Away We Go Podcast

Kimi Antonelli won back-to-back races at Suzuka to become the youngest championship leader in Formula One history, and he did it while sipping sparkling rose water on the podium — because at 19, Japan's legal drinking age of 20 means he wasn't allowed champagne.Oscar Piastri returned from his race absence to lead for 15 laps and finish second, and the result raised a lot of questions about what both drivers are capable of this season.Di and Ciara break down the race from Suzuka — the 5.8-kilometre, 18-corner figure-of-eight circuit that has been part of the Formula One calendar since 1987 — covering Kimi's terrible start from pole, his recovery, and the safety car timing that proved decisive.Ollie Bearman's 50G crash, triggered by the new regulations' sudden power clipping, is a major talking point. Carlos Sainz made the point that if the same incident had happened on a street circuit with no runoff, the outcome could have been very different — and he's calling on the FIA and Formula One management to use the five-week break to find a solution.The episode also gets into Oscar Piastri's performance in context — he hasn't started a race this season, yet out-qualified his teammate to start third and led the Grand Prix. Di and Ciara discuss what that says about his talent versus the car beneath him, and where McLaren might go from here.Then there's Ferrari, where Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton nearly made contact mid-race and the team dynamic — or lack of one — is becoming harder to ignore.Other topics this week: Lewis Hamilton's deep personal connection with Japan and what shaped him as an athlete; the Japanese fan culture of swapping friendship bracelets, rewatching the race on the big screen after it ends, and taking every piece of rubbish home; Fernando Alonso is a new dad; and Jonathan Wheatley is out at Audi.Away We Go is now on Substack — writing at the intersection of Formula One and travel. Subscribe to Away We Go on Substack: https://awaywegopodcast.substack.comThe Japan travel guide is live on the website, and next week's episode features Japan expert Tess Moone from Tess Somewhere.Creator of the week: Irish comedian Carl Mullen, who makes very funny Formula One content. Carl Mullen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DVnr5YWjZ6R/Predict the podium — play along: https://awaywegopodcast.com/play-along/Japan travel guide — free download: https://awaywegopodcast.com/travel/You’ll find more photos and videos on the Away We Go Podcast social media channels:YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok | Threads |and also on SubstackOr drop us a line at [email protected] support means the world to us - please rate and review our show on your favourite podcast listening app, we might even read out your review next episodeFormula Live PulseApp: Formula Live Pulse is the ultimate second-screen experience for F1 fans. Try it for free for 7 days - no credit card needed f1livepulse.comApp Store: https://apps.apple.com/au/app/formula-live-pulse/id6739639442Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ss.f1livepulse&pcampaignid=web_share.#Formula1 #F1 #F1podcast #Formula1podcast #FormulaOne #bestf1podcast #australianF1podcast #femalef1podcast #femaleF1podcasthosts #f1travel #travelwriter #f1creator #f1writer

F1 journalist Reilly Sullivan left Sydney, moved to Beijing, and came straight out of the Shanghai paddock to talk to us. This episode is part race review, part travel guide, and part honest conversation about what it is actually like to pack up your life and move to China.Reilly covers his first Chinese Grand Prix from inside the media centre, one of the most impressive press facilities on the calendar, purpose-built when China joined the Formula 1 calendar in 2004, and talks through what race-by-race media accreditation looks like for a freelance journalist working their way into the paddock.On the race itself: Kimi Antonelli winning in his second ever grand prix, the sprint weekend delivering genuine excitement, and why Reilly thinks Antonelli could go all the way for the championship this year. He also caught a quick word with Nico Hulkenberg about the April race break, and Hulkenberg's response was one of the most measured things said by anyone in the paddock all weekend.On China: Beijing versus Shanghai, the realities of moving somewhere genuinely unfamiliar, learning Mandarin from scratch, and why the Chinese Grand Prix should be on your Formula 1 travel list.We also get into the 2026 regulations, active aerodynamics, Boost Mode, Lift and Coast, and whether the new era is actually delivering the racing it promised.To read Reilly's latest story where he interviews Zhou Guanyu, click here. You can connect with Reilly Sullivan on Instagram @reillyjosephsullivan.Away We Go Podcast is hosted by Dianne Bortoletto. New episodes every week covering Formula 1, travel and lifestyle.