The Inside Track

Rick and Matt react LIVE to McLaren’s double disqualification in the Las Vegas GP, and discuss Max Verstappen’s renewed chances of winning the Championship, at just 24 points behind Lando Norris. The pair also discuss all the drama from the race in Vegas, share insight from Red Bull on their second seat for 2026, and hear from Red Bull strategist Hannah Schmitz on proposed mandatory two-stop races in future Formula One seasons. Also in this episode: Why the Vegas road surface was so tricky to drive on in the wet Was Kimi Antonelli’s five-second penalty fair? Max Verstappen set to lose ANOTHER engineer Matt misses out on a SIX-POINTER in the podcast predictions league   👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for exclusive F1 insights, race recaps, and all the gossip from inside the paddock. - For the entire season Matt Majendie and Rick Edwards are embedded with Max Verstappen and the Red Bull Racing Formula 1 team. Matt will be in the pits and in the garage, with the drivers and in the factory, at the debriefs and the strategy session. Get involved with the show! Email us: theinsidetrack@bbc.com Follow us on social media: Instagram: @theinsidetrack_podcast TikTok: @theinsidetrack_pod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theinsidetrack_podcast This podcast is produced by BBC Studios, a commercial company that is wholly owned by the BBC.  No money from the licence fee was used to create this podcast. The money BBC Studios makes is re-invested to help fund the BBC. Producer: Jon Weeks Executive Producer: James Cook Social Media and Video Editor: Georgina Revell See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Calum Nicholas, Red Bull team ambassador, tells Matt Majendie why he thinks Max Verstappen is the best driver on the grid in 2025. Calum also discusses his time behind the scenes at Red Bull, including the 2021 Championship Season win, what he learned over ten years in his role, and how the culture within the team breeds success. Also in this episode: Calum’s struggle with leaving work behind Max’s personal character and being a ‘great human’ Calum’s mission to diversify the F1 workforce Laurent Mekies Vs Christian Horner Calum’s experience writing his book: Life in the Pit Lane Will Max stay at RB beyond 2026? Why Red Bull’s powertrain shift for 2026 is a bold strategy Don’t forget to subscribe for exclusive F1 insights, race recaps, and all the gossip from inside the paddock. - For the entire season Matt Majendie and Rick Edwards are embedded with Max Verstappen and the Red Bull Racing Formula 1 team. Matt will be in the pits and in the garage, with the drivers and in the factory, at the debriefs and the strategy session. Get involved with the show! Email us: theinsidetrack@bbc.com Follow us on social media: Instagram: @theinsidetrack_podcast TikTok: @theinsidetrack_pod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theinsidetrack_podcast This podcast is produced by BBC Studios, a commercial company that is wholly owned by the BBC. No money from the licence fee was used to create this podcast. The money BBC Studios makes is re-invested to help fund the BBC. Producer: Jon Weeks Executive Producer: James Cook Social Media and Video Editor: Georgina Revell See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ben Hodgkinson, technical director of Red Bull Powertrains, discusses the team's progress in making the new Powertrains for Red Bull and Max Verstappen's thoughts on its progression. He also talks about leaving Mercedes to work for Red Bull and what he believes could go wrong with the new regulations in 2026.   👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for exclusive F1 insights, race recaps, and all the gossip from inside the paddock. - For the entire season Matt Majendie and Rick Edwards are embedded with Max Verstappen and the Red Bull Racing Formula 1 team. Matt will be in the pits and in the garage, with the drivers and in the factory, at the debriefs and the strategy session. Get involved with the show! Email us: theinsidetrack@bbc.com Follow us on social media: Instagram: @theinsidetrack_podcast TikTok: @theinsidetrack_pod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theinsidetrack_podcast This podcast is produced by BBC Studios, a commercial company that is wholly owned by the BBC.  