F1 Explains

Formula 1

New episodes of F1 Explains are on the F1 Nation podcast feed in 2026, but you can enjoy our previous episodes right here.

Send your questions, voice notes and messages to F1Explains@F1.com

An official Formula 1 podcast.

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122 episodes
Updated February 27

Episodes122

Newest first

Jul 24, 2025 · 33 min
Ask Stefano Domenicali – F1 President and CEO answers your questions
Being the boss of Formula 1 is a big job. F1 teams, drivers, race promoters, sponsors and more than 825 million fans worldwide rely on Stefano Domenicali to lead the sport forwards. It’s a huge responsibility, so how does he keep everyone happy? Speaking to Christian Hewgill, Stefano explains exactly what his job involves and how the role compares to his time as Ferrari Team Principal. He also answers your questions about the cost cap, the calendar, the points-scoring system, the sport’s growth in the US and why Formula 1 is entering a new era in 2026. And with so many exciting new additions to the sport in the last few years - like F1 Sprint, the spectacular Las Vegas Grand Prix, the trailblazing F1 ACADEMY, and F1 The Movie - what does Stefano think the next big thing for Formula 1 will be? Get your question answered on the podcast Send your voice notes and emails to F1Explains@F1.com NET ZERO F1 is on-target to be Net Zero by 2030. The sport has reduced its carbon emissions by 26% since 2018. Read more here. F1 THE MOVIE starring Brad Pitt NOW PLAYING Get tickets now It's All To Drive For in 2025. Be there! Book your seat for a Grand Prix this season at tickets.formula1.com Listen to more official F1 podcasts In-depth interviews on F1 Beyond The Grid Expert reaction before and after every Grand Prix on F1 Nation
Jul 17, 2025 · 36 min
Esteban Ocon explains F1 training, post-race weigh-ins + racing focus
He's a race-winner, a Haas driver and he lays claim to being the tallest person on the F1 grid (hairstyle permitting). Esteban Ocon joins F1 Explains to answer the latest batch of listener questions. Among the topics in our inbox: how drivers prepare mentally and physically, why they get handed a little paper ticket at their post-race weight check, how being tall affects the job of an F1 driver, and whether fireproof underwear is comfortable. Esteban also talks about working with his Haas race engineer Laura Mueller, how drivers sense when it's time to change tyres during a wet race, his pre-race rituals and how he keeps his concentration while racing. Get your question on the podcast! Send your voice notes and emails to F1Explains@F1.com F1 THE MOVIE starring Brad Pitt NOW PLAYING Get tickets now It's All To Drive For in 2025. Be there! Book your seat for a Grand Prix this season at tickets.formula1.com Listen to more official F1 podcasts In-depth interviews on F1 Beyond The Grid Expert reaction before and after every Grand Prix on F1 Nation
Jul 10, 2025 · 21 min
Ask Ayao Komatsu LIVE at the British Grand Prix
How do F1 teams help new drivers settle in? What are the secrets of Silverstone? Could Taylor Swift help Ollie Bearman go faster? Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu answers these questions and more in the latest F1 Explains live show, recorded at the British Grand Prix. F1 Explains listeners Eilín from Ireland, Maya from New York and honeymooning couple Amie and Sam join Ayao and Christian Hewgill on-stage. They ask Ayao how Esteban Ocon and Ollie Bearman adapted to their new team, the differences between rookies and experienced drivers, and how F1 stars stay focused during a race. Will Ayao use Christian's idea of playing his drivers' favourite songs over the radio to give them a boost? Watch this space... Get your question on the podcast! Send your voice notes and emails to F1Explains@F1.com F1 THE MOVIE starring Brad Pitt NOW PLAYING Get tickets now It's All To Drive For in 2025. Be there! Book your seat for a Grand Prix this season at tickets.formula1.com Listen to more official F1 podcasts In-depth interviews on F1 Beyond The Grid Expert reaction before and after every Grand Prix on F1 Nation
Jul 3, 2025 · 52 min
75 Years of F1: How the sport arrived and thrived - with Damon Hill + Alex Jacques at the British GP
