F1 Beyond The Grid

The Hulk is back in Formula 1, and he’s hunting a first podium finish. Revisit Nico’s 2019 interview on times a top three finish narrowly eluded him and his love of classic road cars. Tom Clarkson is choosing 30 highlights from the BTG archive in the run-up to brand new episodes, starting Wednesday March 1st.To get to know Nico before his F1 return, listen to his full BTG interview here

As Alpine unveil their car for the 2023 F1 season, enjoy an all-time favourite Beyond The Grid story from Esteban Ocon. In 2018 he told Tom Clarkson how his family sold their property to help his race towards Formula 1. 30 Days of BTG is building up to the first new episode of 2023 on Wednesday March 1st.To hear the full 2018 interview with Esteban, listen here. You can listen to his second BTG appearance from 2022 here.

He seemed destined to drive for Mercedes, but first George Russell had to prove himself at Williams. This is an in-depth conversation recorded in 2020, Russell’s second F1 season. He told Tom Clarkson how he first caught the eye of the Mercedes Young Driver Programme and how he introduced himself to Team Principal Toto Wolff. Plus, racing against friends, karting memories and how sim-racing kept him sharp when Covid 19 delayed the start of the season. F1 Beyond The Grid’s 30 Day pre-season series continues tomorrow. Follow the podcast so you don’t miss our next highlight from the archive. New weekly episodes start on Wednesday March 1st.George made a second appearance on F1 Beyond The Grid in 2022. You can listen to that here

On the day Ferrari launch their 2023 F1 car, hear how Charles Leclerc followed his father into motorsport. Charles told Tom Clarkson about racing and winning in Formula 2 on the weekend his father died, and how he races on to honour him.For the full 2018 interview with Charles, recorded before he joined Ferrari, head here 30 Days of BTG continues tomorrow with a full episode from the archive. Season 6 starts on Wednesday March 1st.

Is 2023 the year Aston Martin make their mark? Lawrence Stroll, Executive Chairman, wants to challenge for wins and championships. In 2021 he told Tom Clarkson about his Aston masterplan and his collection of classic cars.Thanks for listening to 30 Days of Beyond The Grid so far. We’re halfway through our pre-season series of archive highlights. Season 6 begins on March 1st.Head to F1.com and our social media accounts for the first pictures of Aston Martin’s 2023 car, plus news and images of the new McLaren.Did you know Lawrence Stroll’s first F1 involvement was as clothing sponsor to Michael Schumacher? Listen to his full BTG interview for that story and many more.

14 seasons without a championship. Fred Vasseur needs to end that run. Ferrari’s new Team Principal has been working in elite motorsport for decades. A supreme talent-spotter, Vasseur hired Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc and many more for his teams in junior formulas. Back in 2020, when he was Team Principal at Alfa Romeo, he told Tom Clarkson about working with a young Leclerc and his life outside racing.For the inside line on Ferrari’s new boss, listen to the full BTG interview here Follow F1 on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and Facebook for all the pictures, video and news from Ferrari’s 2023 launch on Tuesday February 14th.

He’s Williams' most recent F1 winner. In 2012, Pastor Maldonado took an historic, epic F1 P1. The Venezuelan vividly relived his victory on BTG in 2019. Tom Clarkson is steering you through the huge BTG archive in the build-up to our new series on March 1st. Follow, rate and review the podcast and join us for 30 Days of BTG.‘Sometimes I went over the limit. No more than others, but my mistakes were always on the front page’. Hear the full conversation with Pastor Maldonado here

A difficult season. Just 12 points on the board. Now, a chance to rebuild. Mick Schumacher’s out at Haas and in at Mercedes as their reserve driver. He’s following in his famous father’s footsteps, but Mick’s been doing that for years. For Day 12 of BTG’s 30 Day pre-season warm-up, Mick tells Tom Clarkson what he learned from his parents. 30 Days of Beyond The Grid continues tomorrow and every day until the start of Season 6 on March 1st.Listen to the full interview from Mick Schumacher’s rookie F1 season here

‘I never knew when I was going to go back’. With no return ticket, but with a dream of racing in F1, Sergio Perez left Mexico aged 14 and travelled to Europe alone. On Day 11 of 30 Days of Beyond The Grid, Sergio tells Tom Clarkson about that journey and his determination to succeed.Want more? Hear the full 2019 interview with Sergio Perez here

Before his first F1 win, before he raced alongside Verstappen, Pierre Gasly told Tom Clarkson the first chapter of his F1 story. Enjoy a full in-depth interview recorded in 2018, when Pierre was a breakout star about to be promoted to Red Bull. The Frenchman told Tom Clarkson about his rise to Formula 1, his rivalry with Verstappen, his love of football and much more. Listen back to 30 Days of Beyond The Grid so far, and follow us so you’re ready for BTG Season 6 on March 1st.

