F1 Nation

It's the heart of F1, a circus of speed which tours the racetracks of the world. Drivers mingle with VIPs and engineers. Mechanics push tyre trollies past crowds of reporters and camera crews. Inside hospitality buildings, Team Principals meet sponsors and guests. To enter this exclusive area you usually need a paddock pass, but F1 Explains can get you in...Christian Hewgill is your guide for a tour of the F1 Paddock to answer your questions about what happens there during a Grand Prix weekend.Send your questions to F1Explains@F1.comF1 Nation and F1 Explains have teamed up for 2026Get weekly race reviews and previews right here on this podcast feedExclusive in-depth interviews on F1 Beyond The GridLatest: How Jacques Villeneuve shook up F1Coming soon: Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu on Ollie Bearman's future

F1TV commentator and former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer joins Tom Clarkson in the Shanghai paddock to reflect on an action-packed Chinese Grand Prix.Kimi Antonelli became the second youngest Grand Prix winner in F1 history, leading George Russell to the second consecutive Mercedes 1-2 of 2026. So can Kimi fight his more experienced teammate for the title this year? Kimi’s race engineer Pete ‘Bono’ Bonnington joins the pod to share what this victory means to them and where the Italian goes from here. Lewis Hamilton claimed his first Grand Prix podium for Ferrari, after an epic battle with teammate Charles Leclerc for third place. After a strong start to the new era of F1, is Lewis back to his best? Why did he have the better of Charles in China? And have we seen more evidence that Ferrari can fight with Mercedes for wins this year? The guys also discuss another big result for Ollie Bearman at Haas, double points for Alpine, a fighting performance from Carlos Sainz in the Williams and more difficult weekends for McLaren, Red Bull and Aston Martin.This episode is sponsored by: Quince: go to Quince dot com slash NATION for free shipping and 365-day returns. That's a full year to build your wardrobe and love it.Indeed: get a £100 sponsored job credit at indeed.com/f1nation Saily: get an exclusive 15% discount on your first Saily data plans! Use code F1nation atcheckout. Download Saily app or go to to https://saily.com/f1nation

What do the red flashing lights on F1 cars mean? When do drivers attack and defend? How do F1 mechanics fix crashed cars so quickly? F1 Explains answers your questions after the first race of 2026.F1 Correspondent and Presenter Lawrence Barretto joins Christian Hewgill to explain battery recharging, the way drivers are using Boost and Overtake modes, and what the new active aero front wings have in common with electric toothbrushes...And, after Mercedes showed their speed in Australia, we look at how power unit manufacturers work with their customer teams.Get your question answered on the podcastSend your questions to F1Explains@F1.comF1 Explains + F1 Nation have teamed up for 2026Find the latest race previews and reviews on this feed - 2026 Chinese GP Preview out now with Tom Clarkson and Jolyon PalmerThis week on F1 Beyond The GridCadillac CEO Dan Towriss talks about launching the team

'Mercedes will have less of an advantage... I think there's some magic in the air for Ferrari'. Tom Clarkson and Jolyon Palmer chat through the big talking points ahead of the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix.What makes the Shanghai International Circuit such a challenge, and how will the racing be different to what we saw in Australia? Will we see Ferrari, Red Bull and McLaren get closer to the pace-setting Mercedes?The first F1 Sprint weekend of 2026 means less preparation time for everyone, including last year's Chinese Grand Prix winner, Oscar Piastri. Will he 'pay the price' for not racing in Melbourne?Can Aston Martin unlock more performance, and will Mercedes-powered Williams and Alpine show more speed in Shanghai?F1 Nation and F1 Explains have teamed up for 2026Listen to episodes right here on this feed, and send your F1 questions to F1Explains@F1.comThis week on F1 Beyond The GridCadillac CEO Dan Towriss on the team's first Grand Prix

