F1: Beyond The Grid

Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, Oscar Piastri and George Russell are just a handful of the Formula 1 stars born in Bruno Michel’s racing series. Multiple F1 World Champions and Grand Prix-winners have risen from Formula 2 and Formula 3, previously known as GP2 and GP3. From the very first GP2 champion, Nico Rosberg, to Lando Norris, Nico Hulkenberg, Pierre Gasly, Valtteri Bottas and many more, Bruno has been supporting young drivers in their journey to the pinnacle of motorsport for two decades. He tells Tom Clarkson how he built the ladder to Formula 1, why Hamilton and Leclerc particularly stood out, and his prior work as manager to drivers including Fernando Alonso and Mark Webber. As F1 teams look to sign stars for the 2025 season, Bruno explains why future Haas driver Ollie Bearman is ready to step up to the top level, and what Mercedes junior driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli can do to claim his place in F1. Plus, how F1 Academy will become a pathway to F3 and beyond. Experience F1, F2 + F3 live in 2024 Book your seat at a Grand Prix today. The second half of the season is on sale now at tickets.formula1.com This episode is sponsored by: Indochino: go to indochino.com and use code GRID to get 10% off any purchase of $399 or more Fitbod: join Fitbod today to get your personalized workout plan. Get 25% off your subscription or try the app FREE at Fitbod.me/GRID

Paul Monaghan, Red Bull Racing’s chief engineer, has been with the team from the very beginning of their Formula 1 venture in 2005. He’s experienced the highs and lows of the team’s evolution from racing rookies into serial winners. How does the their first era of dominance with Sebastian Vettel compare to their current success with Max Verstappen? What’s the secret to the Dutchman’s speed? And, with the competition getting closer, Adrian Newey leaving and Red Bull making their own engines for 2026, what does their future hold? Speaking to Tom Clarkson, Paul shares fascinating insight from nearly two decades with the team and tells some very entertaining anecdotes from working with Ayrton Senna at McLaren and Fernando Alonso at Renault earlier on in his career. Related Episodes Adrian Newey Sergio Perez David Coulthard Don't miss the chance to see F1 live Tickets for races in the US, across Europe and the rest of the world are on sale now. Go to tickets.formula1.com to book your place at a Grand Prix. This episode is sponsored by Liquid I.V: get 20% off your first order when you go to liquidiv.com and use code GRID at checkout Harry's: get started with a $13 trial set for just $3 at harrys.com/GRID Babbel: listeners can get six months free with a purchase of a 6-month subscription at babbel.com/BTG Shopify: sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/beyondthegrid

What’s the difference between winning races and winning World Championships? David Coulthard enjoyed multiple Grand Prix wins and podiums, but titles were out of reach during his 15-year career in Formula 1. So why was he unable to achieve success that the likes of Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have all experienced? Speaking to Tom Clarkson, Coulthard analyses everything he tried to maximise his ability when competing against ‘exceptional’ drivers and why he ultimately fell short of becoming World Champion. Don't miss the chance to see F1 live Tickets for races in the US, across Europe and around the world are on sale now. Go to tickets.formula1.com to book your place at a Grand Prix. This episode is sponsored by: Salesforce: visit salesforce.com/F1 to learn more about how Formula 1 wins fans and grows its global fanbase with Salesforce Indeed: get a seventy-five dollar sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility at indeed.com/GRID Babbel: right now, Babbel is offering our listeners six months free with a purchase of a 6-month subscription go to babbel.com/btg for more information

This episode is brought to you by GetYourGuide – the app to discover and book unforgettable travel experiences. Choose from over 100,000 things to do in one app, including an exclusive tour of the McLaren Technology Centre. Discover, book and make memories this summer at GetYourGuide.co.uk Lando Norris’ first F1 victory has changed everything. Speaking to Tom Clarkson before the 2024 Austrian Grand Prix, the McLaren driver explains why winning means so much more, and why racing for the lead feels so different. Lando looks back at races in Canada and Spain he feels he could have won, and gives a detailed breakdown of what he could have done differently. He also talks about racing Max Verstappen, and why he feels he still has to prove himself against champion drivers. Plus, Lando looks ahead to this weekend’s British Grand Prix at Silverstone. He remembers his first experience of a Formula 1 Grand Prix, how it felt to lead the 2023 race, and imagines taking victory in front of his home fans.

