F1 Beyond The Grid

McLaren technical director James Key is one of the youngest tech chiefs in Formula One. He’s very bright, he’s super-organised and he’s ultra-competitive, all attributes that he’s using to drive the team back to the top of the sport. In this episode, James opens up to Tom Clarkson about McLaren’s difficult start to the 2022 season, when their cars finished 14th and 15th in the Bahrain Grand Prix, and how the team pulled together in the days that followed to improve the MCL36. Only three races later Lando Norris finished third at Imola. James also gives a fascinating insight into what it’s like to work with McLaren drivers Norris and Daniel Ricciardo, and how they're adjusting to the new 2022-spec cars, and he hints at what we can expect from them as the season unfolds. We also hear about James' journey to F1, the technological advances he's been a part of, the highs, the lows and most importantly: what the future holds for McLaren. :Related episodes from the BTG archive: Lando Norris Daniel Ricciardo Andreas Seidl, McLaren Team Principal Zak Brown, McLaren CEO Steve Nichols, Engineer Alain ProstMika HakkinenThis episode is sponsored by: Formula 1 Eyewear: Check out their Red, Gold and Trackside Collections of eyewear with their at formulaeyewear.comShopify: visit shopify.com/beyondthegrid for a FREE fourteen-day trial and get full access to Shopify’s entire suite of featuresHello Fresh: go to hellofresh.com/grid16 and use code grid16 for up to 16 free meals AND 3 free gifts!

From frustration which drove him to tears in 2019, to an incredible F1 victory in 2021, Esteban Ocon has felt the extreme lows and highs of a racing driver’s life. After losing his race seat at Force India, Ocon spent a season as reserve driver for Mercedes in 2019. A year of ‘low moments’ opened his eyes to what he jokingly calls ‘the dark side’ of F1 – the off-track negotiations which can determine a driver’s future just as much on-track results. Wiser and more determined, Esteban returned to racing with Renault in 2020, scored his first podium and became a Grand Prix winner with Alpine. On his return to F1 Beyond The Grid, the Frenchman tells Tom Clarkson all about that chapter of his life, and looks ahead to the story he’s determined to write with Alpine. Plus, F1 friendships, the importance of clean racing, and why he sees the Spanish Grand Prix as a home race.Related episodes from the BTG archive Esteban Ocon’s first appearance Fernando Alonso, Esteban’s Alpine teammate Otmar Szafnauer on Force India’s administration Mick Schumacher Lance Stroll This episode is sponsored by: Calm: Get an exclusive offer of 40% off a Calm Premium subscription at calm.com/GRIDF1 Manager: Launching on PC, PlayStation and Xbox, Summer 2022. Visit F1manager.com to Wishlist the game on your platform of choice and follow @F1Manager on Twitter to stay up to speedBabbel: Get six months free with a purchase of a 6-month subscription with promo code GRID.

40 years ago, in May 1982, Formula 1 lost a marvellous maverick. No-one else drove a car quite like Gilles Villeneuve. He lost his life in a crash while at the very peak of his racing powers. In this special episode, those who knew Gilles share their memories and stories with Tom Clarkson. F1 World Champions Mario Andretti and Jody Scheckter and 7-time Grand Prix winner Rene Arnoux raced alongside Villeneuve and were close to him as friends. Jonathan Giacobazzi idolised Gilles; his family’s name appeared as a sponsor on the Canadian’s race suit, and their families travelled the racetracks of Europe together. Jochen Mass was also a good friend of Villeneuve – a fact that makes his blameless involvement in the crash which claimed his life even more tragic. They remember Gilles as a person, a teammate, a rival and a friend, and consider why he is still so adored, 40 years after his death.This episode is sponsored by: Credit Karma: Head to creditkarma.com/loanoffers to see personalized offers LinkedIn Jobs: Go to linkedin.com/GRID to post a job for free. Terms andconditions apply.F1 Manager: Launching on PC, PlayStation and Xbox, Summer 2022. Visit F1manager.com to Wishlist the game on your platform of choice and follow @F1Manager on Twitter to stay up to speed

Growing up in Northern California, a young Alexander Rossi dreamed of racing in Formula 1. His route was not an easy one. Along the way he experienced false starts, unfulfilled promises, behind the scenes power moves and the tragic loss of his friend and teammate Jules Bianchi. Alex tells Tom Clarkson everything that led to his 5 Grands Prix in 2015 and just how close he was to staying in the sport for a longer time. Today, Alex is pushing to add the IndyCar Championship to his Indy 500 win, supported by team boss Michael Andretti, and challenged by teammate Colton Herta. Alex also has tales of racing at Indy with Fernando Alonso, and competing in Mexico’s extreme truck race, the Baja 1000.Related episodes from the BTG archiveThe USA’s first F1 World Champion, Phil Hill, remembered Mario Andretti – 1978 F1 World Champion Eddie Cheever – the USA’s most experienced F1 driver Danny Sullivan – from NY taxi driver to F1 NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon on his F1 drive F1 driver and IndyCar star, Juan Pablo Montoya This episode is sponsored by: F1 Manager: Launching on PC, PlayStation & Xbox, Summer 2022. Visit F1manager.com to Wishlist the game on your platform ofchoice and follow @F1Manager on Twitter to stay up to speed Express VPN: Secure your online data TODAY by visiting expressvpn.com/grid and get an extra three months FREE