Tom Clarkson is joined in the Albert Park paddock by former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer and Channel 10’s Richard Craill to reflect on an entertaining season opener in Melbourne. Mercedes took the first victory of this new era of Formula 1, with George Russell leading Kimi Antonelli to a 1-2 finish. George might be the favourite to become World Champion, but could Kimi challenge him for the duration of the season? Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc finished third, ahead of teammate Lewis Hamilton in fourth. Can they take the fight to Mercedes this year? And could we see Hamilton back on the top step? Plus, the guys discuss how far behind Red Bull and McLaren are, a sensational F1 debut from Racing Bulls rookie Arvid Lindblad, points for Audi in their first race, and why there may be signs of encouragement for Aston Martin after a very challenging start to the season. F1 Nation and F1 Explains have teamed up for 2026Scroll down to find Williams Team Principal James Vowles answer your questionsThis episode is sponsored by:Indeed: get a £100 sponsored job credit at indeed.com/f1nation 

After a long winter, we're finally going racing this weekend in Melbourne. Ahead of the 2026 Australian Grand Prix, Williams Team Principal James Vowles explains how the team has prepared for the weekend, his favourite things about the 2026 regulations, and whether the first race will really tell us who's fastest.James joins Christian Hewgill on the F1 Fanzone stage at Albert Park to look ahead to a mouth-watering new season and to answer questions from F1 Explains listeners Sophie, Victoria and Karen.And James also tells us what jobs he’d give to Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon if they weren’t drivers.We want your questions about how Formula 1 works! Email F1Explains@F1.comF1 Explains and F1 Nation have teamed up for 2026. Subscribe to this feed for race previews and reviews every Monday with Tom Clarkson and guests.F1 Beyond The Grid with Carlos Sainz - out now

James Hinchcliffe, Jolyon Palmer and Tom Clarkson look ahead to the first race of the 2026 Formula 1 season, the Australian Grand Prix.Are Mercedes favourites? Are fast-starting Ferrari title contenders? How will McLaren’s teammate battle develop now Lando Norris is reigning champion? Can Max Verstappen put Red Bull in the mix? There are so many questions at the start of a new era of racing. Hinch, Jolyon and TC debate it all.Plus, how will Williams and Alpine perform? Can Aston Martin recover after a difficult winter? Is 2026 a big chance for Haas? Which of the new teams – Audi or Cadillac – will have a stronger season? And the team make their pre-season predictions: who will win in Melbourne, and who will be the 2026 F1 World Champion?F1 Nation and F1 Explains have teamed up for 2026Scroll down to find Christian Hewgill + Lawrence Barretto explaining all you need to know about the new F1 seasonThis episode is sponsored by: BetterHelp: sign up and get 10% off at betterhelp.com/F1NATIONShopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at shopify.com/nation Indeed: get a £100 sponsored job credit at indeed.com/f1nation 

Boost your knowledge ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season. Christian Hewgill and F1 Correspondent + Presenter Lawrence Barretto run through the key terms and new rules of the sport's new era.Plus we answer your questions on how drivers will recharge their brand new batteries, how the arrival of Cadillac will change qualifying and the new advanced sustainable fuel powering the new cars.We want your questions about how Formula 1 works! Email F1Explains@F1.comF1 Explains and F1 Nation have teamed up for 2026. Subscribe to this feed for race previews and reviews every Monday with Tom Clarkson and guests.And check out the new season of F1 Beyond The Grid. New episodes start Wednesday 4th of March with Carlos Sainz

F1TV commentator and former Renault driver Jolyon Palmer joins Tom Clarkson to reflect on pre-season testing, as Formula 1 gets set for a very exciting new era.The teams and drivers have had a shakedown in Barcelona, followed by two, three-day tests in Bahrain, ahead of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in March.So what have we learned about the new cars? Which teams look competitive? Who still has a lot of work to do? And what do we think the pecking order is heading to Melbourne?What Next?F1 Nation is back next Monday with our big season preview before the Australian Grand Prix. And F1 Explains returns for 2026 this Friday on the F1 Nation feed. Presenter Christian Hewgill is joined by F1 correspondent Lawrence Barretto to answer your questions about the new cars and regulations. Send them in to f1explains@f1.com