Just 14 races into his debut Formula 1 season in 2001, Luciano Burti suffered a huge crash at the Belgian Grand Prix. He walked away but it proved to be his last action as an F1 driver. Speaking to Tom Clarkson in his home city of Sao Paolo, Burti reflects vividly on the crash; what he was thinking about as it was happening, the physical injuries he suffered, why he wasn’t able to return to racing, and how the accident led to improved safety in the sport. The Brazilian also discusses why he changed teams just four races into that season, the reasons he was unable to showcase his full potential, what it was like being a Ferrari test driver during Michael Schumacher’s era of dominance, and much more. Experience Formula 1 live this season Tickets for races in Texas, Las Vegas, across Europe and around the world are available now. Go to tickets.formula1.com to book your seat. This episode is sponsored by: Fitbod: join Fitbod today to get your personalised workout plan. Get 25% off your subscription or try the app FREE at Fitbod.me/GRID

From 2014 to 2021, Mercedes dominated Formula 1 with a record eight Constructor World Championships in a row. Since 2022 though, they have struggled to fully grasp the current ground effect cars and, as a result, have dramatically fallen down the pecking order, behind their rivals Red Bull, McLaren and Ferrari. Merc’s struggles continued at the start of 2024, but they have made progress in the last few races. George Russell’s P3 and Lewis Hamilton’s P4 in Canada secured the team’s best result of the season thus far. So, where were they going wrong? What have they changed on the car? And are they going to be competitive for the rest of the year? Speaking to Tom Clarkson in Montreal, Mercedes Technical Director James Allison answers all those questions. He also talks about the personal impact of the team’s struggles, why he thinks Russell is faster than Hamilton in qualifying this season, what he’ll miss about Lewis, whether 17-year-old Kimi Antonelli is ready for F1, and much more. Related Episodes George Russell Experience Formula 1 live this season Tickets for races in Texas, Las Vegas, across Europe and around the world are available now. Go to tickets.formula1.com to book your seat. This episode is sponsored by: Shopify: sign up for a one dollar per month trial period at shopify.com/beyondthegrid

He’s an engineer who won Formula 1 World Championships with Michael Schumacher and Kimi Raikkonen. Now he’s working on the rules of the sport for 2026 and beyond. Nikolas Tombazis is the Director of Single Seaters for the FIA. He is overseeing the regulations for the 2026 season, when F1 cars will be lighter, smaller and sustainably fuelled, with greater battery power and revolutionary active aerodynamics. He tells Tom Clarkson how the new rules have been designed to create close, competitive racing which is thrilling to watch. Nikolas also looks back at his career in F1, when he enjoyed domination and experienced disappointment. Championships with Michael Schumacher at Benneton were followed by more success at Ferrari, with Schumi and Kimi Raikkonen. A move to McLaren during a difficult period brought challenges. His return to Ferrari brought agony as Fernando Alonso missed out on the 2010 title, in a showdown which still plays on Tombazis’ mind. Experience Formula 1 live in 2024 Tickets for the United States Grand Prix in Austin, the Las Vegas Grand Prix and races around the world are available now at tickets.formula1.com This episode is sponsored by: Salesforce: visit salesforce.com/F1 to learn more about how Formula 1 wins fans and grows its global fanbase with Salesforce Indeed: get a seventy-five dollar sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility at indeed.com/GRID.