As Alfa Romeo launch their 2023 F1 challenger, listen to their driver Valtteri Bottas talking teammates, titles and tasting coffee. Tom Clarkson is choosing 30 of his favourite Beyond The Grid moments in the build-up to Season 6 on March 1st. To join our race through the BTG archive, hit the follow button.You can hear Valtteri’s full BTG interview here or listen to his Alfa Romeo teammate Zhou Guanyu here

He’s an 8-time F1 winner who won’t be racing in 2023. Daniel Ricciardo is back with Red Bull as their Third Driver. For Day 8 of BTG’s pre-season series, Tom Clarkson introduces Ricciardo’s 2019 account of his move from Red Bull to Renault.Enjoy 30 days of specially-chosen archive highlights in the build-up to BTG Season 6, starting March 1st.Daniel Ricciardo has been on BTG three times. You can listen to those interviews below:2019 – On Red Bull, Renault and teaching his nephew bad words 2021 – On winning with McLaren2022 – Why he’s not done with F1

She was by Michael Schumacher’s side as he dominated F1. Sabine Kehm, Schumacher’s manager, shared her unique perspective on the 7-time World Champion with F1 Beyond The Grid in 2019. Tom Clarkson is choosing highlights from the BTG archive for 30 days in the build up to F1 Beyond The Grid Season 6. Follow the podcast to join in and check back tomorrow for Day 8.You can listen to the full interview with Sabine Kehm here

From his sleep cycle to the design of his driving gloves, Nico Rosberg worked on improving every detail as he fought Lewis Hamilton for the 2016 F1 World Championship. For 30 Days of BTG, Day 6, hear Nico tell Tom Clarkson how those small changes made a big difference. Join us for 30 Days of BTG by following the podcast and sharing your favourite clip with #F1BeyondTheGridNico Rosberg’s full BTG interview from 2018 is ready for your ears here

She’s a winner with Ferrari. A strategist who now makes race-changing calls under huge pressure at Alfa Romeo. Ruth Buscombe’s job is all about big data and big decisions. For Day 5 of BTG’s pre-season series, hear Ruth remember how she and Sebastian Vettel scored their first win for Ferrari. You’ll hear lots more great F1 stories as 30 Days of Beyond The Grid continues. Follow the podcast and share your favourite episode using #F1BeyondTheGrid.For more strategy secrets and stories from Ruth Buscombe, listen to the full episode here On the eve of his retirement, four-time F1 World Champion Sebastian Vettel gave Tom an in-depth look back at his career on F1 Beyond The Grid. Listen to their full conversation here

For Day 4 of our pre-season build-up, the origins of a current F1 star. Lando Norris, driver of car number 4, takes Tom Clarkson back to the childhood moment he decided to race cars instead of bikes. In the clip from 2019 Lando also remembers admiring a young driver named George who he used to race in go-karts. Whatever happened to him? Tom’s choosing his favourite clips from the BTG archive ahead of Season 6 on March 1st. Hit the follow button to join in.For Lando’s first Beyond The Grid interview from 2019, head here Or listen here for his second appearance when he talked about his fans and hunting his first F1 win

For Day 3 of Beyond The Grid’s pre-season warm-up, Tom Clarkson introduces a full-length archive episode with a veteran of F1’s most dangerous period. Sir Jackie Stewart is a triple F1 World Champion, who battled some of the greatest drivers of all time in the 1960s and 70s. Sir Jackie remembers the races, the rivals and risks he faced at a time when F1 was very different. 30 Days of Beyond The Grid continues tomorrow. For the latest F1 pre-season news, visit F1.com, download the F1 app and follow F1 on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and TikTokThis episode is sponsored by: LinkedIn: find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at linkedin.com/GRIDShopify: sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/beyondthegrid

Before Season 6 of F1 Beyond The Grid, Tom Clarkson is racing through the best bits of the archive in 30 Days of Beyond The Grid. On Day 2, two-time F1 World Champion Fernando Alonso talks about his successes, failures and the legacy he wants to leave behind. Hit the follow button to join Tom for 30 Days of Beyond The Grid. Season 6 starts March 1stTo hear the full 2021 interview with Fernando Alonso, tap here For the best bits of BTG in 2022, including Susie Wolff, Carlos Sainz and Kevin Magnussen, listen here

Get ready for more in-depth conversations with Formula 1’s biggest stars. Season 6 of F1 Beyond The Grid starts Wednesday 1st March. In the build-up, Tom Clarkson is guiding you through the best bits of BTG’s huge interview archive in 30 Days of Beyond The Grid. On Day 1, listen to Lewis Hamilton from our first ever episode back in 2018. He remembers his childhood desire to be an F1 driver and explains how hard it is to win the World Championship. Follow F1 Beyond The Grid, share the podcast with a friend, and check back tomorrow for Day 2.To hear the full 2018 interview with Lewis Hamilton, head right here For the best bits of BTG in 2022, including Lando Norris, Sebastian Vettel and Daniel Ricciardo, listen here

