The Rise of Haas (from F1: Chequered Flag)
Test Match Special
BBC
4.4 • 2.3K Ratings
🗓️ 17 April 2026
⏱️ 24 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
We’re bringing you something different today which we think you’ll like - an episode from the BBC’s Formula 1 podcast, F1: Chequered Flag.
With the Formula 1 season on an enforced break, the Chequered Flag team pay a visit to the home of Haas F1 with the team currently sitting fourth in the F1 constructors’ standings. So how are F1’s smallest team performing so well? Izzy Hammond and Harry Benjamin investigate.
They visit the team’s HQ to speak with Team Principal Ayao Komatsu about their success. Plus, just how did Ollie Bearman escape from that huge accident in Japan unharmed and what are the team’s ambitions for the future? Izzy and Harry also answer your F1 hot takes. Could Gianpiero Lambiase become McLaren’s Team Principal in the future, following the announcement of his switch from Red Bull in 2028? And which driver is the most likely to be a reality TV star?
F1 returns next for the Miami Grand Prix at the start of May, with live commentary across the 5 Live network and BBC Sounds. If you enjoy this episode of F1: Chequered Flag, find more by searching ‘F1’ on BBC Sounds, and make sure to subscribe to get the latest episode every week.
Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | BBC Sounds, music, radio, podcasts. |
| 0:07.3 | Experience football like never before on BBC Sounds. |
| 0:11.0 | Live commentary from the biggest names and the biggest matches in the Premier League, |
| 0:14.8 | Champions League and internationals. |
| 0:19.7 | Expert Insights on the Wayne Rooney show |
| 0:22.4 | I know what it's like obviously scored two goals in that final and that was an amazing feeling |
| 0:27.0 | and stay on top of everything football every day with the Football Daily podcast |
| 0:32.1 | football from 5 live listen only on BBC Sound |
| 0:35.8 | Hi TMS listeners my name is Izzy Hammond and I'm part of the F1 Checkered Flag family this season, |
| 0:41.7 | the BBC's Formula One podcast. |
| 0:43.8 | Every week of the F1 season, the Checkered Flag team bring previews and expert analysis of every race, |
| 0:49.5 | interviews with the sports biggest names and exclusive insight into the twists and turns of the F1 season. |
| 0:55.5 | Now, I know the cricketing year is well underway |
| 0:57.8 | with the start of the County Championship |
| 0:59.5 | and the IPL in full swing, |
| 1:01.4 | but we wanted to jump into the TMS feed today |
| 1:03.7 | to give you a taster of our podcasts. |
| 1:06.1 | The Formula One season is currently |
| 1:07.6 | on an unprecedented break, |
| 1:09.4 | so that's given us the chance to visit some of |
| 1:11.1 | the teams including has which is where we are for this episode speaking with their team |
| 1:15.4 | principal ayokamatsu so whether you're a huge f1 fan or new to the sport this is a great time to |
... |
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