#F1 #Formula1 #ChineseGrandPrix #Shanghai #KimiAntonelli #F1Travel #China #F12026 #F1Podcast #AwayWeGoPodcastYou’ll find more photos and videos on the Away We Go Podcast social media channels:YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok | Threads |and also on SubstackOr drop us a line at [email protected] support means the world to us - please rate and review our show on your favourite podcast listening app, we might even read out your review next episodeFormula Live PulseApp: Formula Live Pulse is the ultimate second-screen experience for F1 fans. Try it for free for 7 days - no credit card needed f1livepulse.comApp Store: https://apps.apple.com/au/app/formula-live-pulse/id6739639442Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ss.f1livepulse&pcampaignid=web_share.#Formula1 #F1 #F1podcast #Formula1podcast #FormulaOne #bestf1podcast #australianF1podcast #femalef1podcast #femaleF1podcasthosts #f1travel #travelwriter #f1creator #f1writerhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27OlsSvFu8M

Shanghai delivered one for the history books. Di and Ciara break down the Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix, a race that had it all, DNSs, DNFs, a teenage winner, Ferrari back on the podium, and both McLarens failing to even start.Italian driver for Mercedes Kimi Antonelli becomes the youngest ever F1 pole sitter and converts it to his maiden race win in only the second race of the year, and the second season of his career. Di gets emotional. Very emotional.After Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton battle all the way in one of the most entertaining Ferrari vs Ferrari battles in years, it was Lewis Hamilton who took the third step on the podium, his first wearing red. This brings his total to 203 podium finishes during his 20-year career, and his 10th top-three finish in Shanghai.With George Russell finishing second in his Mercedes, and Kimi’s race engineer Bono (Hamilton’s long-standing race engineer when he was at Mercedes) representing the constructor, it was a very special podium. Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff, who still claims Lewis as ‘his driver’ even though Lewis is driving for Ferrari, was clearly very moved. We, too, were feeling all the feels.The SprintIt was a Mercedes front row lock out on the grid for the sprint. Kimi Antonelli had a horrible start and finished in 5th. George Russell took the Sprint win with Ferrari locking out second (Charles Leclerc) and third (Lewis Hamilton).McLaren's nightmareBoth Piastri and Norris DNS from the main race with separate power unit issues. Two races in, Oscar Piastri hasn't completed a single feature race lap. Piasti finished the sprint in 6th, Norris in 4th.Max Verstappen fights back from P13 to P6 before a mechanical failure ends his race early. Red Bull are struggling but Di and Ciara aren't writing them off.F1 NewsMercedes reportedly in talks to buy a 24% stake in Alpine - could it become a junior team? And what does that mean for Flavio Briatore?No racing in April, the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are off the calendar, leaving a five-week gap after Japan.Predict the PodiumThe Away We Go prediction tracker leaderboard update see Di top the leaderboard with her secret second account. Di is also (smugly) ahead of Ciara, in the Away We Go Predict the Podium, as well as in the Formula Live Pulse Predictions, where neither of them are doing particularly well.Creator shoutoutIt’s Carolyn's Corner on Instagram — making the case for F1 merch to be actually designed for women. Her content is fun and funny, check her out @itscarolinescornerNext weekA special guest joins