F1 Nation

Latest Episodes:

3 contenders. 1 winner. Who will it be? - 2025 Abu Dhabi GP Preview with Jolyon Palmer + James Hinchcliffe Dec 04, 2025

Show notes

F1TV experts Jolyon Palmer and James Hinchcliffe join Tom Clarkson in the Yas Marina paddock to preview this weekend’s thrilling three-way title showdown at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Just 16 points separate the top three of Lando Norris, Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri. So what does each driver need to win the title? And how will each of them approach such a huge occasion?
The guys discuss all the different scenarios that could shape the outcome of this title fight and whether the McLaren drivers will help each other if in a position to do so.
Plus, Tom, Hinch and Jolyon react to Red Bull’s announcement that Isack Hadjar will replace Yuki Tsunoda for 2026.

McLaren's 'gift' for Max sets up final showdown – 2025 Qatar GP Review with Jolyon Palmer + Paul Aron Dec 01, 2025

Show notes

F1TV commentator Jolyon Palmer and Alpine Reserve Driver Paul Aron join Tom Clarkson in the Lusail paddock to reflect on another huge twist in this year’s title race.
The guys talk about the decisive moment of the Qatar Grand Prix, when everyone except both McLaren drivers pitted under the Safety Car and Max Verstappen took full advantage to ensure the championship fight goes down to the season-finale in Abu Dhabi.
What was McLaren’s thinking behind that strategy? Why did it cost them victory? And how should they have reacted differently?
Tom, Jolyon and Paul also discuss why Oscar Piastri was back to his best in Qatar and why Lando Norris wasn’t quite at the level he’s shown in recent weeks.
And with just 16 points now separating Lando, Max and Oscar, what will their mindset be in the build-up to this mouth-watering title showdown at the Yas Marina Circuit?
Also on the agenda: Carlos Sainz’s incredible performance to secure his second podium for Williams, another weekend to forget for Ferrari and a strong result for Fernando Alonso and Aston Martin following the news that Adrian Newey will become their Team Principal in 2026.
Listen to more official F1 podcasts
In-depth interviews with F1's biggest stars on F1 Beyond The Grid
Your F1 questions answered by the experts on F1 Explains
THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY...
F1 Store: Treat the F1 fan in your life this festive season with exclusive gear from the Official F1 Store. Shop now at f1store.formula1.com
Square: Get up to $200 off Square hardware at square.com/go/f1nation.

Newey’s new challenge + a crowning moment in the championship? – 2025 Qatar GP Preview Nov 27, 2025

Show notes

Spanish journalist Albert Fabrega joins Tom Clarkson in the Qatar paddock to discuss the news that Adrian Newey will become Aston Martin Team Principal from 2026.
Why have Aston appointed the legendary designer to this new role? How well suited is Adrian to leading a team? And what do Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll make of the decision?
Tom and Albert also discuss the championship permutations going into the penultimate round of the season. What does Lando Norris need to be crowned World Champion this weekend? With Max Verstappen closing in, will McLaren change their approach? And who could benefit from the mandatory tyre stints Pirelli have introduced for this race?

McLaren’s ‘nightmare’ brings Max into the mix – 2025 Las Vegas GP Review with Lawrence Barretto Nov 23, 2025

Show notes

The 2025 World Championship took another huge twist in Las Vegas, with Max Verstappen winning and both McLaren drivers being disqualified from the race after their cars were found not to comply with technical regulations.
Why exactly were McLaren disqualified? And what does this mean for the title race? F1 correspondent Lawrence Barretto joins Tom Clarkson in the paddock to explain the dramatic events that unfolded in the hours after the chequered flag.
Tom and Lawrence also discuss the Battle for P2 in the Constructors’ Championship, as Mercedes gained from McLaren’s misfortune to score a double podium, while Ferrari’s struggles continued.
And Doriane Pin tells us how it feels to have been crowned F1 Academy champion after beating Maya Weug to the title in Vegas.
Listen to more official F1 podcasts
In-depth interviews with F1's biggest stars on F1 Beyond The Grid
Your F1 questions answered by the experts on F1 Explains
F1 returns to the USA in 2026
1-day grandstand tickets for the Miami GP start at $85
Available now at f1miamigp.com

'Oscar has nothing to lose' - 2025 Las Vegas GP Preview with James Hinchcliffe Nov 17, 2025

