F1: Beyond The Grid

Formula 1

Formula 1's extraordinary stars slow down and open up, sharing untold stories and unrivalled insight. Tom Clarkson brings you revealing, feature-length interviews and amazing anecdotes from superstar drivers, team bosses, tech geniuses and racing legends. Hit the follow button for the fastest way to get new episodes. Watch episodes exclusively on the F1 YouTube channel. For race reviews + previews, listen to F1 Nation. To learn more about how F1 works, listen to F1 Explains read less

Our Editor's Take

F1: Beyond the Grid is a podcast focused on Formula 1 (F1) racing. It features personal accounts from F1's biggest names. Anyone who considers themselves a fan of the sport finds a fun listen here. What goes through the minds of stars like Lewis Hamilton and Christian Horner? What does it take to manage a winning team? Host Tom Clarkson asks the questions on all listener's minds.

Journalist Tom Clarkson hosts F1: Beyond the Grid. He is an expert on Formula 1 racing. Here, he's putting his skills to work interviewing racing stars. Speaking to drivers, team bosses, and those in the pit, listeners get to know the sport like never before. Daniel Ricciardo discusses his challenges at McLaren and returning to Red Bull racing. Dutch motorsport racer Nyck de Vries reflects on his stunning F1 debut. And Mick Schumacher shares his thoughts on his rookie season. From his famous father's influence to gaining support from Ferrari, his story is sure to inspire.

F1: Beyond the Grid also talks to Danica Patrick. She says her first ambition was to be an F1 driver. Sebastian Vettel speaks about his decision to leave the sport after a stellar career racing for teams like Aston Martin. And Romain Grosjean reveals the flashbacks of his terrible Bahrain crash. This F1 podcast goes beyond the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix podiums. Listeners learn about the big moves and sacrifices that make a driver a world champion.

Tom Clarkson's interviewing style makes these episodes informative and entertaining. And it helps listeners better understand all the different aspects of the sport. From management to marketing, this podcast examines it all. F1: Beyond the Grid also discusses the latest developments in the sport. This show is an excellent listen for those who enjoy the thrills and drama of the fast-paced world of F1 racing.

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Stoffel Vandoorne: dramatic debut to 'tough' exit

Stoffel Vandoorne: dramatic debut to 'tough' exit

A multiple title winner at junior level and a point-scorer on his unexpected F1 debut in 2016, Stoffel Vandoorne seemed on track for a long and prosperous career in Formula 1. But his big break at McLaren in 2017 arrived during one of the team’s most challenging periods. They finished second-last in the standings during Vandoorne’s first season, endured a difficult transition from Honda to Renault engines the following year, and there was huge organisational change at the top as Zak Brown came in as CEO. After just seven points-finishes in two years, with a best result of P7, Stoffel was replaced by Lando Norris for 2019 and he hasn’t raced in F1 since. Now a Test and Reserve driver for Aston Martin, the Belgian tells Tom Clarkson how he prepared for his first race in F1 at such short notice, the drama of signing his first McLaren contract, where it all went wrong during his two seasons on the grid, and what impact those struggles had on his mental wellbeing, motivation and enjoyment of racing. This episode is sponsored by: Indochino: go to Indochino.com today and use code GRID to get 10% off any purchase of $399 or more Shopify: sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/beyondthegrid

Episodes

Stoffel Vandoorne: dramatic debut to 'tough' exit

Stoffel Vandoorne: dramatic debut to 'tough' exit

A multiple title winner at junior level and a point-scorer on his unexpected F1 debut in 2016, Stoffel Vandoorne seemed on track for a long and prosperous career in Formula 1. But his big break at McLaren in 2017 arrived during one of the team’s most challenging periods. They finished second-last in the standings during Vandoorne’s first season, endured a difficult transition from Honda to Renault engines the following year, and there was huge organisational change at the top as Zak Brown came in as CEO. After just seven points-finishes in two years, with a best result of P7, Stoffel was replaced by Lando Norris for 2019 and he hasn’t raced in F1 since. Now a Test and Reserve driver for Aston Martin, the Belgian tells Tom Clarkson how he prepared for his first race in F1 at such short notice, the drama of signing his first McLaren contract, where it all went wrong during his two seasons on the grid, and what impact those struggles had on his mental wellbeing, motivation and enjoyment of racing. This episode is sponsored by: Indochino: go to Indochino.com today and use code GRID to get 10% off any purchase of $399 or more Shopify: sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/beyondthegrid

Zhou Guanyu: China’s hero making history at home

Zhou Guanyu: China’s hero making history at home

20 years since his infatuation with Formula 1 began at China’s first race in 2004, Zhou Guanyu will race in front of his home fans for the first time as an F1 driver at the Chinese Grand Prix. Zhou tells Tom Clarkson what racing in Shanghai will look like through his eyes; from his helmet design and sold-out grandstand, to the reaction he’s expecting on his first lap of the track and what it would mean to score his first points of the season in the city he was born in. The Sauber driver also talks about what impact his success has had on motorsport culture in China, his crash at Silverstone in 2022, the documentary being made about his journey to F1, his passion for fashion, uncertainty over his future in the sport with no seat confirmed for 2025 yet, and much more. Related Episodes Zhou’s first BTG appearance This episode is sponsored by: Bitdefender: visit Bitdefender.com to learn more about why Ferrari chose Bitdefender to stay ahead of cyber threats and how you can make your digital life safer BetterHelp: our listeners get 10% off their first month at betterhelp.com/GRID

