchman starting Sunday’s race from pole, Jennie Gow, Harry Benjamin and Christian Hewgill look back on a dramatic day in Austin. They hear from Verstappen, Norris and Piastri.
Oct 16, 2025 • 55min
United States Grand Prix preview
Will what happened in Singapore change the dynamic between McLaren’s two drivers for the rest of the season? Harry Benjamin is joined by Andrew Benson, Jennie Gow, Jolyon Palmer and Will Buxton to preview the race in Austin. We hear from both McLaren drivers, while George Russell discusses his new Mercedes contract and Haas’s Ollie Bearman sums up his season so far.
