F1 Nation

Every driver wants to stand above their rivals, hear their national anthem, life the trophy and spray the champagne on the Formula 1 podium. It's a moment of celebration which takes careful planning and is governed by strict rules... like a wedding... in race suits.We've put your podium questions the two people who work together to make it all happen: Linda Boudabous – Master of Ceremonies and Special Operations Co-ordinator at the FIA, and Katalin Bukor – Head of Ceremonies & Protocol at Formula 1. They tell Christian Hewgill about broken trophies, keeping VIPs dry and what happens when real champagne can't be sprayed on the podium.  Send us your F1 questions - [email protected] to more official F1 podcastsF1 Nation for weekly race previews and reviewsF1 Beyond The Grid for in-depth interviews with the biggest stars of F1

Tom Clarkson is joined by journalists Albert Fabrega and Julianne Cerasoli to reflect on the first Spanish Grand Prix at the Madring circuit.The Virtual Safety Car came at just the wrong time for race leader Lando Norris on lap 15, costing him victory after he’d made a great start from pole. Could McLaren have pre-empted the VSC? Why did Lando pit after the VSC ended? Could he have stayed out on the medium tyre?Tom, Albert and Julianne discuss those talking points and you’ll hear reaction from McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella.Kimi Antonelli capitalised on Lando’s misfortune to take his eighth victory of the season and move 81 points clear of Mercedes teammate George Russell at the top of the World Championship.And Max Verstappen came home in P2 for his sixth podium of the year. But could he have won the race if Red Bull hadn’t asked him to let Lewis Hamilton past after their opening lap incident?

How did the Madring come to life? What makes it such a unique track compared to the rest of the F1 calendar? And why is ‘La Monumental’ the corner everyone’s talking about?As we head to the heart of Madrid for the Spanish Grand Prix this weekend, Christian Hewgill has been finding out more about F1's newest circuit.He's joined by F1 correspondent Lawrence Barretto, who was Carlos Sainz's passenger as he drove the very first lap of the track earlier this year, and the Madring’s Chief Operating Officer, Carlos Jimenez, to answer your questions about this exciting new challenge for the drivers.

Formula 1 is heading to a brand-new circuit in Madrid this weekend, as the Madring hosts the Spanish Grand Prix for the first time.Tom Clarkson and F1TV lead commentator Alex Jacques discuss the unique challenges this track will present the drivers, why we could be treated to a chaotic race and which teams will be competitive there.Jacquesy tells Tom why George Russell can still stop his Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli from becoming World Champion, despite the Italian’s 66-point lead at the top of the standings. And you’ll hear what Ferrari drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc had to say at media day in Madrid, after their tense opening lap battle in Monza.

Tom Clarkson is joined by Lawrence Barretto and Davide Valsecchi to analyse an extraordinary Italian Grand Prix, which saw Kimi Antonelli climb from 19th on the grid to become the first Italian Formula 1 driver to win their home race in 60 years.How did Antonelli complete such an incredible comeback? Where does his victory rank among the greatest drives in F1 history? And what will be going through George Russell’s head after failing to capitalise on Kimi’s grid penalty? Lewis Hamilton has suggested that Ferrari need to introduce rules of engagement after he felt Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc pushed him off into the gravel at Turn 2 on the opening lap. The guys share their thoughts on that incident, what they think caused Leclerc’s race-ending crash on the following lap and how Team Principal Fred Vasseur needs to address the situation between his drivers.Also on the agenda: how did Max Verstappen secure his fifth podium of the season? Did McLaren exceed expectations in Monza? And what does Pierre Gasly’s remarkable pole position tell us about Alpine’s progress?THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY: IM8Give your body what it deserves with IM8! Go to IM8HEALTH.com/nation and use code NATION for a Free Welcome Kit, five free travel sachets plus ten percent off your order. #im8health