Reflections from Ricciardo. Stories from Susie Wolff. Memories from Mansell. On F1 Beyond The Grid, the sport’s fastest stars slow down and open up in feature-length conversations with Tom Clarkson. In this end-of-year special, Tom chooses his highlights from 2022. Daniel Ricciardo lifted the lid on his McLaren struggles. Legendary designer Steve Nichols remembered triple World Champion Ayrton Senna’s first drive in his 1980s McLaren ‘wonder car’. Sebastian Vettel talked about his strongest ally and his most talented teammate. The clips in this episode come from the full episodes listed below. Thank you for listening in 2022. F1 Beyond The Grid will return in 2023. Carlos Sainz: ready to win with Ferrari Nigel Mansell: World Champion, through the pain Kevin Magnussen: a no-fear F1 comeback with Haas Steve Nichols: engineering domination for McLaren Mike Elliott: how Mercedes’ ‘mistake’ is making them stronger George Russell: rising with Mercedes Lando Norris: working on winning with McLaren Gilles Villeneuve Remembered Susie Wolff: racer, role model, risk taker Nicholas Latifi: limits, lessons + leaving F1 Nyck De Vries: seizing his F1 chance Christian Horner: putting Red Bull back on top Daniel Ricciardo: not done with F1 Sebastian Vettel: around the next corner This episode is sponsored by: Shopify: sign up for a FREE trial at shopify.com/beyondthegrid and start selling online todaySmartNews: download SmartNews for free today in the app store to get the news that matters most.

He’s led Mercedes to 115 race wins in Formula 1, but Toto Wolff is only focused on the next victory. The Silver Arrows stumbled in 2022. They learned lessons while they were down and scored a late-season win to fire them up for 2023. Toto tells Tom Clarkson how a difficult year will benefit the team in future. He explains how the performance of George Russell, the leadership of Lewis Hamilton, the legacy of Niki Lauda and Toto’s own influence will be key ingredients in Mercedes recovery. ‘The days we lose are the days our competitors will regret, because we learn the most’, says Toto. It sounds like he’s already racing for that next win…Related episodes:Christian Horner, Toto’s Red Bull rival Mattia Binotto, Ferrari’s outgoing Team Principal Daniel RicciardoGeorge Russell This episode is sponsored by: Rocket Money: get rid of useless subscriptions with Rocket Money now. Go to rocketmoney.com/GRID. Seriously, it could save you HUNDREDS per yearLinkedIn Jobs: find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at linkedin.com/GRID

He won’t be racing in 2023, but Daniel Ricciardo is thinking further ahead. Why is returning to Red Bull as Third Driver the best thing for a driver with 8 Grand Prix wins to his name? In this in-depth interview with Tom Clarkson, Daniel explores his decision to spend a season off the track and how he hopes it will boost his career and life outside racing. ‘I don’t feel completely done’, he says of his future in F1. ‘I think I’ll want to get back on the grid, but time will tell’. Daniel reflects on why he left Red Bull in 2018, details his struggles at McLaren and explains how age, pressure, confidence and rest affect his performance. He also lays out his to-do list for his year time from racing, including a very big ride on a very small motorbike…Related episodes: Daniel Ricciardo on his McLaren win in 2021 Daniel’s first Beyond The Grid interview in 2019Lando Norris on racing Daniel at McLaren This episode is sponsored by ExpressVPN. Take back your internet privacy today with the VPN rated #1 by TechRadar and Mashable. Visit expressvpn.com/grid and get three extra months for free

You’ll hear the 60 minute interview right here on Wednesday 30th of November. Hit the follow button and share this episode using #F1BeyondTheGrid

‘I do this with passion. I like to work hard’. Guenther Steiner, Haas’ straight-talking Team Principal, has had plenty of hard work to do this year. From finding a new driver on the eve of the 2022 season, to replacing Mick Schumacher with Nico Hulkenberg for 2023, Steiner has made big calls to help Haas make big moves. In great detail, he talks Tom Clarkson through his decisions, and how they’ll drive the team towards its goals. Guenther also gives his views on his fame, management style and even his merchandise. Plus insight into how F1’s smallest team go about their business, memories of an historic pole position in Brazil and reflections on Romain Grosjean’s Bahrain crash.Related episodes: Kevin Magnussen Mick Schumacher Nico HulkenbergGuenther’s first BTG interview This episode is sponsored by: SmartNews: Download SmartNews for free today in the app store to get the news that matters most. Search for it in the Apple App store for your iPhone or iPad, or Google Play store for Android users.Babbel: go to babbel.com/play, and use promo code GRID for an extra six months free.

‘I’ve thought about this so much, and it feels so right’. Sebastian Vettel is ready to say farewell to Formula 1. In a final in-depth interview with Tom Clarkson, Sebastian looks back at his entire F1 career: how he dealt with winning and losing, his rivalries and friendships with champions and teammates, and the races and moments that shaped him. He explains how ‘feeling loved’ fuelled his success, and what he’ll miss about life in F1. Sebastian also looks ahead – beyond his final chequered flag in Abu Dhabi - to what’s around the next corner.Follow, rate and review F1 Beyond The Grid on your podcast app. Share your thoughts on this episode and your memories of Sebastian Vettel’s F1 career using #F1BeyondTheGrid. Scroll through the BTG back catalogue for more interviews with stars from every era of Formula 1.Related episodes: Sebastian Vettel on Ferrari Charles Leclerc Kimi Raikkonen Fernando Alonso Mick SchumacherMark Webber Lewis HamiltonThis episode is sponsored by: Babbel: right now, Babbel is offering our listeners six months free with a purchase of a 6-month subscription, go to babbel.com/play and use promo code GRIDShopify: sign up for a FREE trial at shopify.com/beyondthegrid and start selling online today

