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
Sep 25, 2025 • 31min
Chequered Flag Extra: Albon on life at Williams & Verstappen in the hunt?
In this conversation, Alex Albon, a talented driver for Williams, shares insights from his journey through motorsport, beginning with his childhood passion for cars. He reflects on the challenges faced at Red Bull and mentoring Yuki Tsunoda. Albon dives into Williams' impressive turnaround under James Vowles, highlighting the cultural shifts and renewed belief driving their performance. He also reminisces about his exhilarating karting victory, showcasing the personal side of a competitive spirit in Formula 1.
11 snips
Sep 21, 2025 • 37min
Azerbaijan Grand Prix Review
Abbi Pulling, the reigning F1 Academy champion and skilled single-seater driver, joins the discussion to analyze the dramatic Azerbaijan Grand Prix. She shares insights on Max Verstappen's impressive pole-to-win performance and discusses Red Bull's potential upgrades. The conversation dives into McLaren's struggles, particularly Oscar Piastri's challenging weekend and his crash. Lando Norris's race tactics and the midfield battles are also highlighted, along with a preview of how the upcoming Singapore race could unfold.
Sep 20, 2025 • 33min
Azerbaijan Grand Prix Qualifying Review
Abbi Pulling, the reigning F1 Academy champion, joins Ben Edwards and Andrew Benson to delve into the thrilling chaos of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix qualifying. They dissect Verstappen's stunning pole position and the struggles of McLaren's Norris and Piastri in challenging conditions. Oscar Piastri reveals the factors behind his crash, and the team highlights the impressive performances of Williams’ Carlos Sainz and Liam Lawson. As they navigate Ferrari's issues and the race outlook, insights into midfield developments keep listeners on the edge of their seats!
Sep 18, 2025 • 48min
Azerbaijan Grand Prix Preview
Former Formula 1 driver Jolyon Palmer joins the discussion, offering sharp insights into the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. He evaluates McLaren's intense title rivalry between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Palmer dives into the controversial team orders following their recent drama in Monza. The circuit's thrilling history of surprises and crashes is revisited, as they speculate on Red Bull's comeback prospects and debate the sprint race expansion. This engaging talk amplifies the excitement before the race weekend.
9 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 31min
Chequered Flag Extra: McLaren Team Orders & Eyes To The Lights
Rebecca Lee, the Head of single-seater operations and F1's permanent starter, joins the conversation to dive into the controversial team orders at McLaren. She shares insights from the race gantry, highlighting the meticulous processes behind lights control at race starts. The discussion also explores the competitive dynamics between McLaren drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, reflecting on the delicate balance of competition and collaboration. Fans' reactions and the implications of race strategy further enrich this engaging dialogue.
Sep 7, 2025 • 35min
Italian Grand Prix Review
Join Andrew Benson, BBC's F1 correspondent, as he dives into the thrilling drama of the Italian Grand Prix. He discusses Max Verstappen's record-breaking win and the intense rivalry with McLaren's Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. The conversation highlights the team's dynamics, including the controversial decisions surrounding team orders. Benson also reflects on the early race challenges and strategies that could shape future competitions. Tune in for insights on performance, loyalty, and the fascinating world of Formula 1!
Sep 6, 2025 • 27min
Italian Grand Prix Qualifying Review
Harry Benjamin, Jennie Gow and British racing driver Alice Powell reflect on qualifying at the Italian Grand Prix. Who would take pole position as the battle for the championship intensifies? We hear from the top three and discuss the fastest lap in Formula 1 history. Plus, how would Ferrari perform on home soil, as Lewis Hamilton looks to overcome a five-place grid penalty?
Sep 4, 2025 • 58min
Italian Grand Prix Preview
Roberto Chinchero, an Italian journalist known for his keen insights into Ferrari and the F1 scene, joins in an exciting discussion. They explore the intense passion of the Tifosi at Monza, as Lewis Hamilton shares his electrifying experiences there. The team delves into Ferrari's current challenges and the fierce competition they face from rivals like McLaren and Red Bull. Predictions for the upcoming race spark lively debates, highlighting contenders like Charles Leclerc and the rising star, Oscar Piastri, while the atmosphere vibrates with the excitement of Italy's legendary race.
Aug 31, 2025 • 35min
Dutch Grand Prix Review
A thrilling recap reveals Oscar Piastri's stunning victory and Max Verstappen's strategic brilliance. The emotional first podium for rookie Isaac Hadjar steals the spotlight as hosts analyze team dynamics and the impact of mechanical failures. The contrasting performances of Red Bull Racing and their junior team spark debate about driver promotions. Dramatic race events, including collisions and penalties, highlight the intense competition within Formula 1, while previews of the upcoming Monza Grand Prix promise more excitement.
Aug 30, 2025 • 37min
Dutch Grand Prix Qualifying Review
The excitement of qualifying at the Dutch Grand Prix unfolds, with Oscar Piastri stunning everyone by clinching pole position against teammate Lando Norris in a nail-biting showdown. Tension rises as fans anticipate how this rivalry will impact the championship. Lewis Hamilton aims to regroup after a rocky season, while discussions of car dynamics and weather conditions add to the race's intrigue. A humorous anecdote about an unexpected purchase from last year's Singapore race offers a light-hearted touch to the predictions for the upcoming race.
