F1: Chequered Flag

Harry Benjamin, British racing driver Sam Bird and the BBC’s F1 correspondent Andrew Benson look back on the 2025 F1 season from McLaren’s Woking HQ. We reflect on some of the pivotal points this year, hearing from world champion Lando Norris and the team principal of the constructors’ champions, McLaren’s Andrea Stella.

Transcribed - Published: 18 December 2025

Who will be crowned the 2025 F1 champion? After Max Verstappen puts it on pole, Steve Crossman, Harry Benjamin, Rebecca Clancy and Rosanna Tennant look back at qualifying and assess how it shapes Sunday’s title decider. They hear from all three championship protagonists and discuss how the race might play out.

Transcribed - Published: 6 December 2025

Will it be Max? Will it be Lando? Or will it be Oscar? Steve Crossman and the BBC F1 team look ahead to the final race of the season, hearing from all three title contenders and asking who might have the edge. Plus, they reflect on what we learned from the trio as they faced the media on Thursday.

Transcribed - Published: 4 December 2025

Harry Benjamin, Jennie Gow and former McLaren mechanic Marc Priestley look back on a packed Saturday in Qatar, as the sprint race took place as well as qualifying for Sunday’s Grand Prix. Could Oscar Piastri claw back vital points in the title fight or would Lando Norris put himself on course to claim his maiden world title at the Lusail International Circuit? Plus, would Max Verstappen continue his remarkable championship fightback?

Transcribed - Published: 29 November 2025

How costly could McLaren’s double disqualification prove to be? Rosanna Tennant is joined by Harry Benjamin and Alice Powell to pick through the technical infringement that’s opened the door for Max Verstappen. He is now level on points with Oscar Piastri and just 24 behind Lando Norris. We hear from the Dutchman after his race win, and from a downbeat Lewis Hamilton following a difficult evening.

Transcribed - Published: 23 November 2025

Will Lando Norris take another step toward that first world title this weekend? He’s just one of the drivers Rosanna Tennant, Harry Benjamin, Andrew Benson and Alice Powell hear from as they look ahead to the race around the streets of Las Vegas. Oscar Piastri shares his mindset heading into the final three rounds, and the team react to Ferrari boss John Elkann’s comments about Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.

Transcribed - Published: 20 November 2025

Harry Benjamin and the BBC’s F1 correspondent Andrew Benson discuss the state of the championship battle and Ferrari’s struggles. Lewis Hamilton said his first season at Ferrari had been "a nightmare” while chairman John Elkann said the company's Formula 1 drivers "need to focus on driving and talk less”. Plus, Harry sits down for a chat with Haas driver Esteban Ocon.

Transcribed - Published: 13 November 2025

Could Lando Norris’ weekend have gone any better? Harry Benjamin is joined by Abbi Pulling and Andrew Benson to reflect on his lights-to-flag victory, which extends his lead in the drivers’ championship to 24 points. They hear from Norris himself, teammate Oscar Piastri, and Max Verstappen, who started from the pit lane to finish third.

Transcribed - Published: 9 November 2025

What does Oscar Piastri need to do to rediscover his form while teammate Lando Norris enjoys a near-perfect weekend so far? Harry Benjamin is joined by Abbi Pulling and Andrew Benson to review a busy day in São Paulo. They hear from Norris, who won the sprint and then claimed pole for Sunday’s race, as well as from Piastri after a tough day in both sessions, and Max Verstappen, who failed to make it out of Q3.

Transcribed - Published: 8 November 2025

Now leading the championship, has the momentum swung towards Lando Norris with just four races remaining? Harry Benjamin is joined by Abbi Pulling, Jennie Gow and Andrew Benson to discuss how Norris has seized the lead from teammate Oscar Piastri. They hear from both drivers, while Max Verstappen explains why this weekend could make or break his title hopes. Plus, the team reflect on today’s sprint qualifying and catch up with local boy Gabriel Bortoleto.