No money from the licence fee was used to create this podcast. The money BBC Studios makes is re-invested to help fund the BBC. Executive Producer: James Cook Social Media and Video Editor: Georgina Revell See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rick and Matt discuss how Max Verstappen’s pit to podium effort in the Brazilian Grand Prix overshadowed Lando Norris’s perfect weekend, and whether the title race is over for the Red Bull driver. The pair also review how Red Bull’s engineers and mechanics changed the power train and floor changes to boost Max’s chances in the Brazil Grand Prix. Also in this episode: Yuki Tsunoda’s nightmare double time penalty Can Lando Norris cope with the pressure of being top? How young drivers Kimi Antonelli and Ollie Bearman show real promise Why Lewis Hamilton’s described his first season with Ferrari as ‘a nightmare’ 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for exclusive F1 insights, race recaps, and all the gossip from inside the paddock. - For the entire season Matt Majendie and Rick Edwards are embedded with Max Verstappen and the Red Bull Racing Formula 1 team. Matt will be in the pits and in the garage, with the drivers and in the factory, at the debriefs and the strategy session. Get involved with the show! Email us: theinsidetrack@bbc.com Follow us on social media: Instagram: @theinsidetrack_podcast TikTok: @theinsidetrack_pod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theinsidetrack_podcast This podcast is produced by BBC Studios, a commercial company that is wholly owned by the BBC.  No money from the licence fee was used to create this podcast. The money BBC Studios makes is re-invested to help fund the BBC. Producer: Jon Weeks Executive Producer: James Cook Social Media and Video Editor: Georgina Revell See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Majendie speaks with Rebecca Clancy, ex-F1 correspondent for the Times and former Editor-in-Chief at Autosport, about Max Verstappen’s chances of winning the 2025 Grand Prix Championship. Rebecca explains how luck, mentality and raw talent will decide who wins, previews what’s to come in Brazil, shares her predictions for the end of the season, and shares her take on driver moves ahead of 2026. Also in this episode: How McLaren have “shot themselves in the foot”  Why 2025 has been Verstappen’s ‘most mature’ season Rebecca’s take on why the best drivers end up with the best cars Remembering Max Verstappen’s impressive drive in the rain in Brazil 2016  The difference between Verstappen and the McLaren drivers Why F1 fans now have more respect for Max Verstappen 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for exclusive F1 insights, race recaps, and all the gossip from inside the paddock. - For the entire season Matt Majendie and Rick Edwards are embedded with Max Verstappen and the Red Bull Racing Formula 1 team. Matt will be in the pits and in the garage, with the drivers and in the factory, at the debriefs and the strategy session. Get involved with the show! Email us: theinsidetrack@bbc.com Follow us on social media: Instagram: @theinsidetrack_podcast TikTok: @theinsidetrack_pod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theinsidetrack_podcast This podcast is produced by BBC Studios, a commercial company that is wholly owned by the BBC.  No money from the licence fee was used to create this podcast. The money BBC Studios makes is re-invested to help fund the BBC. Producer: Jon Weeks Executive Producer: James Cook Social Media and Video Editor: Georgina Revell See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rick and Matt discuss whether the late virtual safety car was necessary in Mexico, as Max missed out on second place to Charles Leclerc. The pair review all the drama from Mexico City, and Matt shares some exclusive insight from Max’s manager Raymond Vermeulen on his future at Red Bull. Also in this episode: Will the pressure of being top unsettle Lando Norris? Liam Lawson’s stewards near-miss Ollie Bearman’s impressive record finish Matt shares an update on McLaren V Red Bull “tape-gate” 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for exclusive F1 insights, race recaps, and all the gossip from inside the paddock. - For the entire season Matt Majendie and Rick Edwards are embedded with Max Verstappen and the Red Bull Racing Formula 1 team. Matt will be in the pits and in the garage, with the drivers and in the factory, at the debriefs and the strategy session. Get involved with the show! Email us: theinsidetrack@bbc.com Follow us on social media: Instagram: @theinsidetrack_podcast TikTok: @theinsidetrack_pod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theinsidetrack_podcast This podcast is produced by BBC Studios, a commercial company that is wholly owned by the BBC.  