Business of Speed Podcast

Justin Bell is a world championship-winning driver, the son of five-time Le Mans winner Derek Bell, a motorsport broadcaster, and someone who will tell you exactly what he thinks whether you ask or not. That combination made this one of the most honest conversations we've had on Business of Speed.We go deep on what it's really like to be a second-generation driver — not the PR version, the actual version. Justin talks about discovering racing at the Formula Ford Festival as a teenager, getting humbled by Mika Häkkinen in his 25th race, and the gap between raw speed and the mental infrastructure to maximize it. He draws a direct line from his own career to Lando Norris and explains why both of them could have become "almost men" without the right support.Justin reveals for the first time that a heart attack at 44 played a role in his transition from driving to broadcasting. He explains his philosophy of live TV: that you should be on the verge of getting fired every broadcast, and why modern motorsport commentary has lost its edge. He also breaks down how he pitched his show at the Wynn, why fashion became a strategic brand decision, and the story about a 10-million-follower creator who couldn't sell tires versus a 30K account that moved real product.If you care about motorsport, personal brand, and what it actually takes to build a second career after the helmet comes off, this one's for you

Tom Blomqvist has won the Rolex 24 at Daytona twice, claimed the IMSA DPI championship, and raced in DTM, Formula E, and IndyCar. He also broke Lewis Hamilton's record as the youngest Formula Renault UK champion. In this conversation with Lali Michelsen, he tells the full story for the first time in one sitting.Tom grew up between England, Sweden, and New Zealand as the son of World Rally Champion Stig Blomqvist. He talks about what his father actually taught him (it wasn't driving technique), how a surprise birthday party in Indonesia rescued his entire career, and why a single crash in IndyCar became the most embarrassing moment of his professional life.He also explains why New Zealand keeps producing world-class drivers from a talent pool of 20 kids, what Balance of Performance actually does to manufacturer competition in IMSA, and why grassroots racing costs have gone from expensive to genuinely absurd.Plus: the motorsport marketplace he's building, breaking a rib playing golf, and why Max Verstappen is the most naturally gifted driver he's ever raced against.0:00 Growing Up the Son of a Rally Legend4:07 Two Schools of Racing Dads7:06 Why New Zealand Produces So Many Elite Drivers9:23 From Karting to Formula Renault: Breaking Hamilton's Record16:21 The Brutal Economics of Junior Racing21:51 A Birthday Party That Changed Everything28:47 DTM, Formula E, and the IndyCar Reckoning37:15 IMSA, Meyer Shank Racing, and Two Rolex 24 Wins41:26 Balance of Performance: The Real Story45:37 Life Beyond Racing: Investing, Golf, and a New Venture51:46 Favorite Track and the Most Talented Driver He's Faced

In this episode, Vincenzo and Lali sit down with the founder of The Paddock Journal, the Substack-turned-physical-magazine bringing fashion, culture, and editorial storytelling to the world of F1. Esmé breaks down how she went from pitching a Laura Winter feature to major publications (and getting rejected) to launching her own brand that had Alpine Stars knocking on her door within months.We get into all of it: why physical media is making a comeback in a short-form video world, how the F1 industry itself is paying attention to what she's building, the moment at the Dutch Grand Prix where she realized she had a real business, and why she thinks "imposter syndrome" needs to be deleted from our vocabulary entirely.Plus, Esmé reveals her biggest move yet: The Paddock Journal Atelier, a fashion showroom and shopping experience launching at the Monaco and Silverstone Grand Prix this year.Whether you're building a media brand, trying to break into motorsport, or just want proof that asking for what you want actually works, this one's for you.Connect with Esmé and The Paddock Journal: Website: thepaddockjournal.com Instagram: @thepaddockjournal

