
F1 Explains
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.
Latest episodes

7 snips
Apr 17, 2025 • 31min
Crashing, downforce, drag + dirty air - Your questions answered by Laura Winter and James Hinchcliffe
Laura Winter, F1 TV's main presenter, and James Hinchcliffe, a former IndyCar driver and F1 expert, dive into the adrenaline-fueled world of racing. They reveal how drivers keep their cool during crashes and break down the differences between slipstreaming and dirty air. The duo shares insights on the quirks of press officers and the vital role they play. They also discuss the emotional dynamics in the F1 paddock and the psychological resilience required for racing. Get ready for a fun and enlightening ride through F1!

16 snips
Apr 10, 2025 • 32min
Ask an F1 Team Principal with James Vowles (and surprise guest Alex Albon)
James Vowles, Team Principal of Williams Racing and former strategist at Braun GP and Mercedes, delves into the challenges of leading an F1 team. He discusses the significance of the 2026 regulations and how they shape long-term strategies. Vowles also highlights the delicate balance of teammate dynamics and the importance of collaboration over rivalry. With a surprise visit from Alex Albon, they touch on the F1 Academy's role in promoting female drivers, emphasizing the need for a supportive environment to nurture talent.

27 snips
Apr 3, 2025 • 44min
How to drive an F1 car (and why Suzuka is such a challenge) with Pedro de la Rosa
Pedro de la Rosa, a former Formula 1 racer and Aston Martin ambassador, shares his expertise in mastering the intricate Suzuka racetrack, a real test of driver skill. He discusses the significance of precision, adaptability, and instinct while tackling high-speed corners. De la Rosa explains techniques like hitting the apex, the importance of tire management, and how drivers use bodily sensations for feedback. He emphasizes the blend of practiced ability and natural talent, painting a vivid picture of the artistry in F1 driving.

Mar 28, 2025 • 26min
The F1 boss group chat, podium picks + running a team - LIVE in Melbourne with McLaren CEO Zak Brown
What does the CEO of a Formula 1 team actually do? What happens in the F1 boss group chat? How are McLaren going to handle their drivers in 2025? Who decides who gets to go on the podium to collect the Constructors' Trophy?
Zak Brown answered these questions and more on-stage at the Australian Grand Prix. Christian invited F1 Explains listeners Chloe, Samantha, Lauren and Katy to ask Zak their questions, including whether Zak will be celebrating success with more tattoos or shoeys.
Send us your F1 questions
Drivers? Cars? Something else you want to know more about?
Send your email or voice note to F1Explains@F1.com
Listen to more official F1 podcasts
In-depth interviews on F1 Beyond The Grid
Expert reaction on F1 Nation
Join us at a Formula 1 Grand Prix in 2025
Go to tickets.formula1.com to book your seat

Mar 21, 2025 • 31min
When F1 drivers move teams - with Valtteri Bottas + Jenson Button
A new car to drive. A new Race Engineer to talk to. When Formula 1 drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Carlos Sainz move teams, they have a lot to learn.
Mercedes Reserve Driver Valtteri Bottas tells Christian Hewgill about the challenges drivers face when switching sides, from learning buttons on their steering wheel to understanding the voices in their ear.
Then, 2009 World Champion Jenson Button returns to the podcast to share his experiences of moving from Williams to Honda to McLaren.
Send us your F1 questions
Drivers? Cars? Something else you want to know more about?
Send your email or voice note to F1Explains@F1.com
Listen to more official F1 podcasts
In-depth interviews on F1 Beyond The Grid
Expert reaction on F1 Nation
Join F1 Unlocked and win Miami GP tickets
Weekend tickets + more for you and three friends are up for grabs
Enter here
Terms and conditions apply. Entries close 2 April

Mar 13, 2025 • 38min
Rookie seasons - with Jenson Button + McLaren's Tom Stallard
Faster cars. Brighter spotlight. Higher pressure. A Formula 1 debut is a dream come true, but rookies need to impress, or their first season could be their last...
2009 World Champion Jenson Button tells Christian Hewgill the lessons he learned from his first year in F1 with Williams, what the 2025 rookies should try and achieve and the mistakes to avoid.
Oscar Piastri's Race Engineer Tom Stallard explains how he and the team supported Oscar in his rookie season, and answers your questions about how new F1 drivers adapt to racing the fastest cars on the planet.
Get your question answered on the podcast!
Send emails and voice notes to F1Explains@F1.com
F1 Explains LIVE at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix 2025
With special guest, McLaren CEO Zak Brown
F1 Fanzone Stage, near the Brabham Grandstand
1130-1200, Saturday March 15th
Official Formula 1 podcasts
Reaction to every race on F1 Nation
In-depth interviews on F1 Beyond The Grid
Experience F1 live in Las Vegas
New ticket options, expanded grandstands and lower prices for 2025
Find out more at F1LasVegasGP.com

Mar 7, 2025 • 3min
Join us and McLaren's Zak Brown in Australia!
Christian's just about to leave for the Australian Grand Prix, but before he goes he's got all the details of F1 Explains LIVE in Melbourne - with special guest, McLaren CEO Zak Brown
F1 Explains LIVE at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix 2025
F1 Fanzone Stage, near the Brabham Grandstand
1130-1200, Saturday March 15th
Got a ticket for the track on Saturday? You can come to the show
If you'll be at the race and have a question for Zak Brown, email it to F1Explains@F1.com - we might be able to make you part of the show
F1 Explains will return with a brand new episode on Friday March 14th
Be at a race this season!
Grandstands, general admission + hospitality at tickets.formula1.com

Feb 28, 2025 • 41min
Inside pre-season testing - with Oscar Piastri, Jack Doohan + Laura Winter in Bahrain
Formula 1 teams have one chance to test their cars before the 2025 season. With every lap, drivers and engineers learn more about their new machines. Why is pre-season testing so important, and how do teams get the most out of it?
From Bahrain, Christian and Katie are joined by F1TV Lead Presenter Laura Winter, who gives us the lowdown on testing. Then Alpine rookie Jack Doohan, McLaren's Oscar Piastri and other key team members explain what happens at testing, and how they gather data ahead of the first race.
Got questions about F1? We'll answer them!
Send emails or voice notes to F1Explains@F1.com
Let us know if you'll be at the Australian GP - you could be part of our live show
Coming soon to Las Vegas - F1 karting + more at Grand Prix Plaza
Race, shop and eat at the home of the Formula 1 Las Vegas GP
See iconic cars at F1 X - a brand new 4D exhibition
Opens at Grand Prix Plaza, Las Vegas, March 29th
Tickets from March 6th at grandprixplaza.com
Read more here on F1.com
It's all to drive for. Be there
Grandstand seats, general admission + hospitality at tickets.formula1.com
Get closer to the track in Miami with the new Campus Pass - f1miamigp.com

Feb 21, 2025 • 42min
How F1 teams are getting ready to race - your 2025 questions answered with Lawrence Barretto + Ruth Buscombe Divey
F1 pre-season testing is just days away, and F1 teams are racing to be ready. What's going on inside their factories? How long does it take drivers to be 100% confident in a brand new car? How do strategists get ready for the first race? Plus, who do you root for - the driver or the team?
Ahead of the 2025 season, Christian Hewgill and Katie Osborne get the answers to these questions and more from F1 Correspondent and Presenter Lawrence Barretto, and F1TV strategy expert Ruth Buscombe Divey.
Get your F1 question answered in 2025
Send voice notes or emails 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
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Dec 27, 2024 • 1h 23min
Alonso, Sainz, Wolff + more - The Best of F1 Beyond The Grid 2024
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
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