Listen right here on Wednesday 16th November. Follow the podcast and share it with your fellow F1 fans using #F1BeyondTheGrid

F1 was her ‘goal’ once upon a time, but she made history in IndyCar and NASCAR. Danica Patrick’s early racing career followed the course of so many F1 stars: karting championships, a teenage move to Europe, an impressive result at the prestigious Formula Ford Festival, and meetings with former F1 champions and team bosses. But it was back in the US that made her mark on motorsport, winning in IndyCar and leading the Indy500. Was racing in F1 ever a possibility? Danica tells Tom Clarkson about her life in racing: why oval racing differs from road course driving, how team orders may have denied her more success, and how she feels about Formula 1 today.Related episodes: Bobby Rahal – IndyCar + F1 driver, Danica’s former team bossNASCAR champion Jeff Gordon Susie WolffThis episode is sponsored by: LinkedIn Jobs: find the qualified candidates youwant to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at linkedin.com/GRIDExpressVPN: go to expressvpn.com/grid today and get an extra three months free on a one-year packageRocket Money: get rid of useless subscriptions with Rocket Money now. Go to rocketmoney.com/GRID. Seriously, it could save you HUNDREDS per year

A chapter is closing, but Nicholas Latifi is ready to open up. In three difficult F1 seasons, the Canadian has dealt with defeats, disappointment and being dropped by Williams. As he prepares to leave the sport at the end of 2022, Nicholas tells Tom Clarkson about the challenges and frustrations he continues to face. In deep detail, he explains why he struggles to show his speed on the racetrack, how his ‘weaknesses’ behind the wheel have been ‘exposed’, and why he’s often unable to match the achievements of his teammates. He’s quick to praise George Russell, Alex Albon and Nyck De Vries, his one-time teammate and former F2 championship rival, as well as his Williams team for supporting him. He points to performances he’s proud of which sometimes passed unnoticed and remembers times he came close to impressive results. Now, Nicholas is looking to his future. He reveals what’s driving his decision on where to continue his race.Related episodes: Alex Albon George RussellNyck De VriesJost Capito, Williams CEOThis episode is sponsored by: Rocket Money: get rid of useless subscriptions with Rocket Money now. Go to rocketmoney.com/GRID. It could save you HUNDREDS per year.Santander: CountdownToZero is a global competition for startups and scale ups looking for solutions that help the motor sport world become a more sustainable place. Ideas improving logistics or transport within the sport, projects aimed Net Zero mobility or that help offset the carbon footprint. Check out the winners at santander.com

His time in F1 was brief and ‘brutal’, but he learned lessons he’s passing on to his son. Jan Magnussen, father of Haas driver Kevin, arrived in Formula 1 in the mid-1990s feeling unbeatable. His confidence came from a stunning championship-winning season in British Formula 3, in which he broke records set by the great Ayrton Senna. F1 broke that confidence. ‘I don’t think I understood the enormity of the task’ Jan tells Tom Clarkson as he honestly looks back on a difficult time with McLaren and Stewart Grand Prix. Did the early success which launched him into F1 have a downside? Did a ‘driving lesson’ from triple World Champion team boss Jackie Stewart do more harm than good? Jan remembers his sudden F1 exit, and how he rediscovered his love of racing. Today, he shares that love and the wisdom of his experience with Kevin as his father, sportscar teammate and mentor.Related episodes: Kevin Magnussen on his ‘no fear’ F1 comeback.

In September 2022, Nyck De Vries got a golden opportunity. A surprise F1 debut. He knew it was a chance to change his life. His remarkable top 10 finish was just step one of his mission. In an exclusive in-depth interview, Nyck tells Tom Clarkson what he did next: the phone calls, flights, meetings and deals which have made him a 2023 AlphaTauri Formula 1 driver. He explains how advice from his friend Max Verstappen, dinners with an F1 star-maker, a personal approach to negotiations and a decision to move away from Mercedes were so important. With championship-winning speed developed in Formula 2 and Formula E, experience driving several F1 cars and a wealth of racing knowledge to draw on, F1’s newest driver is ready for his next big opportunity.Related episodesNyck’s 2023 AlphaTauri teammate, Yuki Tsunoda AlphaTauri Team Principal, Franz Tost Nyck’s fellow Formula 2 champions:George Russell Charles LeclercMick SchumacherThis episode is sponsored by: BetterHelp: visit BetterHelp.com/grid today to get 10% off your first monthMSC Cruises: book your unforgettable cruise vacation at msccruises.comLiquid IV: get 15% off when you go to liquidiv.com and use code GRID at checkout

Tom’s got news of this week’s in-depth interview. Hear it exclusively here on Wednesday 19th October

Whether he’s behind the wheel of an F1 car or analysing the action for millions on TV, Karun Chandhok is driven by his passion for racing. His love for the sport grew during his childhood in India, and it remains strong despite his frustrating time in F1, where he repeatedly defied the odds. With little money to rely on and few racing opportunities at home, Karun set out on a path which took him to Europe. GP2 wins led to a Red Bull test and a spot on the F1 grid with a brand new team in 2010. Karun tells Tom Clarkson the astonishing story of his Grand Prix debut and the struggle to even start his first race. He reflects on the deals and behind-the-scenes events at Hispania and Lotus which changed the course of his career. He sums up the experience of driving some of F1’s most legendary cars, including the ‘scary’ one, and the one that he feels is ‘a bit too perfect’. Plus, Karun explains how his love for F1 is fuelling his current work as a broadcaster, racetrack design consultant and grassroots motorsport advocate.This episode is sponsored by: Shopify: sign up for a FREE trial at shopify.com/beyondthegridLinkedIn Jobs: find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at linkedin.com/GRID.

As soon as the 2022 Mercedes F1 car hit the racetrack, the man who oversaw its creation realised it had problems. ‘We made a mistake’, admits Technical Director Mike Elliot. In finding fixes, Mike and his team of engineers have improved Mercedes’ results and learned a lot about themselves. Mike tells Tom Clarkson how they traced the car’s problems to a single design decision, how a year of not winning has helped the people at Mercedes develop, and how he craves a return to the team’s championship-winning form. Looking back, Mike remembers why he chose a career in F1, and the remarkable day two top teams offered him a role. That led him to work in aerodynamics for McLaren, and he recalls a surprising early conversation he had with the team’s young test driver, Lewis Hamilton. McLaren’s former leader Ron Dennis, legendary car designer Adrian Newey, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff and drivers Michael Schumacher, Nico Rosberg and George Russell also feature in Mike’s story. He explains how F1 engineering has become ‘more specialised’ and has advice for anyone who aspires to work in F1 car design.More BTG interviews with F1 Technical Directors:AlphaTauri’s Jody Egginton McLaren’s James Key Alpine’s Pat Fry James Allison, former Mercedes TDThis episode is sponsored by: ExpressVPN: secure your online activity by visiting ExpressVPN.com/grid TODAY and get an extra three months FREE

He’s a survivor, who fought back from a crash which could have broken his spirit. Martin Donnelly’s racing career was cut short at the 1990 Spanish Grand Prix, when his Lotus left the track and hit a barrier at 160 miles per hour, throwing him from the car. Martin tells Tom Clarkson his memories of that fateful weekend, and the great lengths he went to as he tried to return to racing – including treatment from the doctor who had helped Niki Lauda after the Austrian’s life-changing crash. He reflects on his close friendship with Ayrton Senna, who rushed to the scene that day in Spain, and on his brotherhood with fellow racing drivers like Damon Hill and Johnny Herbert, alongside whom he rose to Formula 1. Support from his father and deals with shrewd team owner Eddie Jordan shaped his career. His time at the top of motorsport was short-lived, his potential never fully realised, but Martin never stopped racing.Related episodes: Eddie JordanDamon Hill Tommy ByrneJohnny Herbert Derek WarwickThis episode is sponsored by: DoorDash: use code GRID for 50% off your first order with DoorDash. Subject to change, terms apply.Emma Sleep: save 5% on top on all offers at www.emma-sleep.co.uk/grid

It’s been a dramatic year for Red Bull Racing, from the titanic battle Max Verstappen fought with Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes for the 2021 title, to setting up their own power unit arm, before taking a commanding lead in both championships this season – with a flirtation with Porsche thrown in for good measure. Team boss Christian Horner tells host Tom Clarkson all about that incredible 2021 title fight from Red Bull’s perspective, including his thoughts on rival team boss Toto Wolff, and that intense Abu Dhabi season finale. He also reflects on whether Verstappen approaches racing Charles Leclerc differently to how he takes on Hamilton, what he makes of Daniel Ricciardo’s early McLaren exit, and why Red Bull decided now was the right time to set up their own engine division. Plus he reveals what happened to the proposed Porsche partnership, touches on some of the company’s non-F1 projects – including designing a submarine – as well as how it feels to have led the team back to the brink of championship glory once again.Related episodes: Christian Horner in 2021 and 2018Sergio Perez This episode is sponsored by: Babbel: go to babbel.com/play and use promo code GRID for an extra six months freeLinkedIn Jobs: post your job for free at linkedin.com/GRIDDoorDash: for a limited time, our listeners can get 50% off and zero delivery fees on their first order of $15 or more, when you download the DoorDash app and enter code GRID

He was part of one of F1’s most dramatic finales, but there’s so much more to Timo Glock’s story than that rain-soaked lap in Brazil. A relative late-comer to racing, he quickly showed speed, made smart sponsorship deals and caught the attention of F1 teams. Timo tells Tom Clarkson about the surprise phone call which led to his points-scoring Grand Prix debut, the disappointment of dropping out of the sport, the moment he felt it was ‘game over’ for his racing career, and an all-or-nothing season which gave him a second chance at F1. With Toyota in 2008 and 2009, Timo scored podiums which proved he was worthy of a race-winning car. He reveals how agonisingly close he came to a career-transforming move in a pivotal period at the end of 2009, only to find himself racing at the back of the grid in 2010. Plus, his friendship with the Schumachers, the moment lawyers decided his F1 future and that final lap in Brazil in 2008: the ‘impossible’ action, the crazy reaction and an unlikely friendship that followed, ten years in the making. This episode is sponsored by: Shopify: sign up for a FREE fourteen-day trial at shopify.co.uk/gridBetterHelp: when you want to be a better problem solver, therapy can get you there.Visit betterhelp.com/grid today to get 10% off your first month