He says it himself, Alex Albon is back in F1 wanting to prove a point. After a 2020 season in which he scored his first podiums, but ultimately failed to match Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen, he lost his race drive and spent 2012 on the side lines. ‘It killed me’, he says, ‘but the hunger never went away’. Alex tells Tom Clarkson how hard he worked behind the scenes to help Verstappen win the Drivers’ Championship, and to fight for his F1 return with Williams in 2022. Now Alex is revitalised. He feels smarter and more at peace with himself. He’s certainly lost none of his skill behind the wheel - in Australia he drove 57/58 laps on a single set of tyres to score his first point for Williams in only his third race – and his friendship with rivals Lando Norris, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz is as strong as ever. A round of golf with those guys sounds like a lot of fun…Related episodes from the BTG archive: Nicholas Latifi, Alex’s Williams teammate Jost Capito, Williams CEO and Team Principal Christian Horner, Red Bull Team PrincipalLando NorrisCharles LeclercCarlos SainzGeorge Russell This episode is sponsored by: Harry's: Get hold of a free travel sized shower gel when you redeem a free Harry’s Trial set at harrys.com/grid. All you need to do is pay £3.95 for delivery. Calm: Get 40% off a Calm Premium subscription at CALM.COM/grid

Creator of an iconic F1 car, with an inside view of a ferocious racing rivalry: Steve Nichols has witnessed some extraordinary things. The American engineer designed the McLaren MP4/4, the car which stormed to 15 wins in 16 races in 1988. He tells Tom Clarkson the story of the MP4/4’s creation and what made it so fast. Working closely with Ayrton Senna as his race engineer, Steve felt the tension between the Brazilian and his teammate Alain Prost as they fought for the title in the car Steve had designed for them. He also tells the story of how and why he left McLaren and followed Prost to Ferrari, a difficult period which included another famous clash with Senna.Related episodes from the BTG archive:Alain ProstMika HakkinenDavid CoulthardJulian Jakobi - on managing Senna and ProstThis episode is sponsored by: BetterHelp: get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/grid F1 Manager: Launching on PC, PlayStation & Xbox, Summer 2022. Visit F1manager.com to Wishlist the game on your platform of choice and follow @F1Manager on Twitter to stay up to speedCredit Karma: Ready to find the card for you? Head to Credit Karma and check out your personalized mix of offers today

A year out of F1 changed Kevin Magnussen’s world. He became a father, he moved back to his native Denmark with his family and he tasted US sportscars and the Le Mans 24 hours. When the chance to return to F1 with Haas suddenly came along, KMag said yes immediately. No fear. No doubt that it’s where he belongs. Kevin tells Tom Clarkson how it felt to lose his place in F1, why his second stint in the sport feels different, what it’s like racing as a dad, and his goals now he’s back in F1. Related episodes from the BTG archive:Mick SchumacherGuenter Steiner Romain Grosjean Follow F1 Beyond The Grid on your podcast app to get new episodes as soon as they come out and join the social conversation using #F1BeyondTheGrid.This episode is sponsored by: Babbel: Go to uk.babbel.com/play and use promo code GRID for an extra six months freeLinkedIn Jobs: visit linkedin.com/GRID to post a job for free. Terms and conditions applyF1 Manager: Launching on PC, PlayStation & Xbox, Summer 2022. Visit F1manager.com to Wishlist the game on your platform of choice and follow @F1Manager on Twitter to stay up to speed

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‘I risked a lot more than people know’. In 1992, Nigel Mansell – a three-time runner-up – finally achieved his lifelong ambition. To win the Formula 1 World Championship, he fought through physical injury and psychological challenges. In this 30th anniversary special episode, Nigel tells Tom Clarkson the story of his championship winning year. He relives his dominant race victories, a Monaco battle for the ages with Ayrton Senna, the incredible celebrations that year at the British Grand Prix, and his crowning moment in Hungary. Mansell also remembers the stunning revelation, less than 24 hours after he won the title. which changed the course of his life. Related episodes from the BTG archiveRiccardo Patrese, Mansell's 92 teammateSir Patrick Head, Williams co-founderMansell, Prost, Vettel and Leclerc on racing for FerrariFollow F1 Beyond The Grid on your podcast app to get new episodes as soon as they come out.This episode is sponsored by: F1 Manager: Launching on PC, PlayStation & Xbox, Summer 2022. Visit F1manager.com to Wishlist the game on your platform of choice and follow @F1Manager on Twitter to stay up to speedExpressVPN: Protect yourself at expressvpn.com/GRID today and get an extra three months free on a one-year package

