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F1 Back at Base - A deep dive into the high-octane world of Formula 1 with exclusive behind-the-scenes access. F1 Chequered Flag: Home of Formula 1.
84 Episodes
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1How 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.
Can Lando Norris make it three wins on the bounce? Rosanna Tennant, Harry Benjamin and Alice Powell look back at qualifying from Las Vegas and ask whether the McLaren driver can turn pole into a race win. They hear from him, as well Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz who make up the podium. Plus, Oscar Piastri reflects on another underwhelming day.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
Harry Benjamin, British racing driver Sam Bird and the BBC’s F1 correspondent Andrew Benson reflect on the Mexico City Grand Prix. Lando Norris started on pole, but could he convert that to victory? We hear from the British driver as well as title rivals Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen. Plus, how would Ferrari perform after a strong day in qualifying? And who would take our ‘hero of the race’ accolade?
Harry Benjamin and British racing driver Sam Bird reflect on qualifying at the Mexico City Grand Prix. Who would take pole position as the championship battle intensifies? We hear from the three main title protagonists, Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris and Max Verstappen, as we build-up to Sunday’s race.
Harry Benjamin, former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer, F1 journalist Rebecca Clancy and the BBC’s F1 correspondent Andrew Benson preview the Mexico City Grand Prix. Is Max Verstappen in the title fight? And where are things going wrong for McLaren? We hear from their CEO Zak Brown.
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.
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.
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.
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?
Are tensions starting to simmer at McLaren despite the team clinching their tenth constructors’ championship? Harry Benjamin and Sam Bird look back on the race and hear from both McLaren drivers after they made contact on the first lap. Team principal Andrea Stella joins the pod to put the team’s achievements into perspective. Plus, we hear from race winner George Russell and runner-up Max Verstappen.
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.
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.
Can Lando Norris continue to narrow the gap to McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri as F1 heads to Singapore? Eleanor Oldroyd is joined by Jennie Gow and Andrew Benson to discuss the championship rivals at McLaren and whether Red Bull's Max Verstappen has forced himself back into the title picture. We hear from Norris, Piastri and Verstappen.
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.
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Oh no...did they check all the floors?
hopefully not anytime soon.
Rosanna is a moron. Need more Jenny.
Why can’t this woman breathe and speak properly at the same time like a normal person?
Harry's right about kmag. Idk what this rubbish is about it showing there's "no rules." He was penalised, wasn't he? Those are the rules. Cry more.
What an amazing interview with Jenny and Lewis! beautiful!!
A complete car crash of a programme. Words like "I was completely switched off for a moment then" sums up the complete lack of production values. Utter rubbish.
Leclerc defense against Hamilton at Monza for first place in 2019... clear example of though defense 😂. com'on guys you are supposed to be the experts 😉
Love this show, but some of those cuts/edits are frustrating - skipping back and repeating, especially. Can I assist with editing?
broken link
Broken link
Doesn't work.
Thank you all for entertaining us this year. Enjoy your break and have a great festive season.
I'm neutral. F1 has got boring and too expensive to engage with be it at the circuit or on TV. I'm out.will watch something that I can actually afford to watch
Why was there no lead up to Monza?
I bet everyone is thinking that performance difference could be worth investigating. But nobody is game to say it. It's odd.
why is this on the Checkered Flag podcast??
The mixed up grid due to rain during quali always always makes for an interesting race. Alonso starting p2, Lewis on podium, fun midfield scraps, and the fight for first between Max and Carlos in the final 10 laps. VSC early and then, a timely safety car for Carlos and Lewis. Great.race!
umm F1???
Why not go somewhere quite without the music in the background. It's annoying, I don't want to 'be there in the paddock'...... I want your debrief without the annoying background bustle! I'm not even going to listen anymore, I'll turn you off full stop. Shame as I usually enjoy what you have to say, but I can't hear properly. Sort it out BBC f1!