He’s a Zandvoort ‘beach boy’, who became a local hero in F1. Racing in the Dutch Grand Prix was a dream come true for Jan Lammers, but he struggled to show his speed in Formula 1 and dropped out of the sport after 4 difficult seasons. He was always determined to return to motorsport’s pinnacle and waited a record 10 years for his chance. Jan tells Tom Clarkson about his rise from junior European champion to F1, the impact impatience had on his career, how bad luck repeatedly ruined his best chances of a life changing F1 result, and how a change in attitude and focus on learning helped him take Le Mans victory in 1988 and return to F1 after his decade away. Today, Jan is Sporting Director of his hometown racetrack, Zandvoort, and is working to make the Dutch Grand Prix a spectacular and sustainable event.This episode is sponsored by: MSC Cruises: Explore MSC Cruises world of destinations and book yourself a holidaythat’s going to take your breath away from start to finish on msccruises.comExpressVPN: Secure your online data by visiting ExpressVPN.com/GRID and get an extra three months FREEDoor Dash: For a limited time our listeners can get 50% off and zero delivery fees on their first order of $15 or more when you download the DoorDash app and enter code GRID

He fought one of F1’s all-time greatest duels, was often untouchable in qualifying, and his victories were celebrated by entire nations. René Arnoux spent a decade racing the likes of Gilles Villeneuve, Alain Prost and Niki Lauda. He raced and won for both Renault and Ferrari, leading the Scuderia to a world title in 1983. René passionately and vividly talks Tom Clarkson through his remarkable career, remembering his epic wheel-to-wheel battle with his great friend Villeneuve in 1979, negotiations with Enzo Ferrari, his lost chance to become World Champion and his rivalry with Renault teammate Prost. Arnoux also picks the 2022 F1 driver he thinks is most like himself Related episodesGilles Villeneuve Remembered Racing for Enzo Ferrari René’s pick of 2022: Lando Norris This episode is sponsored by: LinkedIn Jobs: find the candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post a job for free at linkedin.com/GRIDDave: download the Dave app from the App store right now. Sign up for an Extra Cash account and get up to 500 dollars instantly. For terms and conditions go to dave.com/legal. Instant transfer fees apply. Banking provided by Evolve. Member FDIC.Santander: Countdown to Zero is a global competition for startups and scaleups to help the motor sport world become more sustainable. And that’s why we are looking for sustainable and innovative proposals that allow us to continue enjoying our passion while respecting the environment. Register your idea on santanderx.com before 8th September.

He’s an F1 star, and he’s still getting brighter. Lando Norris is on a mission with McLaren, determined to deliver trophies and titles. He’s twice come agonisingly close to his first F1 victory. That is just fuel for his fire. Lando opens up to Tom Clarkson about the races he feels he should have already won, his moments of self-doubt, his ambitions, his attitude to life and work, and how he’s seen by the public and his fans. Lando reveals he sometimes dwells on past frustrations, but his focus is fixed on future glory. He’s honest and illuminating about things he and his team can improve. One day soon, he says, ‘there won’t be any excuses’. Working on winning will ‘make things sweeter… a much cooler story’. As you’ll hear, the hard work has already begun…Have a listen to Lando’s first F1 Beyond The Grid appearance in March 2020Plus other related interviews from the BTG archiveDaniel RicciardoCarlos Sainz McLaren CEO (and Lando’s golf buddy) Zak Brown This episode is sponsored by: Liquid IV: get 15% off ANYTHING you order when you shop better hydration today using promo code GRID at liquidiv.comBetterHelp: our listeners get 10% off their first month at betterhelp.com/GRIDBabbel: receive six months free with a purchase of a 6-month subscription with promo code GRID at babbel.com/play

Since South Africa 1993, Beat Zehnder has not missed a Formula 1 Grand Prix. Hungary 2022 was his 538th race weekend, and he’s spent them all with the same team. Once it was known as Sauber, today it’s Alfa Romeo. Before joining Sauber, Beat was a ship engine mechanic. He was kicked out of his first job interview with the Swiss racing team because he had no interest in motorsport. How and why, then, has he spent so long in Formula 1? Beat tells Tom Clarkson incredible stories of the tiny Sauber team’s amazing entry into F1, and its repeated struggles for survival. Schumacher, Frentzen, Raikkonen, Kubica, Vettel and Leclerc are just some of the drivers Beat has worked with, but who does he call ‘the most complete’ of them all? Beat’s love for the sport was shaken at times of tragedy, but his loyalty and love of teamwork have never faltered.This episode is sponsored by: Harry's: make sure to support the podcast and start your own skin care journey, by redeeming a free Harry’s Trial Set at harrys.com/grid. All you cover is £3.95 for delivery and your freebie will be added at checkoutExpressVPN: visit expressvpn.com/grid to get three extra months free