Transcribed - Published: 7 November 2025

Jennie Gow sits down for an in-depth conversation with Andy Cowell, the CEO and team principal of Aston Martin, to speak about his career, from the engine man at Mercedes to leading Aston through one of the most exciting periods in its history. From its new factory and wind tunnel to the signing of Adrian Newey, and working with drivers like Fernando Alonso. Heading into new regulations in 2026, could Aston begin to compete at the front of the grid?

Transcribed - Published: 30 October 2025

Is it unthinkable that Max Verstappen has become some people’s favourite for the drivers’ title? 1996 world champion Damon Hill joins Jennie Gow and Harry Benjamin to reflect on his lights-to-flag victory in Austin. They hear from the four-time world champion, as well as the two McLaren drivers he’s hunting down - Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

Transcribed - Published: 20 October 2025

Has Max Verstappen put himself in the title race? With both McLaren drivers failing to score in the sprint and the Dutchman starting Sunday’s race from pole, Jennie Gow, Harry Benjamin and Christian Hewgill look back on a dramatic day in Austin. They hear from Verstappen, Norris and Piastri.

Transcribed - Published: 19 October 2025

Will what happened in Singapore change the dynamic between McLaren’s two drivers for the rest of the season? Harry Benjamin is joined by Andrew Benson, Jennie Gow, Jolyon Palmer and Will Buxton to preview the race in Austin. We hear from both McLaren drivers, while George Russell discusses his new Mercedes contract and Haas’s Ollie Bearman sums up his season so far.

Transcribed - Published: 16 October 2025

Harry Benjamin and the BBC’s F1 correspondent Andrew Benson discuss McLaren’s constructors’ title victory. We talk about their rise from worst team at the start of 2023, to two-time champions by the end of 2025. But now that this title is wrapped up, how will they manage the ongoing battle for the drivers’ championship between Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris?

Transcribed - Published: 9 October 2025

Can Max Verstappen keep his winning streak alive? The Dutchman lines up second on the grid, just behind Mercedes’ George Russell for Sunday's race. Harry Benjamin, Sam Bird and Jennie Gow review qualifying from Singapore and hear from the top three drivers.

Transcribed - Published: 4 October 2025

Jennie Gow is joined by Ruth Buscombe, Andrew Benson and Edward Russell for a special live podcast in Singapore. The team discuss racing in Singapore and the 2025 title fight. Plus, they are joined by a couple of special guests – F1 Academy driver Alisha Palmowski, and Sauber team principal Jonathan Wheatley.

Transcribed - Published: 3 October 2025

Harry Benjamin & the BBC’s F1 correspondent Andrew Benson discuss McLaren’s messy Baku weekend, Max Verstappen’s title hopes, Christian Horner’s Red Bull departure and Fernando Alonso’s Aston Martin comments. Plus, Harry sits down for an in-depth chat with Williams driver Alex Albon, who speaks about his career to date, and why Williams have had an upturn in form under James Vowles.

Transcribed - Published: 25 September 2025

Ben Edwards, reigning F1 Academy champion Abbi Pulling & the BBC’s F1 correspondent Andrew Benson react to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Would the race be as dramatic as qualifying? Would polesitter Max Verstappen secure his second successive victory? And would Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris fight back up the grid in the title battle? We hear from Verstappen, Norris and Piastri.

Transcribed - Published: 21 September 2025

Ben Edwards, reigning F1 Academy champion Abbi Pulling and the BBC’s F1 correspondent Andrew Benson reflect on a chaotic Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Who would take pole? Would Verstappen continue to compete at the front following his win in Italy? And how would Piastri and Norris perform as the McLaren’s battle for the title? We hear from the key protagonists as well as a couple of surprise performers.

Transcribed - Published: 20 September 2025

Harry Benjamin and the BBC’s F1 correspondent Andrew Benson reflect further on the story dominating Formula 1 following the Italian Grand Prix – McLaren team orders. Should they have swapped Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris? We answer your questions and ask whether the move was fair. Plus, we go behind the scenes on a race gantry, finding out what it is like to control the lights for a grand prix, hearing from F1’s official race starter, Rebecca Lee.