1996 Formula 1 World Champion, Damon Hill, and F1TV’s lead commentator, Alex Jacques, join Christian Hewgill at the British Grand Prix for an F1 history lesson - 75 years since the World Championship began at Silverstone in 1950. How did the pinnacle of motorsport begin? What did the first World Championship look like in terms of the cars, the calendar and the Constructors? Who were the sport’s biggest superstars in the early decades? What have been the biggest technological advances? How has safety improved over time? Alex takes us through the defining moments of each era, how Formula 1 transformed into the spectacle it is today and what we can expect in the future. And Damon talks about his life in Formula 1 – how he went from watching his World Champion father Graham as a child to following in his footsteps by winning the title in ’96, his epic rivalry with Michael Schumacher, being teammates with the legendary Ayrton Senna – and how the sport is so different now to when he was racing. Get your question on the podcast! Send voice notes and emails to F1Explains@F1.com F1: THE MOVIE starring Brad Pitt NOW PLAYING Get tickets now It's All To Drive For in 2025. Be there! Book your seat for a Grand Prix this season at tickets.formula1.com Listen to more official F1 podcasts In-depth interviews on F1 Beyond The Grid Expert reaction before and after every Grand Prix on F1 Nation
Jul 1, 2025 · 1 min
This Friday: F1 Explains LIVE at the British Grand Prix
F1 Explains will be live on-stage at the British Grand Prix with two special guests: Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu, and F1 legend David Coulthard will join Christian Hewgill to answer your questions. See you there! F1 EXPLAINS LIVE AT SILVERSTONE Friday 4th July Main Stage 1115-1145 Free to all British Grand Prix Friday or weekend ticket-holders Send your questions for Ayao and David to F1Explains@F1.com Get your question on the podcast! Send voice notes and emails to F1Explains@F1.com F1: THE MOVIE starring Brad Pitt Only in cinemas June 2025 Get tickets now It's All To Drive For in 2025. Be there! Book your seat for a Grand Prix this season at tickets.formula1.com Listen to more official F1 podcasts In-depth interviews on F1 Beyond The Grid Expert reaction before and after every Grand Prix on F1 Nation
Jun 26, 2025 · 29 min
F1 commentary, team radio + qualifying questions - with Alex Jacques + Jolyon Palmer
How do F1 commentators call races? What do F1 team radio messages mean? How do drivers make sure their laps in qualifying are as fast as possible? In this 'mega' episode, F1TV commentary duo Alex Jacques and Jolyon Palmer explain how they do their jobs - the camera shots and data they look at during a Grand Prix Alex and Jolyon also help Christian Hewgill decode F1 team radio messages, and break down how teams approach qualifying. Get your question on the podcast! Send voice notes and emails to F1Explains@F1.com F1: THE MOVIE starring Brad Pitt Only in cinemas June 2025 Get tickets now It's All To Drive For in 2025. Be there! Book your seat for a Grand Prix this season at tickets.formula1.com Listen to more official F1 podcasts In-depth interviews on F1 Beyond The Grid Expert reaction before and after every Grand Prix on F1 Nation
Jun 25, 2025 · 28 min
How F1 The Movie was made - with director Joseph Kosinski
Filmed on real F1 racetracks, in the middle of real F1 action, F1 The Movie is the most authentic racing movie ever. Director Joseph Kosinski tells Christian Hewgill how the movie was made - how it all started with an email to Lewis Hamilton, how the team modified real race cars to film the spectacular racing sequences, and how he shot scenes on the grid, on the track and in the pit lane during F1 race weekends. F1 The Movie – in cinemas June 25th internationally, June 27th in North America Find a screening near you at f1themovie.com Get your question on the podcast! Send voice notes and emails to F1Explains@F1.com F1: The Movie on official F1 podcasts Brad Pitt tells F1 Beyond The Grid how he became his character Sonny Hayes Damson Idris + Kerry Condon talk about preparing for their roles on F1 Nation It's All To Drive For in 2025. Be there! Book your seat for a Grand Prix this season at tickets.formula1.com
Jun 19, 2025 · 40 min
Planning your F1 trip - choosing a race, buying tickets + picking seats
Watching F1 on TV is incredible. Seeing the action live is even better. With 24 amazing races, different ticket options and viewing positions to choose from, how do you plan a trip to a Formula 1 Grand Prix? Katie Osborne and Christian Hewgill speak to Gavin and Megan, F1 fans from Colorado who are going to this weekend's Austrian Grand Prix during their honeymoon. They want advice planning their weekend - what to take to the track, where to sit, and what to do besides watching the races. F1 Experiences is the closest you can get to Formula 1, with pit lane walks, track tours and photos with the F1 World Championship trophy. Find out more at f1experiences.com Send your questions and messages to F1Explains@F1.com You can buy tickets for F1 in 2025 and 2026 at tickets.formula1.com The 2026 F1 Calendar is out now - choose your race here F1: THE MOVIE - in theatres June 25th / June 27th (US) Find a showing - f1themovie.com