As President and CEO of Liberty Media, Formula 1's parent company, Greg Maffei is at the very top of the sport. Together, he and F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali, are setting the strategy for the sport’s future. Since Liberty Media took ownership of the Formula 1 in 2017, we’ve seen thrilling races from the Las Vegas Strip to Silverstone, new fans around the world have fallen in love with the sport, and new stars have been given their chance to shine in F1 Academy. Maffei tells Tom Clarkson how he’s pushing to make F1 more competitive, more sustainable and more spectacular. He talks drivers, teams, races, golf, skiing, and the things that excite him in the coming years, including Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari and the upcoming F1 movie starring Brad Pitt. See F1 live in 2024 Get your tickets for Las Vegas, Austin and races around the world now at tickets.formula1.com Listen to more official Formula 1 Podcasts F1 NationF1 Explains Watch F1 Beyond The Grid on the F1 YouTube channel Follow F1 on Instagram, TikTok, X + Facebook Head to F1.com or the F1 app for the latest news, video and analysis

At the end of his glittering career, four-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel said he was in the ‘best shape possible’ thanks to his performance coach Antti Kontsas. So how do you physically and mentally prepare a Formula 1 driver for a season of racing around the world? With over 10 years of experience working in the paddock, coaching the likes of Sebastian Buemi, Jean Eric Vergne and Vettel, Kontsas tells Tom Clarkson his secrets to training these extraordinary humans for the pinnacle of motorsport. This episode is brought to you by... Bitdefender: visit bitdefender.com to learn more about why Ferrari chose Bitdefender to stay ahead of cyber threats and how you can make your digital life safer. Related Episodes Sebastian Vettel Jean Eric Vergne

30 years ago, Karl Wendlinger’s Formula 1 career was just beginning to rise after a strong start to 1994 with Sauber. But that all changed in first practice for the Monaco Grand Prix, when the Austrian lost control of his car as he approached the Nouvelle chicane and crashed into the barriers. After a long recovery to regain racing fitness, Wendlinger returned a year later at the Spanish Grand Prix. He wasn’t the same driver though, and at the end of 1995, his time in F1 was up. Speaking to Tom Clarkson, Karl talks in great detail about the crash; why he still doesn’t know the cause, how it affected him physically and mentally, what motivated him to race again, and how he processed leaving the sport. Plus, Karl remembers coming through the Mercedes junior programme with Michael Schumacher and the warm welcome Ayrton Senna gave him when he first arrived on the grid. This episode is sponsored by: Shopify: sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/beyondthegrid Indochino: go to Indochino.com today and use code GRID to get 10% off any purchase of $399 or more.

In 1984, Martin Brundle and Ayrton Senna made their Formula 1 debuts. They had just fought each other in an epic battle for the 1983 British Formula 3 title. But while there was little to separate the duo in junior racing, their F1 careers panned out very differently. As Senna went on to achieve hero status as a triple World Champion, Brundle’s 12-year career was significantly shaped by very serious injuries he suffered in just his ninth Grand Prix. Speaking to Tom Clarkson in the latest of F1 Beyond The Grid’s LEGENDS episodes, Martin describes in great detail the crash that caused his injuries, how close he came to losing his foot, and what impact that had on the rest of his time in F1. Brundle also talks about why he and Tyrrell Racing were disqualified in his first season, what it was like being a rookie back then, how Schumacher was different to Senna, where he thinks Adrian Newey’s future might lie, his thoughts on F1’s global standing, and much more. Related Episodes Listen to our first LEGENDS episode of 2024 with Juan Pablo Montoya, who reflects on how he lost the 2003 World Championship. This episode is sponsored by: Factor: head to factormeals.com/grid50 and use code grid50 to get 50% off your first box plus 20% off your next month

McLaren are back on top of the Formula 1 podium, but their mission is far from accomplished yet. Since taking charge in 2018, CEO Zak Brown has overseen a huge transformation on and off the track and the team’s progress has accelerated astronomically over the last 12 months. Lando Norris’s long-awaited maiden Grand Prix victory in Miami is the culmination of an enormous amount of hard work to turn their fortunes around, after an awful start last season left them right at the back of the grid. So how do they take the next steps to become serial winners and World Championship contenders? Speaking in Miami, Zak tells Tom Clarkson how he’s instilling a winning mentality at McLaren, what Norris’s victory means for his and the team’s future, why he thinks Oscar Piastri is a match for Lando, whether he’d like his close friend Adrian Newey to join the team, and much more. Related Episodes Lando Norris Oscar Piastri Andrea Stella For more in-depth reaction to Lando Norris’s first Grand Prix victory, listen to the latest episode of F1 Nation from the Miami Grand Prix paddock This episode is sponsored by: Indeed: listeners of this show will get a seventy-five dollar sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility at indeed.com/GRID Shopify: sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/beyondthegrid