No money from the licence fee was used to create this podcast. The money BBC Studios makes is re-invested to help fund the BBC. Producer: Jon Weeks Executive Producer: James Cook Social Media and Video Editor: Georgina Revell See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ahead of the Mexico Grand Prix, Max Verstappen tells Matt Majendie the ‘secret’ behind his recent success, the moment he felt like the title was out of reach, and the one thing that would stop him from winning the championship. Max explains how significant winning the championship would be for him and the team, and shares his thoughts on McLaren’s approach this season. Also in this episode:  Why he won’t name the ‘best’ driver on the grid Laurent’s impact on Red Bull The success of his Esports team Red Line Max’s mission to get Esports drivers into Formula One 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for exclusive F1 insights, race recaps, and all the gossip from inside the paddock. - For the entire season Matt Majendie and Rick Edwards are embedded with Max Verstappen and the Red Bull Racing Formula 1 team. Matt will be in the pits and in the garage, with the drivers and in the factory, at the debriefs and the strategy session. Get involved with the show! Email us: theinsidetrack@bbc.com Follow us on social media: Instagram: @theinsidetrack_podcast TikTok: @theinsidetrack_pod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theinsidetrack_podcast This podcast is produced by BBC Studios, a commercial company that is wholly owned by the BBC.  No money from the licence fee was used to create this podcast. The money BBC Studios makes is re-invested to help fund the BBC. Producer: Jon Weeks Executive Producer: James Cook Social Media and Video Editor: Georgina Revell See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Red Bull’s Head of Sporting, Steve Knowles joins Matt Majendie to reveal how Max Verstappen has rediscovered his winning form, and why his belief could deliver a fifth world title.  Steve explains Laurent Mekies’s influence on Red Bull, the tactical tweaks made behind the scenes, and how important mentality will be for the end of the 2025 F1 season. Also in this episode: Lando vs Oscar - McLaren’s ‘tricky situation’ The pit wall dynamic under Laurent Mekies The mindset shift from “hunted” to “hunter” Max’s ‘very relaxed’ demeanor as the competition hots up 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for exclusive F1 insights, race recaps, and all the gossip from inside the paddock. - For the entire season Matt Majendie and Rick Edwards are embedded with Max Verstappen and the Red Bull Racing Formula 1 team. Matt will be in the pits and in the garage, with the drivers and in the factory, at the debriefs and the strategy session. Get involved with the show! Email us: theinsidetrack@bbc.com Follow us on social media: Instagram: @theinsidetrack_podcast TikTok: @theinsidetrack_pod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theinsidetrack_podcast This podcast is produced by BBC Studios, a commercial company that is wholly owned by the BBC.  No money from the licence fee was used to create this podcast. The money BBC Studios makes is re-invested to help fund the BBC. Producer: Jon Weeks Executive Producer: James Cook Social Media and Video Editor: Georgina Revell See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With five races to go, Max Verstappen is just 40 points off the top of the F1 Championship. Rick Edwards and Matt Majendie discuss how likely his comeback is, why he’ll do well in Mexico, and what must be going through the heads of Team McLaren. Also in this episode: How Charles Leclerc’s tyre masterclass frustrated Lando Norris in Austin Are McLaren’s Papaya Rules out the window? Yuki Tsunoda’s audition to secure the Red Bull second seat in 2026 Red Bull’s sneaky tape-tactics get called out by the FIA 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for exclusive F1 insights, race recaps, and all the gossip from inside the paddock. - For the entire season Matt Majendie and Rick Edwards are embedded with Max Verstappen and the Red Bull Racing Formula 1 team. Matt will be in the pits and in the garage, with the drivers and in the factory, at the debriefs and the strategy session. Get involved with the show! Email us: theinsidetrack@bbc.com Follow us on social media: Instagram: @theinsidetrack_podcast TikTok: @theinsidetrack_pod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theinsidetrack_podcast This podcast is produced by BBC Studios, a commercial company that is wholly owned by the BBC.  