F1 Beyond The Grid

Jacky Ickx, Belgium's most successful F1 driver, shares his extraordinary journey from a reluctant racer to a motorsport legend with eight F1 wins and six Le Mans victories. He recalls his surprising Formula 1 debut in a Formula 2 car at the Nürburgring and the pivotal role Ferrari played in his career. Hear about his emotional experiences, including the impact of Jochen Rindt's tragic passing on the World Championship and his iconic protest that improved Le Mans safety. Jacky's insights into racing's evolution and the complexities of competition are truly captivating.

Adrian Reynard, founder of Reynard Racing Cars and key figure behind the British American Racing F1 team, shares his incredible journey in motorsport. He discusses the pressures of transitioning to F1 and the challenges faced during BAR's formation with Jacques Villeneuve. Reflection on his complex relationship with Eddie Jordan and mentorship of engineers like Rory Byrne adds depth. Adrian also touches on his early failures and contributions to Michael Schumacher's first win, revealing the highs and lows of his racing career.

Alex Albon, a talented driver for Williams Racing and former Red Bull competitor, discusses his evolving journey in Formula 1. He shares insights on rivaling teammate Carlos Sainz, emphasizing his confidence and competitive edge this season. Alex reflects on the revamped team culture at Williams and his growing relationship with Team Principal James Vowles. He anticipates the new regulations for 2026 and how they'll shape his racing future. Tune in for a glimpse into the mind of a driver carving his path in the fast-paced world of F1!

Perry McCarthy, a former Formula One driver known for his tenacity, shares his incredible journey from working on an oil rig to racing for the struggling Andrea Moda team in the 90s. He discusses the harsh realities of never starting a race despite making it to F1, and the intense challenges that came with being a backmarker. McCarthy also reflects on his experiences testing with Michael Schumacher and becoming the enigmatic 'Stig' on Top Gear, revealing the unpredictable nature of racing and the importance of resilience and passion in the sport.

Anthony Davidson, a former F1 driver turned commentator and simulator expert, shares his fascinating journey through the highs and lows of motorsport. He discusses how he navigated a challenging career, his surprising identity as a better test driver, and a memorable groundhog encounter costing him a top finish. Davidson reflects on winning the World Endurance Championship with Sebastian Buemi, the evolution of simulation technology, and its impact on drivers like Max Verstappen, blending nostalgia with insights into modern racing dynamics.

The UK Prime Minister celebrates 75 years of Formula 1, highlighting its impressive £12bn contribution to the economy. Drivers and team principals share their excitement about the sport, with Oliver Bearman recalling the surreal feeling of stepping into Downing Street. Cadillac's upcoming entry into F1 is discussed, along with the importance of local engineering talent. A Mercedes aerodynamicist provides insights on breaking into the competitive world of F1, emphasizing resilience and the support available for aspiring engineers.

In this engaging discussion, Lando Norris, a rising star in Formula One and McLaren driver, shares insights into his journey towards becoming a world champion. He reflects on his growth since winning his first Grand Prix and the competitive dynamic with teammate Oscar Piastri. Lando also reveals how McLaren is evolving as a team and his strategies to maintain balance off the track. He chats about filming with Brad Pitt for 'F1 The Movie' and the significance of racing at Silverstone, while highlighting his evolving partnership with race engineer Will Joseph.

Brad Pitt, the acclaimed actor known for his diverse roles, discusses his thrilling journey becoming Sonny Hayes in F1: The Movie. He shares his adrenaline-pumping experiences driving with Lewis Hamilton and the intense preparation required for portraying a Formula 1 driver. Pitt reveals captivating anecdotes from the racetracks and how the sport's raw energy deeply inspired his character. He also hints at hopes for a sequel, leaving listeners eager for more insights into the fast-paced world of Formula One.

Isack Hadjar, known as 'Le Petit Prost', is a rising Formula 1 driver with a resilient spirit and a knack for mental toughness. He shares the story of his challenging debut in F1, where early setbacks molded his fighting mentality. Listeners will enjoy his insights on the tough transition from Formula 2 to F1, the pressures of competition, and the significant role of family support in his journey. Hadjar also reflects on his admiration for racing legends, revealing who he hopes to compete against in the fierce world of motorsport.

Emerson Fittipaldi, a two-time Formula One World Champion from Brazil, shares vibrant tales from his racing career. He discusses his pivotal decision to skip the risky 1975 Spanish Grand Prix and the critical safety measures he championed. Listeners will find his anecdotes about life with Enzo Ferrari and forming his own F1 team captivating. Emerson reflects on the fierce competition of today, drawing parallels with rising star Max Verstappen and sharing insights on the title race between Piastri and Norris.