On F1 Beyond The Grid, Formula 1's fastest stars slow down for in-depth conversations with Tom Clarkson. They reveal what it’s like being at the centre of the biggest stories of the season and share fascinating insight into what life is like as a Formula 1 driver, Team Principal, engineer, designer, and more. In this end-of year special, Tom picks his favourite moments from a long list of stellar guests. Fernando Alonso reflects on becoming the first driver in F1 history to compete in 400 Grands Prix and why he nearly retired much earlier in his career. Carlos Sainz explains how he recovered from physical and mental setbacks to win multiple races. And Ollie Bearman describes what it was really like making his F1 debut at such short notice in Saudi Arabia. As well as today’s big names, legends of the past like Juan Pablo Montoya and David Coulthard relive their career-defining moments. Plus, you’ll hear memories of Lewis Hamilton’s time at Mercedes and Bruno Senna’s stories of growing up with his uncle Ayrton, 30 years on from his death. Thank you for listening in 2024. F1 Beyond The Grid will return in 2025. To hear the full interviews with the guests featured in this show, click on the links below… Toto Wolff Charles Leclerc Carlos Sainz Juan Pablo Montoya David Coulthard Bruno Senna Fernando Alonso Andy Stevenson Ollie Bearman Ayao Komatsu Tom Stallard Paul Monaghan Experience F1 live Tickets for the 2025 F1 season are available now at tickets.formula1.com Discover F1 Unlocked Unseen. Unheard. F1 Unlocked. Dive into exclusive content from F1 experts, redeem rewards and enter money-can't-buy competitions. Click here to join for free This episode is sponsored by: Vanta: visit vanta.com/GRID for $1,000 off SelectQuote: Get the right life insurance for you for less at selectquote.com/BEYONDTHEGRID Unbound Merino: head over to unboundmerino.com where new customers can use the code GRID for 10% off of their order! Masterclass: get up to 50% off at masterclass.com/GRID  

How do Formula 1 drivers find the fastest way around the track? How do teams scout future superstars? Why is driving in F2 the best way of reaching the top? What really happens on the grid before a race? In 2024, F1 Explains answered these questions and many more sent in by listeners from all over the world. Christian Hewgill and Katie Osborne have picked the most fascinating moments from the podcast's second season: Liam Lawson on how drivers find the racing line Ollie Bearman reveals Ferrari's young driver scouting camps Oscar Piastri on how F2 prepared him to win in F1 Jack Doohan explains braking at 200mph Bernie Collins' guide to the F1 pit lane Planning the F1 calendar How performance engineers coach drivers to go faster What happens on the grid in the minutes before the race start Whether you're a new F1 fan or a long-time follower, there's always something more to learn about F1. If you have a question you'd like us to answer, send it as an email or a voice note to F1Explains@F1.com  Thank you for listening, for sending questions and for coming to our live shows in 2024. F1 Explains will be back for more in 2025. Listen to more official F1 Podcasts F1 Beyond The Grid - in-depth interviews with F1's biggest stars F1 Nation - Grand Prix reviews and previews from inside the F1 paddock Experience F1 live Tickets for the 2025 F1 season are available now at tickets.formula1.com Discover F1 Unlocked Unseen. Unheard. F1 Unlocked. Dive into exclusive content from F1 experts, redeem rewards and enter money-can't-buy competitions. Click here to join for free

'To finish first, first you have to finish'. Formula 1 teams can't score points, wins or championships unless their cars make it to the chequered flag. Reliability Engineers like Sauber's Laura Villadelprat work in the garage and the factory to keep the cars on-track and avoid the dreaded DNF (Did Not Finish). Laura explains how F1 teams know when it's time to swap old car parts for new ones, how they monitor reliability in real time, and what they do to investigate the causes of race-ending problems. 'Hi F1 Explains, my F1 question is...' You can get your question answered on the podcast. Send your question to F1Explains@F1.com Listen to more official F1 podcasts F1 Beyond The Grid - exclusive interviews with F1's biggest stars F1 Nation - expert Grand Prix reviews and previews Discover F1 Unlocked Unseen. Unheard. F1 Unlocked. Dive into exclusive content from F1 experts, redeem rewards and enter money-can't-buy competitions. Click here to join for free

Pato O'Ward, an IndyCar race winner with Arrow McLaren, shares his electrifying experiences as a reserve driver for McLaren F1 Team. He vividly contrasts the thrill of driving F1 cars with IndyCars, revealing fascinating insights into vehicle aerodynamics and the physical demands of each series. Pato also discusses the dramatic differences in pit stops and reminisces about his nostalgic drive in a classic McLaren F1 car. His passion for racing shines as he delves into the unique challenges and exquisite sensations of high-speed motorsport.

Silvia Bellot, VP of Sporting and Race Operations at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, shares her insights on transforming the iconic Las Vegas Strip into a high-speed racetrack. She discusses the colossal logistics of managing over 15,000 workers, safety barriers, and dazzling lighting systems. The conversation also touches on balancing the race with regular city traffic and highlights the thrill and atmosphere that Formula 1 brings to the entertainment capital of the world. Fans weigh in on their excitement, and future events like the F1 Academy season finale are teased.