Jun 13, 2025 · 26 min
Lando Norris explains F1 driving styles, champagne slams + special helmets
What is a ‘driving style’ and how many different ones are there? What’s the secret to executing a champagne pop on the podium? And how do F1 drivers come up with ideas for special helmet designs and create the final product? McLaren driver Lando Norris joins Christian Hewgill at the Canadian Grand Prix to give you the answers. Lando also tells us what he likes to eat for breakfast, why he has to get up so early on race day, his guilty pleasures, what he’d be if he wasn’t an F1 driver, and why he wants to become World Champion. Get your question on the podcast! Send voice notes and emails to F1Explains@F1.com F1: THE MOVIE starring Brad Pitt Only in cinemas June 2025 Get tickets now It's All To Drive For in 2025. Be there! Book your seat for a Grand Prix this season at tickets.formula1.com Listen to more official F1 podcasts In-depth interviews on F1 Beyond The Grid Expert reaction before and after every Grand Prix on F1 Nation
Jun 5, 2025 · 32 min
F1's greatest drivers + improving safety | Ask an F1 World Champion - with Sir Jackie Stewart
He's a legend of Formula 1, a three-time World Champion who fought to make the sport safer. Sir Jackie Stewart's good work continues today with his charity Race Against Dementia. Sir Jackie joins Christian Hewgill to answer your questions on how F1 has changed since the 1960s and 70s, the great drivers of the past and how F1 cars and racetracks have become safer over the decades. Lady Helen Stewart, Jackie's wife, was once his timekeeper. She stood at the side of the track with a stopwatch to record his lap times. In 2014 they learned she has dementia, a brain disease which can affect memory, thinking and behaviour. Sir Jackie explains how his charity funds research to find a cure. Formula 1 is proud to support Race Against Dementia The global charity, founded by Sir Jackie Stewart OBE, funds pioneering research into the prevention and cure of dementia. Find out more at raceagainstdementia.com Get your question on the podcast! Send voice notes and emails to F1Explains@F1.com COMING SOON... Lando Norris and Esteban Ocon - send in your questions for our Ask an F1 Driver specials with two Grand Prix winners. F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali - send your questions on his job running Formula 1. F1: THE MOVIE starring Brad Pitt Only in cinemas June 2025 Get tickets now It's All To Drive For in 2025. Be there! Book your seat for a Grand Prix this season at tickets.formula1.com Listen to more official F1 podcasts In-depth interviews on F1 Beyond The Grid Expert reaction before and after every Grand Prix on F1 Nation
May 29, 2025 · 28 min
Rivalry with Schumacher, pre-race meals and F1 life skills - LIVE with Mika Hakkinen in Monaco
Teamwork. Racing. Pasta. We explore all that and more as Mika Hakkinen joins Christian Hewgill and F1 Explains listeners live on-stage at the Monaco Grand Prix. Double World Champion Mika talks about what he learned from racing Michael Schumacher. Their rivalry started as teenagers in karts and continued when they fought for F1 titles in the late 1990s. F1 Explains listeners Lisa, Daniel and Tessa ask Mika their questions on whether the friendships between today’s drivers affect how they race on-track and what skills Mika took from F1 into life post-racing. Plus Mika talks about his favourite race day foods and signs a special piece of artwork for a fan in the crowd. Get your question on the podcast! Send voice notes and emails to F1Explains@F1.com COMING SOON: F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali - send your questions on his job running Formula 1 F1: THE MOVIE starring Brad Pitt Only in cinemas June 2025 Get tickets now It's All To Drive For in 2025. Be there! Book your seat for a Grand Prix this season at tickets.formula1.com Listen to more official F1 podcasts In-depth interviews on F1 Beyond The Grid Expert reaction before and after every Grand Prix on F1 Nation
May 22, 2025 · 39 min
The Magic of Monaco - with Mika Hakkinen + Alex Jacques