F1 Nation is back for 2026 and we're teaming up with F1 Explains - the podcast which answers your questions about the sport.On Mondays F1 Nation will bring you expert reaction to F1 action, and insider views on breaking news from Tom Clarkson, Jolyon Palmer, James Hinchcliffe + more F1 insiders.On Fridays, F1 Explains will tackle your questions on the sport. Christian Hewgill gets the answers from drivers, team bosses and the men and women who work behind the scenes. Send your questions to F1Explains@F1.comF1 Nation and F1 Explains - all in one place. New episodes start on Monday February 23rd

F1TV experts Jolyon Palmer and James Hinchcliffe join Tom Clarkson in the Yas Marina paddock after Lando Norris was crowned Formula 1 World Champion for the first time.He was 34 points adrift after round 15, so how did Lando complete such an incredible comeback in this title fight? Has he broken the mould in terms of what we imagine a World Champion to be like? And how will being champion change Lando? You’ll hear reaction from the man himself, as he talks about turning his ‘struggles into strengths’ and winning this title 'the Lando way’. His race engineer Will Joseph also joins the pod to discuss how they overcame a challenging first half of the season and where they go from here.On the other side of the garage, Oscar Piastri came home in P2 but fell short of the title by 13 points. Why did Oscar lose out after leading the championship for most of the season? What does he need to work on to take the next step? And is there a chance that Oscar will become second favourite at McLaren now that Lando has a title to his name? Max Verstappen won the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix for his eighth race win of the season, but misses out on what would have been a fifth title in a row by just two points. Could Max and Red Bull have done anything differently to put more pressure on McLaren in this race? Has this been Max’s best season in Formula 1? And will Red Bull’s transformation in the second half of the year give Max more reason to commit his long-term future to the team? Listen to more official F1 podcastsIn-depth interviews with F1's biggest stars on F1 Beyond The GridYour F1 questions answered by the experts on F1 ExplainsTHIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY...Aura Frames: For a limited time, go to AuraFrames.com to get $35 off Aura’s best-selling Carver Mat frames. Just use promo code NATION at checkout.Indeed: F1 Nation listeners can get a $75 sponsored job credit at Indeed.com/nationF1 Store: Treat the F1 fan in your life this festive season with exclusive gear from the Official F1 Store. Shop now at f1store.formula1.com

F1 correspondent and presenter Lawrence Barretto joins Tom Clarkson in the Yas Marina paddock to reflect on a high-stakes qualifying for Sunday’s title-deciding Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.The three title contenders make up the top three on the grid – with Max Verstappen on pole, championship leader Lando Norris in second and Oscar Piastri in third.How can Max make life difficult for Lando and Oscar behind? What can we expect from the McLaren drivers at the start into turn 1? Will team orders come into play? And what impact could the likes of George Russell in P4 and Charles Leclerc in P5 have on the fight at the front? 

F1TV experts Jolyon Palmer and James Hinchcliffe join Tom Clarkson in the Yas Marina paddock to preview this weekend’s thrilling three-way title showdown at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.Just 16 points separate the top three of Lando Norris, Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri. So what does each driver need to win the title? And how will each of them approach such a huge occasion?The guys discuss all the different scenarios that could shape the outcome of this title fight  and whether the McLaren drivers will help each other if in a position to do so.Plus, Tom, Hinch and Jolyon react to Red Bull’s announcement that Isack Hadjar will replace Yuki Tsunoda for 2026. 

