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F1 Explains

F1 Explains

Written by: Formula 1
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About this listen

 Your questions about Formula 1, answered by the experts. Katie Osborne and Christian Hewgill explain F1 with drivers, engineers and more of the amazing people behind-the-scenes.

Send your questions, voice notes and messages to F1Explains@F1.com

An official F1 podcast. For in-depth interviews with F1's biggest stars, listen to F1 Beyond The Grid. For race reviews and previews, listen to F1 Nation.Formula 1 Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Becoming F1 World Champion - with Mika Hakkinen

    Becoming F1 World Champion - with Mika Hakkinen
    Dec 5 2025
    What does a Formula 1 driver need to become a World Champion? Can they really approach a title decider as if it’s any other race? And is it better to be leading the way or chasing?

    Ahead of this weekend’s three-way title showdown between Lando Norris, Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, two-time World Champion Mika Hakkinen joins Christian Hewgill in the Yas Marina paddock to explain what it takes to achieve motorsport’s biggest prize.

    Mika remembers the moment in his career when he knew he could win a championship, how that changed his mentality and the approach he took to his title deciders in 1998 and 1999.

    Get your question answered on the podcast
    If you have a question for F1 Explains email F1Explains@F1.com

    Listen to more official F1 podcasts
    In-depth interviews with the stars of Formula 1 on F1 Beyond The Grid
    Expert insight before and after every Grand Prix on F1 Nation
    Show More Show Less
    23 mins
  • Ford's Formula 1 return with Red Bull

    Ford's Formula 1 return with Red Bull
    Nov 28 2025
    In a shock reversal of the usual format, this episode of F1 Explains starts with a question that YOU have to answer. It's about an engine company with an incredible winning record in Formula 1. Any guesses?

    For decades, Ford won in Formula 1. Their engines powered drivers and teams to World Championships. In 2026, the company will return to the grid, partnering with Red Bull on a new F1 engine project.

    Christian speaks to Mark Rushbrook, Ford Global Director of Racing, to find out how the partnership with Red Bull will work, what knowledge Ford can use to help Red Bull hit the ground running and how F1 differs from Ford's other racing teams.

    Plus we explain why Red Bull are building their own power unit instead of continuing to buy one from another team, and how the different approaches could affect every team's success in 2026 and beyond.

    Get your question answered on the podcast
    If you have a question for F1 Explains email F1Explains@F1.com

    Witness the crowning of the 2025 Formula 1 World Champion
    Book your seat for a Grand Prix this season at tickets.formula1.com

    One-day grandstand tickets for the 2026 Miami Grand Prix start at $85 - go to f1miamigp.com to get yours

    Listen to more official F1 podcasts
    In-depth interviews with the stars of Formula 1 on F1 Beyond The Grid
    Expert insight before and after every Grand Prix on F1 Nation
    Show More Show Less
    26 mins
  • How Cadillac are getting ready to race in F1

    How Cadillac are getting ready to race in F1
    Nov 21 2025
    How do you start a brand new F1 team? Does joining at the start of new regulations in 2026 give Cadillac an advantage or disadvantage? What are the team’s goals?

    Cadillac F1 Team CEO Dan Towriss joins Christian Hewgill to answer your questions and tell us what we can expect from F1’s newest team.

    Dan also talks about their driver line-up of Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez, Cadillac’s short and long-term engine plans, the role General Motors and TWG Motorsports play in this project, and whether IndyCar star-turned-Cadillac reserve driver Colton Herta could race for the team in the future.

    Get your question answered on the podcast
    If you have a question for F1 Explains email F1Explains@F1.com

    Witness the crowning of the 2025 Formula 1 World Champion
    Book your seat for a Grand Prix this season at tickets.formula1.com
    Tickets for Las Vegas available at f1lasvegasgp.com

    Listen to more official F1 podcasts
    In-depth interviews with the stars of Formula 1 on F1 Beyond The Grid
    Expert insight before and after every Grand Prix on F1 Nation
    Show More Show Less
    27 mins
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