30 years since his death at Imola on 1st May 1994, Ayrton Senna’s legacy is still felt around the world. Brazil’s three-time Formula 1 World Champion continues to inspire today’s generation of racing drivers and fans. To Bruno Senna, Ayrton is still both his uncle and his hero. Speaking to Tom Clarkson, Bruno shares his childhood memories of Ayrton away from the track, the ‘racing relationship’ they built together, how his life changed after Imola 1994, and the pressure Ayrton’s success put on his own F1 career. Hear more stories about Ayrton Senna on F1 Beyond The Grid from his former teammates and rivals: Alain Prost Damon Hill Gerhard Berger Martin Brundle

A multiple title winner at junior level and a point-scorer on his unexpected F1 debut in 2016, Stoffel Vandoorne seemed on track for a long and prosperous career in Formula 1. But his big break at McLaren in 2017 arrived during one of the team’s most challenging periods. They finished second-last in the standings during Vandoorne’s first season, endured a difficult transition from Honda to Renault engines the following year, and there was huge organisational change at the top as Zak Brown came in as CEO. After just seven points-finishes in two years, with a best result of P7, Stoffel was replaced by Lando Norris for 2019 and he hasn’t raced in F1 since. Now a Test and Reserve driver for Aston Martin, the Belgian tells Tom Clarkson how he prepared for his first race in F1 at such short notice, the drama of signing his first McLaren contract, where it all went wrong during his two seasons on the grid, and what impact those struggles had on his mental wellbeing, motivation and enjoyment of racing. This episode is sponsored by: Indochino: go to Indochino.com today and use code GRID to get 10% off any purchase of $399 or more Shopify: sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/beyondthegrid

20 years since his infatuation with Formula 1 began at China’s first race in 2004, Zhou Guanyu will race in front of his home fans for the first time as an F1 driver at the Chinese Grand Prix. Zhou tells Tom Clarkson what racing in Shanghai will look like through his eyes; from his helmet design and sold-out grandstand, to the reaction he’s expecting on his first lap of the track and what it would mean to score his first points of the season in the city he was born in. The Sauber driver also talks about what impact his success has had on motorsport culture in China, his crash at Silverstone in 2022, the documentary being made about his journey to F1, his passion for fashion, uncertainty over his future in the sport with no seat confirmed for 2025 yet, and much more. Related Episodes Zhou’s first BTG appearance This episode is sponsored by: Bitdefender: visit Bitdefender.com to learn more about why Ferrari chose Bitdefender to stay ahead of cyber threats and how you can make your digital life safer BetterHelp: our listeners get 10% off their first month at betterhelp.com/GRID

Fernando Alonso is 'here to stay' in Formula 1 with Aston Martin. What made the double World Champion decide to continue racing with his current team? In a special episode of the F1 Nation podcast, Aston Martin Ambassador Pedro de la Rosa and 1996 World Champion Damon Hill join Tom Clarkson to analyse Alonso's announcement, what it means for him, the team and the rest of the drivers searching for a 2025 race seat. Get in touch If you have a question for our F1 Nation experts, then send an email to f1nation@f1.com More from F1 Nation Adrian Newey on Red Bull's 2024 carInside Ollie Bearman's F1 debutMax? Daniel? Fernando? 2025 F1 grid predictions More official F1 Podcasts F1 Explains - your F1 questions answered by the experts Book your seat at a Formula 1 Grand Prix this year at tickets.formula1.com