Transcribed - Published: 11 September 2025

Rosanna Tennant, Harry Benjamin & reigning F1 Academy champion Abbi Pulling react to a dramatic Dutch Grand Prix. Who would take a vital victory in the battle for the championship? We hear from the key protagonists, including McLaren duo Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, as well as four-time world champion Max Verstappen. We also discuss the big winners and losers from the weekend, and ask how important this race will be in the context of the season.

Transcribed - Published: 31 August 2025

Rosanna Tennant, Andrew Benson, Harry Benjamin & Abbi Pulling react to qualifying at the Dutch Grand Prix. Who would take pole position in the battle between the McLaren drivers? We hear from both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Plus, could Lewis Hamilton get his season back on track in the Ferrari following a disappointing first half of 2025? We also get the team’s predictions ahead of Sunday’s grand prix.

Transcribed - Published: 30 August 2025

Rosanna Tennant, former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer & the BBC’s F1 correspondent Andrew Benson look ahead to the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort. We hear from both McLaren drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, as their championship battle intensifies. Can Lewis Hamilton turn around his tough start to life at Ferrari? And will home hero Max Verstappen return to winning ways for Red Bull? Plus, we discuss Cadillac’s driver announcement for 2026 as Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez return to the grid.

Transcribed - Published: 28 August 2025

Steve Crossman is joined by British racing driver Sam Bird and the BBC’s F1 correspondent Andrew Benson to get an insight into exactly who Lando Norris is, as he challenges for the 2025 drivers’ title. What makes the British driver tick? How has he got to the top of the sport? And can he become a champion? Plus, hear from Norris himself as well as some of those who know him best, including friend and former team mate Carlos Sainz and McLaren team principal Andrea Stella.

Transcribed - Published: 21 August 2025

Jennie Gow sits down for an in-depth chat with F1’s Deputy Race Director, Claire Dubbelman, to speak about her role and how to get more women involved in motorsport. Claire discusses her career to date and how she became part of the race director team alongside Rui Marques. From controlling the chequered flag to directing safety car driver, Bernd Maylander, Claire discusses exactly what a race director does. Plus, Claire speaks passionately about female participation in motorsport and how she hopes her high-profile role in F1 will encourage more women to get involved in the sport.

Transcribed - Published: 14 August 2025

Harry Benjamin sits down for an in-depth chat with 1996 F1 world champion, Damon Hill, to speak about his career and the release of his new documentary, Hill. Damon, who has been part of the 5 Live F1 team this season, discusses the influence of his father, legendary two-time world champion Graham Hill, and how his death affected him. He also details his initial love of motorbikes, how he worked his way into F1, and that world title triumph in 1996.

Transcribed - Published: 7 August 2025

Lewis Hamilton called himself "useless" after a frustrating qualifying left him 12th on the grid, while teammate Charles Leclerc took pole. Harry Benjamin is joined by Jennie Gow and Sam Bird to discuss a mixed day for Ferrari. They also hear from Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, who line up second and third for Sunday’s race.

Transcribed - Published: 2 August 2025

Steve Crossman is joined by Jennie Gow, Harry Benjamin, Sam Bird and Andrew Benson to preview the Hungarian Grand Prix. They dive into the growing rivalry at McLaren as Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri continue their charge for the title. We hear from both drivers. Williams’ Carlos Sainz sits down with Steve to reflect on life in F1. Plus, why does Harry Benjamin have a catchphrase to start every race?

Transcribed - Published: 1 August 2025

Has Oscar Piastri regained the upper hand over McLaren teammate Lando Norris following his win at Spa? 1996 world champion Damon Hill joins Harry Benjamin to dissect a dramatic Grand Prix weekend in Belgium. They reflect on the key moments that defined the race, evaluate what it means for the balance of power at McLaren, and hear from the top three finishers. Plus, they get reaction from Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.