From the age of 8, Susie Wolff dreamed of making it in motorsport. Formula 1 was her goal. In 2014 she got her chance – driving for Williams in Free Practice at the British Grand Prix, becoming the first woman to drive in an official F1 session for more than two decades. She tells Tom Clarkson how she earned her F1 opportunity through making life-changing decisions and dedication to her dream. She proved her speed in karting, where she raced Lewis Hamilton, in Germany’s DTM touring car championship with Mercedes and in several F1 runs with Williams. Today, Susie is pushing to create opportunities for women who want to follow her path, and has valuable insight and advice to share. She’s also a leader, as CEO of the front-running Venturi Formula E team, and she lives the highs and lows of the Mercedes Formula 1 team through husband Toto.Related episodes from the BTG archiveToto WolffLewis HamiltonGeorge RussellClaire WilliamsFollow F1 Beyond The Grid on your podcast app to get new episodes as soon as they come out.This episode is sponsored by: F1 Manager: Visit F1manager.com to Wishlist the game on your platform ofchoice and follow @F1Manager on Twitter to stay up to speed F1TV Pro: Go to F1TV.com to sign-up and take your race weekend to the next level!F1 TV Pro is only available in select territories. Babbel: Go to uk.babbel.com/play and use promo code GRID for an extra six months free.

Name a top F1 team or driver – Pat Fry is probably a big part of their success. He’s spent 35 years winning with Benetton, McLaren, Ferrari and Alpine, racing with world champion drivers Ayrton Senna, Mika Hakkinen, Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso. In that time he’s seen F1 change massively, and played a big role in developing game-changing racing technology. Pat tells Tom Clarkson about the challenges of F1’s new 2022 rules, his favourite drivers, his toughest bosses and how to build a winning team. Pat’s still racing as hard as ever as Alpine’s Chief Technical Officer. Today he’s chasing the performance gains he hopes will make the French team F1 world championship contenders in the future.Related episodes from the BTG archiveFernando AlonsoEsteban OconFlavio BriatoreMika HakkinenThis episode is sponsored by: Harry's: go to harrys.com/grid and redeem your free trial set and bonus shower gel. All you cover is £3.95 for deliveryBlue Nile: UK listeners get £50 off £500 with code GRID50 at bluenile.com/uk until 27th MarchBetterHelp: get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/grid

Will 2022 be a life-changing year for Carlos Sainz? He sits in a Ferrari which looked fast and reliable in pre-season testing. He’s proved he has what it takes to win in Formula 1. Can he make that final step to top of the podium? As Carlos tells Tom Clarkson, he still looks back with frustration on races he feels he could have won. You’ll hear how his seasons at McLaren shaped Carlos into the driver he is today, and how he offered reassurance to Daniel Ricciardo during the Australian’s tough times at the team. Plus his rivalries and friendships with Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris, how contract security changed his approach to racing, the physical and mental gains he’s made during early morning gym sessions and why F1’s Smooth Operator is not actually smooth at all…­Related episodes from the BTG archiveCharles LeclercLando NorrisMattia Binotto, Ferrari Team PrincipalKimi Raikkonen - 2007 World Champion with FerrariSebastian Vettel SPECIAL: Racing for FerrariFollow F1 Beyond The Grid on your podcast app to get new episodes as soon as they come out.This episode is sponsored by: Blue Nile: UK listeners can get £50 off £500 with code GRID50 at bluenile.com/uk Express VPN: visit expressvpn.com/GRID for an extra three months of ExpressVPN for free! LinkedIn Jobs: visit linkedin.com/GRID to post a job for free. Terms and

Season 5 of F1 Beyond The Grid launches on Wednesday 16th March, but who’s our first guest? Tom Clarkson has the answer and an exclusive preview…

Season 5 of F1: Beyond The Grid starts with a brand-new episode on Wednesday 16th March.With just days to go before we see the new 2022 cars go wheel to wheel, we revisit an episode from 2020 when Martin Brundle joined Tom to discuss the best F1 cars he’s ever driven. The Briton doesn’t just boast 158 race starts and nine podiums in F1 – he’s also one of the only people on the planet to have driven Grand Prix machinery from every decade of the sport, so he’s perfectly placed to describe how the unique challenge of driving flat out has evolved over time…This episode is sponsored by: Blue Nile: UK listeners can get £50 off £500 with the code GRID50 at bluenile.com/ukF1 Manager: Launching on PC, PlayStation & Xbox, Summer 2022F1TV: F1 are offering fans 20% off their annual F1 TV Pro Subscriptions,simply go to F1TV.com to sign-up. F1TV is only available select territories. Check thewebsite for more details.

