F1 Explains

Ayao Komatsu, Team Principal of the MoneyGram Haas F1 Team, shares insights on Haas's strategic partnership with Ferrari and how it shapes their competitiveness. He discusses the significance of Cadillac's entry into F1 in 2026 and contrasts private teams with corporate manufacturers. Courtney Crone, an F1 Academy driver backed by Haas, reveals how the team supports her development. The conversation also highlights how race engineers tackle car problems in real-time and the collaborative dynamics between rookie and experienced drivers.

Jolyon Palmer, a former F1 driver and current analyst, joins McLaren's race engineer Tom Stallard to delve into the fascinating world of F1 data. They discuss how drivers decode telemetry to enhance performance, and Tom reveals the sheer volume of data collected from sensors. Jolyon shares insights on how drivers balance instinct with data analysis, and they both emphasize the importance of collaboration within teams. From rival intelligence to the evolution of data usage since 2008, their conversation highlights the intricate relationship between performance and technology in Formula 1.

Join legends David Coulthard and Mika Hakkinen as they reminisce about their fierce McLaren rivalry and explore the dynamics of team mate title battles. They dive into how McLaren managed their tense rivalry in the late '90s and compare it to the current tensions between Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. Discover the physical toll of braking in F1, humorous dog anecdotes related to the sport, and what jobs they might pursue if not for racing. Their banter reveals the balance between friendship and competition in the high-stakes world of F1.

Gabriel Bortoleto, the Brazilian racing prodigy and 2024 Formula 2 champion, dives into his thrilling rookie season with Sauber. He unpacks the strategic ‘lift and coast’ technique, revealing its secrets for conserving fuel and tires. Find out how drivers manage speed under a Virtual Safety Car and the importance of different engine modes in the pitlane. Gabriel candidly shares his experiences racing alongside Nico Hülkenberg and the challenges of transitioning from F2 to F1, as well as what he's learned from his mentor, Fernando Alonso.

Mike Vandament, an experienced F1 flag marshal, and Sydney Davis Yagel, SCCA representative, dive into the critical roles marshals play in keeping drivers safe at Grand Prix events. They discuss the various marshal jobs, from flagging to response during incidents, emphasizing the importance of communication with race control. Sydney shares how newcomers can get involved in marshalling and what qualities make for a good marshal. Learn the secrets behind quick recoveries and the teamwork needed to clear crashes efficiently!

Dr. Ian Roberts, an FIA medical delegate with a rich background in intensive care, teams up with Bruno Correia, a professional racing driver and medical car driver. They delve into the adrenaline-fueled world of F1 medical logistics. Learn how the medical car is always on standby, the impressive equipment used, and why it's considered the fastest ambulance. They share gripping stories about responding to crashes, driver reactions post-incident, and the evolving safety measures in motorsport. It's a riveting peek into their vital roles on the track!

Alex Albon, a talented driver for Williams and a rising star in Formula 1, dives deep into the thrilling world of night races. He shares how racing under the stars affects both visibility and strategy. Albon also opens up about the reality of celebrity life and its impacts on personal time and relationships. Curious about car numbers? He reveals how drivers choose them, including the meaning behind his own number, 23. Plus, discover the creative process behind his unique helmet designs, blending personal flair with team regulations.

What are race strategists doing during a Grand Prix? How are strategies decided for each driver within a team? What happens to that strategy when something unexpected happens, like teammates colliding with each other? And is Artificial Intelligence used when deciding the best tactics for a race? Bernie Collins, former F1 strategist at Aston Martin and McLaren, joins Christian Hewgill in the paddock to answer your questions about the sport. Bernie also explains why teams change their engine power during different sessions, why drivers try and leave their final qualifying run as late as possible, and what the rules are when a driver is asked to give a place back to an opponent. 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

2025 is a year of change for Jonathan Wheatley. He left Red Bull in the UK to join Sauber in Switzerland. He also stepped up from Sporting Director to Team Principal. Jonathan answers your questions about moving from a World Championship-winning team to one seeking success. He tells Christian how he leads the hundreds of people working at Sauber's factory and at the racetrack, including drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto. More change is ahead for Jonathan and Sauber in 2026, as Audi-take over the team. Jonathan answers your questions on how the transition is going and Audi's ambition to win in Formula 1. F1 Explains puts your questions to F1 experts and insiders. Send yours to F1Explains@F1.com More from official F1 podcasts: F1 Beyond The Grid Sauber driver Gabriel Bortoleto's story of leaving Brazil aged 11 to chase his F1 dream F1 Nation Valtteri Bottas on why he chose to join Cadillac for 2026

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