Show notes

F1TV expert and six-time IndyCar race winner, James Hinchcliffe, joins Tom Clarkson to preview this weekend’s Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Lando Norris leads Oscar Piastri at the top of the World Championship by 24 points. With three races and one F1 Sprint to go, there are still 83 up for grabs.
So how will Lando and Oscar approach this triple header? Hinch shares his thoughts on the mindset of both McLaren drivers and tells Tom why it’s still all to play for despite Lando’s advantage.
Max Verstappen is now 49 points adrift of Lando but, while his title hopes look slim, will he and Red Bull still be fighting for wins and have a say in the championship outcome?
Plus, Ferrari have been on the Vegas podium two years in a row. Could this be the track where they score a first Grand Prix win of the season? After their double DNF in Brazil, Ferrari chairman John Elkann said Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc need to ‘talk less and focus on driving’. How does Hinch think those comments will impact the team?
Watch F1 cars race down the Las Vegas Strip at 200mph LIVE
Get tickets at f1lasvegasgp.com
Listen to more official F1 podcasts
In-depth interviews with F1's biggest stars on F1 Beyond The Grid
Your F1 questions answered by the experts on F1 Explains
THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY...
Square: Get up to $200 off Square hardware at square.com/go/f1nation.

Lando ‘peaking at perfect time’, Max’s ‘fantasy’ fightback + optimism for Oscar? – 2025 Sao Paulo GP Review Nov 10, 2025

Show notes

F1TV lead commentator Alex Jacques and Brazilian commentator Felipe Giaffone join Tom Clarkson in the Interlagos paddock to analyse an eventful race in Brazil.
Converting two pole positions into Grand Prix and Sprint wins, Lando Norris produced a perfect weekend to move 24 points clear of teammate Oscar Piastri at the top of the standings.
With just three rounds left of the 2025 season, does Lando have one hand on the title now? What did Alex and Felipe make of Oscar’s 10-second penalty? And how will the Australian be feeling after losing more ground in the championship?
After his sensational win from P17 in Sao Paulo last year, Max Verstappen fought back in emphatic style again – this time from the pitlane to P3. How did he and Red Bull execute that incredible comeback after such a difficult qualifying session? Despite that remarkable recovery, Max lost more ground on Lando, but did close the gap to Oscar, so where do his hopes of becoming a five-time World Champion this season lie now?
Plus, the guys also reflect on impressive performances from Kimi Antonelli, Ollie Bearman and Liam Lawson, a challenging first home race for Gabriel Bortoleto, and a very disappointing double DNF for Ferrari.
Listen to more official F1 podcasts
In-depth interviews with F1's biggest stars on F1 Beyond The Grid
Your F1 questions answered by the experts on F1 Explains
Up next: Las Vegas
See F1 cars race down the Strip at 200mph! Get tickets at f1lasvegasgp.com
THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY...

Indeed: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to help get your job the premium status it deserves at indeed.com/nation
Trade Coffee: Get 50 percent off a 1 month trial and 10% off gifts at drinktrade.com/nation

‘Championship-deciding moments’ in Brazil? – 2025 Sao Paulo GP Preview with Jolyon Palmer + Erik van Haren Nov 03, 2025

Show notes

F1TV commentator and former Renault driver Jolyon Palmer, and De Telegraaf journalist Erik van Haren, join Tom Clarkson to preview this weekend’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
With four races and two F1 Sprints to go, Lando Norris leads Oscar Piastri at the top of the World Championship by just one point. How has Lando turned around a 34-point deficit to Oscar since his DNF in Zandvoort? Will the pressure change now he’s gone from ‘hunter’ to ‘hunted’? And having not been on the podium in the last four races, can Oscar regain momentum?
In Mexico, Max Verstappen gained more ground in his late push to win a fifth championship in a row. Now 36 points off the lead, are Max’s title chances in his own hands? And if he was to complete an incredible comeback, where would that achievement rank among his other successes? Erik also shares insight into Red Bull’s transformation under Team Principal Laurent Mekies and what Max’s future may hold after 2026.
Plus, the guys discuss how the incredibly tight battle between Ferrari, Mercedes and Red Bull for P2 in the Constructors’ Championship could play out.
Listen to more official F1 podcasts
In-depth interviews with F1's biggest stars on F1 Beyond The Grid
Your F1 questions answered by the experts on F1 Explains
Experience the 2025 F1 title fight
Book your seat for a Grand Prix this season at tickets.formula1.com

‘Emphatic’ Lando leads, Oscar limits damage + Bearman’s best – 2025 Mexico City GP Review with James Hinchcliffe + Esteban Gutiérrez Oct 27, 2025