F1 is back and so is F1 Nation! Tom Clarkson, Damon Hill and Natalie Pinkham chat about the news, views and pre-season clues from three days of running in Barcelona. Which teams have made strong starts, and which still have work to do? Plus, rumours of ‘brand new cars’ being prepared for the Bahrain test, exciting early signs for close wheel-to-wheel racing in 2022, and expert insight on the new generation of cars from Aston Martin’s Performance Director, Tom McCullough. We also breakdown F1’s porpoising problem, hear tales of Damon’s worst pre-season sessions, and learn that we’ve all been pronouncing his name incorrectly (according to his mother, anyway).Send your F1 question to the 1996 World Champion for our first Ask Damon of 2022. Record it as a voice note and email it to [email protected]'t forget to search for F1 Nation in your podcast app and follow the show so you don't miss out new episodes, weekly throughout the 2022 season.

Season 5 of F1 Beyond The Grid starts with a brand-new episode on Wednesday 16th March.Alain Prost is a four-time Formula 1 World Champion, star of one of the sport’s most thrilling eras, and Ayrton Senna’s great rival. In this 2018 interview from the Beyond The Grid archive, Alain tells Tom Clarkson the story of his rise to the top of the sport, the championships he missed out on, the titles he won, and the dazzling drivers he raced along the way. Prost v Senna was the duel which dominated F1 in the late 1980s and early 90s. You’ll hear Alain’s take on their relationship, and memories of their heart-to-heart phone conversations which finally helped him understand Senna as a driver and as a person.

Season 5 of F1 Beyond The Grid starts with a brand-new episode on Wednesday 16th March.Before another year of in-depth conversations with Formula 1’s biggest stars, we’re revisiting some of our favourite episodes from the past four seasons.In October 2020, Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff told Tom Clarkson about his love of competition, what breaking records means to him, the challenge of managing the warring Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg, and how much he misses his friend and colleague, the late, great Niki Lauda.This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp and F1: Beyond The Grid listeners get 10% off their first month at betterhelp.com/GRID

Season 5 of F1 Beyond The Grid starts with a brand new episode on Wednesday 16th March.Before another year of in-depth conversations with F1’s biggest stars, we’re revisiting some of our favourite episodes from the past four seasons.When Lando Norris chatted to Tom Clarkson in March 2020, he was just about to start his second F1 season. He’d driven brilliantly in his rookie year, but podium finishes and his first pole position were still in his future. Lando talked about his late-night lifestyle, social media, gaming, his housework routine, and relationships with his fellow drivers. Plus tales of getting in trouble with McLaren and a slightly awkward pre-F1 meeting with Red Bull’s driver programme boss, Helmut Marko.This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp and F1: Beyond The Grid listeners get 10% off their first month at betterhelp.com/GRID

2021 gave us amazing action on the racetrack, and captivating conversations on F1 Beyond The Grid. For this special episode, Tom Clarkson has picked his favourite moments from the past year. Red Bull’s Christian Horner explained how Max Verstappen evolved from teenage sensation to World Champion, Charles Leclerc remembered his emotional race victories for Ferrari and showed off his musical talents, Monza winner Daniel Ricciardo explained why that victory meant so much to him, and Valtteri Bottas revealed the pressure he was under during his time at Mercedes, plus his favourite type of coffee. All that plus Fernando Alonso, race strategist Ruth Buscombe, Aston Martin CEO Lawrence Stroll and many more. To listen to these interviews in full, scroll through the F1 Beyond The Grid back catalogue. There are more than 150 episodes for you to enjoy over the winter break, including conversations with Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel, Nico Rosberg and Alain Prost. F1 Beyond The Grid will be back in 2022 with more in-depth conversations with F1’s biggest stars. Thank you for listening.This episode is sponsored by: Calm: go to calm.com/grid for 40% off unlimited access to Calm’s entire library. Babbel: go to babbel.com/mygift and give the gift of language to someone special.

After 348 Grand Prix starts, just one remains. Ahead of his final race in Formula 1, Kimi Raikkonen joins Tom Clarkson to look back at his 20 year career: the races, the teammates, the bosses, the championship he clinched in 2007 and those he missed out on. ‘Everything comes to an end sometime’, says the most experienced driver in F1 history, who remembers his very first time in an F1 car and his debut in 2001. Kimi explains what makes him so fast, and picks his favourite race victories. What will he miss about Formula 1, and what will he love about retirement? Plus, Kimi’s long-time therapist and trainer, Mark Arnall, shares his insight and memories from 20 years by Kimi’s side. The final chequered flag is almost flying, but Kimi will always be a racer.This episode is sponsored by: Dubai Expo: To plan your experience visit expo2020dubai.comExpress VPN: visit expressvpn.com/grid and you can get an extra three months free Mission Tea: get 20% off your next order with the code GRID at missionuk.com

Fear is something F1 drivers don’t often admit to feeling. Pedro Diniz does. In his 98 Grands Prix during the 1990s and into 2000, the Brazilian experienced the highs of hard earned top-six points finishes and, on his day, was a match for teammates Jean Alesi and Damon Hill. But, as he tells Tom Clarkson in a rare interview, lucky escapes from a fireball in Argentina and an upside-down car in Germany left a deep impression. ‘The biggest challenge was really the challenge of my mind’, Pedro says. How do fear and the immense pressure of racing in Formula 1 affect a driver's performance? How can meditation and yoga help a racer go faster? Pedro tells all. He also remembers first encounters with Kimi Raikkonen and Rubens Barrichello at the very start of their racing careers, and explains his post-racing passion for producing organic food. Sebastian Vettel is among the people who are very interested in what Pedro’s doing today on his farm in Brazil.

