F1: Chequered Flag
F1 Chequered Flag from the BBC offers expert analysis of every F1 race, with exclusive insight into every twist and turn of the F1 season. Each episode brings in-depth race reviews, breaking down the strategies that shape each Grand Prix and the key players making headlines. Hear from F1 stars like Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris and the bosses of powerhouse teams like Red Bull, Mercedes, Ferrari and McLaren. Plus keep up to speed on the cars and tactics changing the game.
Episodes
Monaco GP Review: Is there any stopping Antonelli?
Can anyone stop Kimi Antonelli? Harry Benjamin and Andrew Benson join Rosanna Tennant after another dominant display from the young Italian. They discuss whether Antonelli is already on course to run away with the championship after extending his lead at the top of the standings to 66 points. The team also debate George Russell’s recent struggles and asks whether we're finally seeing Lewis Hamilto
Monaco GP Qualifying Review: Where were the Ferraris?
Are we running out of superlatives to describe what Kimi Antonelli is achieving on track? The Mercedes teenager edged out Max Verstappen to secure his fourth pole position of the season. Harry Benjamin and Nelson Valkenburg join Rosanna Tennant to look back at the day. We hear from Antonelli, who described his lap as "magic", as well as Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.
Monaco GP Preview: Are Ferrari Really Favourites?
Are Ferrari really the favourites to take their first win of the season this weekend? And is there growing tension between the two Mercedes drivers? Rosanna Tennant is joined by Damon Hill, Jolyon Palmer, Harry Benjamin and Andrew Benson to tackle the big talking points heading into the race weekend. They hear from both Mercedes drivers, as well as Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris. Plus Dutch jour
Chequered Flag Extra: Ranking F1 races as a fan & is Antonelli champion-elect?
What does it cost to attend every F1 race as a fan? Izzy Hammond and Harry Benjamin are joined by superfan Brandon Burgess to find out. They discuss the best and worst races on the calendar from a fan perspective. We also discuss the latest listener Hot Takes following the Canadian Grand Prix. Would George Russell have beaten his team-mate Kimi Antonelli if he didn’t retire in Montreal? With the c
Canadian GP Review: Ecstasy, Agony and Strategy Blunders
A battle for the ages, strategy blunders and retirements were the story of the day at a dramatic Canadian Grand Prix. Harry Benjamin, F1 journalist Rebecca Clancy and former McLaren mechanic Marc Priestley review all of the action, plus hear from the key drivers including Kimi Antonelli, George Russell, Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.
Canadian GP Saturday Review: Drama in Montreal!
Who would claim sprint victory? Who would take pole position ahead of Sunday’s Canadian GP? Would we have a Mercedes battle, or would McLaren continue their resurgence? Harry Benjamin and former McLaren mechanic Marc Priestley reflect on a busy Saturday in Montreal, hearing from the key drivers, whilst also looking ahead to Sunday’s race.
Canadian GP Preview: Will Antonelli & Russell Do Battle?
Eleanor Oldroyd is joined by F1 commentator Harry Benjamin and W Series race-winner Alice Powell to look ahead to the Canadian Grand Prix. Can Kimi Antonelli keep up his title charge? And will McLaren continue their resurgence? We get immediate reaction as the key protagonists speak with the media in Montreal, plus the BBC's F1 correspondent Andrew Benson joins the show to look ahead to the weeken
Chequered Flag Extra: Palmowski’s F1 Academy dream & Norris’ title advice
Izzy Hammond and Harry Benjamin are back with more F1 ramblings. This week, will Kimi Antonelli’s hot form continue? We answer your hot takes. F1 Academy racer Alisha Palmowski discusses the return of her season in Canada. Can she compete for the championship? Plus, world champion Lando Norris gives title advice to Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice, and former McLaren mechanic Marc Priestley explains
Chequered Flag Extra: Hamilton's Drive For Opportunity In F1
In this Chequered Flag special, Harry Benjamin looks into the efforts being made to create more opportunity for young people in F1. We hear from a number of trailblazers including Lewis Hamilton who, through his charitable foundation Mission 44, is opening doors to careers within the sport.
Miami GP Review: Hill and Montoya’s Take
Is Kimi Antonelli now favourite to win the driver’s title? Damon Hill and Juan Pablo Montoya join Harry Benjamin to discuss that and the big talking points from the Miami Grand Prix. They hear from Antonelli, his teammate George Russell and Lando Norris.
Miami GP Qualifying Review: A Tale of Two Sessions
Can Kimi convert pole into another win? Harry Benjamin is joined by Jennie Gow and Dutch commentator Nelson Valkenburg to look back on a busy Saturday in Miami. They hear from Antonelli after his third consecutive pole, as well as Max Verstappen who lines up alongside him, and sprint winner Lando Norris.
Miami GP Preview: The Wait is Over. F1 Returns
Will normal service resume, or will the break and rule changes shake things up? Ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, Harry Benjamin is joined by Jennie Gow and Andrew Benson to discuss that and the other talking points from the paddock. They cover the new regulations, the growing battle within Mercedes, and hear from Max Verstappen and Arvid Lindblad.
Back at Base S3: 10. Cadillac Race into F1’s new era
As Cadillac hit the track in Formula 1’s new era, we catch up with the American team at their Silverstone base to reflect on their journey so far.Star drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez share their thoughts on the team’s first ever races in Australia, China and Japan.Team Principal Graeme Lowdon explains how the team are using the sport’s unexpected early-season break to take the next steps,
Chequered Flag Extra: George Russell Special
With the F1 season resumption in Miami just a week away, how does the title favourite see his chances? George Russell is the leading British hope in 2026, with one victory from the opening three races of the year. The Mercedes driver sits down for an in-depth interview with the BBC’s F1 correspondent Andrew Benson to discuss his title hopes and the mentality surrounding that, his relationship with
Chequered Flag Extra: Ayao Komatsu On The Rise Of Haas
Haas currently sit in fourth in the F1 constructors’ standings. So how are F1’s smallest team performing so well? Izzy Hammond and Harry Benjamin 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
Chequered Flag Extra: Q&A Special
Will Lewis Hamilton win a race in 2026? Who could replace Max Verstappen if he were to leave F1 at the end of the season? Which circuits would you like to see on the calendar? And what is your favourite F1 car and livery? Harry Benjamin, British racing driver Alice Powell and the BBC’s F1 correspondent Andrew Benson tackle your questions in this Q&A special. Find out the team's thoughts on cur
Chequered Flag Extra: Verstappen’s Future, Bearman’s Crash & Jack Black
Izzy Hammond and Harry Benjamin look back at the Japanese GP, digesting the latest F1 trends and biggest discussion points.Could Max Verstappen be on his way out of F1? How hard is it to change F1’s new regs? And do we currently have too many overtakes going on? Plus, Izzy presents her favourite memes of the week, we discuss your hot takes, and call for Jack Black to be at every F1 race!
Japanese GP Review: Could Verstappen Leave F1?
Who would shine in the land of the rising sun as George Russell and Kimi Antonelli went head-to-head at the Japanese Grand Prix? But the post-race reaction was dominated by comments from four-time world champion Max Verstappen, who tells BBC F1’s Jennie Gow that he is “not enjoying” the sport and is considering his F1 future. Harry Benjamin, W Series race-winner Alice Powell and F1 journalist Rebe
Japanese GP Quali Review: Antonelli v Russell & Verstappen’s Struggles
Who would prevail in the pole shootout between Kimi Antonelli and George Russell in Japan? Harry Benjamin, Jennie Gow and W Series race-winner Alice Powell reflect on qualifying at the Japanese Grand Prix. Could Ferrari challenge the Silver Arrows? And would McLaren improve their poor start to the season? Plus, Max Verstappen’s Red Bull struggles continue.
Japanese GP Preview: Will Mercedes’ Dominance Continue?
George Russell won in Australia. Kimi Antonelli claimed a first F1 victory in China. Can anyone stop Mercedes in Japan? Jennie Gow is joined by the BBC's F1 correspondent Andrew Benson and F1 journalist Scott Mitchell-Malm to look ahead to round three at the historic Suzuka Circuit. Is this era of racing ‘fun’? We hear from seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who is looking to challenge for
Back at Base S3: 9. A New Era Bonus Episode
Following the first two races of the 2026 Formula 1 season, we catch up with two of the sport's rising stars, Chinese GP winner for Mercedes, Kimi Antonelli, and Haas one-to-watch Ollie Bearman. With never-before-heard interviews from the series, we learn a little more about their lives on the road and at home.As they embarked on their second year racing in the world’s fastest sport, how would the
Chinese GP Review: Antonelli Stars & Ferrari’s Gripping Battle
Mercedes show their strength once again, but will we have an inter-team title fight between George Russell and Kimi Antonelli after the Italian’s star show in China? Ferrari produced a battle for the ages, so is Lewis Hamilton back to his best? Plus, what is going on at McLaren? Harry Benjamin, former McLaren Formula E driver Sam Bird and the BBC’s F1 correspondent Andrew Benson review the Chinese
Chinese GP Saturday Review: Pole History & Hamilton’s Resurgence
It was an eventful day at the Chinese Grand Prix as a surprise pole sitter made history, following a dramatic sprint. Was that F1’s best sprint? Plus, is Lewis Hamilton back to his best? Harry Benjamin, former McLaren Formula E driver Sam Bird and the BBC’s F1 correspondent Andrew Benson reflect on Saturday at the Chinese Grand Prix, and look ahead to Sunday’s race.
Chinese GP Preview: Who would take sprint pole?
Who would take pole for Saturday’s sprint? Would George Russell’s domination continue? Can Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari keep the pressure on Mercedes at the front of the grid? Harry Benjamin, former McLaren Formula E driver Sam Bird and the BBC’s F1 correspondent Andrew Benson reflect on sprint qualifying at the Chinese Grand Prix, and look ahead to the weekend’s action.
Chequered Flag Extra: Selfies, Curses & F1 Hot Takes
Izzy Hammond and Harry Benjamin digest the latest F1 trends and biggest discussion points after the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.Are F1 curses real? Are the ‘burger curse’ and ‘Red Bull second seat curse’ impacting F1?We also celebrate Izzy’s favourite Melbourne memes and discuss your hot takes, including the prediction that Aston Martin will win a race in 2026!
Australian Grand Prix Review
Are we going too early to say George Russell will be crowned the 2026 world champion? After his dominant victory in Melbourne, Harry, Jennie and Marc look back at the opening race of the new season and ask just how big Mercedes’ advantage over the rest of the field might be. They hear from Russell, his teammate Kimi Antonelli and Lewis Hamilton.
Australian Grand Prix Qualifying Review
So, Mercedes are going to run away with both the drivers’ and constructors’ titles… right? After their dominant display in the first qualifying session of the season, Harry, Jennie and Marc pick through the bones of what happened. They hear from many of the drivers and discuss what it all means heading into Sunday’s race.
Aston Martin’s woes as 2026 cars run for first time in Australia
Will the two Aston Martin cars make Sunday's starting grid? Harry Benjamin, Jennie Gow, Marc Priestley and Andrew Benson look back on the first day of on-track action at the Australian GP. Who is the team to beat? And why are Aston Martin struggling so badly? We hear from their team principal Adrian Newey.
Australian Grand Prix Preview
Are Mercedes really favourites? Can Lando make a successful defence of his title? And are things really that bad at Aston Martin? Just a few of the questions Harry Benjamin, Andrew Benson and Jennie Gow tackle ahead of this weekend’s season-opening race in Melbourne. Lando joins us on the pod to tell us whether life has changed since becoming world champion. Lewis Hamilton explains why he’s so pos
F1 2026 Preview: New Rules, New Regs & A Four-Way Title Fight?
Harry Benjamin and Jennie Gow are joined by ex-McLaren mechanic Marc Priestley and former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer from Mercedes’ Brackley HQ ahead of the new F1 season. With the new rules and regulations dominating the build-up to the 2026 campaign, we ask whether they are a good thing for the sport. Will we have a four-way fight for the title? Will Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari have a resurgence aft
Back At Base S3: 8. Making History
The countdown to Formula 1’s new era has begun in earnest. There are now just days to go until the teams unleash the new-look cars that will carry their fortunes in the landmark 2026 season. Concepts crafted inside the team’s fiercely-protected factories are about to spring into life on the track.It’s mid-January, and the Cadillac Formula 1 team are preparing for a huge milestone on their journey
Back At Base S3: 7. Shooting for the Stars
The new year has been rung in and, for Formula 1, 2026 is here at last. The landmark year of change that the teams have been chasing for months. Inside the closely-guarded F1 factories, there are whispers of speculation about the redesigned cars and the potential for a new competitive order. But only when the cars break cover at the first race in Australia will the secret be out at last.For Kimi A
Back At Base S3: 6. A Clean Sheet
Formula 1 is in a moment of pause. The 2025 racing cars have been wheeled into storage, and the racetracks have fallen silent. But inside the top-secret F1 factories, each team is facing a winter like never before. Revised rules for 2026 are reshaping the cars and redefining what powers them, and that means the pressure is on for the hundreds working back at base.Before diving into the future, the
Back At Base S3: 5. A Mountain to Climb
We open Episode Five checking in at the airport with Haas driver Ollie Bearman as he prepares to take off for the final three races of the 2025 Formula 1 World Championship. But there’s only one thing on his mind - will he get the dreaded middle seat?Fellow rookie Kimi Antonelli is also flying high as Formula 1 touches down for the Las Vegas Grand Prix. The Mercedes teenager takes a gamble on tyre
Back At Base S3: 4. Flying High
The final phase of the 2025 Formula 1 World Championship is hotting up for our rookie drivers Kimi Antonelli and Ollie Bearman with just five races to go. At the start of this episode, we’re flying high with Mercedes driver Antonelli as he boards his flight to Mexico. But when you’re a jetset driver, how do you pass the time during long-haul trips across the world?The high-altitude circuit in Mexi
Back At Base S3: 3. Hope and Ambition
Hollywood legend Keanu Reeves makes his entrance in Episode Three of the podcast as the actor reveals why he has chosen to document Cadillac’s journey to the Formula 1 grid in a follow-up to his award-winning 2023 series about the Brawn F1 team.Our expert F1 guides, Holly Samos and Sarah Holt, are also closely following Cadillac’s story, and they arrive at the team’s factory for a landmark moment
Back At Base S3: 2. Master vs Apprentice
The new Cadillac Formula 1 team reveals who they’ve chosen as their race drivers for their debut 2026 season.Returning fan favourites Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez, with more than 500 Grand Prix starts between them, are set to make history as Cadillac’s first-ever F1 driver line-up. In an exclusive for this podcast, former Red Bull race-winner Perez explains why he’s chosen to make his F1 retur
Back At Base S3: 1. All at Risk
We’re on a high-speed taxi ride with teenage sensation Kimi Antonelli as he takes series co-host Holly Samos on a thrilling hot lap around Silverstone, home of the British Grand Prix. The 18-year-old’s career is also hitting the gas, after Mercedes chose him to replace seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton and handed the Italian his F1 debut in 2025.Already a social media sensation, B
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Qualifying Review
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.
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Preview
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.
Chequered Flag Extra: Lando Norris Special
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
Chequered Flag Extra: Claire Dubbelman on life as F1’s Deputy Race Director & women in motorsport
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 dir
Back at Base: Bonus 2. Inside F1: The Movie
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 ci
Back At Base S2: Bonus 1. Inside The Championship
With two race wins from two at the start of the 2025 F1 season, McLaren couldn’t have got off to a better start in the defence of their constructors’ world title. So what better time to look back on exactly how they achieved that success in 2024? In this bonus episode of F1: Back at Base - How To Go Racing, Holly Samos and Sarah Holt take you behind the scenes at McLaren as they finally became Wor
Back At Base S2: 8. The Search For Perfection
In the desert kingdom of Abu Dhabi, the sun is about to set on a record-breaking Formula 1 season. After an intense battle across 23 races, just one will now decide which team will be crowned World Champions. Formula 1’s oldest rivals, McLaren and Ferrari are, once again, pitted against one another in a title fight. The Scuderia have 31 titles and McLaren 20 – but only one of them will claim the
Back At Base S2: 7. A Lot More To Lose
In just 15 days’ time, the final chapter in the story of the 2024 Formula 1 season will be written. A triple header of races - from the bright lights of Las Vegas to the heat of Qatar and Abu Dhabi – will decide the World Championships. It’s late November, and time for Formula 1 to take up residency in Las Vegas. The sound of engines roaring down the city’s world-famous Strip will soon bring in th
Back At Base S2: 6. Total Commitment
The McLaren and Aston Martin Formula 1 teams are preparing for a “Super Sunday” in Brazil. For just the sixth time in the sport’s history, both qualifying and the race are taking place on the same day. Stormy weather is testing the teams’ resources and resolve at the Interlagos Circuit, home to the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. The teams and drivers arrive at the track at the crack of dawn, ready to think
Back At Base S2: 5. Echoes From The Past
There are just five races left to go in the frenetic 2024 Formula 1 season - and the stakes are getting higher. McLaren are still in the hunt for both World titles but, after a penalty for Lando Norris at the U.S. Grand Prix, the team must regroup back at base. The next race in Mexico is vital for the team if they are to keep Norris’ hopes alive in the Drivers’ Championship. The events in Austin s
Back At Base S2: 4. The Calm Before the Storm
It’s late September. The seasons are turning – but the wheels of Formula 1 have stopped. There is now a three-week pause before racing resumes at the U.S. Grand Prix in Austin, Texas.At Aston Martin’s Silverstone headquarters, the cars have made a rare return home. In 2024, the cars travel to 21 countries across five continents - that’s a total 127,000 kilometres in air distance. Head of Build a
Back At Base S2: 3. Mission Control
Tension is building inside the McLaren factory. The team is closer to a title than they have been for 12 years and, after dramatic races in Zandvoort and Monza, there is much to discuss. Not least the team’s philosophy that allows their drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, to freely race each other. Team Principal Andrea Stella has returned to the factory to consider whether there now needs to
Back At Base S2: 2. Project Pencil
The Aston Martin team is preparing to unveil the super signing of the 2024 season. Someone who will shape their Formula 1 cars and - if things go to plan - the team’s future at the front of the grid. But until then the news has to be kept under wraps. In the ultra-competitive world of Formula 1 secrecy is a necessity.The McLaren and Aston Martin teams are also gearing up for a return to racing at
Back At Base S2: 1. Opportunity Of A Lifetime
There are just 10 races left to go in the 2024 Formula 1 season - the longest season in the sport’s history with 24 grands prix. In this final phase of the season, both Championships - for the world’s best racing driver and team - are still up for grabs.
At McLaren headquarters, in the commuter town of Woking just 23 miles outside London, the team is stirring again after the summer shutdown. Th
Coming Soon – S2: How To Go Racing
In this eight-part series, hosted by actor Josh Hartnett, we have been given unprecedented access to two of the most famous names in Formula 1 - McLaren and Aston Martin. These teams are unlocking the doors to their top-secret factories. It’s a critical moment in their season, but they are letting inside as they fight to the finish line in the final 10 races of 2024. With F1 experts Sarah Holt and
Back At Base: 8. The Final Piece in the Puzzle
For the last three months, we have followed the Williams and Mercedes teams as they prepared and built their cars for the 2024 season. Holly Samos and Sarah Holt have been our guides as we’ve gone with them inside the factories - but now it’s almost time to return to the track. First, the teams have to launch their race cars and reveal them to the rest of the world. Williams have travelled to New
Back At Base: 7. The Bombshell
Lewis Hamilton has returned from the Christmas break with some shocking news for his Mercedes team. His bombshell makes headlines around the world - with some calling it the biggest story in Formula 1 this century. Even if that’s a little far-fetched, there is no doubt that his decision has sent shockwaves through the F1 community. At Mercedes, team principal Toto Wolff is used to having to react
Back At Base: 6. Two Seconds to Shine
Inside their high-tech Formula 1 factories, Mercedes and Williams are in a constant cycle of pushing the boundaries in the car build. And the clock is ticking. With just a few weeks to go until the start of the 2024 season, Williams are working overtime as the final components of the car go into manufacture. Team principal James Vowles says these crucial weeks towards the end of January are the bu
Back At Base: 5. A New Year Begins
Back at base, Williams and Mercedes are returning to work after the winter shutdown. Now is the time for new beginnings – and whatever lies ahead for our two teams and the cars they are busy bringing to life inside their high-tech facilities. F1 experts Holly Samos and Sarah Holt are our guides as we catch up with the teams.At Mercedes, there is one very familiar face that everyone is pleased to s
Back at Base: 4. No Fat in the Plan
When it comes to designing and building the new Williams and Mercedes Formula 1 cars for the looming 2024 season, there is precision and, most importantly, there is a plan. There has to be because all 10 teams are facing their first winter shutdown - a new ruling by the sport’s governing body, the FIA. But things don’t always go to plan - and the teams face a race against the clock to finish key b
Back at Base: 3. A Shot at Redemption
Inside the Williams and Mercedes factories, where F1 cars come to life, the workforce is putting its heart and soul into the winter tasks now well underway. There are just 14 weeks between the 2023 season and the first race of 2024 in Bahrain. In this series, we have been allowed rare access into the heart of the operations. And at the Williams facility, in rural Oxfordshire, we are about to go o
Back At Base: 2. Big Air
The Williams and Mercedes Formula 1 teams have given us unprecedented access to their top-secret facilities as they work over the winter preparing their cars for the 2024 season. At Mercedes, the team’s superstar driver Lewis Hamilton is going into a restricted area to see how that crucial work is coming along. We follow in his footsteps as F1 experts Holly Samos and Sarah Holt get a VIP tour of o
Back at Base: 1. The Homecoming
In this series, we have been given unprecedented access to two of the biggest teams in Formula 1 - Mercedes and Williams. It’s a few days after the final race of the 2023 season, and the teams are returning home to their UK factories after an epic year. It’s time to enjoy the year’s hard-fought success with the workforce of hundreds back at base. And we are there with them - our F1 experts Holly S