Shami Kalra had $10 left in his bank account, no food in the house, and a wife who told him she'd had enough. That Friday night, he designed two watches in Photoshop. By Thursday, he'd taken his first $1,000. Within 30 days, $50,000. He didn't even have a product yet.That was the birth of Omologato — the motorsport watch brand built by a fan who couldn't afford a hamburger at Silverstone, let alone the $7,000 watches roped off behind VIP barriers.In this episode, Shami tells us the full story: 20 years working for people he hated, the moment his wife forced a change, launching on Shopify with no money, and how a cold introduction to Chip Ganassi at Le Mans turned into a phone call, a partnership, and a spot on the podium when Alex Palou won the Indianapolis 500.We get into:Why he flew to the south of France for a 2.5-hour meeting instead of doing a Zoom callThe swimming pool watch dial born from COVID isolation and what it taught him about hope and belongingSupporting drivers from age 9 who are now knocking on the door of Formula 1The FIA blocking him on social media for advocating for a disabled marshal at Le MansMeeting Mario Andretti behind the bins at a race and Tony Kanaan at ThermalHis dream of owning an IndyCar team — and how close it came to being a 2025 realityWhy kindness is not a weakness, toxic people are insecure, and karma always collectsShami also shares stories about Juan Pablo Montoya, Roger Penske, Scott Dixon (who lives a mile away), Tom Kristensen, Luke Browning, and why the greatest people in racing are the ones who stand up when you walk over to say hello.

Marshall Pruett spent nearly two decades as a crew member and race engineer before walking into a media center in 2005 with no credentials and total imposter syndrome. Twenty years later, he's the most trusted voice in IndyCar and IMSA journalism, and in this episode he explains exactly how that happens and why most people in this space never figure it out.

Mike Buckley is the newly appointed Team Principal of the US SailGP team—and a former world champion sailor. In this episode, he breaks down what separates winners from everyone else, why preparation beats talent, and how he's building the US SailGP team into the world's next iconic sports brand.We dig into:Growing up with a single mom on Cape Cod and finding salvation in sailing at Tabor AcademyThe anatomy of a winning mindset (and why Tom Brady's pregame routine matters)Why "winning off the water" doesn't mean losing focus on winning on the waterHow the US SailGP team is becoming the Dallas Cowboys of sailingThe star-studded ownership group (including a certain tech/business icon)Why Auckland sailing fans might teach the world what SailGP can be

Will Buxton spent 25 years in the Formula One paddock. Now he's at Fox Sports calling IndyCar — and he's here to tell you why.In this episode, Will explains the business logic behind his move, why Fox's boss personally pushed for IndyCar coverage, and how the series averaged the same US viewership as F1 last season. He breaks down why IndyCar is the purest form of racing, what Bernie Ecclestone got wrong about young fans, why Drive to Survive can never be replicated, and the real financial engine behind F1's American expansion.Will also reveal the untold Jeff Gordon-to-Formula One story, whether Colton Herta can actually make it, why Miami replaced Monaco as motorsport's deal-making capital, and name the most naturally gifted driver he's ever been around.

Mario Andretti shares his remarkable journey from an immigrant to one of the greatest race car drivers of all time. He reflects on his early days in racing, the challenges he faced, and the importance of family and teamwork in achieving success. The discussion also delves into the evolution of racing technology, the significance of sound in motorsports, and Andretti's thoughts on the future of racing, particularly with the Andretti name entering Formula 1. Throughout the conversation, Andretti emphasizes the American dream and the unique experiences that shaped his illustrious career.

In this episode of the Business of Speed podcast, John Doonan discusses the excitement surrounding the Rolex 24, his leadership style, the importance of youth engagement in motorsports, and the growth strategies of IMSA. He reflects on the passion for racing and the community it fosters, emphasizing the need for innovation and stability in the sport.TakeawaysJohn Doonan emphasizes the importance of being present and leading by example.The Rolex 24 is a culmination of hard work from many individuals in the racing community.Youth engagement is crucial for the future of motorsports.IMSA is focusing on creating a stable platform for teams and manufacturers.IMSA's growth is attributed to its open-access and fan-engagement strategies.Digital platforms like YouTube are vital for reaching a global audience.IMSA is exploring international expansion while maintaining cost efficiency for teams.Long-term partnerships with manufacturers contribute to the series' stability.The community aspect of racing is highlighted as a unique feature of IMSA events.John Doonan believes that passion and history are essential for the future of motorsports.Chapters00:00 The Excitement of the Rolex 2402:53 Leadership and Team Dynamics05:16 IMSA Labs and Innovation08:14 Engaging the Next Generation10:42 Growth and Accessibility of IMSA13:26 Stability and Partnerships in Racing16:17 The Thrill of IMSA Racing18:36 Personal Reflections and Future AspirationsKeywordsRolex 24, IMSA, motorsports, leadership, team dynamics, youth engagement, international expansion, racing culture, growth strategies, automotive innovation

Welcome to a special episode of Business of Speed where Vincenzo and Lali dive deep into Formula 1's most consequential contract year in recent memory. With new regulations, new cars, and new power units hitting the grid in 2026, an unprecedented 60% of drivers face expiring contracts - turning this season into what we're calling "The Referendum Year."

In this episode of Business of Speed, we sit down with IndyCar veteran and fan favorite Conor Daly to deconstruct the reality behind the visor. This isn't just about lap times; it's about the hustle required to raise $10 million just to reach the starting grid.From cold-calling sponsors for $500 checks to navigating the ruthless politics of the European open-wheel ladder, Conor reveals what it actually takes to build a career when the economics of the sport are stacked against you. We dive deep into the marketing disparity between F1 and IndyCar, the toxicity of social media algorithms, and why "perseverance" is more than just a tattoo—it's a business strategy.In This Episode: 00:00 - The "Psychotic" Obsession: What it takes to compete 04:50 - The ROI of Junior Formulas: Winning vs. Funding 11:59 - The $10 Million Question: Talent vs. "Pay Drivers" 15:00 - The F1 Heartbreak: Losing the Force India deal 26:00 - The Modern Sponsorship Landscape: Why money sits on the sidelines 34:30 - Ovals vs. Road Courses: The technical reality check 41:00 - The Algorithm: Battling F1 Twitter & toxic fandom 47:40 - Marketing 101: What IndyCar must learn from Formula 1 54:00 - The Dream Team: Daly, Marks, and the future of Le Mans

Mark Blundell has done it all: Formula One, IndyCar, Le Mans, and TV commentary. But the most interesting chapter of his career might be the one he's writing right now.We take a trip through Mark's incredible timeline, from his humble beginnings sleeping on a chest of drawers to testing for Williams and racing alongside legends like Ayrton Senna. Mark opens up about the financial instability of 90s F1, the adrenaline of his razor-thin victory at Portland, and the "sensory" mechanical intuition that helped him succeed despite academic struggles.Today, Mark applies that same tenacity to MB Partners. He breaks down how the landscape of motorsport marketing is shifting towards digital engagement and complex B2B networks. Whether you're a racing fan or a business leader, Mark’s journey from the grid to the boardroom offers a masterclass in reinvention.

In this episode of the Business of Speed, Lali and Vincenzo sit down with Jeff Dodds, the CEO of Formula E, as he approaches his third year leading the electric racing series. Transitioning from a massive career in telecom and media (Virgin Media O2) and automotive (Honda, Volvo), Jeff discusses how Formula E is positioning itself not just as a sport, but as a disruptive entertainment property focused on sustainability and digital growth.From the controversial "noise" of electric cars to the groundbreaking performance of the upcoming Gen 4 vehicle, Jeff offers a candid look at how Formula E plans to become the fastest motorsport in the world and overtake MotoGP in popularity by 2030.Key Topics Discussed:The "Sound of Inefficiency": Jeff debates the lack of noise in EV racing, arguing that the "growl" of a combustion engine is simply 50% energy loss, whereas Formula E cars operate at 95% efficiency.Gen 4 Revolution: A look at the future car which boasts permanent all-wheel drive and is 71% more powerful than the current generation, capable of accelerating 30% faster than a Formula 1 carWomen in the Driver’s Seat: Jeff discusses the systemic financial barriers keeping women out of elite motorsport and predicts that women will be racing alongside men in the Formula E championship within the next two to three years.Gamification & Fanbase: How Formula E uses features like "Attack Mode" and partnerships with content creators to engage a younger, gender-balanced audience (50/50 male-female) differently than legacy sports.Business Strategy: Why Formula E prioritizes broad media reach over exclusive, high-cost rights deals to grow its global audience.Hospitality & Networking: How the "open" paddock culture of Formula E fosters C-Suite networking in a way that differs from the exclusive nature of Formula 1.

In this episode of the Business of Speed podcast, we sit down with IndyCar legend, Indy 500 winner, and current Arrow McLaren Sporting Director, ⁨@TonyKanaan⁩ .From his early days growing up in Brazil to his legendary rivalry and friendship with ⁨@H3lioOfficial⁩ , TK opens up about the defining moments of his life. He shares the incredible story of turning down a guaranteed million-dollar contract with Audi to chase the American dream, the emotional promise he made to his father, and the grit it took to finally win the Indy 500 in 2013.Tony also discusses his transition from the cockpit to the pit wall, giving us an insider look at his role running ⁨@ArrowMcLaren⁩ , the challenges of building a winning culture, and why he believes the future of ⁨@indycar⁩ is brighter than ever with the new Fox Sports partnership. ⁨@INDYCARonFOX⁩ Whether you're a die-hard racing fan or interested in the business of sports leadership, this conversation is packed with insights.Key Topics Discussed:The Million-Dollar Gamble: Why Tony turned down a house, a car, and a salary to race for free in the US.Rivalry & Brotherhood: The origin story of his friendship with Helio Castroneves.The 2013 Indy 500: Breaking the "bad luck" curse with KV Racing.Leadership: How Tony is transforming the culture at Arrow McLaren.The Greatest: Who Tony thinks is the most naturally gifted driver he ever raced against.

Vincenzo and Lali sit down for a casual, honest warm-up chat before F1 takes over Las Vegas. They also run through the fan experience around the Strip: free events, activations, watch parties, and Lali’s upcoming interview with Romain Grosjean. It’s not a complete guide to Vegas, just an honest conversation about what they’re looking forward to, what first-timers should keep in mind, and why Vegas week hits differently.

Jarno Zaffelli sculpts racetracks.The founder of Dromo Circuit Design, the man behind Zandvoort’s revival and Silverstone’s refinements, now turns his eye to Madrid.In this episode of Business of Speed, Vincenzo Landino and co-host Lali Michelsen sit down with the Italian designer redefining what “track design” means in Formula 1. Zaffelli explains why Madring, the new F1 circuit in Madrid is a living organism: flowing, breathing, and built with emotion as much as engineering.They explore:The passion and philosophy behind Madring.How Italian artistry shapes modern circuit design, from Michelangelo to motorsport.Lessons from Zandvoort, Silverstone, and Suzuka.The balance of science, art, and obsession that drives Zaffelli’s process.Why imperfection creates beauty in life, love, and lap times.

James Hinchcliffe gets brutally honest about the psychology that separates race car drivers from normal humans—and why they lack the self-preservation gene most people are born with.In this episode, Hinch reveals:Why drivers return to racing after near-death experiences (his own horrific accident included)The real reason racing legends like Zanardi and Wickens fought back into the cockpit after catastrophic injuriesWhat it's like driving a modern Formula 1 Haas car at MugelloThe one F1 rule he'd abolish immediately (and why the red flag tire change makes no sense)Why refueling needs to come back to F1 to fix boring one-stop strategiesHis journey from a 9-year-old karting in Canada to competing at the highest levelWhether blue flags belong in IndyCar racingPlus: Hinch weighs in on the tightest F1 championship battle in years and shares his broadcasting secrets for managing the insane IndyCar/F1 travel schedule.

Former McLaren mechanic Marc Priestley—better known as "F1 Elvis"—joins us to talk about his brand new book Pit Lane Lessons: What F1 Can Teach You About Work and Life.In this episode, Marc reveals the surprising origin story behind his legendary nickname, takes us inside McLaren's obsessive culture of excellence during the championship-winning years, and explains how those pit-lane principles translate into business success today. We discuss the delicate balance between obsessive attention to detail and maintaining team morale, the parallels between McLaren's 2007 and 2024 seasons, and what it was really like working alongside Lewis Hamilton during his first championship run.Marc also shares his moment of clarity that launched his second career, why he thinks Lando Norris might win the 2024 championship (and why he'd rather be in Max Verstappen's seat), and what makes Austin, Texas, one of the best fan experiences in Formula 1.Whether you're an F1 fanatic or a business leader looking for competitive advantages, this conversation is packed with insights from someone who's lived in both worlds at the highest level.

He built endurance athletes, powered triathlon empires, and helped brands like Pepsi and Samsung enter the world of speed. Now Lee Zohlman—the man behind Formula E’s Americas partnerships—joins Vincenzo Landino and Lali Michelsen to talk about:How saying no to the wrong deal doubled his career trajectoryWhy partnerships, not sponsorships, define the next era of motorsport businessFormula E’s billion-impression growth story (and what it teaches every brand)How the electric series plans to conquer the Americas—Miami, Mexico City, São Paulo and beyond

What happens when someone decides to take on a system they know is rigged?In this episode of The Business of Speed, we sit down with Laura Villars — a professional driver who made headlines for trying to run for FIA President... even though she knew her name could never appear on the ballot.Laura opens up about what she discovered behind the scenes of motorsport’s most powerful organization, how the rules are designed to keep outsiders out, and why she still believes change has to start from within.This conversation dives into:Why the FIA election process isn’t as democratic as it seemsHow Laura’s candidacy exposed a hidden flaw in motorsport governanceThe future of women and young people in racing leadershipWhat it means to fight for change when you know you might loseIf you’ve ever felt like the system was stacked against you — this story will resonate deeply.🎧 Listen to more episodes of The Business of Speed

A single race hosting fee can hit $70 MILLION—and that's before they even sell a single ticket. The real challenge for any track promoter? It’s absorbing the massive fixed liability and turning a one-time race into a year-round, profitable business.The truth is, the profit isn't in the Grandstands, it's with the executives in the Suites. Premium hospitality is the only sustainable margin driver.We're putting the circuit business on the lift and exposing the financial engine behind every major racing series, from F1 to IndyCar, using leverage, real estate, and B2B cash flow to survive.🏁 On This Episode of Business of Speed:00:00 The $70M Fixed Cost: Your Entry Ticket to Global Racing04:44 The Ultimate Leverage: Why a Racetrack is an Infrastructure Asset10:40 The Profit Driver: Why Luxury Suites Fund Your Favorite Race18:13 Ghost Tracks of Europe: The Need for Year-Round B2B Income21:30 The Subsidy Factor: How Cities Use Tax Dollars for PR (Vegas vs. Monaco)27:39 The 3 Non-Negotiables for Track Sustainability Checklist29:00 Real Estate Leverage: Inside the T11 "Car Condos" at COTA

This episode is where Lali and Vincenzo lay out their manifesto, explaining what they believe is changing and what is happening in the world of racing. They discuss what their new venture, Business of Speed, is offering to inquiring minds.A key part of their manifesto is making B2B cool, which they argue is a large part of motorsport sponsorship (such as with Oracle, AWS, and Arrow Electronics). They reject the "old model" of sponsorship as just signage or a "logo slap," calling it expensive and often an "ego play". They argue that today's advantage is "velocity," requiring brands, rights holders, and the C-suite to move faster and connect deeper with the fans.They reject "passive deals" tied to vanity metrics, which they believe lack real-world operational impact, fan engagement, or cultural leverage. Furthermore, they reject the "black box" idea that motorsports partnerships are so complex that the C-suite cannot grasp them, which leads to underinvestment and missed opportunities. They emphasize that sponsorship is now a partnership, requiring integration into the culture of speed and "getting your hands dirty".The episode details their six core mechanisms of velocity, which are how they execute their model to create a competitive advantage:C-Suite Education: Providing insider briefings and custom intelligence reports to ensure leadership understands and can drive the strategy of the partnership.Partnership Messaging (Narrative Engine): Crafting a humanizing story or "narrative" behind the partnership to create clarity and engage an audience that may not know who the sponsor is or why they are involved.Content Creation (Content Flywheel): Finding where audiences live and creating authentic content (not just high production value) to build brand equity and drive measurable actions, especially in the B2B world.Activations: Executing well-done, "laser-focused activations" that work and are not always on the circuit.Event Hosting: Leveraging their personalities and knowledge as hosts to facilitate insider-led events and deepen key client and partner relationships.Employee Engagement: Demystifying motorsports (through things like "lunch and learns") to get employees on board, enabling them to take pride and excitement in the partnership for a full activation.

Vincenzo Landino, founder of the six-year-old Business of Speed newsletter, and legendary Creative Director Lali Michelsen, define the DNA of your new essential motorsport briefing.Discover how a LinkedIn video of a champagne saber led to the formation of a strategic content consultancy and media empire built on one core premise: Speed is the only sustainable competitive advantage.We unpack:The Unlikely Kinship: Waking up at 5 AM for F1 in different countries and the shared "fringe of the fringe" obsession with speed. The Blueprint of Money & Tech: How the newsletter was engineered in 2019 to go beyond the track and investigate the power players, politics, and technology that fuel racing. The Consulting Pivot: Defining our mission to evolve beyond the "logo slap" and drive real-world operational and cultural leverage for sponsors. The Speed Lesson: Passion Meets Strategy. If you want to think and move at race pace, you need the right co-driver.