In 2021 he returned to the F1 podium with Alpine, but he still wants so much more. Fernando Alonso has his sights set on silverware in 2022 and beyond. In this exclusive episode, the double world champion opens up on his past, present and future with Tom Clarkson. He explains why racing Michael Schumacher was so special, why he ‘wasn’t ready’ for their fierce championship fights in 2005 and 2006, and what he learned from his ‘magic’ Ferrari opponent. Alonso reflects on his rivalry with Lewis Hamilton at McLaren and the world titles he missed out on in 2007, 2010 and 2012. Does he feel his talent deserves more? Did he fall out of love with F1 when he walked away in 2018? How long is he planning to stay in the sport this time? One thing is certain, Fernando is still pushing for wins, for championships and to create a sporting ‘legacy’ he can truly be proud of.This episode is sponsored by: Mission Tea: for an extra 20% off your next order with Mission type GRID20 at checkout at missionuk.comCalm: get 40% off a Calm Premium subscription at CALM.COM/grid Babbel: Go to uk.babbel.com/play and use promo code GRID for an extra six months free

How does a young man from Kentucky go from driving a New York taxi to racing in Formula 1 and winning the Indy 500? Danny Sullivan’s extraordinary story starts with a childhood obsession with F1 books. It sparked a dream of becoming a racing driver, and he moved to Europe to make it come true. Incredibly, Danny lived with the legendary team boss Ken Tyrrell, who gave him an F1 drive in 1983. Danny tells Tom Clarkson about his best moments in Formula 1: how an inspired but risky strategy call helped earn him a 5th place at Monaco, and the time he battled wheel-to-wheel with world champion Keke Rosberg in a thrilling race finish. After a short stint in F1, Danny returned to America and wrote a dramatic new chapter with victory at the 1985 Indy 500. Even now his story continues, helping to make big calls as a FIA Driver Steward - all part of a whirlwind career that he recounts in vivid detail.

Five seasons, one unfulfilled dream. Valtteri Bottas will leave Mercedes as a race winner whose brilliant performances contributed to a Constructors Championship quadruple. Yet, as he tells Tom Clarkson, he’ll look back on his years in silver and black with some dissatisfaction. How did Valtteri’s determination to prove himself, the constant uncertainty about his F1 future, and the need to support the team and his teammate Lewis Hamilton combine to make his life difficult? What would he do differently if he could go back, and why will things be different at Alfa Romeo from 2022? Plus, the Finn explains his love of coffee and cycling, and hints at an F1 grand plan which could see him in a red race suit one day…This episode is sponsored by Express VPN - get an extra three months FREE at expressvpn.com/grid

Tommy Byrne’s talent in a racing car was likened to that of Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher. To those who watched him closely, he was a champion in the making. Why, then, did his Formula 1 career last just five races in an uncompetitive car? Tommy tells Tom Clarkson the story of the impressive wins in junior categories – including one in Ayrton Senna’s car – which got him to F1 in 1982. He explains why his straight-talking personality and party lifestyle upset the F1 establishment and why he never got the opportunity to race for a front-running team. Tommy also remembers the McLaren test that could have changed his life and the shock, decades later, when he learned what was really going on behind-the-scenes that day at Silverstone.

Matching Daniel Ricciardo in the same car and twice finishing 6th in a Grand Prix is a Formula 1 record to be proud of. But looking back at his three seasons driving for midfield team Scuderia Toro Rosso, Jean-Eric Vergne thinks he could – and should – have done better. In an honest and unflinchingly self-critical interview, Vergne tells Tom Clarkson how his mentality and even his physical size negatively affected his F1 career, and recalls the many things he wishes had turned out differently. He tells the astonishing inside story of his 2014 F1 exit, and reveals the unfortunate timing, bad luck and driver moves which edged him out of the sport. JEV also explains how Lewis Hamilton inspired him to kickstart his own racing career to win championships in Formula E and why he wants to face new challenges at Le Mans.This episode is sponsored by Babbel: Go to uk.babbel.com/play and use promo code GRID for an extra six months free

New team, new trophies, new targets: a lot’s changed in Daniel Ricciardo’s mind since his first Beyond The Grid interview in 2019. But one thing has stayed the same: his will to win. Daniel relives the ‘relief and happiness’ brought by his Monza victory and explains why it meant so much to him and his McLaren teammates. The ‘bitter’ feelings of the past are gone, he says, and his mindset has shifted; he’s now driving for much more than just World Championship points. He’s also determined to enjoy himself away from the track, and tells Tom Clarkson why he loves dirt biking, surfing (despite a fear of sharks), the Buffalo Bills NFL team and life on his farm in Australia. Related episodes from the BTG archiveLando NorrisZak Brown, McLaren CEOAndreas Seidl, McLaren Team PrincipalFollow F1 Beyond The Grid on your podcast app to get new episodes as soon as they come out.This episode is sponsored by: sons.co.uk - use the code GRID30 to get £30 off your first order babbel.com/play - use promo code GRID for an extra six months freeExpo 2020 - visit expo2020dubai.com