In this engaging conversation, Bernie Collins, former Aston Martin Head of Race Strategy and Sky Sports F1 analyst, dives deep into the electrifying world of F1 pit lanes. He elucidates how crucial pit stops can turn the tide of a race and the intense communication required among the pit wall crew. Collins also highlights the fascinating significance of pit boards and their evolution over time. Additionally, he shares humorous insights about the color schemes of pit crews, blending fun with the serious dynamics of race day challenges.

F1 Explains gave listeners who attended our live show at F1 Arcade Washington D.C. the chance to win tickets for the 2025 Miami Grand Prix. Courtesy of the Miami Grand Prix, two lucky listeners have won a pair of tickets for the new McLaren grandstand, some exclusive McLaren merchandise and the chance to win a hot lap of the track with a professional driver. The draw was done at random and it's time to announce the winners. Congratulations to them, and thank you to everyone who entered. You can buy 2025 Miami Grand Prix tickets here. Send your F1 questions to F1Explains@F1.com

The clock is ticking. The starting grid is full of people - drivers, engineers, reporters and celebrities. Formula 1 is about to go racing, but there's so much work to do. What happens on the grid in the crucial final minutes before lights out? In the first podcast episode to be recorded on a Formula 1 starting grid before a race, Christian Hewgill and Katie Osborne push through the crowds and explain what teams and drivers are doing, why the pre-race countdown is so important and the rules of the F1 grid. McLaren Race Engineer Tom Stallard tells us what he and Oscar Piastri are talking about on the grid. Plus celebrity chef and F1 fan Gordon Ramsay describes the pre-race atmosphere. 'Hi F1 Explains, my F1 question is...' Be part of the podcast. Send your question to F1Explains@F1.com Listen to more official F1 podcasts F1 Beyond The Grid - exclusive interviews with F1's biggest stars F1 Nation - expert Grand Prix reviews and previews Experience Formula 1 live Tickets for the end of the 2024 F1 season and the start of 2025 are available now at tickets.formula1.com Discover F1 Unlocked Unseen. Unheard. F1 Unlocked. Dive into exclusive content from F1 experts, redeem epic rewards and enter money-can't-buy competitions. Click here to join for free

Want somewhere to watch a Grand Prix with F1 fans, race against your friends and enjoy food and drink? Look no further than F1 Arcade! Christian and Katie recorded a special episode of F1 Explains at F1 Arcade Washington D.C. after the Mexico City GP Watch Party. F1 Arcade is open now in Washington D.C., Boston MA, plus London and Birmingham in the UK. Go to f1arcade.com to buy tickets for Watch Parties or a high-speed night out. F1 Explains listeners Kim, Lindsay, Nick, Hayden and Kat asked Katie and Christian to explain how drivers influence strategy during a race, what Team Principals do on the pit wall, and the difference between 'dirty air' and a slipstream. Plus, F1 Explains gave people who attended the Watch Party the chance to win tickets to the 2025 Miami Grand Prix. The competition is now closed. Winners will be announced on a future episode. Good luck to everyone who entered. Tickets courtesy of the Miami Grand Prix You can buy 2025 Miami Grand Prix tickets here Listen to more official F1 podcasts For in-depth interviews with F1's biggest stars, listen to F1 Beyond The Grid  For race previews and reviews from inside the F1 paddock, listen to F1 Nation

A Formula 1 legend and a brand new star took to the stage at Circuit of the Americas for F1 Explains LIVE. Christian Hewgill and Katie Osborne put your questions to 2-time World Champion Mika Hakkinen, and Ferrari Academy Driver and 2025 Haas F1 Team Driver, Ollie Bearman. F1 Explains listeners Rachel from Austin, Texas, Michelle from Cleveland, Ohio, Erin from Los Angeles, California and Ryan and Daniel from New Zealand asked Mika and Ollie questions about how Ferrari spotted Ollie, how to be fast at your next karting party and how drivers gain confidence. NBA star and F1 fan Sidy Cissoko of the San Antonio Spurs got his question answered too! And, Katie and Christian had a very special surprise for two McLaren fans who travelled from the other side of the world to see the show. You can be part of the podcast! Send your questions to F1Explains@F1.com Special thanks to Ella Clarke and Mark Jones  F1 Explains LIVE at F1 Arcade Washington D.C. - Sunday October 27th Join Christian and Katie at the brand new F1 Arcade Washington D.C. to watch the Mexico City Grand Prix. Watch the race with other F1 fans, enjoy racing simulators, food + drink, and be part of an F1 Explains episode recording. Watch Party starts at 3pm. F1 Arcade Washington D.C., Union Market, 420 Penn St. NE Washington, D.C. Last few tickets at f1arcade.com/us/watch-parties/mexico-city Listen to more official F1 podcasts For in-depth interviews with F1's biggest stars, listen to F1 Beyond The Grid  For race previews and reviews from inside the F1 paddock, listen to F1 Nation Be there when the 2024 Formula 1 World Champion is crowned: Tickets for the end of the 2024 F1 season and the start of 2025 are available now at tickets.formula1.com