Transcribed - Published: 27 July 2025

Harry Benjamin and the BBC F1’s correspondent Andrew Benson are joined by former Toro Rosso driver Jaime Alguersuari to speak about the situation at Red Bull. What next for the team following Christian Horner’s removal as team principal? And what next for their star driver Max Verstappen? Plus, we hear what new Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies is like to work under, and whether he’ll be able to turn the team’s fortunes around.

Transcribed - Published: 16 July 2025

Harry Benjamin and the BBC F1’s correspondent Andrew Benson react to the breaking news that Christian Horner has been sacked as Red Bull team principal after 20 years in the role. Red Bull GmBH said in a statement: "Red Bull has released Christian Horner from his operational duties with effect from today." We discuss the facts, ask what it means for Max Verstappen’s future, and also ponder the team’s future.

Transcribed - Published: 9 July 2025

Lando Norris wins his home Grand Prix and cuts the gap to teammate Oscar Piastri in the title race. Sam Bird and Harry Benjamin join Jennie Gow to reflect on the win, hear from Norris, and get reaction from Andrea Stella and Zac Brown. They also discuss the bizarre moment Norris was injured while celebrating with fans. Plus, Nico Hülkenberg joins the pod after claiming his first-ever F1 podium.

Transcribed - Published: 6 July 2025

Can Max Verstappen convert pole into a race win? Nelson Valkemberg and Jennie Gow join Harry Benjamin after the Dutchman beat both McLarens to P1. They hear from Verstappen, Piastri and Norris.

Transcribed - Published: 5 July 2025

What does Lando Norris’ recent win mean for his home race at Silverstone? Just one of the questions Harry Benjamin, Rebecca Clancy, Jennie Gow and Andrew Benson tackle as they look ahead to the British Grand Prix. We hear from Norris, as well as Max Verstappen, as the talk he's going to Mercedes isn't going away. Plus, Andrew chats in-depth with Alex Albon, and Harry asks Ollie Bearman the big question: what’s his favourite bear?

Transcribed - Published: 3 July 2025

Lando Norris wins in Austria, cutting the gap to his McLaren teammate at the top of the drivers' standings. Rosanna Tennant is joined by Ben Edwards, Alice Powell and Andrew Benson to reflect on the race. They hear from Norris, runner-up Oscar Piastri and third-placed Charles Leclerc, as well as McLaren boss Andrea Stella, with F1 now heading to their home race at Silverstone.

Transcribed - Published: 29 June 2025

Lando on pole! Rosanna Tennant, Ben Edwards, Alice Powell and Andrew Benson look back at qualifying from Austria. They hear from Norris, as well as Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri, who finished second and third. Plus Max Verstappen, who starts back in seventh.

Transcribed - Published: 28 June 2025

Harry Benjamin and the BBC's F1 correspondent Andrew Benson discuss Red Bull’s protest against George Russell following the Canadian Grand Prix. We also hear from Mercedes reserve driver Valtteri Bottas, who sat down with Harry to speak about his early days in racing, meeting Toto Wolff, becoming Lewis Hamilton’s team-mate and what’s next for him in F1.

Transcribed - Published: 19 June 2025

In this special bonus episode of F1: Back at Base, Sarah Holt and Holly Samos tell the behind-the-scenes story of the upcoming F1 movie. Through exclusive interviews with key figures, including legendary producer Jerry Bruckheimer, Oscar nominee Kerry Condon, and F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali, we document how the new movie was made. From the idea originally being presented in a London cinema, to choosing the actors, shooting the movie, and the battle to make the film authentic, mixing the real world of the sport with their Hollywood counterparts.

Transcribed - Published: 5 June 2025

In this special bonus episode of F1: Back at Base, Sarah Holt and Holly Samos tell the behind-the-scenes story of the upcoming F1 movie. Through exclusive interviews with key figures, including legendary producer Jerry Bruckheimer, Oscar nominee Kerry Condon, and F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali, we document how the new movie was made. From the idea originally being presented in a London cinema, to choosing the actors, shooting the movie, and the battle to make the film authentic, mixing the real world of the sport with their Hollywood counterparts.