No money from the licence fee was used to create this podcast. The money BBC Studios makes is re-invested to help fund the BBC. Producer: Jon Weeks Executive Producer: James Cook Social Media and Video Editor: Georgina Revell See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt chats to Dutch Journalist,  Erik Van Haran, who knows Max Verstappen and the Verstappen clan very well.  They talk about Max's season so far, his recent turnaround and whether he can really win the title. Erik talks about Max's character and reflects on his reputation, especially in the UK. H e also talks about how the team are working differently under Laurent Mekies, and how those changes are helping to make them better. 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for exclusive F1 insights, race recaps, and all the gossip from inside the paddock.-For the entire season Matt Majendie and Rick Edwards are embedded with Max Verstappen and the Red Bull Racing Formula 1 team. Matt will be in the pits and in the garage, with the drivers and in the factory, at the debriefs and the strategy session.Get involved with the show! Email us: theinsidetrack@bbc.com Follow us on social media: Instagram: @theinsidetrack_podcastTiktok: @theinsidetrack_pod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theinsidetrack_podcast This podcast is produced by BBC Studios, a commercial company that is wholly owned by the BBC.  No money from the licence fee was used to create this podcast. The money BBC Studios makes is re-invested to help fund the BBC. Producer: Jon Weeks Executive Producer: James Cook Social Media and Video Editor: Georgina Revell See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In an exclusive interview, Red Bull's chief engineer Paul 'Pedals' Monaghan reveals his frustration despite Verstappen's podium finish. Rick Edwards and Matt Majendie explain why his second place spot was better than his wins in Monza and Baku. Plus they discuss the growing tension between Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, Christian Horner's plans to make an F1 return next year, and what to look out for in the USA Grand Prix.Also in this episode: Oscar Piastri unleashes his grumpy side Christian Horner's £80 MILLION payout Why Hadjar looks poised to take Red Bull's second seat Ferrari's poor performance in Singapore 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for exclusive F1 insights, race recaps, and all the gossip from inside the paddock.- For the entire season Matt Majendie and Rick Edwards are embedded with Max Verstappen and the Red Bull Racing Formula 1 team. Matt will be in the pits and in the garage, with the drivers and in the factory, at the debriefs and the strategy session. Get involved with the show! Email us: theinsidetrack@bbc.comFollow us on social media:Instagram: @theinsidetrack_podcastTikTok: @theinsidetrack_podYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theinsidetrack_podcast This podcast is produced by BBC Studios, a commercial company that is wholly owned by the BBC.  No money from the licence fee was used to create this podcast. The money BBC Studios makes is re-invested to help fund the BBC. Producer: Jon Weeks Executive Producer: James Cook Social Media and Video Editor: Georgina Revell See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

They have been described as the biggest overhaul of Formula One in 50 years. Sports Journalist Matt Majendie explains the five key things you need to know about the regulation changes, and considers whether Max Verstappen could benefit. In this episode: F1 cars to become 50/50 ICE and EV Why Formula One is making changes for 2026 Will there be 100% sustainable fuel? How the changes could make overtaking more exciting 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for exclusive F1 insights, race recaps, and all the gossip from inside the paddock. - For the entire season Matt Majendie and Rick Edwards are embedded with Max Verstappen and the Red Bull Racing Formula 1 team. Matt will be in the pits and in the garage, with the drivers and in the factory, at the debriefs and the strategy session. Get involved with the show! Email us: theinsidetrack@bbc.com Follow us on social media: Instagram: @theinsidetrack_podcast TikTok: @theinsidetrack_pod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theinsidetrack_podcast This podcast is produced by BBC Studios, a commercial company that is wholly owned by the BBC.  