No room for mistakes. No time to breathe. The Monaco Grand Prix is a unique challenge. Legends win here, but even the greats have failed to complete 78 laps on the narrow streets of Monte Carlo. Christian Hewgill is in Monaco to find out what makes this race special. Monaco winner and two-time F1 World Champion Mika Hakkinen explains why it's such a difficult Grand Prix, mentally and physically. F1TV Commentator Alex Jacques tells us about the history of the race, and about the brand-new tyre rule which will change things this year. Plus, Christian tours the track to ask F1 fans why they think Monaco is magical and discovers that nearly everyone at the race this weekend has the same name... F1 Explains has won a global podcast award! GOLD in the SPORTS PODCAST category at the New York Festivals Radio Awards. We couldn't make this podcast without you. Thank you for listening and sending your questions to F1Explains@F1.com F1: THE MOVIE starring Brad Pitt Only in cinemas June 2025 Get tickets now It's All To Drive For in 2025. Be there! Book your seat for a Grand Prix this season at tickets.formula1.com Listen to more official F1 podcasts In-depth interviews on F1 Beyond The Grid Expert reaction before and after every Grand Prix on F1 Nation
May 20, 2025 · 56 sec
This weekend: F1 Explains LIVE in Monaco
F1 Explains LIVE with Mika Hakkinen Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix 2025 Saturday 24th May, 1:30pm F1 Fanzone stage Send your question to F1Explains@F1.com, tell us you're coming and you could be part of the show F1: THE MOVIE starring Brad Pitt Only in cinemas June 2025 Watch the trailer now It's All To Drive For in 2025. Be there! Book your seat for a Grand Prix this season at tickets.formula1.com Listen to more official F1 podcasts In-depth interviews on F1 Beyond The Grid Expert reaction before and after every Grand Prix on F1 Nation
May 15, 2025 · 51 min
Inside The Garage - with Haas F1 Team
What happens in a Formula 1 team's garage during a race? In a world-first episode, recorded inside the Haas garage during the Miami Grand Prix, mechanics, engineers and strategists tell F1 Explains what they do while the cars are racing. How are the pit crew told it's time for a pit stop? How do strategists make their calls? How do mechanics make sure new tyres are ready to go? Christian Hewgill explains it all from an exclusive position surrounded by data screens, engineers and equipment. Plus, we listen in to team radio channels, learn what F1 tyres are recycled into after each race, resist the urge to eat the pit crew's mid-race treats and rub shoulders with a rock music legend... It's All To Drive For in 2025. Be there! Book your seat for a Grand Prix this season at tickets.formula1.com Listen to more official F1 podcasts In-depth interviews on F1 Beyond The Grid Expert reaction before and after every Grand Prix on F1 Nation
May 8, 2025 · 34 min
Guenther Steiner on calming rookies, leading a new F1 team, acting with Brad Pitt + building LEGO - LIVE in Miami
How do F1 bosses keep the pressure off young drivers? What's it like launching a brand new team? Former Haas Team Principal and future star of the F1 movie Guenther Steiner answers these questions and more in an episode recorded live at the Miami Grand Prix. F1 Explains listeners Jenny, Joshua and Sydney join Christian Hewgill on-stage to ask Guenther their questions about running an F1 team. Guenther explains how to keep experienced drivers motivated and names the drivers he thinks will help the new Cadillac get off to a strong start in F1 next season. Plus, Guenther's role alongside Brad Pitt in this summer's F1 movie, fun with LEGO and Christian gets some parents in the crowd to make a shocking admission... Experience the Miami Grand Prix for yourself in 2026! Keep watching F1MiamiGP.com and tickets.formula1.com for information on race tickets Listen to more official F1 podcasts In-depth interviews on F1 Beyond The Grid Expert reaction before and after every Grand Prix on F1 Nation
May 1, 2025 · 43 min
Football stadium to F1 venue: how the Miami Grand Prix happens
Formula 1 races in incredible places. Miami is unique. Home of two-time Superbowl champions the Miami Dolphins, the Miami Open tennis, other world-class sporting events and concerts, the Hard Rock Stadium is transformed into a Grand Prix track where hundreds of thousands of fans enjoy the action both on and off the circuit. Christian Hewgill is in Miami to answer your questions how the event happens, meeting Miami GP President Tyler Epp, plus John Murphy and Kathy Nowak, who oversee building the racetrack, the one-of-a-kind F1 paddock inside the stadium itself and the campus with its marina, yachts, and beach club. Experience the Miami Grand Prix for yourself in 2026! Keep watching F1MiamiGP.com and tickets.formula1.com for information on race tickets See F1 Explains LIVE with Guenther Steiner at the Miami Grand Prix Friday May 2nd - 1:45pm Hard Rock Stadium, 300 Level Free to all Grand Prix ticket-holders Listen to more official F1 podcasts In-depth interviews on F1 Beyond The Grid Expert reaction before and after every Grand Prix on F1 Nation Join us at a Formula 1 Grand Prix in 2025 Go to tickets.formula1.com to book your seat
