F1 Beyond The Grid

Join Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing and former driver, alongside Andrea Stella, Team Principal with a wealth of engineering expertise, as they dive into McLaren's incredible transformation from a struggling team to back-to-back Constructors’ champions. They discuss the technical innovations and brave design choices that fueled their success, the tight Drivers’ Championship race between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, and their motivational philosophies. Plus, hear about the importance of team dynamics and their approach to managing two competing drivers.

In this engaging discussion, two-time Formula 1 World Champion Mika Hakkinen shares his harrowing experience of the 1995 Adelaide crash. He vividly recounts the moment of impact and his long road to recovery, both physically and mentally. Mika openly reflects on how the incident shaped his relationship with family and his view on risk. He discusses the nerves of his comeback test and how he quickly regained his speed. Through it all, Mika emphasizes the importance of support and resilience in overcoming trauma.

Enrico Cardile, an experienced aerodynamic and performance engineer, shares insights from his transition from Ferrari to Aston Martin as Chief Technical Officer. He discusses the challenges and ambitions for the 2026 regulations, including new aerodynamic strategies and the team’s innovative wind tunnel. Enrico highlights the importance of driver feedback, drawing parallels between Lance Stroll and Kimi Räikkönen, and reflects on his collaborative work with Adrian Newey. Ambition drives the team, as Enrico reveals the commitment to turning Aston Martin into winners.

Allan McNish, a former Formula 1 driver and Le Mans champion, shares his insights on the new Audi F1 team. He reflects on his early days testing alongside Ayrton Senna and the lessons learned from a challenging career path. McNish discusses Audi's strategic approach to racing, emphasizing the blend of experience and youth in drivers Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto. He highlights the importance of a team culture focused on long-term success and describes how the Audi philosophy will shape their F1 debut in 2026.

James Vowles, the Team Principal of Williams Racing, shares his ambitious vision to restore the team's former glory. Discussing Carlos Sainz's emotional podium finish in Baku, he reveals how it reignited team spirit. Vowles dives into the dynamics of managing a talented driver pair and how Alex Albon’s confidence has grown this season. He also reflects on essential lessons learned from his time at Mercedes as they prepare for the changing landscape of Formula 1 in 2026, creating exciting opportunities for the future.

Derek Bell, a legendary sports car racer and former F1 driver, shares his incredible journey from racing for Ferrari to securing five Le Mans victories. He recounts his fascinating dinner experiences with Enzo Ferrari and the pressures of his F1 debut at Monza. Derek discusses his successful partnership with Jackie Ickx, the allure of endurance racing, and memorable moments from the 1970s and 1980s. He even opens up about filming with Steve McQueen, leading to a serious on-set injury, highlighting the thrilling intersection of film and motorsport.

Franco Colapinto, the first Argentine F1 driver in 23 years, shares his inspiring journey from Buenos Aires to Formula 1 success. He recalls the emotional highs of scoring points for Argentina after decades, the excitement back home, and the sacrifices he made by moving to Europe as a teenager. Franco compares his experiences at Williams and Alpine, discusses dynamics with teammate Pierre Gasly, and highlights the influence of F1 legend Ayrton Senna on his career. Tune in for tales of resilience and ambition in the high-speed world of motorsport!

Graeme Lowdon, Team Principal of the new Cadillac Formula 1 Team, shares his insights on launching a new F1 team backed by General Motors. With a rich history in motorsport, he explains the intense preparation for their debut at the 2026 Australian Grand Prix. Graeme discusses the importance of meticulous planning and fan support, while revealing why Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez are ideal drivers for Cadillac. He also highlights the team's innovative spirit and the significant investments needed to make their mark in Formula One.

Gabriel Bortoleto, a promising Brazilian racing driver and two-time champion in Formula 3 and Formula 2, shares his inspiring journey from Brazil to Formula One. He reflects on the sacrifices made by his family and the hard decisions he faced as a young talent. Gabriel discusses the impact of Fernando Alonso, the thrill of racing against seasoned drivers like Nico Hulkenberg, and the importance of continuous learning through simulation. His pride in representing Brazil and the emotional connections to his racing roots make for a captivating conversation.

Fred Vasseur, Team Principal of Ferrari and former manager at ART Grand Prix and Sauber Motorsport, shares insights on the intense pressure of leading F1's iconic team. He discusses the challenges of mentoring stars like Charles Leclerc and adapting Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari. Vasseur emphasizes the importance of building a cohesive team and achieving incremental gains for championship success. With a candid look at life behind the pit wall, he reveals the motivations that drive Ferrari's quest to reclaim its glory, all while navigating media scrutiny and high expectations.