F1 Explains

Go to the F1 Nation podcast feed to hear our first episode of 2026. Christian Hewgill and Lawrence Barretto talk through all you need to know ahead of the new season

F1 Explains is moving to the F1 Nation podcast feed for the new season.Get answers to your F1 questions from Christian Hewgill and expert guests, plus race reviews and previews with Tom Clarkson - all in one place.Send your questions about the 2026 F1 season to F1Explains@F1.comSearch F1 Nation on your podcast app, hit follow or subscribe, and you'll get every new episode of F1 Explains

Lando Norris, the 2025 World Champion and Formula 1 driver, shares insights on his unique driving style and his trick for popping champagne on the podium. Joseph Kosinski, director of F1: The Movie, discusses the engineering behind the Apex Grand Prix cars and how actors trained in real race conditions. Team Principal James Vowles sheds light on Williams' investment strategies and the humorous side of paddock life, including a chaotic moment involving his office toilet. Tune in for a mix of racing, humor, and behind-the-scenes stories!

In this engaging discussion, James Vowles, the Williams Team Principal, shares insights into the frantic preparations for the 2026 regulation changes, emphasizing the unique challenges posed by a condensed winter timeline. F1 correspondent Lawrence Barretto delves into how these shifts may reshape team dynamics and performance, particularly regarding new power units and their reliability. Together, they highlight the exciting opportunities and risks ahead, while sprinkling in light-hearted moments about upcoming team liveries and even custom sneakers!

Mika Hakkinen, a two-time Formula One World Champion known for his winning mindset, joins Christian Hewgill at Yas Marina for a deep dive into what it takes to become a champion. He recalls the pivotal moment of realizing he could win a title and how it shifted his mentality. Mika emphasizes the importance of preparation and staying calm under pressure, sharing insights on managing fierce rivals and the dynamics of leading versus chasing in the championship. He also discusses his daughter Ella's promising future in motorsport.

Mark Rushbrook, Global Director of Ford Racing, discusses Ford's exciting return to Formula 1 in partnership with Red Bull starting in 2026. He shares insights on the strategic reasons behind this move, focusing on technology transfer and the electrification goals driving their collaboration. The episode also explores Ford’s storied F1 history, the unique challenges of this latest venture, and how they plan to build a race-winning power unit. Listener Brian recounts his thrilling experience at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, offering tips for newcomers to F1 events.

Dan Towriss, CEO of the Cadillac Formula One team, shares insights on launching a new F1 team. He discusses their entry process and how the 2026 regulations could favor Cadillac. With experienced drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez onboard, the team aims for reliability in its debut year while aspiring for championships in the long run. Towriss details partnerships with General Motors, engine strategies, and Cadillac's efforts to support American drivers like Colton Herta, marking an exciting new chapter in F1.

Laura Winter, lead presenter for F1 TV and seasoned broadcast journalist, shares insights on race coverage preparation. James Hinchcliffe, IndyCar victor and F1TV expert, details his thrilling first drive in an F1 car and the stark contrasts with IndyCar, especially regarding tyre behavior. They dive into Cadillac's anticipated impact on F1 in 2026, the dynamics of personnel poaching among teams, and how presenters prepare for race weekends, highlighting their research and on-site strategies.

Ayao Komatsu, Team Principal of the MoneyGram Haas F1 Team, shares insights on Haas's strategic partnership with Ferrari and how it shapes their competitiveness. He discusses the significance of Cadillac's entry into F1 in 2026 and contrasts private teams with corporate manufacturers. Courtney Crone, an F1 Academy driver backed by Haas, reveals how the team supports her development. The conversation also highlights how race engineers tackle car problems in real-time and the collaborative dynamics between rookie and experienced drivers.

Jolyon Palmer, a former F1 driver and current analyst, joins McLaren's race engineer Tom Stallard to delve into the fascinating world of F1 data. They discuss how drivers decode telemetry to enhance performance, and Tom reveals the sheer volume of data collected from sensors. Jolyon shares insights on how drivers balance instinct with data analysis, and they both emphasize the importance of collaboration within teams. From rival intelligence to the evolution of data usage since 2008, their conversation highlights the intricate relationship between performance and technology in Formula 1.