F1 Nation: Why Alonso's staying at Aston

F1 Nation: Why Alonso's staying at Aston

Fernando Alonso is 'here to stay' in Formula 1 with Aston Martin. What made the double World Champion decide to continue racing with his current team? In a special episode of the F1 Nation podcast, Aston Martin Ambassador Pedro de la Rosa and 1996 World Champion Damon Hill join Tom Clarkson to analyse Alonso's announcement, what it means for him, the team and the rest of the drivers searching for a 2025 race seat. Get in touch If you have a question for our F1 Nation experts, then send an email to f1nation@f1.com More from F1 Nation Adrian Newey on Red Bull's 2024 carInside Ollie Bearman's F1 debutMax? Daniel? Fernando? 2025 F1 grid predictions More official F1 Podcasts F1 Explains - your F1 questions answered by the experts Book your seat at a Formula 1 Grand Prix this year at tickets.formula1.com

LEGENDS: Juan Pablo Montoya’s race for the 2003 championship

LEGENDS: Juan Pablo Montoya’s race for the 2003 championship

Seven-time Grand Prix winner Juan Pablo Montoya joins Tom Clarkson for the first episode of F1 Beyond The Grid’s LEGENDS episodes. Going into the final two races of 2003, Montoya was only three points behind World Championship leader Michael Schumacher in a three-way fight for the title, with Kimi Raikkonen just behind them. But by the season finale, the Colombian was out of contention – so where did it all go wrong? Juan Pablo reflects on the highs of his wins at Monaco and Hockenheim that year, the lows of his championship-ending collision with Rubens Barrichello, and whether there was anything he could have done differently to become World Champion. Montoya also discusses whether he treated Michael differently to other drivers on track and addresses their famous incident at Imola in 2004. He explains how he got the better of teammate Ralf Schumacher, why he couldn’t be friends with his rivals, and much more. Plus, Juan’s son Sebastian drops by to talk about his Formula 3 ambitions this year, what it’s like having an ex-F1 driver as his dad, and the best piece of advice JPM has given him. This episode is sponsored by: Indeed: listeners of this show will get a seventy five dollar sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility at indeed.com/GRID

Ayao Komatsu: from Tokyo to Team Principal

Ayao Komatsu: from Tokyo to Team Principal

The journey that has taken Ayao Komatsu from a teenager in Tokyo, dreaming of working in Formula 1, to the new Haas Team Principal is a gripping tale. Featuring fascinating anecdotes of his father’s experiences as a political prisoner, the challenges Ayao faced when he left Japan for England, and how he engineered his way through university to a career in F1, this is a compelling conversation between Komatsu and Tom Clarkson. Ayao talks about his relationship with his family, the influence Japanese F1 hero Takuma Sato has had on his career, why he once wanted to be a journalist, how he’s transforming Haas, and much more. Related Episodes Nico Hulkenberg Kevin Magnussen Takuma Sato Book your seat at a Grand Prix Tickets for the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix 2024 are now on sale along with Miami, Imola and every other race this season. Head to tickets.formula1.com to buy now More official F1 Podcasts F1 Nation - race previews, reviews and analysis from the F1 Paddock F1 Explains - your questions answered by the experts

Pat Symonds: racing into F1's future

Pat Symonds: racing into F1's future

He’s a World Championship-winning engineer with nearly 50 years in Formula 1, but Pat Symonds’ focus is new innovation and F1’s next generation. Pat scored title wins with Michael Schumacher in the 90s and Fernando Alonso in the 2000s. In the 80s, he helped a rookie Ayrton Senna get up to speed and take a stunning Monaco podium. Today, as Formula 1’s Chief Technical Officer, his task is producing spectacular racing - now and for years to come. Pat tells Tom Clarkson about his past successes, his memories of working with great drivers and his future projects, including the sustainable fuel which will power a new breed of F1 car from 2026. Book your seat at a Grand Prix Tickets for the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix 2024 are now on sale along with Japan, Miami, Imola and every other race this season. Head to tickets.formula1.com to buy now More official F1 Podcasts F1 Nation - race previews, reviews and analysis from the F1 Paddock F1 Explains - your questions answered by the experts This episode is sponsored by: Salesforce: visit Salesforce.com/F1 to learn more about how Formula 1 wins fans and grows its global fanbase with Salesforce Shopify: sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/beyondthegrid OneSkin: get 15% off OneSkin with the code GRID at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod Factor: head to factormeals.com/grid50 and use code grid50 to get 50% off