Transcribed - Published: 5 June 2025

Harry Benjamin, Jennie Gow & former Alpine F1 development driver Olli Caldwell reflect on the Spanish GP, where Oscar Piastri claimed victory. We hear from the Australian, as well as his teammate Lando Norris who came home in second. Plus, we break down Max Verstappen’s chaotic end to the race, hearing from the Dutchman, who was handed a ten second penalty for colliding with George Russell.

Transcribed - Published: 1 June 2025

Harry Benjamin & former Alpine F1 development driver Olli Caldwell reflect on qualifying at the Spanish GP, where Oscar Piastri took a stunning pole position ahead of Lando Norris and Max Verstappen. We hear from the top three, plus discuss George Russell’s good performance in the Mercedes and hear from Lewis Hamilton who qualified in fifth for Ferrari.

Transcribed - Published: 31 May 2025

Harry Benjamin, BBC F1’s Jennie Gow & former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer look ahead to the Spanish Grand Prix. How will the new technical directive coming into force this weekend change the pecking order? Will the McLaren duo of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri continue their fight at the top of the driver standings? Or will Max Verstappen compete for victory yet again? The team discuss all plus hear from Norris, Piastri, Verstappen and Charles Leclerc.

Transcribed - Published: 29 May 2025

Harry Benjamin and Rosanna Tennant look back at qualifying from Monaco. It was Lando Norris that took his first pole since Australia, and with it set a new lap record around the streets of Monte Carlo. We hear from him, as well as Charles Leclerc, Oscar Piatsri and Max Verstappen.

Transcribed - Published: 24 May 2025

Jolyon Palmer and Harry Benjamin join Rosanna to preview the weekend’s action. Championship leader Oscar Piastri sits down with Andrew Benson for an in-depth chat, while the team discuss the new two-stop pit rule. Gimmick or game-changer? Plus, Harry checks in with Haas driver Oliver Bearman, and the team reveal their favourite Monaco memories.

Transcribed - Published: 22 May 2025

Ben Edwards, Andrew Benson & former McLaren mechanic Marc Priestley react to Max Verstappen’s victory at the Emilia-Romagna GP. The team hear from the Dutchman, as well as McLaren duo Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Lewis Hamilton gives his thoughts after a turnaround in form for Ferrari, plus Alex Albon speaks about another strong Williams performance.

Transcribed - Published: 18 May 2025

Ben Edwards, Andrew Benson & former McLaren mechanic Marc Priestley review qualifying at the Emilia-Romagna GP. Oscar Piastri took pole position at Imola ahead of Max Verstappen and George Russell. We hear from the top three as well as Lando Norris and a disappointed Lewis Hamilton, with Ferrari's struggles continuing.

Transcribed - Published: 17 May 2025

Eleanor Oldroyd, Jennie Gow & former McLaren mechanic Marc Priestley preview the Emilia-Romagna GP at Imola. The team discuss the title battle between Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris and Max Verstappen, hearing from championship leader Piastri. Lewis Hamilton speaks about whether Ferrari will be able to turn their poor form around on home soil. Plus, we talk Kimi Antonelli, rookies and Franco Colapinto.

Transcribed - Published: 15 May 2025

Harry Benjamin & the BBC’s F1 correspondent Andrew Benson react to the news that Alpine have replaced Jack Doohan with Franco Colapinto for the next five races. It comes in the same week that Oliver Oakes leaves his role as Alpine team principal. We also hear from Sauber team principal Jonathan Wheatley, who sits down with Jennie Gow to discuss his F1 career and his new role at Sauber before the transition to Audi in 2026.

Transcribed - Published: 8 May 2025

Andrew Benson, Rebecca Clancy, and Jennie Gow join Harry Benjamin to unpack a busy day at the Hard Rock Stadium. They start with qualifying, where Max Verstappen took pole, and hear from him, Lando Norris, and Kimi Antonelli. Then it's on to the sprint race, won by McLaren’s Lando Norris.

Transcribed - Published: 4 May 2025