No money from the licence fee was used to create this podcast. The money BBC Studios makes is re-invested to help fund the BBC. Producer: Jon Weeks Executive Producer: James Cook Social Media and Video Editor: Georgina Revell See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Max Verstappen seals his fourth win of the season in Baku, Rick Edwards and Matt Majendie ask can this momentum put him back in the title fight?  Plus, after a drama-packed Azerbaijan Grand Prix, they analyse Red Bull’s tyre-tactics, McLaren’s missed chances, and the growing tension in this season’s championship chase. Also in this episode: Yuki Tsunoda’s strong points finish in Baku Rumour: Is Isack Hadjar set to secure Red Bull’s second seat? What will it take for Verstappen to do well in Singapore? Rick & Matt discuss Lando Norris’s missed opportunity in Azerbaijan 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for exclusive F1 insights, race recaps, and all the gossip from inside the paddock. - For the entire season Matt Majendie and Rick Edwards are embedded with Max Verstappen and the Red Bull Racing Formula 1 team. Matt will be in the pits and in the garage, with the drivers and in the factory, at the debriefs and the strategy session. Get involved with the show! Email us: theinsidetrack@bbc.com Follow us on social media: Instagram: @theinsidetrack_podcast TikTok: @theinsidetrack_pod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theinsidetrack_podcast This podcast is produced by BBC Studios, a commercial company that is wholly owned by the BBC.  No money from the licence fee was used to create this podcast. The money BBC Studios makes is re-invested to help fund the BBC. Producer: Jon Weeks Executive Producer: James Cook Social Media and Video Editor: Georgina Revell See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After Max Verstappen’s record-breaking weekend in Monza, Matt Majendie speaks to Max’s lead mechanic Matt Caller to go behind the scenes. From the fastest lap in F1 history to the intensity of race-day decisions, they talk through the garage atmosphere, the bond between driver and crew, and what it feels like to witness “Max Magic” up close.   👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for exclusive F1 insights, race recaps, and all the gossip from inside the paddock. - For the entire season Matt Majendie and Rick Edwards are embedded with Max Verstappen and the Red Bull Racing Formula 1 team. Matt will be in the pits and in the garage, with the drivers and in the factory, at the debriefs and the strategy session.    Get involved with the show! Email us: theinsidetrack@bbc.com   Follow us on social media:  Instagram: @theinsidetrack_podcast TikTok: @theinsidetrack_pod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theinsidetrack_podcast This podcast is produced by BBC Studios, a commercial company that is wholly owned by the BBC.  No money from the licence fee was used to create this podcast. The money BBC Studios makes is re-invested to help fund the BBC. Producer: Jon Weeks Executive Producer: James Cook Social Media and Video Editor: Georgina Revell See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On a record-breaking weekend for Max Verstappen, Rick Edwards and Matt Majendie discuss his win at Monza, and Red Bull’s change of tactics for the second half of the Formula One season. We also dive into: Piastri’s less-than-bonza Monza race THAT awkward McLaren overtake Will the title race ever get ‘nasty’? Listeners’ reactions after Rick’s Piastri comments Will there be another fastest lap this F1 season? Plus, our usual race predictions, leaderboard update, and some listener shoutouts. 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for exclusive F1 insights, race recaps, and all the gossip from inside the paddock. - For the entire season Matt Majendie and Rick Edwards are embedded with Max Verstappen and the Red Bull Racing Formula 1 team. Matt will be in the pits and in the garage, with the drivers and in the factory, at the debriefs and the strategy session. Get involved with the show! Email us: theinsidetrack@bbc.com Follow us on social media: Instagram: @theinsidetrack_podcast TikTok: @theinsidetrack_pod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theinsidetrack_podcast This podcast is produced by BBC Studios, a commercial company that is wholly owned by the BBC.  No money from the licence fee was used to create this podcast. The money BBC Studios makes is re-invested to help fund the BBC. Producer: Jon Weeks Executive Producer: James Cook Social Media and Video Editor: Georgina Revell See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After his oil leak nightmare, Rick Edwards and Matt Majendie ask: Can Lando keep his title challenge alive? Plus Matt goes behind the scenes with Max Verstappen at his home race. We also dive into: Oscar Piastri’s cool but “boring” personality debate Ferrari’s double DNF disaster and Carlos Sainz’s controversial penalty Isack Hadjar’s first podium — and what it means for Yuki’s future in the second seat Yuki Tsunoda interview: His Red Bull hopes and an unexpected Jason Statham obsession Cadillac’s driver signings for 2026 Max Verstappen’s massive bodyguards… Plus, our usual race predictions, leaderboard update, and some listener shoutouts. 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for exclusive F1 insights, race recaps, and all the gossip from inside the paddock. -For the entire season Matt Majendie and Rick Edwards are embedded with Max Verstappen and the Red Bull Racing Formula 1 team. Matt will be in the pits and in the garage, with the drivers and in the factory, at the debriefs and the strategy session. Get involved with the show! Email us: theinsidetrack@bbc.com Follow us on social media: Instagram: @theinsidetrack_podcast TikTok: @theinsidetrack_pod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theinsidetrack_podcast This podcast is produced by BBC Studios, a commercial company that is wholly owned by the BBC.  No money from the licence fee was used to create this podcast. The money BBC Studios makes is re-invested to help fund the BBC. Producer: Jon Weeks Executive Producer: James Cook Social Media and Video Editor: Georgina Revell See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ahead of the season’s return, Matt Majendie rounds up some of the stories you may have missed over the summer break, before turning his attention to Zandvoort and the Orange Army that awaits Max Verstappen in his homeland.     First there is the question of who Verstappen’s driving partner next season will be, with rumours swirling. Matt discusses the likelihood of a whole host of names, whether moves for Álex Palou, Fernando Alonso, or George Russell, or internal hires from Red Bull’s stable for Isaac Hadjar, Liam Lawson or Arvid Lindblad.     Christian Horner’s future remains the subject of much speculation, and Matt assesses whether an appointment at Alpine, Cadillac or Aston Martin could be on the cards. No longer the subject of rumour is Cadillac’s driver line up for next season, with Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez now confirmed to return to the grid with them, and Matt explains why this is a smart move.     Finally we look to the Netherlands Grand Prix, where Matt cannot foresee Verstappen repeating his success of previous years on this circuit and breaking up the McLaren drivers’ dominance. Meanwhile the return of the F1 season comes with the return of The Inside Track prediction league – send us your 1-2-3 on Instagram for Zandvoort, and help get the audience team some much needed points!    —    For the entire season Matt Majendie and Rick Edwards are embedded with Max Verstappen and the Red Bull Racing Formula 1 team. Matt will be in the pits and in the garage, with the drivers and in the factory, at the debriefs and the strategy session.  Over the midsummer break we are bringing you special interviews and insight to give you the F1 fix.   Get involved with the show!  Email us: theinsidetrack@bbc.com
  Follow us on social media:
  Instagram: @theinsidetrack_podcast
  TikTok: @theinsidetrack_pod
  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theinsidetrack_podcast  This podcast is produced by BBC Studios, a commercial company that is wholly owned by the BBC. No money from the licence fee was used to create this podcast. The money BBC Studios makes is re-invested to help fund the BBC.   Producer: Jarek Zaba  Executive Producer: James Cook  Social Media and Video Editor: Georgina Revell  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is there any word better than ‘curiosity’ to describe Alpine? How on earth do you go about grading Ferrari? And what’s an outsider’s take on Red Bull’s season so far?    In this pod swap episode of The Inside Track, Late Braking’s Ben Hocking joins Matt Majendie and the theme of the day is the 10 teams on this season’s grid. Matt and Ben pull out their red pen and grade each by their own personal criteria… Who is exceeding expectations? Who has let themselves down? And which team has the most entertaining in race radio?    Special attention is paid to Red Bull, with Matt eager to get the perspective of an F1 fanatic who is a little more detached from the personalities involved. How does Ben rate Max Verstappen and Yuki Tsunoda’s year so far, and what did he make of the surprise Christian Horner sacking?    —    For the entire season Matt Majendie and Rick Edwards are embedded with Max Verstappen and the Red Bull Racing Formula 1 team. Matt will be in the pits and in the garage, with the drivers and in the factory, at the debriefs and the strategy session.  Over the midsummer break we are bringing you special interviews and insight to give you the F1 fix.     Get involved with the show!  Email us: theinsidetrack@bbc.com