He’s the newest member of ‘The Piranha Club’ – the nickname for the ruthlessly competitive group of F1 Team Principals. Aston Martin’s Mike Krack is not a newcomer to F1, however. A former European go-kart racer, Mike earned his engineering stripes with Sauber in the early 2000s, where he moulded and mentored a young Felipe Massa. He witnessed the supreme strength and skill of Robert Kubica, and steered Sebastian Vettel through his Grand Prix debut at BMW in 2007. Vettel and Krack are now back together at Aston Martin, and Mike has illuminating insight into how the four-time champion has developed as a person and as a racing driver. Mike tells Tom Clarkson about his life leading major manufacturers’ racing programs, including the reason he previously walked away from Formula 1. He explains how he’s ‘finding his way’ as boss of the sport’s most ambitious team, charged with fulfilling owner Lawrence Stroll’s aims of challenging for the World Championship.Related episodes from the F1 Beyond The Grid archive: Sebastian Vettel Robert Kubica Lance Stroll Lawrence Stroll Felipe MassaThis episode is sponsored by: Babbel: go to babbel.com/play and use promo code GRID for an extra six months freeCalm: visit calm.com/grid for 40% off unlimited access to Calm’s entire libraryAthletic Greens: get a FREE 1 year supply of immune supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase, just visit athleticgreens.com/f1btg

When Marc Surer reached Formula 1 in 1979, he was a rising star: the reigning Formula 2 champion from the mountains of Switzerland, surely destined for the summit of F1 success. But two leg-breaking crashes made Marc’s climb steeper and harder. He relives those crashes with Tom Clarkson and remembers his remarkable recovery and return to racing. Amazingly, he scored points for Arrows, and almost made the switch to Ferrari after the death of Gilles Villeneuve. Marc also came close to racing for McLaren after a secret meeting with boss Ron Dennis. Later, he survived a fiery rally crash in which his co-driver was killed. Marc shares stories of racing up mountains as a child in a country where motorsport was banned, working with F1 design genius Gordon Murray, driving brutal turbocharged F1 cars armed with more than 1000 horsepower and wrestling Group B rally cars on snow and ice.This episode is sponsored by: Dave: download the Dave app from the App store right now. Sign up for an Extra Cash account and get up to 500 dollars instantly. For terms and conditions go to dave.com/legal. Instant transfer fees apply. Banking provided by Evolve. Member FDICBabbel: right now, Babbel is offering our listeners six months free with a purchase of a 6-month subscription with promo code GRID at babbel.com/playBetterHelp: get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/grid

Before he started, as he puts it, ‘playing with racing cars’, Jody Egginton trained as a schoolteacher. His love of motorsport led him to Formula 1, and he worked his way up from Tyrell during the early years of computer-aided design (CAD) to Technical Director at AlphaTauri today. Along the way he helped Force India achieve a stunning result in 2009, fought to keep the brand-new Caterham team afloat in the 2010s and worked with Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz at the very start of their F1 careers. He’s now driving AlphaTauri’s car development, pushing a team of engineers flat out to give Pierre Gasly and Yuki Tsunoda a car which can challenge for 5th in the F1 Constructors’ Championship. Jody tells Tom Clarkson about his approach to learning, communication, problem-solving and leadership, and shares advice for aspiring F1 engineers.Related episodes from the Beyond The Grid archivePierre Gasly Yuki Tsunoda Franz Tost, AlphaTauri Team PrincipalJames Key, McLaren’s Technical Director John Barnard, legendary F1 technical geniusThis episode is sponsored by: Calm: go to calm.com/grid for 40% off unlimited access to Calm’s entire libraryHello Fresh: visit hellofresh.com/grid16 and use code grid16 for up to 16 freemeals AND 3 free giftsBabbel: go to babbel.com/play and use promo code GRID for an extra six months free

Jenson Button. Jacques Villeneuve. Colin McRae. Sebastian Loeb. The list of elite racing drivers David Richards has led is long and legendary. As an F1 Team Principal in the 2000s, he, Button and the BAR team challenged Ferrari for race wins. David tasted podium champagne, but the bottle never had ‘1st’ printed on it. Not so in the World Rally Championship and at Le Mans, where his teams and drivers have won a multitude of titles. David tells Tom Clarkson the story of his incredible life in motorsport: success in rallying, decades in F1 with Benetton, BAR and Honda, and he remembers the behind the scenes negotiations to bring his own company, Prodrive, onto the grid. Plus, desert racing with Sebastian Loeb, Extreme E with Lewis Hamilton’s team and his ongoing work to make motorsport more inclusive and sustainable as chair of Motorsport UK.This episode is sponsored by: Shopify: sign up for a FREE fourteen-day trial at shopify.co.uk/grid ExpressVPN: visit ExpressVPN.com/grid right now and find out how you can get 3 months free Harry's: get a free travel size face wash by redeeming a free Harry’s Trial set at harrys.com/grid. All you cover is £3.95 for delivery. Your freebie will be added at checkout.