Seven-time Grand Prix winner Juan Pablo Montoya joins Tom Clarkson for the first episode of F1 Beyond The Grid’s LEGENDS episodes. Going into the final two races of 2003, Montoya was only three points behind World Championship leader Michael Schumacher in a three-way fight for the title, with Kimi Raikkonen just behind them. But by the season finale, the Colombian was out of contention – so where did it all go wrong? Juan Pablo reflects on the highs of his wins at Monaco and Hockenheim that year, the lows of his championship-ending collision with Rubens Barrichello, and whether there was anything he could have done differently to become World Champion. Montoya also discusses whether he treated Michael differently to other drivers on track and addresses their famous incident at Imola in 2004. He explains how he got the better of teammate Ralf Schumacher, why he couldn’t be friends with his rivals, and much more. Plus, Juan’s son Sebastian drops by to talk about his Formula 3 ambitions this year, what it’s like having an ex-F1 driver as his dad, and the best piece of advice JPM has given him. This episode is sponsored by: Indeed: listeners of this show will get a seventy five dollar sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility at indeed.com/GRID

The journey that has taken Ayao Komatsu from a teenager in Tokyo, dreaming of working in Formula 1, to the new Haas Team Principal is a gripping tale. Featuring fascinating anecdotes of his father’s experiences as a political prisoner, the challenges Ayao faced when he left Japan for England, and how he engineered his way through university to a career in F1, this is a compelling conversation between Komatsu and Tom Clarkson. Ayao talks about his relationship with his family, the influence Japanese F1 hero Takuma Sato has had on his career, why he once wanted to be a journalist, how he’s transforming Haas, and much more. Related Episodes Nico Hulkenberg Kevin Magnussen Takuma Sato Book your seat at a Grand Prix Tickets for the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix 2024 are now on sale along with Miami, Imola and every other race this season. Head to tickets.formula1.com to buy now More official F1 Podcasts F1 Nation - race previews, reviews and analysis from the F1 Paddock F1 Explains - your questions answered by the experts

He’s a World Championship-winning engineer with nearly 50 years in Formula 1, but Pat Symonds’ focus is new innovation and F1’s next generation. Pat scored title wins with Michael Schumacher in the 90s and Fernando Alonso in the 2000s. In the 80s, he helped a rookie Ayrton Senna get up to speed and take a stunning Monaco podium. Today, as Formula 1’s Chief Technical Officer, his task is producing spectacular racing - now and for years to come. Pat tells Tom Clarkson about his past successes, his memories of working with great drivers and his future projects, including the sustainable fuel which will power a new breed of F1 car from 2026. Book your seat at a Grand Prix Tickets for the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix 2024 are now on sale along with Japan, Miami, Imola and every other race this season. Head to tickets.formula1.com to buy now More official F1 Podcasts F1 Nation - race previews, reviews and analysis from the F1 Paddock F1 Explains - your questions answered by the experts This episode is sponsored by: Salesforce: visit Salesforce.com/F1 to learn more about how Formula 1 wins fans and grows its global fanbase with Salesforce Shopify: sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/beyondthegrid OneSkin: get 15% off OneSkin with the code GRID at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod Factor: head to factormeals.com/grid50 and use code grid50 to get 50% off

A Formula 1 winner in his first season, Oscar Piastri has his sights set on more success. At McLaren, alongside Lando Norris, guided by Team Principal Andrea Stella and manager Mark Webber, he’s right where he needs to be. Speaking to Tom Clarkson, Oscar reflects on his rookie year in F1, his Sprint victory ahead of Max Verstappen, on-track clashes and off-track discussions with Lewis Hamilton, and why at his home race in Melbourne he’ll be fuelled by his Grandma’s baking as well as the Australian crowd. You can now watch full episodes of F1 Beyond The Grid on the F1 YouTube channel. More Official F1 Podcasts For more Oscar, listen to the next episode of F1 Explains – the podcast which answers your questions about Formula 1. Oscar explains how his time in Formula 3 and Formula 2 prepared him for the pinnacle of motorsport. Listen to F1 Nation's preview of Oscar's home race This episode is sponsored by: Indochino: go to indochino.com and use code GRID to get 10% off any purchase of $399 or more BetterHelp: our listeners get 10% off their first month at betterhelp.com/GRID