  Follow us on social media:
  Instagram: @theinsidetrack_podcast
  TikTok: @theinsidetrack_pod
  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theinsidetrack_podcast    This podcast is produced by BBC Studios, a commercial company that is wholly owned by the BBC. No money from the licence fee was used to create this podcast. The money BBC Studios makes is re-invested to help fund the BBC.   Producer: Jarek Zaba  Executive Producer: Paul Smith  Social Media and Video Editor: Georgina Revell See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As acting Head of Sporting at Red Bull, Steve Knowles is a familiar figure to the race stewards, often acting as a liaison between the team’s drivers and the authorities.    In the first of our summer break specials Matt Majendie speaks to Steve about the various facets of Steve’s role… which is everything from discussing rules, safety changes and race layout with the FIA; being the primary contact with race control during all the weekend sessions; and having to fight Max Verstappen’s corner, whether he’s attempting a risky overtake or throwing a towel out of his car.    Steve sheds light on the conversations he will have with the authorities over issues such as weather delays at Spa, and also gives it a bit more context to the summer break – and why exhausted teams are more than happy to switch their work phones and laptops off for a fortnight.    —   For the entire season Matt Majendie and Rick Edwards are embedded with Max Verstappen and the Red Bull Racing Formula 1 team. Matt will be in the pits and in the garage, with the drivers and in the factory, at the debriefs and the strategy session. Over the midsummer break we are bringing you special interviews and insight to give you the F1 fix.  Get involved with the show! Email us: theinsidetrack@bbc.com
 Follow us on social media:
 Instagram: @theinsidetrack_podcast
 TikTok: @theinsidetrack_pod
 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theinsidetrack_podcast This podcast is produced by BBC Studios, a commercial company that is wholly owned by the BBC. No money from the licence fee was used to create this podcast. The money BBC Studios makes is re-invested to help fund the BBC.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite low expectations to begin with, it was yet another disappointing weekend for Red Bull Racing after a lowly 9th and 17th for Max Verstappen and Yuki Tsunoka respectively. Rick Edwards and Matt Majende pick the bones of the final race before the summer break, questioning whether the Red Bull season can still be salvaged. In better news for Laurent Mekies, Max Verstappen has vowed to stay with the team into 2026, extinguishing long running rumours of his departure.    Meanwhile McLaren racers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri continue to go great guns, and Rick and Matt discuss how their inter-team rivalry is shaping up for classic viewing in the second half of the season.   But first F1 fans must bide their time through the summer break while F1 workers get to enjoy a much needed rest… Meanwhile F1 journalists have to fill the time inventing rumours so Rick and Matt have a stab at creating some of their own.    —   For the entire season Matt Majendie and Rick Edwards are embedded with Max Verstappen and the Red Bull Racing Formula 1 team. Matt will be in the pits and in the garage, with the drivers and in the factory, at the debriefs and the strategy session. Each week, Matt will share insider stories and updates with Rick in the studio. Get involved with the show! Email us: theinsidetrack@bbc.com
 Follow us on social media:
 Instagram: @theinsidetrack_podcast
 TikTok: @theinsidetrack_pod
 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theinsidetrack_podcast This podcast is produced by BBC Studios, a commercial company that is wholly owned by the BBC. No money from the licence fee was used to create this podcast. The money BBC Studios makes is re-invested to help fund the BBC. Producer: Jarek Zaba Executive Producer: Paul Smith Social Media and Video Editor: Georgina Revell See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.