The Race F1 Podcast

Compared to last year, the opening day of the Las Vegas Grand Prix event was relatively subdued, but despite the lack of razzmatazz there's still plenty to talk about on The Race F1 Podcast.  Ben Anderson joins Edd Straw after a long day in the paddock to give you a taste of what it's like to be in Las Vegas and what's changed since last year.  As this is Ben's first visit to Vegas, he offers a fresh perspective on the unique qualities of the event - and the challenges of the strange timetable - but inevitably the big talking point is the start of the triple header that will decide the constructors' championship.  We weigh up the strengths and weaknesses of McLaren, Ferrari and Red Bull and the factors that might impact their performance this weekend - including a technical directive issued since the last race in Brazil.  The response, or lack thereof, to the GPDA's statement on the FIA's crackdown on swearing and the way it has been pursued, is also a talking point.  Want extra podcast content and to ask questions on the show? Join The Race Members' Club on Patreon! Head to Patreon.com/therace to take advantage of our special Black Friday offer, where you can get 30% off your first month Get your 2025 calendar from The Race Shop! Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook Check out our latest videos on YouTube Download our app on iOS or Android Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Edd Straw introduces some bonus F1 content for you from The Race Members’ Club that we think you’ll enjoy hearing a preview of.  Throughout 2024, The Race F1 Podcast's sister show Bring Back V10s (which looks back at F1’s iconic V10 era) has been doing a spin-off show, exclusively for members, called 1997 Revisited. On each mini episode, host Glenn Freeman is joined by Edd, Ben Anderson and Matt Beer for a fun-filled look back at every race from that classic season, which was voted the best of the era by the Bring Back V10s audience. Glenn and the gang are reaching the memorable end of that season now with just a couple of highly-charged rounds remaining, so we thought this was the perfect time for a taster. If you like what you hear, you can listen to the whole season in full, and of course without ads, by joining The Race Members’ Club on Patreon. And if you sign up now, you can take advantage of our special Black Friday offer, where you can get 30% off your first month in either our Racers tier, or an F1-only equivalent for those of you who only want F1 content.  And if you’d like to get an even bigger discount, you can get 50% off our top Champions tier. Just select the Champions tier when signing up, then enter the code CHAMP when prompted. These offers are running for a limited time only so act fast to make sure you don’t miss out! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With F1 taking a breather before the final three races of the season, we thought we'd bring you something a little different for our latest episode: An update on the Brad Pitt-led movie F1, which is scheduled to hit cinemas next summer. Edd Straw, Scott Mitchell-Malm and Valentin Khorounzhiy explain how it has been filmed (particularly over real-life F1 weekends), why director Joseph Kosinski's back catalogue provides hope for spectacular action sequences, and how the teams, drivers and media have enjoyed having Hollywood in the paddock. They also discuss Lewis Hamilton's involvement, what to expect when it finally hits the screen, and why the release of the film will be such a significant moment for Formula 1. Want extra podcast content and to ask questions on the show? Join The Race Members' Club on Patreon! Head to Patreon.com/therace - we even have an F1-only tier! Get your 2025 calendar from The Race Shop! Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook Check out our latest videos on YouTube Download our app on iOS or Android Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's a news bonanza on the mid-week episode of The Race F1 Podcast as Edd Straw is joined by Scott Mitchell-Malm and special guest Christian Menath from German outlet Motorsport Magazin to unpack several big stories. The first is the shock news that Formula 1 will have a new race director from the Las Vegas Grand Prix as Niels Wittich has stepped down with immediate effect. We discuss what's behind his sudden departure, and Christian explains why there's more to it than the FIA's statement lets on. Next Dan Fallows' impending departure from his Technical Director role at Aston Martin is discussed, before talk turns to rumours that Sauber owners Audi are looking to sell a stake in the team. But who to, and why? And the episode is rounded out with talk about the big shake-up to F1 launch season, with a joint launch event set to take place at London's O2 Arena in February. Edd, Scott and Christian explain why this is happening before turning their attention to Alpine, following the confirmation that the Enstone team will use Mercedes power units (as taking gearboxes and rear suspension) from 2026. Want extra podcast content and to ask questions on the show? Join The Race Members' Club on Patreon! Head to Patreon.com/therace - we even have an F1-only tier! Get your 2025 calendar from The Race Shop! Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook Check out our latest videos on YouTube Download our app on iOS or Android Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, with the title fight now effectively settled in Max Verstappen's favour, Edd Straw, Mark Hughes and Ben Anderson discuss what Lando Norris needs to do to move from regular race winner to real championship challenger in 2025. They also look at the collision course Mohammed Ben Sulayem appears to be on with Formula 1’s drivers after the FIA president's clampdown on swearing was met with a firm and united rebuke from the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA). There's also chat about Mercedes' recent form, plus we hear the thoughts of the author Matt Whyman, who recently spent a season-and-a-half embedded within the Silver Arrows' set-up for his revealing new book Inside Mercedes F1: Life In The Fast Lane (published by Penguin Random House, and available now at all good booksellers). And finally, Edd, Mark and Ben answer another batch of questions sent in by The Race Members' Club. Want extra podcast content and to ask questions on the show? Join The Race Members' Club on Patreon! Head to Patreon.com/therace - we even have an F1-only tier! Get your 2025 calendar from The Race Shop! Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook Check out our latest videos on YouTube Download our app on iOS or Android Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Edd Straw and Scott Mitchell-Malm as they discuss Audi/Sauber's decision to sign F2 championship-leader Gabriel Bortoleto to partner Nico Hulkenberg for 2025 and beyond, in the process saying goodbye to Valtteri Bottas, who for a long time looked favourite to retain his seat. Amongst other things, they discuss why Audi/Sauber have opted for youth over experience, whether there's a risk with Bortoleto beginning his F1 career in uncompetitive machinery, why McLaren were happy to let the talented Brazilian go to another team, and what all this means for Bottas' F1 career. Plus, with Zhou Guanyu also out of a drive, they ask what's next for the Chinese driver. Want extra podcast content and to ask questions on the show? Join The Race Members' Club on Patreon! Head to Patreon.com/therace - we even have an F1-only tier! Get your 2025 calendar from The Race Shop! Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook Check out our latest videos on YouTube Download our app on iOS or Android Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're dropping a little bonus audio into your feed in between episodes of The Race F1 Podcast, as an example of the type of extra content that's available to those in The Race Members' Club on Patreon. Earlier this week, we asked members on Patreon to leave questions and comments about Edd Straw's Brazilian GP driver rankings, with the aim of giving people a better idea about the process Edd goes through in formulating them (and to hold him to account for all the things he got wrong, of course!). So here's 20 minutes or so of Edd working through questions, having deliberately chosen not to look at them in advance so you get his 'live' reaction to what was being put to him. If you like what you hear and would like more content like this, including our F1 Extra and Book Club bonus podcasts, ad-free versions of The Race's other shows, merchandise discounts and much more, head to Patreon.com/therace to join the ultimate community for motor racing fans: The Race Members' Club. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Edd Straw is joined by Scott Mitchell-Malm and Mark Hughes to unpick a very eventful race weekend in Sao Paulo, blighted by bad weather, in which Max Verstappen scored arguably his finest Grand Prix victory yet. They discuss how Max's race, including how he came through from such a lowly grid slot, and look at what his victory means in the context of the title fight. There's also reaction to Alpine's shock double podium and discussion about where Lando Norris and McLaren's race fell apart, plus the guys answer the usual bumper crop of questions from The Race Members' Club. Want extra podcast content and to ask questions on the show? Join The Race Members' Club on Patreon! Head to Patreon.com/therace - we even have an F1-only tier! Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook Check out our latest videos on YouTube Download our app on iOS or Android Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As F1 heads into the final part of the current triple header in Brazil, Edd Straw is joined by Scott Mitchell-Malm and special guest Lito Cavalcanti (a long-time Brazilian journalist, who may be familiar to some from The Race's Portuguese-language YouTube channel), to answer questions from The Race Members' Club on Sergio Perez’s Red Bull future, or lack of it, Franco Colapinto’s RB chances, whether the constructors' championship would mean more to McLaren or Ferrari, and many more. Want extra podcast content and to ask questions on the show? Join The Race Members' Club on Patreon! Head to Patreon.com/therace - we even have an F1-only tier! Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook Check out our latest videos on YouTube Download our app on iOS or Android Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Edd Straw is joined by Scott Mitchell-Malm and Mark Hughes to dissect the Mexican Grand Prix - a race in which Max Verstappen was penalised by the stewards for another on-track run-in with title rival Lando Norris. The guys explain why Verstappen was punished this time out (when he wasn't in Austin) and also look at the wider championship implications, with Norris finishing second and Verstappen only sixth. Carlos Sainz's excellent weekend and run to victory is also analysed, along with Sergio Perez's nightmare home outing, Mercedes' mixed run to fourth and fifth, and Yuki Tsunoda's opening lap crash. Plus, Edd, Mark and Scott answer another load of questions from The Race Members' Club. Want extra podcast content and to ask questions on the show? Join The Race Members' Club on Patreon! Head to Patreon.com/therace - we even have an F1-only tier! Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook Check out our latest videos on YouTube Download our app on iOS or Android Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Formula 1's new-for-2024 racing guidelines were thrust back into the spotlight in Austin, inevitably leading to a flood of questions from The Race Members' Club. Those questions kick off the latest episode of The Race F1 Podcast with Edd Straw, Scott Mitchell-Malm and Josh Suttill.  They cover what the rules actually say, where you can find them, whether they're fit for purpose and why Max Verstappen is so good at skirting so close to the edge of them.  Other topics include whether Franco Colapinto is world champion material, what his performances say about Alex Albon and whether age is catching up to Lewis Hamilton.  Want extra podcast content? Join The Race Members' Club on Patreon! Head to Patreon.com/therace - we even have an F1-only tier! Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook Check out our latest videos on YouTube Download our app on iOS or Android Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Edd Straw is joined by Mark Hughes and Ben Anderson to discuss an entertaining United States Grand Prix weekend in which title rivals Red Bull and McLaren did battle on-track and off. The guys discuss Ferrari's scintillating form, Max Verstappen coming out on top in his battle with Lando Norris, Mercedes' struggles, what's going on in the row over Red Bull's controversial front bib adjuster, and much more. Want extra podcast content? Join The Race Members' Club on Patreon! Head to Patreon.com/therace - we even have an F1-only tier! Buy some Colossally merch! Visit The Race Shop Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook Check out our latest videos on YouTube Download our app on iOS or Android Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We discuss how Formula 1's return to action after a second one-month break could change the dynamic of the world championship battle in the latest edition of The Race F1 Podcast.  Scott Mitchell-Malm and Ben Anderson join Edd Straw to look ahead to the first of the pair of triple-headers that will round out the season and explain the key factors that could swing the title fight one way or the other.  Will Red Bull get on top of its problems with an upgrade package, can Lando Norris finally make some decisive inroads into Max Verstappen's points lead and what role Mercedes and Ferrari could play in the fight are among the questions answered.  We also consider the impact the return of the sprint races, with three of the next five weekends running to that that format, in the championship fight and whether it could help or hinder either McLaren or Red Bull.  And with several questions still yet to be answered in the driver market, we reflect on how important the Austin weekend could be for RB returnee Liam Lawson.  Want extra podcast content? Join The Race Members' Club on Patreon! Head to Patreon.com/therace - we even have an F1-only tier! Buy some Colossally merch! Visit The Race Shop Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook Check out our latest videos on YouTube Download our app on iOS or Android Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We untangle Haas's new Toyota Formula deal and explain how it fits in with its existing Ferrari technical partnership in the latest episode of The Race F1 Podcast.  Scott Mitchell-Malm and Mark Hughes join Edd Straw to tell all about the impact this alliance should have for Haas, and why its full potential isn't yet clear.  The services Toyota will provide in terms of facilitating a TPC (testing of previous cars) programme for Haas for the first time and also drive-in-loop simulator and manufacturing opportunities are laid out in detail. We also outline why this isn't a full-blown Toyota return to F1.  We also discuss Toyota's reasoning for the deal and what it might have the potential to lead to in the future.  And given this is a positive step for Haas, we also look at the progress it has made under new team principal Ayao Komatsu over the past 10 months. Want extra podcast content? Join The Race Members' Club on Patreon! Head to Patreon.com/therace - we even have an F1-only tier! Buy some Colossally merch! Visit The Race Shop Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook Check out our latest videos on YouTube Download our app on iOS or Android Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Max Verstappen's stellar performances in a Red Bull RB20 that has slid down the order are the main topic on the latest episode of The Race Formula 1 Podcast.  Scott Mitchell-Malm and Samarth Kanal join Edd Straw to discuss Verstappen's 'season of two halves' and how he's handling the pressures and challenges of his eight-race winless streak.  We also explain what Michael Andretti moving into an advisory and ambassadorial role with his own racing team means for its F1 aspirations and why it's still pushing on with its intention to join the grid despite not yet having an entry.  Charles Leclerc's form during 2024 and Renault shuttering its engine programme, ending CEO Luca de Meo's dream of a "French Ferrari", are also tackled.  Want extra podcast content? Join The Race Members' Club on Patreon! Head to Patreon.com/therace - we even have an F1-only tier! Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook Check out our latest videos on YouTube Download our app on iOS or Android Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With Franco Colapinto and Ollie Bearman impressing on their Formula 1 outings this year, and Kimi Antonelli landing a place at Mercedes for 2024, the question of the relevance of Formula 2 has been talked about extensively in recent months.  The Race F1 Podcast has now joined the discussion with an in-depth debate about not only F2, but the state of the whole junior ladder and whether the fact the drivers getting the best results in the primary feeder series are being overlooked is a problem.  Nelson Valkenburg, who commentates on Formula 1 in the Netherlands and is steeped in junior single-seater racing itself, and Samarth Kanal join Edd Straw to give an overview of the landscape and explain what's working and what isn't. We start off with an explanation of why the mooted 'rookie race' won't happen at the Abu Dhabi test this year, but could take place next year, and look at the reasons for drivers ranked down the order in the F2 standings excelling in their F1 chances.  We then attempt to define the problem, and propose potential solutions to ensure that the junior ladder remains healthy and fit for purpose.  Want extra podcast content? Join The Race Members' Club on Patreon! Head to Patreon.com/therace - we even have an F1-only tier! Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook Check out our latest videos on YouTube Download our app on iOS or Android Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In between episodes of The Race F1 Podcast, we thought we'd bring you a bonus segment of another podcast we think you might like. Earlier this year, The Race launched And Colossally That’s History! - a brand-new podcast all about motor racing history, presented by Richard Williams and Matt Bishop, who between them have a wealth of experience covering the sport (and in Matt's case, working as the communications chief for both McLaren and Aston Martin). The second season kicked off on October 3rd with a critical reexamination of spygate - the 2007 scandal involving Ferrari and McLaren that shook F1 to its core. Our re-telling is full of behind-the-scenes stories and eye-popping personal recollections, so if you enjoy this taster, please search for And Colossally That’s History! in your podcast app of choice and download the full episode. And while you’re there, hit the like, follow or subscribe button so you never miss an episode. Want extra podcast content? Join The Race Members' Club on Patreon! Head to Patreon.com/therace - we even have an F1-only tier! Buy some Colossally merch! Visit The Race Shop Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook Check out our latest videos on YouTube Download our app on iOS or Android Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We debate rules that Formula 1 should ditch in the latest episode of The Race F1 Podcast.  Samarth Kanal and Ben Anderson join Edd Straw to state the case for rules that should be ditched and, in some cases, replaced.  It will come as no surprise to regular listeners that the fastest lap point is among the regulations that is scrutinised, although that's just one of the ideas that's discussed. Rules related to car liveries, track limits, overtaking, superlicences and much more are also tackled. Want extra podcast content? Join The Race Members' Club on Patreon! Head to Patreon.com/therace - we even have an F1-only tier! Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook Check out our latest videos on YouTube Download our app on iOS or Android Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We reflect on Daniel Ricciardo's Formula 1 legacy in the latest edition of The Race F1 Podcast.  Special guest Michael Lamonato joins Ben Anderson and host Edd Straw to discuss the reaction in Australia to Ricciardo being replaced by Liam Lawson, and what's been learned from what Red Bull's Helmut Marko and Lawson himself have revealed about the process.  We then delve into Ricciardo's post-Red Bull career, explaining why his Renault stint shouldn't be lumped in with his McLaren and RB struggles, as well as the limitations that were exposed in his final seasons.  Ricciardo's peaks are also discussed, particularly in terms of the strengths that made him one of the best in the middle stages of the second decade of the 21st century. And we also ask whether Ricciardo was unfortunate not to win a world championship in that era, and the extent to which his later career tarnishes his reputation.  Want extra podcast content? Join The Race Members' Club on Patreon! Head to Patreon.com/therace - we even have an F1-only tier! Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook Check out our latest videos on YouTube Download our app on iOS or Android Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Edd Straw is joined by Scott Mitchell-Malm and Ben Anderson to discuss the news that Daniel Ricciardo has been axed by RB, with Liam Lawson replacing him for the rest of 2024. They discuss why Red Bull have made this move now, whether Ricciardo has a future in F1, what Lawson will bring to the team, and whether the New Zealander's opportunity should be seen as an audition for another seat in 2025... Want extra podcast content? Join The Race Members' Club on Patreon! Head to Patreon.com/therace - we even have an F1-only tier! Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook Check out our latest videos on YouTube Download our app on iOS or Android Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices