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Formula 1
Step inside the Formula 1 Paddock for race previews, reviews, interviews and analysis with Tom Clarkson and expert guests.
Get answers to your questions on F1 Explains with Christian Hewgill. Email [email protected]
An official F1 podcast. For in-depth F1 interviews, listen to F1 Beyond The Grid
Episodes
Mentioned books

28 snips
Oct 12, 2026 • 49min
Are Max + Red Bull now the team to beat? - Singapore GP Review
James Hinchcliffe, a former IndyCar winner and motorsport analyst, joins Jolyon Palmer, former F1 driver and BBC analyst, to dissect Singapore. Max Verstappen’s dominant victory raises questions about Red Bull’s new benchmark status. The panel debates Charles Leclerc’s missed start, Lewis Hamilton’s risky VSC call, Kimi Antonelli’s opportunistic podium, McLaren’s Sprint collision, and Liam Lawson’s Racing Bulls future.

11 snips
Oct 8, 2026 • 29min
F1 Explains: lap count calculations, team size differences + the purpose of practice - with Laura Winter + Alex Brundle
Laura Winter, Formula 1 broadcaster and F1 TV lead presenter, joins Alex Brundle, racing driver, commentator and Le Mans podium finisher. They answer fan questions on why Grand Prix lap counts vary, how tyre allocations shape practice, and why teams differ in size. They also explore what practice sessions involve, how drivers and cars work as one, and Laura’s race-weekend fashion strategy.

12 snips
Oct 8, 2026 • 29min
A Verstappen v Ferrari fight? Singapore GP Preview
Lawrence Barretto, a Formula 1 journalist and paddock correspondent, previews a high-stakes Singapore sprint weekend. Red Bull arrives with momentum, while Mercedes tests a troubled upgrade, Ferrari eyes another strong result, and McLaren hunts for lost pace. They also weigh George Russell’s recovery, Aston Martin’s points hopes, and bold podium predictions under the lights.

24 snips
Oct 5, 2026 • 50min
Max, Lewis + Fernando shine in Sepang - Bahrain GP in Malaysia Review
Formula 1 commentator Alex Jacques and former Renault driver Jolyon Palmer join a spirited review of Sepang’s drama. They examine Max Verstappen’s breakthrough Red Bull win, Lewis Hamilton’s charge from 18th to the podium, George Russell’s championship setback, and Fernando Alonso’s standout Aston Martin drive. McLaren’s struggles, Mercedes’ missed upgrades, Ferrari’s risky tyre call, and Driver of the Day honors round out the discussion.

9 snips
Oct 1, 2026 • 28min
F1 Explains: Jamie Chadwick on her first F1 test
Jamie Chadwick, a British racer, broadcaster and three-time W Series champion, recounts her first Formula 1 test with Williams. She compares F1 with Indy NXT, Le Mans and historic machinery, discusses F1 Academy’s rising talent, mentoring young drivers and Williams’ rebuild, and shares her ambitions, inspirations and life in motorsport media.

9 snips
Oct 1, 2026 • 26min
Who will rise to the challenge in Sepang? - Bahrain GP in Malaysia Preview
Damon Hill, the 1996 Formula 1 World Champion and former Williams racer, previews Sepang’s brutal heat, humidity and tire demands. He assesses George Russell’s Baku momentum, Ferrari’s pressure over Fred Vasseur, McLaren and Red Bull’s prospects, and Fernando Alonso’s Aston Martin future with Adrian Newey and Honda. They also discuss Esteban Ocon’s next move and predict a thrilling podium.

20 snips
Sep 28, 2026 • 51min
Has George ‘cracked the code’? – Azerbaijan GP Review
Alex Brundle, a Le Mans podium finisher and F1 commentator, and James Hinchcliffe, a former IndyCar winner and analyst, dissect Azerbaijan’s dramatic Grand Prix. They examine George Russell’s dominant Mercedes weekend, Max Verstappen’s late charge, Kimi Antonelli’s measured recovery, and Isack Hadjar’s impressive comeback. Plus, Red Bull’s team orders, midfield restart chaos, Ferrari’s struggles, Haas’s breakthrough, and McLaren’s costly weekend.

Sep 24, 2026 • 27min
F1 Explains: Formula 2 + Formula 3 with 2026 F3 champion Ugo Ugochukwu
Pierre-Alain Michot, Formula 2’s technical director, explores how F2 and F3 prepare drivers for Formula 1 and previews the 2027 F2 car. Ugo Ugochukwu, the first American F3 champion, shares his journey from New York karting, the demands of a 30-car field, lessons from F1 weekends, and his ambition to reach F2 and beyond.

15 snips
Sep 21, 2026 • 50min
Kimi’s transformation + redemption for Oscar in Baku? – Azerbaijan GP Preview
James Hinchcliffe, a former IndyCar winner and motorsport broadcaster, joins Jolyon Palmer, ex-F1 driver and BBC analyst, to preview Baku’s high-speed chaos. They explore Kimi Antonelli’s remarkable transformation, Lewis Hamilton’s fading title hopes, Oscar Piastri’s search for redemption, and Ferrari’s two-leader dilemma. Plus, Mercedes’ street-circuit advantage, Williams’ upgrades, Verstappen’s karting exploits, and racing’s wildest memories.

Sep 17, 2026 • 26min
F1 Explains: the secrets of the podium
Linda Boudabous, FIA Master of Ceremonies and Special Operations Coordinator, and Katalin Bukor, Formula 1’s Head of Ceremonies and Protocol, reveal the secrets behind F1’s podiums. Discover how trophies travel, anthems are programmed and dignitaries are chosen. They also discuss champagne etiquette, underage drivers’ bubbles, protecting VIPs from sprays and unforgettable celebrations.


