F1: Beyond The Grid

2024 saw McLaren become Constructor World Champions for the first time since 1998. Will they defend their title in 2025? And will Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri become the team’s first Drivers’ World Champion since Lewis Hamilton in 2008? Tom Clarkson has been digging through the F1 Beyond The Grid archives to find out how McLaren have transformed into the fastest team in Formula 1 and whether their success will continue in the new season. Providing in-depth insight into the winning culture they’ve created at McLaren, you’ll hear interviews from Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, plus McLaren CEO Zak Brown and Team Principal Andrea Stella. This episode is sponsored by Babbel: Right now, Babbel is offering our listeners up to 60% on their subscription. Go to babbel.com/grid to claim your discount.

Lewis Hamilton is getting ready for his first season with Ferrari in 2025. He’s won seven World Championships and 105 races, but some of Formula 1’s most successful drivers have joined Ferrari in the past and missed out on the ultimate prize. So what lessons can Lewis take from those who came before him? How difficult is it to win titles with the Scuderia? And why is driving for Ferrari so different to any other team in the sport? Digging through the F1 Beyond The Grid archives, Tom Clarkson has found interviews with Sebastian Vettel, Alain Prost, Nigel Mansell and Jody Scheckter – all of whom provide fascinating insight into their time at Ferrari and help answer some of those key questions as Lewis embarks on an exciting new era in red. This episode is sponsored by: Indeed: get a seventy-five dollar sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility at indeed.com/GRID. Babbel: is offering our listeners up to 60% on their subscription. Go to babbel.com/grid to claim your discount. 

Discover the secrets of the racing grid as Liam Lawson reveals his techniques for finding the ideal racing line. Hear from Ollie Bearman on how Ferrari scouts the next generation of drivers. Oscar Piastri shares insights on how his time in F2 prepped him for success in Formula 1. Dive into the art of braking at 200mph with Jack Doohan. Explore the meticulous planning of the F1 calendar and how performance engineers coach drivers to enhance their speed. Get ready for fascinating insights that every F1 fan will appreciate!

A driver market for the ages, Verstappen at his very best, emotional race wins, new Constructor World Champions and the end of some iconic eras. The 2024 Formula 1 season was sensational. On F1 Beyond The Grid, the stars of this dramatic year of racing have sat down with Tom Clarkson, revealing what it’s like being at the centre of the biggest stories of the season and sharing 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 Listen to more official F1 Podcasts F1 Nation - Grand Prix reviews and previews from inside the F1 paddock F1 Explains - answering your questions about Formula 1 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 This episode is sponsored by: Vanta: visit vanta.com/GRID for $1,000 off SelectQuote: Get the right life insurance for you for less at selectquote.com/BEYONDTHEGRID Unbound Merino: head over to unboundmerino.com where new customers can use the code GRID for 10% off of their order! Masterclass: get up to 50% off at masterclass.com/GRID

Toto Wolff, Team Principal of Mercedes-AMG Petronas, shares insights on how Lewis

Carlos Sainz, a resilient F1 driver with a notable stint at Ferrari, shares his tumultuous 2024 journey. He opens up about the shock of Lewis Hamilton taking his seat and the physical and emotional pain from his appendicitis. Despite these setbacks, Sainz emerged victorious in Australia and Mexico, driving him towards an exciting new chapter with Williams. He discusses his goals with his new team, his thoughts on racing dynamics, and the importance of support in overcoming challenges, all while maintaining his passion for the sport.

This week's guest reflects on a tumultuous season and his emotional farewell to Ferrari. He shares how the challenges he faced have shaped him into a better driver. Highlighting a memorable moment from the Australian podium, he remains optimistic about his upcoming journey with Williams. As he prepares for new adventures in 2025, hear how this experience has influenced his mindset and aspirations.

Andy Stevenson, Aston Martin Sporting Director and F1 veteran, shares his incredible journey of 33 years in the sport. Having recently marked his 600th race with the same team, he recounts wild tales like a driver racing with a broken leg and integrating a young Michael Schumacher. Andy dives into the evolution of Aston Martin, the intense challenges faced, and his personal battles with Crohn's disease. With insights on team dynamics and the thrill of competition, his anecdotes paint a vivid picture of resilience and passion in Formula 1.

Oliver Oakes, Alpine Team Principal and former karting world champion, shares insights into his transition from racing to leadership. He recounts the thrill of Alpine's first double podium in Brazil while juggling future goals for 2025. Oakes discusses the strategic choice of Mercedes as their power unit supplier and reflects on whether Pierre Gasly is prepared to lead the team next season. His unique blend of experience in karting and team ownership provides a fascinating perspective on the dynamics of competitive motorsport.

Rubens Barrichello, one of F1’s most seasoned drivers, reflects on his storied career, including racing alongside legends like Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher. He shares emotional tales from his time at Ferrari, the pressures of representing Brazilian fans, and the psychological challenges faced during iconic races. Barrichello opens up about coping with Senna’s tragic loss and the mentorship that shaped his journey through 19 seasons in the sport. His insights reveal the depth of passion and resilience required in racing.