F1TV commentator Jolyon Palmer and Alpine Reserve Driver Paul Aron join Tom Clarkson in the Lusail paddock to reflect on another huge twist in this year’s title race. The guys talk about the decisive moment of the Qatar Grand Prix, when everyone except both McLaren drivers pitted under the Safety Car and Max Verstappen took full advantage to ensure the championship fight goes down to the season-finale in Abu Dhabi. What was McLaren’s thinking behind that strategy? Why did it cost them victory? And how should they have reacted differently?  Tom, Jolyon and Paul also discuss why Oscar Piastri was back to his best in Qatar and why Lando Norris wasn’t quite at the level he’s shown in recent weeks.And with just 16 points now separating Lando, Max and Oscar, what will their mindset be in the build-up to this mouth-watering title showdown at the Yas Marina Circuit?Also on the agenda: Carlos Sainz’s incredible performance to secure his second podium for Williams, another weekend to forget for Ferrari and a strong result for Fernando Alonso and Aston Martin following the news that Adrian Newey will become their Team Principal in 2026.Listen to more official F1 podcastsIn-depth interviews with F1's biggest stars on F1 Beyond The GridYour F1 questions answered by the experts on F1 ExplainsTHIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY...F1 Store: Treat the F1 fan in your life this festive season with exclusive gear from the Official F1 Store. Shop now at f1store.formula1.comSquare: Get up to $200 off Square hardware at square.com/go/f1nation. 

Spanish journalist Albert Fabrega joins Tom Clarkson in the Qatar paddock to discuss the news that Adrian Newey will become Aston Martin Team Principal from 2026.Why have Aston appointed the legendary designer to this new role? How well suited is Adrian to leading a team? And what do Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll make of the decision? Tom and Albert also discuss the championship permutations going into the penultimate round of the season. What does Lando Norris need to be crowned World Champion this weekend? With Max Verstappen closing in, will McLaren change their approach? And who could benefit from the mandatory tyre stints Pirelli have introduced for this race?

The 2025 World Championship took another huge twist in Las Vegas, with Max Verstappen winning and both McLaren drivers being disqualified from the race after their cars were found not to comply with technical regulations.Why exactly were McLaren disqualified? And what does this mean for the title race? F1 correspondent Lawrence Barretto joins Tom Clarkson in the paddock to explain the dramatic events that unfolded in the hours after the chequered flag.Tom and Lawrence also discuss the Battle for P2 in the Constructors’ Championship, as Mercedes gained from McLaren’s misfortune to score a double podium, while Ferrari’s struggles continued. And Doriane Pin tells us how it feels to have been crowned F1 Academy champion after beating Maya Weug to the title in Vegas.Listen to more official F1 podcastsIn-depth interviews with F1's biggest stars on F1 Beyond The GridYour F1 questions answered by the experts on F1 ExplainsF1 returns to the USA in 20261-day grandstand tickets for the Miami GP start at $85Available now at f1miamigp.com

F1TV expert and six-time IndyCar race winner, James Hinchcliffe, joins Tom Clarkson to preview this weekend’s Las Vegas Grand Prix.Lando Norris leads Oscar Piastri at the top of the World Championship by 24 points. With three races and one F1 Sprint to go, there are still 83 up for grabs. So how will Lando and Oscar approach this triple header? Hinch shares his thoughts on the mindset of both McLaren drivers and tells Tom why it’s still all to play for despite Lando’s advantage.Max Verstappen is now 49 points adrift of Lando but, while his title hopes look slim, will he and Red Bull still be fighting for wins and have a say in the championship outcome?Plus, Ferrari have been on the Vegas podium two years in a row. Could this be the track where they score a first Grand Prix win of the season? After their double DNF in Brazil, Ferrari chairman John Elkann said Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc need to ‘talk less and focus on driving’. How does Hinch think those comments will impact the team?Watch F1 cars race down the Las Vegas Strip at 200mph LIVEGet tickets at f1lasvegasgp.comListen to more official F1 podcastsIn-depth interviews with F1's biggest stars on F1 Beyond The GridYour F1 questions answered by the experts on F1 ExplainsTHIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY...Square: Get up to $200 off Square hardware at square.com/go/f1nation. 