to chat more about Shanghai, plus a Japanese travel episode is on its way.You’ll find more photos and videos on the Away We Go Podcast social media channels:YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok | Threads |and also on SubstackOr drop us a line at [email protected] support means the world to us - please rate and review our show on your favourite podcast listening app, we might even read out your review next episodeFormula Live PulseApp: Formula Live Pulse is the ultimate second-screen experience for F1 fans. Try it for free for 7 days - no credit card needed f1livepulse.comApp Store: https://apps.apple.com/au/app/formula-live-pulse/id6739639442Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ss.f1livepulse&pcampaignid=web_share.#Formula1 #F1 #F1podcast #Formula1podcast #FormulaOne #bestf1podcast #australianF1podcast #femalef1podcast #femaleF1podcasthosts #f1travel #travelwriter #f1creator #f1writer

The 2026 Formula 1 season opened in Melbourne with a dramatic Australian Grand Prix. Mercedes locked out the front row, Ferrari launched brilliantly at the start, and Max Verstappen charged through the field after starting from the back.I’m joined by Simone Scanu, co-founder of Formula Live Pulse, to break down everything that happened at Albert Park — from strategy calls to rookie performances.Key Talking PointsMercedes lockout and race paceFerrari’s explosive race startOscar Piastri’s heartbreaking crash before the raceMax Verstappen charging from P20Rookie standouts in the opening raceStrategy decisions and the virtual safety carBroadcast frustrations with missing battery dataAston Martin’s worrying reliability issuesAustralian Grand Prix PodiumGeorge RussellKimi AntonelliCharles LeclercA strong opening weekend for Mercedes — and a huge result for rookie Antonelli.Prediction Tracker UpdateThe Away We Go F1 Prediction Tracker is underway — and Melbourne delivered a few surprises.Very few players predicted a Mercedes win, and almost nobody picked Antonelli on the podium.The leaderboard is wide open after race one. Register free and play along: https://awaywegopodcast.com/play-along/International Women’s DayWe congratulate the Australian Grand Prix Corporation for renaming turn 6, In Her Corner after two prominent women working in Formula 1, Hannah Schmitz, head strategist at Red Bull Racing, and Laura Mueller, race engineer for Esteban Ocon at HAAS F1.This episode also celebrates women working in Formula 1 media and content creation, including:The Paddock Journal - www.thepaddockjournal.comPaddock Passions - https://www.instagram.com/paddockpassionTiggy – It’s Paddock Project - https://www.instagram.com/itspaddockprojectToni Cowan Brown - https://www.instagram.com/tonicowanbrownNext Race: ChinaNext stop is Shanghai for the Chinese Grand Prix.We discuss:Whether Ferrari can unlock more paceIf Mercedes can keep their advantageWhy China could suit different teamsOur predictions for the next race weekendSubscribeIf you enjoy the podcast, please follow or subscribe — it helps more people discover Away We Go Podcast.You’ll find more photos and videos on the Away We Go Podcast social media channels:YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok | Threads |and also on SubstackOr drop us a line at [email protected] support means the world to us - please rate and review our show on your favourite podcast listening app, we might even read out your review next episodeFormula Live PulseApp: Formula Live Pulse is the ultimate second-screen experience for F1 fans. Try it for free for 7 days - no credit card needed f1livepulse.comApp Store: https://apps.apple.com/au/app/formula-live-pulse/id6739639442Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ss.f1livepulse&pcampaignid=web_share.#Formula1 #F1 #F1podcast #Formula1podcast #FormulaOne #bestf1podcast #australianF1podcast #femalef1podcast #femaleF1podcasthosts #f1travel #travelwriter #f1creator #f1writer