Aston Martin is ‘the next big thing to happen in Formula 1’. So says Lawrence Stroll, who’s brought the historic brand back into the sport. Stroll first entered the F1 world as a clothing sponsor for Lotus in the 90s before teaming up with Ferrari and Michael Schumacher. A life-long lover of beautiful cars, he tells Tom Clarkson what two things convinced him to buy the Force India team and transform it into Aston Martin. Now – with son Lance and Sebastian Vettel at the wheel of the dark green cars - Stroll’s aiming to win in Formula 1. He explains his masterplan for a talented team and a state-of-the-art factory that he believes will change the face of Grand Prix racing.

In his long career, Emanuele Pirro has experienced everything motorsport can throw at a driver. In the 1980s, the Italian raced for Benetton while simultaneously helping to develop Prost and Senna’s mighty McLaren Honda MP4/4. Later, he battled soaking conditions at the infamous 1991 Australian GP and won Le Mans five times. Emanuele has enjoyed an incredible career, and has great stories to tell. Why did he reject Ferrari? Why did Riccardo Patrese hit him on the helmet after his final Grand Prix? Emanuele also tells Tom Clarkson about his current role as an FIA Driver Steward.

Sebastian Vettel's first Ferrari victory, Haas' points-scoring debut, the race that saved Sauber - all masterminded by race strategist, Ruth Buscombe. Today, as Alfa Romeo's Head of Race Strategy, she's the unseen hand that helps guide the teams race fortunes. Ruth dissects how race strategists operate, how they use data to plan for and react to wild races, what a race-winning strategy call feels like and the rivalry between strategists. Plus, Ruth remembers her route to F1, and talks about the importance of championing diversity and opportunities for all in motorsport. For more information on FIA Women in Motorsport and Girls on Track, check out:https://www.fia.com/women-motorsporthttps://www.fia.com/thegirlsontrackhttps://www.motorsportuk.org/the-sport/women-in-motorsport/girls-on-track-uk/ This episode is sponsored by:Babbel - go to uk.babbel.com/play and use the code GRID for an extra six months free

Nikita Mazepin has spent his first year in Formula 1 fighting at the back of the field. He has big ambitions, and is determined to get to the front. Ahead of the 2021 Russian Grand Prix, he tells Tom Clarkson how he’s finding the ‘huge step’ from Formula 2 to Formula 1, and what he’s learning on and off track. Plus, Mazepin explains his long competitive relationship with Haas teammate Mick Schumacher, and remembers how he left Russia to pursue his driving career, with his father by his side since his very first race.This episode is sponsored by: Calm - get 40% off a Calm Premium subscription at CALM.COM/GRID Express VPN - get an extra three months FREE at expressvpn.com/grid

This week’s guest is that rarest of creatures: a man who was both a Formula One driver and a team owner. Jackie Oliver’s F1 journey started in the worst possible circumstances when he had the unenviable task of replacing Jim Clark at Lotus in 1968, after the Scotsman had been killed at Hockenheim. He went on to start 50 GPs for Lotus, BRM, McLaren and Shadow, scoring two podiums, before hanging up his helmet to start his own team: Arrows. He gives a fascinating insight into life as a driver in the 60s, what he learnt from Colin Chapman that he would apply to life as a team boss, the incredible dramas that beset Arrows in the early days, and that ‘almost victory’ with Damon Hill in 1997…This episode is sponsored by: Babbel - Go to uk.babbel.com/play and use promo code GRID for an extra six months free

In 1961, Phil Hill became the first American to win the Formula 1 World Championship after triumphing for Ferrari in the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. But that moment of monumental personal achievement was extraordinarily bittersweet, with team mate and title rival Wolfgang von Trips losing his life, along with scores of spectators, in the very same race. In this special episode of Beyond The Grid, Phil’s son Derek Hill tells Tom Clarkson how his father coped with both the win and the loss. He also describes in vivid detail his father’s beginnings as a mechanic and hot rod enthusiast in California, and how that led, via sportscar racing in the US, to an invitation to race in Europe for Enzo Ferrari. With fascinating insights into his father’s unique character, struggles with self-esteem and driving style, this is Phil Hill’s extraordinary F1 story.