Apr 24, 2025 · 35 min
Alpine Team Principal Oliver Oakes answers your questions + Miami live show news
He's a former racer who's now boss of Alpine. Oliver Oakes joins F1 Explains for another 'Ask A Team Principal' special. He tells Christian Hewgill how he deals with feedback from drivers Pierre Gasly and Jack Doohan, while keeping hundreds of team members working together. Plus, Oliver explains how he became a Team Principal in Formula 1 after starting out as a driver and team boss in F3 and F2. See F1 Explains LIVE with Guenther Steiner at the Miami Grand Prix Friday May 2nd - 1:45pm Hard Rock Stadium, 300 Level Free to all Grand Prix ticket-holders Email F1Explains@F1.com with your question for Guenther, and you could be part of the show Listen to more official F1 podcasts In-depth interviews on F1 Beyond The Grid Expert reaction before and after every Grand Prix on F1 Nation Join us at a Formula 1 Grand Prix in 2025 Go to tickets.formula1.com to book your seat
Apr 17, 2025 · 30 min
Crashing, downforce, drag + dirty air - Your questions answered by Laura Winter and James Hinchcliffe
How do drivers stay so calm when they’re about to crash? What’s the difference between a slipstream and dirty air? Why do F1 cockpits have small ‘windscreens’? How do you become an F1 presenter? And what exactly is the role of a driver’s press officer? Christian Hewgill is joined by F1TV main presenter Laura Winter and IndyCar race winner James Hinchcliffe to answer your quickfire questions. Get your question answered by an F1 expert Big or small, if you've got a question we'll find the best person to answer it. Send your email or voice note to F1Explains@F1.com WIN A £100 F1® STORE VOUCHER, A LEGO F1® COLLECTION BUNDLE + MORE THIS EASTER WITH F1 UNLOCKED Thanks to F1 Unlocked, you can win an amazing F1® Partner prize bundle, which includes: £100 F1® Store voucher, 2025 Miami Grand Prix poster, Puma F1® Racing Jacket, Hot Wheels F1® diecast bundle and a LEGO F1® collection bundle Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity. To enter - go to f1.com/Easter-unlocked-podcast Full terms and conditions are on that page too. Entries close on Tuesday 22nd of April. Listen to more official F1 podcasts In-depth interviews on F1 Beyond The Grid Expert reaction before and after every Grand Prix on F1 Nation Join us at a Formula 1 Grand Prix in 2025 Go to tickets.formula1.com to book your seat
Apr 10, 2025 · 32 min
Ask an F1 Team Principal with James Vowles (and surprise guest Alex Albon)
Drivers, sponsors, repairing crashes and making big decisions; Formula 1 Team Principals have a lot to handle. Williams Racing boss James Vowles answers your questions about his job. What does it mean when a team says they're focusing on F1's new rules in 2026? How does James deal with team mate battles? How are Williams supporting young women reach F1? Christian Hewgill asks James these questions and more in an interview which is hilariously interrupted by Alex Albon. It's safe to say this episode really lifts the lid on what happens behind the scenes in an F1 Team Principal's office... Get your question answered by an F1 expert Big or small, if you've got a question we'll find the best person to answer it. Send your email or voice note to F1Explains@F1.com Listen to more official F1 podcasts In-depth interviews on F1 Beyond The Grid Expert reaction before and after every Grand Prix on F1 Nation Join us at a Formula 1 Grand Prix in 2025 Go to tickets.formula1.com to book your seat
Apr 3, 2025 · 43 min
How to drive an F1 car (and why Suzuka is such a challenge) with Pedro de la Rosa
190 mile per hour corners. Heavy braking zones. Twists and turns with no room for error. Suzuka, home of the Japanese Grand Prix, tests Formula 1 drivers' skills to the limit. But what are those skills? What are the 20 drivers actually doing with their hands, their feet, and their eyes, which allows them to drive so fast? Former F1 racer and Aston Martin ambassador Pedro de la Rosa answers your questions on the incredible abilities of F1 drivers. He tells Christian Hewgill how they hit corner apexes perfectly, brake and accelerate precisely and how they develop their racing instincts. Ask us something, and be on the podcast Big or small, if you've got a question we'll find an expert to answer it. Send your email or voice note to F1Explains@F1.com Listen to more official F1 podcasts In-depth interviews on F1 Beyond The Grid Expert reaction before and after every Grand Prix on F1 Nation Join us at a Formula 1 Grand Prix in 2025 Go to tickets.formula1.com to book your seat