Episode OverviewThe 2026 Formula One season brings the biggest rules overhaul in over a decade — and we have the perfect guest to break it all down. Host Diane Bortoletto is joined by Simone Scanu, co-founder of real-time F1 data and telemetry app Formula Live Pulse, and co-host Ciara Gillan for a deep-dive pre-season debrief covering Bahrain testing, Ferrari's jaw-dropping engineering innovations, the new hybrid power units, and who's already in trouble before lights out in Melbourne.Whether you're a die-hard fan or still wrapping your head around Active Aero and Overtake Mode, this episode has everything you need to know heading into the 2026 season.In This EpisodeFerrari's secret weapon — the revolutionary exhaust-mounted wing and why other teams can't just copy itBahrain testing results — who impressed, who struggled, and what it actually tells usHonda & Aston Martin's testing nightmare — battery vibration issues and a troubling mileage deficitThe 2026 power unit explained — 50/50 hybrid split, the removal of the MGU-H, and what Lift & Coast means for racingBoost Mode vs Overtake Mode — what's the difference and how will drivers use them strategically?Is the Adrian Newey era at Aston Martin already over?Cadillac's debut season — the only team alongside McLaren and Ferrari to field two race-winning driversMax Verstappen — why you can never count him out, no matter the carWilliams — missed Barcelona but showed up in Bahrain. What should we expect?Rookie watch: Isack Hadjar vs. Arvid Lindblad — from six rookies in 2025 to just one in 2026Drive to Survive Season 7 — is it getting too staged? The team shares their honest takeAustralian Grand Prix logistics — Middle East conflict, freight rerouting, and what's at stake for the season openerAGPC shoutout — the corner named after Laura Müller and Hannah Schmitz to celebrate International Women's DayCreator shoutout: ☕ Coffee Corner Motorsport on YouTube and Instagram — Terry Widdows is using Formula Live Pulse telemetry data for his analysis this season. Go follow him!Key Stats from TestingTeam and Estimated Test MileageFerrari / Mercedes: 20,000+ kmRed Bull (4 power units): 10,000+ kmAudi: ~5,000 kmHonda / Aston Martin: ~2,000 km ⚠️The Ferrari Innovation BreakdownFerrari showed up to testing with two standout engineering moves:The 180° Rear Wing — Instead of tilting open a few degrees like a traditional DRS flap, Ferrari's rear wing rotates a full 180 degrees, creating a dramatically larger gap to reduce drag. They've confirmed it won't appear in Melbourne but is likely targeted at low-downforce circuits like Baku and Monza.The Exhaust Wing — A small piece of bodywork positioned just behind the exhaust redirects exhaust gases through the rear wing to manage airflow. A similar concept was used in 2010 before being banned. Ferrari's implementation is nearly impossible to replicate because it's intrinsically tied to the dimensions and positioning of their bespoke gearbox differential. Other teams would need to rebuild their entire gearbox — a 2–3 month process — to attempt it.According to Motorsport.com, Ferrari may have as much as half a second advantage over the field.The 2026 Power Unit & Energy System — Simply ExplainedThe 2026 regs bring a 50/50 split between combustion and hybrid power, making energy management more critical than ever before.What's gone: The MGU-H (Motor Generator Unit – Heat), which recovered energy from exhaust gas flow. It was highly effective but enormously complex.What's staying: The MGU-K (Motor Generator Unit – Kinetic), which recovers energy under braking.The result: Drivers must Lift and Coast (ease off the throttle before braking zones) more than ever before to recharge the battery. This could paradoxically increase on-track battles, as drivers lifting early will allow following cars to close up on the straights.Boost Mode — A traditional engine map that's always been in F1. Drivers can deploy extra power whenever they choose, at their own risk of draining the battery.Overtake Mode — New in 2026, this replaces DRS. It can only be activated when within 1 second of the car ahead and provides an additional 0.5 megajoules of electrical power. Strategic deployment is everything — use it at the wrong point on a circuit and you'll arrive at the next straight with zero battery support.As Simone puts it: "It's like Fast and the Furious — pressing two buttons for a huge boost. But use both at once and you'll have nothing left to defend."Team-by-Team SnapshotFerrari — Strong reliability in testing (same engine used in both Barcelona and Bahrain). Engineering innovations hint at a genuine title challenge. Ferrari fans, it might finally be time.Red Bull / Max Verstappen — New in-house Red Bull Powertrains engine. Max ran 10,000+ km across four power units. Never write him off. As Zach Brown once said, he's the horror movie villain who just keeps coming back.Mercedes — Top of the mileage charts at 20,000+ km. Reliable, prepared, and

This week on Away We Go Podcast, Di sits down with Ciara Gillan — co-founder of Formula Live Pulse and now a regular voice on the show for the 2026 season.You’ve heard Ciara on race recaps. You’ve heard her talk strategy, telemetry and team politics. But this episode is about her.From asking “too many questions” during races (Simone’s words) to co-building one of the most data-rich second-screen experiences in Formula 1, Ciara’s journey into the sport is refreshingly modern — and unapologetically curious.How Curiosity Built an AppCiara didn’t grow up glued to sports channels. She knew Formula 1 was there — always hovering in the background — but access was limited. It wasn’t until she started watching regularly with her partner (and Formula Live Pulse co-founder) that the questions really started.And they didn’t stop.Those questions exposed a gap: fans wanted deeper context, clearer data, and access to the conversations happening behind the broadcast. That curiosity became Formula Live Pulse — an app delivering:Live telemetryFull team radio transcriptsRadio playbackTyre and pit strategy dataFantasy league featuresPulse Picks (vote your driver of the race)Community chat during sessionsCoverage of F2, F3 and F1 AcademyWhat began as “stop asking me questions during the race” evolved into a global platform serving fans who want more than the TV feed.Ciara talks candidly about building the app, expanding it beyond F1, and why she’s proud of what it’s becoming.Ferrari, Carlos & Underdog EnergyIf Ciara has to pick one team? It’s Ferrari. Always.She knows it’s complicated. She knows the anxiety is real. But that love-hate relationship is part of the identity Ciara Gillan interview - Feb 2….As for drivers:She’s drawn to Oscar Piastri’s humility and composure.She admires Charles Leclerc’s self-critical honesty.And she has a particular soft spot for Carlos Sainz — not just the charm, but the “racing brain.”Ciara is fascinated by drivers who think strategically, who understand the bigger picture mid-race. It’s not just speed that impresses her — it’s intelligence under pressure.Beyond F1: The FilmmakerOutside of Formula Live Pulse, Ciara is a filmmaker and producer based in Berlin.She studied film, worked across animation, visual effects and audio, and now runs a production company developing projects between Ireland and Germany. One of her recent short films, The Head On Him, is currently streaming on Disney+ — a milestone she speaks about with quiet pride Ciara Gillan interview - Feb 2….At heart, she’s a writer. Fiction. Crime. Stories she’s still mulling over, waiting for time to sit down and write properly.There’s something fitting about that — a strategist in racing and a storyteller off it.The Final ThreeCiara’s answers tell you a lot about her:Race she’d attend: Miami — for the energy, the spectacle, the atmosphere.Destination she’d visit (non-race): Japan. Culture, food, language — the full immersion.Driver she’d holiday with: Lewis Hamilton. Elegant, curious, layered.She’s interested in what’s beneath the surface — in people as much as performance.Why This Conversation MattersCiara is analytical, ambitious, creative and opinionated — exactly why she works so well on race recaps.This episode gives you context for the voice you’ll be hearing all season.And if you’re watching the 2026 season with Formula Live Pulse open on your second screen, now you know the story behind it.Listen now, subscribe, and get ready for a big season ahead.Formula Live PulseApp: Formula Live Pulse is the ultimate second-screen experience for F1 fans. Try it for free for 7 days - no credit card needed f1livepulse.comApp Store: https://apps.apple.com/au/app/formula-live-pulse/id6739639442Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ss.f1livepulse&pcampaignid=web_share---Are you going to Melbourne for the Grand Prix? Everything you need to know in my Melbourne Grand Prix Travel Guide hereIncludes insider tips at the track, best places to eat, a list of great roof top bars and awesome day trip suggestions and reasons to stay longer - download it here (free)Think you know F1? Prove it. Play AlongAway We Go Podcast Formula 1 Prediction Tracker – register now and get your podium finishers in at least one hour before qualifying.---Connect with us at Away We Go PodcastInstagram: @awaywegopodcastYouTube: @AwayWeGoPodcastTikTok: @awaywego.podcastLinkedIn: away-we-go-podcastFacebook: awaywegopodcastThreads: @awaywegopodcastWebsite: awaywegopodcast.comEmail: [email protected]

This week, Away We Go Podcast sits down with Luke West, editor of the brand-new Pole Position magazine - a 2026 grand prix season and Australian Grand Prix preview.We talk about Luke’s career and how he came to be the editor a new print Formula 1 magazine in Australia.He also shares how he witnessed history watching Ayrton Senna win a rain-washed Adelaide Grand Prix, how he was a proud member of the Gerhard Berger fan club, being at the biggest sporting event by attendance in Australian history, and is personal goal of attending the triple crown of motorsport.Luke is a lifelong motorsport fan who has deep roots in Australian motorsport media. He was editor of Australian Muscle Car for nine years and a writer for Auto Action. He's also co-written and project managed books including Formula One Down Under: Australian Grand Prix History, Australia's Greatest Racecars, Immortals of Australian Motor Racing, and Supercars: the Holden vs Ford era.Connect with LukeWebsite: lukewest.com.auInstagram: @lukewest25Pole Position MagazineBe sure to check out Luke's brand-new Pole Position magazine - your essential 2026 grand prix season and Australian Grand Prix preview guide, out 24 Feb.TRAVELAre you going to Melbourne for the Grand Prix? Everything you need to know in my Melbourne Grand Prix Travel Guide hereIncludes insider tips at the track, best places to eat, a list of great roof top bars and awesome day trip suggestions and reasons to stay longer - download it here (free).Connect with us! Away We Go PodcastInstagram: @awaywegopodcastYouTube: @AwayWeGoPodcastTikTok: @awaywego.podcastLinkedIn: away-we-go-podcastFacebook: awaywegopodcastThreads: @awaywegopodcastWebsite: awaywegopodcast.comEmail: [email protected]#f1podcast #australianF1podcast #f1magazine #newf1magazineaustralia #polepositionmagazine #lukewest #diannebortoletto #awaywegopodcast #bestf1podcast #bestf1podcastaustralia #f1travel #f1travelpodcast #formula1 #formula1magazine #lukewestauthor #lukewesteditor #f1journalist #F1writer #travelwriter

Inside the F1 Exhibition, Dianne Bortoletto chats with Nicole Piastri, Oscar Piastri's former high performance coach Kim Keedle, F1 Academy Drivers Avia Anagnostiadis and Joanne Cicconte, and the producer of the F1 Exhibition.The F1 Exhibition is held at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre until April. https://f1exhibition.comDownload my free Melbourne Grand Prix Travel Guide hereIncludes insider tips at the track, best places to eat, a list of great roof top bars and awesome day trip suggestions and reasons to stay longer - download it hereYou’ll find more photos and videos on the Away We Go Podcast social media channels:YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok | Threads |and also on SubstackOr drop us a line at [email protected] support means the world to us - please rate and review our show on your favourite podcast listening app, we might even read out your review next episodeFormula Live PulseApp: Formula Live Pulse is the ultimate second-screen experience for F1 fans. Try it for free for 7 days - no credit card needed f1livepulse.comApp Store: https://apps.apple.com/au/app/formula-live-pulse/id6739639442Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ss.f1livepulse&pcampaignid=web_share.#Formula1 #F1 #F1podcast #Formula1podcast #FormulaOne #bestf1podcast #australianF1podcast #femalef1podcast #femaleF1podcasthosts #f1travel #travelwriter #f1creator #f1writerWe'd love to hear from you! You can email us [email protected] and follow us on social mediahttps://www.instagram.com/awaywegopodcast/https://www.youtube.com/@AwayWeGoPodcasthttps://www.tiktok.com/@awaywego.podcasthttps://www.linkedin.com/company/away-we-go-podcastwww.facebook.com/groups/awaywegopodcast/https://www.threads.com/@awaywegopodcast