His father is a tough act to follow, but Mick Schumacher is loving writing his own Formula 1 story. In his debut season he’s often out of the spotlight at the back of the grid, but he’s proving he’s got what it takes to compete with the front-runners. Mick tells Tom Clarkson about adjusting to life in F1, the lessons he’s still learning from his father’s career, and drops some hints about his future. Plus he takes us inside his F1 support system: he’s got Haas, Ferrari Driver Academy, Sebastian Vettel, his family - and his dog, Angie - cheering him on every lap of the way.Related episodes from the BTG archiveSabine Kehm, Michael and Mick Schumacher's managerKevin MagnussenBertrand Gachot - the driver whose prison sentence gave Michael Schumacher his F1 debutRoss Brawn on racing with Michael SchumacherThis episode is sponsored by: Babbel - go to uk.babbel.com/play and use the code GRID for an extra six months free

The story of how Michael Schumacher made his debut, 30 years ago this week in Belgium, could have been lifted from a Hollywood movie. The German rookie got his chance when Jordan’s regular driver Bertrand Gachot was dramatically sent to prison on the eve of the race – the rest, as they say, is history. But what of Gachot himself? This week the Luxembourg-born racer joins Tom to tell his incredible story – including the full, incredible story of how he ended up in prison, what life was like for an F1 driver behind bars, how he feels about Schumacher now, and how he got his career back on track after his release.This episode is sponsored by: Calm - go to calm.com/GRID for 40% off unlimited access to Calm’s entire library

This week we welcome F1 royalty onto the show: Sir Patrick Head, co-founder of Williams and an engineering legend. After going into business with Frank Williams in the late 70s, Patrick helped build one of the greatest teams in history, his engineering acumen leading to world championships aplenty. He speaks about that journey, including what it was like to work with Frank, how he responded to Frank’s life-changing car accident, what he looked for in the drivers that shaped Williams and much more. And as you might expect, there are plenty of brilliant anecdotes!This episode is sponsored by:Babbel.com/play promo code GRID for 6 months free with a purchase of a 6 month subscription

This week’s guest has spent 30 years in F1, working with some of the sport’s greatest drivers. As Driver Coach of Ferrari’s vaunted academy, Jock Clear’s job is to help the likes of Charles Leclerc and Mick Schumacher perform to the best of their ability – a role he’s performed with others before. Clear became widely known to many F1 fans as race engineer to Jacques Villeneuve at Williams in the late Nineties and then – surprisingly – as engineer to the man who famously ran into the Canadian in 1997, Michael Schumacher, when the German ace was at Mercedes. He also worked with and alongside the likes Rubens Barrichello, Nico Rosberg, and Jenson Button – and as a result has great stories and insight to offer about all of them!

Nicholas Latifi always thought he’d follow his father into the world of business – but childhood karting and trips to the Canadian Grand Prix made him dream of racing in Formula 1. Chasing that dream meant leaving home to compete in Europe, and it’s a home he still misses at times. He earned his stripes in Formula 2 alongside Esteban Ocon and Alex Albon. His second season of Formula 1 has brought improved performances and his first World Championship points. He’s also closing in on Williams teammate George Russell in qualifying. Nicholas tells Tom Clarkson about his journey to F1, the importance of good team radio communication and why he can’t eat too much of his favourite chocolate spread…This episode is sponsored by: Babbel.com/play promo code GRID for 6 months free with a purchase of a 6 month subscription Calm.com/GRID for 40% off unlimited access to Calm’s entire library.

Daniele Audetto was a key figure in arguably one of the most tumultuous and exciting seasons in F1 history: 1976. As team manager at Ferrari, he reported directly back to Enzo Ferrari from each race – and that included giving him the bad news when Niki Lauda was critically injured at the German Grand Prix. In this week’s show, 45 years on from that dreadful moment, Audetto recounts that weekend in detail, as well as Lauda’s heroic comeback and that tense title finale with James Hunt in Fuji. He also discusses life after Ferrari, and in particular his stints at Lamborghini – when Senna tested and nearly raced a Lambo-powered McLaren – and everyone’s favourite minnows, Super Aguri.

This week’s guest may not be a household name, but for 20 years he was at the epicentre of Formula 1. Between the late 70s to early 90s, Peter Collins worked for Lotus under Colin Chapman, then Williams under Sir Frank, then Benetton alongside Flavio Briatore, before returning to run Lotus. In various managerial roles during that period he worked with some great drivers too: Keke Rosberg, Nigel Mansell, Gerhard Berger, Mika Hakkinen and Johnny Herbert. And the great news for us is that Peter has great anecdotes about all of them! So settle in for fabulous insight into a golden era of the sport – including the time he dispatched Hakkinen to do the school run…This episode is sponsored by: SumUp

Charles Leclerc returns to Beyond The Grid for a second time – and hasn’t a lot happened since his last visit? Charles last came on the show in 2018, when he was in his rookie season with Alfa Romeo Sauber but had just signed to race for Ferrari. Since then he’s become a superstar of the sport, winning races and taking brilliant poles, but also having to endure heart-breaking loss and team mate tension, amongst other things. He chats to Tom about all of the above and more, including what he likes to get up to away from the track, his relationships with new and former team mates Carlos Sainz and Sebastian Vettel, and how it has felt to race for Ferrari, in good times and bad…This episode is sponsored by: SumUp

This week’s guest, Norbert Haug, held one of the most influential jobs in motorsport for more than 20 years. As the boss of Mercedes-Benz motorsport, he oversaw all of the company’s racing activities – indeed it was him who decided to return the Silver Arrows to F1 as an engine supplier in 1993. Once back, Mercedes enjoyed great success in partnership with McLaren – and Haug has great anecdotes to tell about Mika Hakkinen, David Coulthard, Kimi Raikkonen and Lewis Hamilton. He also opens up on his role in Michael Schumacher’s career, and Mercedes’ decision to buy Brawn GP at the end of 2009, setting them on the path to their recent glory as a fully-fledged works team…This episode is sponsored by SumUp Express VPN/GRID - get an extra 3 months for free

F1 Beyond The Grid welcomes back Red Bull boss Christian Horner, who was one of Tom's first guests on the back in 2018. Since then the team have re-emerged as title protagonists, with a real chance of taking both titles in 2021. Horner discusses their turnaround in fortunes, plus the journey they’ve been on to reach this point. There’s talk about the key staff in the team, the new power unit department, the most influential drivers in squad’s history, and of course the team’s dynamic driver duo of Max Verstappen and Checo Perez. Oh, and they also reveal the things that had to be cut out of Horner’s original episode in 2018…This episode is sponsored by:Express VPN/GRID - get an extra 3 months for free

Jacques Laffite was part of a wave of fast French F1 drivers who hit the grid in the 1970s and 80s. His 12-year F1 career brought six race victories and he had more than one shot at the World Championship. It’s a record he’s pleased with, but as he reveals, his career is tinged with regret. Jacques tells Tom Clarkson about his eye-opening debut at the original Nürburgring, his championship chances, and admits he wishes he’d worked harder. He tells great stories about turning up to practice in his pyjamas, how wearing big shoes made him faster and the eyedrop mix-up that once stopped him racing. Jacques also remembers the 1986 crash which ended his career and his emotional return to an F1 cockpit at the age of 64.

Ivan Capelli is probably most familiar to F1 fans for driving that iconic ‘Miami blue’ Leyton House March car in the late 1980s. It was for that underdog team that he scored three podiums, worked with a young and innovative designer by the name of Adrian Newey and caught the eye of Ferrari. As an Italian, a move to Maranello was a dream come true, but it soon turned into a nightmare that lasted less than a year. In a feature-length and highly engaging conversation, Ivan discusses all of the above and more – with wonderful anecdotes on Newey, Ken Tyrrell, Jean Alesi and more…

Our guest this week is a driver who never actually raced in F1 – but he did test an F1 car and very nearly raced one: Jeff Gordon. The Californian is a four-time NASCAR champion and global motorsport icon, who in 2003 enjoyed a life-changing F1 test with Williams. He tells us all about that outing, how close he came to a switch to F1 afterwards, why he loves Grand Prix racing, the differences between NASCAR and F1, his friendship with Lewis Hamilton, and whether an F1 driver would succeed in stock cars…

Some drivers seem destined to race in F1. Others have to fight for it. Roberto Moreno was in the latter camp. He arrived in Europe from Brazil with no money, yet he managed to climb the racing ladder on talent alone. An F3000 champion, he got test roles with Lotus and Ferrari, yet the bulk of his career - for one reason or another - was spent with teams at the very back of the grid. In this week’s show he tells us his inspirational story, from performing heroics to make the cut in Monaco with Andrea Moda (described by some as F1’s worst team), his dream debut podium with Benetton in Japan in 1990, his childhood friendship with Nelson Piquet, and how his frontline F1 career was abruptly ended by the sudden emergence of one Michael Schumacher…

On-track he’s been audacious, daring and fast; off-track he’s been witty, animated… and has occasionally used very colourful language. Yuki Tsunoda is a very welcome addition to Formula One this year and on this week’s show he discusses the start to his Grand Prix career, his infamous radio mannerisms, his love of food, his relationship with Red Bull supremo Helmut Marko, and much more…

Olivier Panis was a very fine Formula 1 driver, but if there’s one thing he’ll be remembered for, it’s his remarkable victory in an utterly crazy Monaco Grand Prix in 1996. On this week’s show, the Frenchman talks us through what it was like to win on that day, for a French team, and how his life changed afterwards. He also discusses the other big moments in his career, including the leg-breaking shunt in Canada from which he was lucky to recover, his departure from Prost, driving for McLaren, BAR and Toyota – but turning down Williams…Sponsor: Protect yourself with expressvpn.com/GRID

Romain Grosjean returns to the show for the first time since September 2018 to discuss a life changing last six months for him. The Frenchman, of course, made headline news around the world for his miraculous escape from THAT dreadful fiery crash in Bahrain – and as he tells Tom, the episode has had a profound effect on him. He discusses the aftermath, the flashbacks and his recovery, plus his subsequent decision to continue racing in Indycars. Grosjean also talks about how his upcoming F1 test chance with Mercedes came about, why he can’t wait to jump behind the wheel of a world title winner, and why he’s loving watching F1 2021 from afar…