Before you listen to this BBC podcast, I'd like to introduce myself.

My name's Stevie Middleton and I'm a BBC Commissioner for a load of sport podcasts.

I'm lucky to do that at the BBC because I get to work with a leading journalist, experienced

pundits and the biggest sport stars.

Together we bring you untold stories and fascinating insights straight from the players'

mouths.

But the best thing about doing this at the BBC is our unique access to the sport world.

What that means is that we can bring you podcasts that create a real connection to

dedicated sports fans across the UK.

So if you like this podcast, head over to BBC Sounds where you'll find plenty more.

BBC Sounds, Music, Radio, Podcasts.

Hello and welcome to a very special Checkered Flag podcast with me, Jenny Gow and our Chief

F1 writer Andrew Benson, who is alongside me.

And it's not very often that you get the chance to sit down and have a proper conversation

with a Formula One driver these days.

But Andrew Benson got the phone call and went to the Mercedes headquarters to go and meet

George Russell.

A man who was doing incredibly well in his first season with Mercedes.

Andrew, always a privilege isn't it to spend time with these drivers?

Yes, it was all a bit frantic, arranging it, Jenny.

Actually, we managed to squeeze it in between the French and the Hungarian Grand Prix and

I had a bit of childcare issues going on and they said they were like, don't worry.

...