Show notes

F1TV expert James Hinchcliffe and former F1 driver Esteban Gutiérrez join Tom Clarkson in the paddock to dissect a chaotic Mexico City Grand Prix.
A dominant Lando Norris converted pole into victory to lead the World Championship for the first time since Bahrain. He’s now a point clear of Oscar Piastri with four races and two F1 Sprints to go, so how will the mentality of both McLaren drivers change now they’ve swapped positions in the standings?
Max Verstappen finished third to score his sixth podium in a row, but having said Red Bull would need to be ‘perfect’ for the rest of the season if he’s to complete a sensational comeback in this title race, will Max leave Mexico the least satisfied out of the three championship contenders?
Ferrari had a mixed weekend, with Charles Leclerc securing back-to-back podiums and Lewis Hamilton unable to convert his best ever qualifying for the team into his first podium. The guys discuss his 10-second penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage, and whether Lewis will have learnt any lessons from his battle with Max.
Plus, how did Haas rookie Ollie Bearman deliver a career-best finish of P4? And could Mercedes have fought for a podium had they let George Russell pass Kimi Antonelli earlier in the race?
Listen to more official F1 podcasts
In-depth interviews with F1's biggest stars on F1 Beyond The Grid
Your F1 questions answered by the experts on F1 Explains
Experience the 2025 F1 title fight
Book your seat for a Grand Prix this season at tickets.formula1.com

'Do you think he can do it?' - 2025 Mexico City GP Preview with Ollie Bearman Oct 23, 2025

Show notes

It's the question all F1 fans are asking: can Max Verstappen win this year's Formula 1 World Championship? Haas driver Ollie Bearman gives Tom Clarkson his view and looks forward to what he hopes will be a strong weekend for him personally.
Bearman is on a roll, aiming to score points for Haas for the third weekend in a row. Ollie explains the changes he's made to how he approaches race weekends, the challenge of the high-altitude, low-downforce track in Mexico City and how he's preparing for the long run to the first corner at the start of the Grand Prix.
Tom also asks Ollie his thoughts on the intensifying three-way World Championship title fight between McLaren's Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris and a resurgent Max Verstappen at Red Bull. Which driver is in the best position, who copes the best with pressure, and which of the Red Bull or McLaren car would Ollie pick to race in this weekend?
Follow the Mexico City Grand Prix
News and analysis on F1.com and the F1 app
Updates on F1 social media
Highlights on the F1 YouTube channel
Listen to more official F1 podcasts
In-depth interviews with F1's biggest stars on F1 Beyond The Grid
Your F1 questions answered by the experts on F1 Explains
Experience the 2025 F1 title fight
Book your seat for a Grand Prix this season at tickets.formula1.com

Max on the attack. How do McLaren fight back? – 2025 US GP Review with James Hinchcliffe Oct 20, 2025

Show notes

F1TV expert and six-time IndyCar race winner James Hinchcliffe joins Tom Clarkson in the Austin paddock to dissect all the action from the United States Grand Prix.
Max Verstappen dominated the weekend with victories in the Grand Prix and F1 Sprint to make up more ground on the McLaren drivers. He’s now just 40 points behind championship leader Oscar Piastri, and only 26 adrift of Lando Norris, with five rounds to go.
Having now gone three races without a podium, what’s causing Oscar’s dip in form? How crucial could Lando’s overtake of Charles Leclerc in the latter stages be to the outcome of this title fight? And, if Max and Red Bull’s resurgence continues, will McLaren have to favour one of Oscar and Lando to ensure they win a first drivers’ championship since 2008? Hinch also shares his thoughts on the ‘repercussions’ Lando Norris said he’ll face until the end of the season after his collision with Oscar in Singapore.
Leclerc secured his and Ferrari’s first podium since Belgium, six races ago. Why did his strategy to start on the soft tyres work so well? How did Ferrari turn their performance around after a challenging Friday? And will fourth-placed Lewis Hamilton see this as a missed opportunity to have scored his first podium for the team?
Plus, Tom and Hinch discuss Mercedes’ announcement that George Russell and Kimi Antonelli will drive for the team in 2026.
Listen to more official F1 podcasts
In-depth interviews with F1's biggest stars on F1 Beyond The Grid
Your F1 questions answered by the experts on F1 Explains
It's All To Drive For in 2025. Be there!
Book your seat for a Grand Prix this season at tickets.formula1.com

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY…

Square: Right now, you can get up to $200 off Square hardware at square.com/go/f1nation. (https://squareup.com/us/en/campaign/audio)

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected