F1: Chequered Flag

*/ ?>

Latest Episodes:

Chequered Flag Extra: Q&A Special Apr 09, 2026

Show notes

Will Lewis Hamilton win a race in 2026? Who could replace Max Verstappen if he were to leave F1 at the end of the season? Which circuits would you like to see on the calendar? And what is your favourite F1 car and livery? Harry Benjamin, British racing driver Alice Powell and the BBC’s F1 correspondent Andrew Benson tackle your questions in this Q&A special. Find out the team's thoughts on current issues impacting F1 as well as some nostalgic takes, as the sport takes an enforced break due to the cancellations of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grands Prix. F1 returns next for the Miami Grand Prix at the start of May, with live commentary across the 5 Live network and BBC Sounds.

Chequered Flag Extra: Verstappen’s Future, Bearman’s Crash & Jack Black Apr 02, 2026

Show notes

Izzy Hammond and Harry Benjamin look back at the Japanese GP, digesting the latest F1 trends and biggest discussion points.

Could Max Verstappen be on his way out of F1? How hard is it to change F1’s new regs? And do we currently have too many overtakes going on?

Plus, Izzy presents her favourite memes of the week, we discuss your hot takes, and call for Jack Black to be at every F1 race!

Japanese GP Review: Could Verstappen Leave F1? Mar 29, 2026

Show notes

Who would shine in the land of the rising sun as George Russell and Kimi Antonelli went head-to-head at the Japanese Grand Prix? But the post-race reaction was dominated by comments from four-time world champion Max Verstappen, who tells BBC F1’s Jennie Gow that he is “not enjoying” the sport and is considering his F1 future. Harry Benjamin, W Series race-winner Alice Powell and F1 journalist Rebecca Clancy react to Verstappen’s comments and analyse the action at Suzuka. Plus, 1996 F1 world champion Damon Hill makes a guest appearance to speak about Verstappen, and reminisce on his championship win 30 years ago.

Japanese GP Quali Review: Antonelli v Russell & Verstappen’s Struggles Mar 28, 2026

Show notes

Who would prevail in the pole shootout between Kimi Antonelli and George Russell in Japan? Harry Benjamin, Jennie Gow and W Series race-winner Alice Powell reflect on qualifying at the Japanese Grand Prix. Could Ferrari challenge the Silver Arrows? And would McLaren improve their poor start to the season? Plus, Max Verstappen’s Red Bull struggles continue.

Japanese GP Preview: Will Mercedes’ Dominance Continue? Mar 26, 2026

Show notes

George Russell won in Australia. Kimi Antonelli claimed a first F1 victory in China. Can anyone stop Mercedes in Japan? Jennie Gow is joined by the BBC's F1 correspondent Andrew Benson and F1 journalist Scott Mitchell-Malm to look ahead to round three at the historic Suzuka Circuit. Is this era of racing ‘fun’? We hear from seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who is looking to challenge for a first race victory in Ferrari red. Plus, what is going wrong at McLaren? Jennie and Andrew speak with their team principal, Andrea Stella.

Back at Base, Series 3: 9. A New Era Mar 19, 2026

Show notes

Following the first two races of the 2026 Formula 1 season, we catch up with two of the sport's rising stars, Chinese GP winner for Mercedes, Kimi Antonelli, and Haas one-to-watch Ollie Bearman. With never-before-heard interviews from the series, we learn a little more about their lives on the road and at home.

As they embarked on their second year racing in the world’s fastest sport, how would they adjust to F1’s new era of cars at the opening races of the season?

F1: Back at Base is an IMG Production for the BBC.

Co-hosts & Executive Producers are Sarah Holt and Holly Samos

Chinese GP Review: Antonelli Stars & Ferrari’s Gripping Battle Mar 15, 2026

Show notes

Mercedes show their strength once again, but will we have an inter-team title fight between George Russell and Kimi Antonelli after the Italian’s star show in China? Ferrari produced a battle for the ages, so is Lewis Hamilton back to his best? Plus, what is going on at McLaren? Harry Benjamin, former McLaren Formula E driver Sam Bird and the BBC’s F1 correspondent Andrew Benson review the Chinese Grand Prix, asking whether the new rules have worked or whether this is now a ‘battery world championship’.

Chinese GP Saturday Review: Pole History & Hamilton’s Resurgence Mar 14, 2026

Show notes

It was an eventful day at the Chinese Grand Prix as a surprise pole sitter made history, following a dramatic sprint. Was that F1’s best sprint? Plus, is Lewis Hamilton back to his best? Harry Benjamin, former McLaren Formula E driver Sam Bird and the BBC’s F1 correspondent Andrew Benson reflect on Saturday at the Chinese Grand Prix, and look ahead to Sunday’s race.

Chinese GP Preview: Who would take sprint pole? Mar 13, 2026

Show notes

Who would take pole for Saturday’s sprint? Would George Russell’s domination continue? Can Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari keep the pressure on Mercedes at the front of the grid? Harry Benjamin, former McLaren Formula E driver Sam Bird and the BBC’s F1 correspondent Andrew Benson reflect on sprint qualifying at the Chinese Grand Prix, and look ahead to the weekend’s action.

Chequered Flag Extra: Selfies, Curses & F1 Hot Takes Mar 12, 2026

Show notes

Izzy Hammond and Harry Benjamin digest the latest F1 trends and biggest discussion points after the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

Are F1 curses real? Are the ‘burger curse’ and ‘Red Bull second seat curse’ impacting F1?

We also celebrate Izzy’s favourite Melbourne memes and discuss your hot takes, including the prediction that Aston Martin will win a race in 2026!

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected