

F1 Explains
Formula 1
Your questions about Formula 1, answered by the experts. Katie Osborne and Christian Hewgill explain F1 with drivers, engineers and more of the amazing people behind-the-scenes.
Send your questions, voice notes and messages to F1Explains@F1.com
An official F1 podcast. For in-depth interviews with F1's biggest stars, listen to F1 Beyond The Grid. For race reviews and previews, listen to F1 Nation.
Send your questions, voice notes and messages to F1Explains@F1.com
An official F1 podcast. For in-depth interviews with F1's biggest stars, listen to F1 Beyond The Grid. For race reviews and previews, listen to F1 Nation.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 4, 2025 • 46min
Forza Ferrari – Why Ferrari are F1’s ‘most famous’ team
Ferrari is synonymous with Formula 1 around the world. They’ve won more World Championships than any other team in the sport’s history.
But is that success why they’re regarded as one of the most iconic names in F1? Or is there more to it?
F1 Explains is at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza to find out what makes Ferrari so special.
Christian Hewgill is joined by ESPN F1 journalist, Nate Saunders, who is also the author of ‘Forza Ferrari: How F1’s most famous team can win again’, and 2012 GP2 champion and F1TV pundit, Davide Valsecchi.
They discuss how Ferrari’s long history with Formula 1 began, the legacy of legendary founder Enzo Ferrari, the team’s famous Tifosi fanbase, the pressure they face from the Italian media and why winning a title with Ferrari is extra special.
Christian also meets some very passionate Italian Ferrari fans, who tell us why Ferrari mean so much to them, what it was like being at Monza when Charles Leclerc won in 2024, and how they would feel if Ferrari became World Champions again after such a long wait.
Get your question answered on the podcast
Send your voice notes and emails to F1Explains@F1.com
It's All To Drive For in 2025. Be there!
Book your seat for a Grand Prix this season at tickets.formula1.com
Listen to more official F1 podcasts
In-depth interviews on F1 Beyond The Grid
Expert reaction before and after every Grand Prix on F1 Nation

Aug 28, 2025 • 24min
Meet a Formula 1 pit crew - with Haas
The driver hits the brakes. The car stops in the pit lane and 20 people go to work. Wheel guns roar. Tyres spin. The car speeds back into the race. An F1 pit stop is 2 seconds of precision under pressure.
F1 Explains meets the people who make lightning-fast pit stops happen. Christian Hewgill puts your questions to Haas pit crew members Matt Thompson, Monique Hurrell and Marcus Farrer.
Matt, Monique and Marcus explain how they became part of the pit crew, what happens during a stop, and what they do for the rest of the race weekend.
Get your question answered on the podcast
Send your voice notes and emails to F1Explains@F1.com
It's All To Drive For in 2025. Be there!
Book your seat for a Grand Prix this season at tickets.formula1.com
Listen to more official F1 podcasts
In-depth interviews on F1 Beyond The Grid
Expert reaction before and after every Grand Prix on F1 Nation

8 snips
Jul 31, 2025 • 48min
How F1 teams find future stars – with Mercedes
Doriane Pin, a rising star and leader in the F1 Academy, shares her journey through the Mercedes Junior Driver Programme. Gwen Lagrue, the head of this program, discusses how they identify and nurture young talent, including standout drivers like George Russell and Kimi Antonelli. They explore the challenges of racing, from funding to the importance of mentorship. The duo emphasizes how Mercedes provides vital track exposure and support systems to ensure the next generation of racers is well-prepared for the competitive world of Formula 1.

