

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

May 8, 2025 • 35min
Guenther Steiner on calming rookies, leading a new F1 team, acting with Brad Pitt + building LEGO - LIVE in Miami
Guenther Steiner, former Haas Team Principal and future star of the upcoming F1 movie, shares insights from the Miami Grand Prix. He discusses strategies for calming rookie drivers and how to motivate veterans, while analyzing the dynamics of leading a new team. Listeners are treated to his experiences alongside Brad Pitt and amusing anecdotes about LEGO building. The conversation also touches on the pressure of team favoritism and the promising future of F1 with new entrants like Cadillac.

May 1, 2025 • 43min
Football stadium to F1 venue: how the Miami Grand Prix happens
Tyler Epp, President of the Miami Grand Prix, shares insights on the intricate planning and logistics that transform Hard Rock Stadium into a buzzing Formula One venue. Joining him is John Murphy, who elaborates on the transformation process and the operational challenges involved in hosting a major race. They discuss the unique blend of motorsport and Miami culture, the extensive team behind the event, and the innovative strategies that create a one-of-a-kind experience for attendees. Get ready for an unforgettable Grand Prix!

Apr 24, 2025 • 36min
Alpine Team Principal Oliver Oakes answers your questions + Miami live show news
Oliver Oakes, the Team Principal at Alpine and former racer, shares his unique journey in Formula 1. He discusses balancing driver feedback from Pierre Gasly and Jack Doohan while managing a large team. Oliver reflects on his evolution from karting to leadership roles, highlighting the pressures and support systems needed in racing. He also teases exciting events around the Miami Grand Prix, inviting fans to engage with F1 and participate in a live show with Guenther Steiner.

9 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.

35 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