F1TV lead commentator Alex Jacques and Brazilian commentator Felipe Giaffone join Tom Clarkson in the Interlagos paddock to analyse an eventful race in Brazil.Converting two pole positions into Grand Prix and Sprint wins, Lando Norris produced a perfect weekend to move 24 points clear of teammate Oscar Piastri at the top of the standings.With just three rounds left of the 2025 season, does Lando have one hand on the title now? What did Alex and Felipe make of Oscar’s 10-second penalty? And how will the Australian be feeling after losing more ground in the championship?After his sensational win from P17 in Sao Paulo last year, Max Verstappen fought back in emphatic style again – this time from the pitlane to P3. How did he and Red Bull execute that incredible comeback after such a difficult qualifying session? Despite that remarkable recovery, Max lost more ground on Lando, but did close the gap to Oscar, so where do his hopes of becoming a five-time World Champion this season lie now?Plus, the guys also reflect on impressive performances from Kimi Antonelli, Ollie Bearman and Liam Lawson, a challenging first home race for Gabriel Bortoleto, and a very disappointing double DNF for Ferrari.Listen to more official F1 podcastsIn-depth interviews with F1's biggest stars on F1 Beyond The GridYour F1 questions answered by the experts on F1 ExplainsUp next: Las VegasSee F1 cars race down the Strip at 200mph! Get tickets at f1lasvegasgp.comTHIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY...Indeed: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to help get your job the premium status it deserves at indeed.com/nationTrade Coffee: Get 50 percent off a 1 month trial and 10% off gifts at drinktrade.com/nation

F1TV commentator and former Renault driver Jolyon Palmer, and De Telegraaf journalist Erik van Haren, join Tom Clarkson to preview this weekend’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix.With four races and two F1 Sprints to go, Lando Norris leads Oscar Piastri at the top of the World Championship by just one point. How has Lando turned around a 34-point deficit to Oscar since his DNF in Zandvoort? Will the pressure change now he’s gone from ‘hunter’ to ‘hunted’? And having not been on the podium in the last four races, can Oscar regain momentum?In Mexico, Max Verstappen gained more ground in his late push to win a fifth championship in a row. Now 36 points off the lead, are Max’s title chances in his own hands? And if he was to complete an incredible comeback, where would that achievement rank among his other successes? Erik also shares insight into Red Bull’s transformation under Team Principal Laurent Mekies and what Max’s future may hold after 2026.Plus, the guys discuss how the incredibly tight battle between Ferrari, Mercedes and Red Bull for P2 in the Constructors’ Championship could play out.Listen to more official F1 podcastsIn-depth interviews with F1's biggest stars on F1 Beyond The GridYour F1 questions answered by the experts on F1 ExplainsExperience the 2025 F1 title fightBook your seat for a Grand Prix this season at tickets.formula1.com

F1TV expert James Hinchcliffe and former F1 driver Esteban Gutiérrez join Tom Clarkson in the paddock to dissect a chaotic Mexico City Grand Prix.A dominant Lando Norris converted pole into victory to lead the World Championship for the first time since Bahrain. He’s now a point clear of Oscar Piastri with four races and two F1 Sprints to go, so how will the mentality of both McLaren drivers change now they’ve swapped positions in the standings?Max Verstappen finished third to score his sixth podium in a row, but having said Red Bull would need to be ‘perfect’ for the rest of the season if he’s to complete a sensational comeback in this title race, will Max leave Mexico the least satisfied out of the three championship contenders?Ferrari had a mixed weekend, with Charles Leclerc securing back-to-back podiums and Lewis Hamilton unable to convert his best ever qualifying for the team into his first podium. The guys discuss his 10-second penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage, and whether Lewis will have learnt any lessons from his battle with Max.Plus, how did Haas rookie Ollie Bearman deliver a career-best finish of P4? And could Mercedes have fought for a podium had they let George Russell pass Kimi Antonelli earlier in the race? Listen to more official F1 podcastsIn-depth interviews with F1's biggest stars on F1 Beyond The GridYour F1 questions answered by the experts on F1 ExplainsExperience the 2025 F1 title fightBook your seat for a Grand Prix this season at tickets.formula1.com