Jul 24, 2025 • 33min
Ask Stefano Domenicali – F1 President and CEO answers your questions
Being the boss of Formula 1 is a big job. F1 teams, drivers, race promoters, sponsors and more than 825 million fans worldwide rely on Stefano Domenicali to lead the sport forwards.
It’s a huge responsibility, so how does he keep everyone happy?
Speaking to Christian Hewgill, Stefano explains exactly what his job involves and how the role compares to his time as Ferrari Team Principal.
He also answers your questions about the cost cap, the calendar, the points-scoring system, the sport’s growth in the US and why Formula 1 is entering a new era in 2026.
And with so many exciting new additions to the sport in the last few years - like F1 Sprint, the spectacular Las Vegas Grand Prix, the trailblazing F1 ACADEMY, and F1 The Movie - what does Stefano think the next big thing for Formula 1 will be?
Get your question answered on the podcast
Send your voice notes and emails to F1Explains@F1.com
NET ZERO
F1 is on-target to be Net Zero by 2030. The sport has reduced its carbon emissions by 26% since 2018. Read more here.
F1 THE MOVIE starring Brad Pitt
NOW PLAYING
Get tickets now
It's All To Drive For in 2025. Be there!
Book your seat for a Grand Prix this season at tickets.formula1.com
Listen to more official F1 podcasts
In-depth interviews on F1 Beyond The Grid
Expert reaction before and after every Grand Prix on F1 Nation

12 snips
Jul 17, 2025 • 36min
Esteban Ocon explains F1 training, post-race weigh-ins + racing focus
Esteban Ocon, a Haas driver and the tallest on the F1 grid, discusses the unique demands of F1 training. He shares insights about mental and physical preparation, revealing how drivers maintain focus during intense races. Listeners learn about post-race weigh-ins and the quirks of being a tall driver in a low cockpit. Ocon highlights his teamwork with race engineer Laura Mueller and reflects on his pre-race rituals. With entertaining anecdotes and a dose of humor, he offers a candid look at the life of a Formula 1 driver.

Jul 10, 2025 • 22min
Ask Ayao Komatsu LIVE at the British Grand Prix
Ayao Komatsu, team principal of Haas, dives into the fascinating world of Formula 1 at the British Grand Prix. He discusses how teams help new drivers adjust, sharing insights into the differences between rookies and seasoned pros. The fun takes a twist as listeners question whether playing Taylor Swift's music could help Ollie Bearman on the track. Ayao reflects on the unique challenges of Silverstone and the importance of mental focus during races. Tune in for a blend of racing wisdom and fan enthusiasm!

9 snips
Jul 3, 2025 • 52min
75 Years of F1: How the sport arrived and thrived - with Damon Hill + Alex Jacques at the British GP
Join 1996 World Champion Damon Hill and F1TV lead commentator Alex Jacques as they dive into 75 years of Formula 1. Hill shares personal anecdotes, including his rivalry with Michael Schumacher and memories of his father, Graham. Jacques explores the sport's evolution, from its dangerous beginnings to today’s enhanced safety standards. They discuss iconic rivalries, technological advancements, and what the future holds for F1. Their engaging banter captures the thrill and challenges of racing through the decades.

Jul 1, 2025 • 1min
This Friday: F1 Explains LIVE at the British Grand Prix
Get ready for the excitement at the British Grand Prix! A special live show will feature insights from Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu and F1 legend David Coulthard. They'll be answering fan questions, bringing insider perspectives and personal stories from the fast-paced world of Formula 1. Plus, there's buzz about the upcoming F1 movie starring Brad Pitt, set for release in 2025! Don't miss this unique opportunity to engage with the sport and its stars.

20 snips
Jun 26, 2025 • 29min
F1 commentary, team radio + qualifying questions - with Alex Jacques + Jolyon Palmer
Jolyon Palmer, a former F1 driver turned commentator, teams up with Alex Jacques, renowned for his engaging race play-by-play. They delve into the intricate art of F1 commentary, revealing what commentators see versus the audience. The duo decodes team radio communications, explaining the tactics behind qualifying strategies. They share amusing anecdotes about race day chaos and discuss how tire management affects lap times, all while sprinkling humor throughout their insights into the thrilling world of Formula 1.

Jun 25, 2025 • 29min
How F1 The Movie was made - with director Joseph Kosinski
Joseph Kosinski, acclaimed director of Top Gun: Maverick and F1: The Movie, shares fascinating insights into the movie's production. He reveals how it started with an email to Lewis Hamilton and the unique collaboration with real F1 drivers. The challenges of filming on actual race weekends are explored, alongside the creation of a custom Apex Grand Prix car. Kosinski discusses the immersive IMAX experience and how the team blended documentary realism with thrilling storytelling, capturing the exhilarating essence of Formula One racing.