‘It’s a huge step… but the peak is miles away’. That’s how George Russell sums up racing for Mercedes. Since George joined the team’s young driver programme in 2017 he knew he could rise to the seat of a Silver Arrow Formula 1 car. How did he get there, and how high will he rise in the future? George tells Tom Clarkson about emotive highs with his former team, Williams, a bitter disappointment on his Mercedes debut in Sakhir and a learning moment in Italy which helped shaped him into the driver and the man he is today. Hear about the pressure George races under at Mercedes, his relationships with his colleagues, his view of his place in the sport, his principles and his ambitions in this in-depth conversation.Related episodes: George Russell’s first BTG interview from July 2020This episode is sponsored by: Harry's: get hold of a free travel sized face wash when you redeem a freeHarry’s Trial set at harrys.com/grid. All you need to cover is £3.95 for delivery

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Zhou Guanyu’s route to F1 was epic. As a child he watched the Chinese Grand Prix from the grandstands and dreamed of joining his racing heroes. But with no footsteps to follow in, he had to plot his own path. Before he was even a teenager he moved from his home city of Shanghai to the other side of the world to test his talent behind the wheel. Fighting homesickness and intimidation from his racing rivals, he proved himself. Zhou tells Tom Clarkson about the sacrifices, key decisions, victories and personal loss he experienced along the way. Now he’s racing his childhood heroes as the first Chinese driver to compete in Formula 1. Zhou has already made history for his country and, as he says himself, he’s only just getting started.This episode is sponsored by: Shopify: sign up for a FREE fourteen-day trial at shopify.co.uk/gridAthletic Greens: get a FREE 1 year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase at athleticgreens.com/f1btgCalm: visit calm.com/grid for 40% off unlimited access to Calm’s entire library

During his ten year career, Belgian driver Thierry Boutsen delivered consistently. He stacked up 164 races, 15 podiums and 3 Grand Prix wins; even beating the legendary Ayrton Senna to the top of the podium when driving for Williams at the Hungaroring in 1990. Thierry has always been driven by his passions, his love of speed began racing motorbikes in rainy Belgian woodland where he would develop the skills that would eventually help him take his first victory in difficult conditions at the 1989 Canadian Grand Prix. His Formula One debut was with Arrows at his home race in Spa in 1983, the same track it would end on a decade later when he briefly joined the Jordan team. Thierry tells Tom Clarkson all about his journey to F1, the race wins that define his career, his deep interest in engineering and his close bond with good friend Ayrton Senna.This episode is sponsored by: Babbel: go to uk.babbel.com/play, and use promo code GRID for an extra six months free Shopify: sign up for a FREE fourteen-day trial at shopify.co.uk/grid LinkedIn Jobs: visit linkedin.com/GRID to post a job for free. Terms andconditions apply

With a career spanning four decades, Frank Dernie knows a thing or two about how to make a car fast. After joining Williams in the late 70's as Patrick Head's aerodynamic assistant, helping design the successful FW08 chassis, he went on to work with some of Formula One's biggest stars, greatest teams and the fastest cars on the grid. A pioneer in his field, Frank was the first person in the sport to use computer aided design and is the man to thank for bringing the Williams team's active suspension to life. His analytical and data driven mind was in hot demand in the paddock from teams and drivers alike as he developed his race winning cars. In this episode Frank lets us take a peek inside his brilliant mind as he takes us back to those early days at Williams working with Sir Frank Williams, Nigel Mansell and Nelson Piquet, testing with Alain Prost and all that fell in between.Related episodes: Nigel Mansell This episode is sponsored by: Athletic Greens: get a FREE 1 year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase. Visit athleticgreens.com/f1btg Calm: get 40% off a Calm Premium subscription at calm.com/gridExpressVPN: Secure your online data today at expressvpn.com/grid and get three extra months free.

As a young racer growing up in America in the 60s, Bobby Rahal idolised people like Phil Hill, Dan Gurney and Mario Andretti - drivers who had made it across the Atlantic to drive in Formula 1. He dreamt of doing the same; of travelling to Europe to race at the circuits he'd read about in magazines and going wheel to wheel with his racing heroes. After making a name for himself on US road circuits and putting in some stand-out performances in Formula 3, that F1 opportunity came in 1978 when Walter Wolf offered Bobby a seat alongside Jody Scheckter at the US and Canadian Grand Prix. They were the last two races of the season and, sadly, they would be the first and last races that Bobby would contest in Formula 1. Although his time at the top was brief, Bobby’s legacy lives on as one of a handful of American drivers to have made it to F1. In this episode, Bobby addresses the need for more US drivers on the grid and he winds back the decades to reveal the passions that fuelled his love of European motorsport, his journey to F1 and what really happened at those two races back in 1978. This episode is sponsored by: Harry's: Head to harrys.com/grid to have your free Trial set delivered and start a Shave Plan. And your free face wash will be added at checkout! All you cover is £3.95 for deliveryCredit Karma: visit creditkarma.com/loanoffers to see personalized offersBetterHelp: get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/grid