Oscar Piastri: building up to more wins with McLaren

Oscar Piastri: building up to more wins with McLaren

A Formula 1 winner in his first season, Oscar Piastri has his sights set on more success. At McLaren, alongside Lando Norris, guided by Team Principal Andrea Stella and manager Mark Webber, he’s right where he needs to be. Speaking to Tom Clarkson, Oscar reflects on his rookie year in F1, his Sprint victory ahead of Max Verstappen, on-track clashes and off-track discussions with Lewis Hamilton, and why at his home race in Melbourne he’ll be fuelled by his Grandma’s baking as well as the Australian crowd. You can now watch full episodes of F1 Beyond The Grid on the F1 YouTube channel. More Official F1 Podcasts For more Oscar, listen to the next episode of F1 Explains – the podcast which answers your questions about Formula 1. Oscar explains how his time in Formula 3 and Formula 2 prepared him for the pinnacle of motorsport. Listen to F1 Nation's preview of Oscar's home race This episode is sponsored by: Indochino: go to indochino.com and use code GRID to get 10% off any purchase of $399 or more BetterHelp: our listeners get 10% off their first month at betterhelp.com/GRID

Alex Albon: thriving with Williams

Alex Albon: thriving with Williams

What does 2025 hold for Alex Albon? How has golf changed his approach to Formula 1? Would he like more competition from his teammate? The Williams driver answers all those questions and more in his first proper catch-up with Tom Clarkson on F1 Beyond The Grid since 2022. Albon explains the mindset of being a number two driver at Red Bull Racing compared to being team leader at Williams, how his fitness varies so much throughout the season, and why self-care is the most important part of his preparation. Plus, Alex explains why he has 13 cats and who the most competitive Padel player in the paddock is. Related Episodes James Vowles, Williams Team Principal Logan Sargeant More official F1 Podcasts F1 Nation - race previews and reviews from the F1 Paddock F1 Explains - your questions answered by the experts This episode is sponsored by: Indeed: listeners of our show get a seventy-five dollar sponsored job credit to get your job more visibility at indeed.com/GRID

Laurent Mekies: Ricciardo, Tsunoda + RB’s mission

Laurent Mekies: Ricciardo, Tsunoda + RB’s mission

Brand new name. Brand new leader. Brand new ambition? As RB enter the next era of their Formula 1 venture, is their purpose still to develop young drivers for Red Bull Racing? Outlining his vision to Tom Clarkson, new Team Principal Laurent Mekies talks about making RB more competitive in all areas, transforming the team’s culture and mentality, and how the combination of Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda will drive them further up the grid. Mekies also discusses how much the team has changed since he was an engineer in the Toro Rosso days, how he helped persuade drivers to introduce the life-saving halo during his time with the FIA, and what working for Ferrari meant to him. Follow, rate and review F1 Beyond The Grid and share this podcast using #F1BeyondTheGrid. Related Episodes Daniel Ricciardo Yuki Tsunoda Liam Lawson Franz Tost, RB’s previous Team Principal More Official F1 Podcasts F1 Nation - race previews and reviews from the F1 Paddock F1 Explains - your questions answered by the experts This episode is sponsored by: Factor: head to factormeals.com/grid50 and use code grid50 to get 50% off F1 Experiences: visit f1experiences.com/2024 to book your official ticket package today Babbel: get six months free with a purchase of a 6-month subscription at babbel.com/play with the promo code GRID24.

Sergio Perez: stronger in 2024

Sergio Perez: stronger in 2024

Sergio Perez secured a career-best P2 in the Drivers’ World Championship in 2023. But in one of the most dominant Formula 1 cars in history, Checo spent much of the year stuck in the shadow of his unstoppable teammate Max Verstappen. Despite one of Sergio’s most mentally challenging seasons, in which he faced serious questions about his future at Red Bull Racing, the Mexican is in fighting spirits for 2024. Chatting to Tom Clarkson during pre-season testing, Perez talks about where it all went wrong last year, why it’s so difficult to beat Max, how he switched off during the off-season, what he’s changing in his approach for the new campaign, and much more. Plus, hear how Checo Jr could be following in Sergio’s footsteps - and which F1 driver he’d want to be stuck in a lift with! Follow, rate and review F1 Beyond The Grid and share this episode using #F1BeyondTheGrid. Check out F1 Nation’s 2024 season preview with Tom Clarkson, Damon Hill, Natalie Pinkham and Pedro de la Rosa. Related Episodes Adrian Newey, Red Bull Racing’s legendary designer More Official F1 Podcasts F1 Nation - race previews and reviews from the F1 Paddock F1 Explains - your questions answered by the experts This episode is sponsored by: Shopify: sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/beyondthegrid Indochino: go to indochino.com and use code GRID to get 10% off any purchase of $399 or more. Babbel: right now, Babbel is offering our listeners six months free with a purchase of a 6-month subscription with promo code GRID24.

30 Days of BTG: Day 30 – 2024's first guest revealed

30 Days of BTG: Day 30 – 2024's first guest revealed

F1 is full of extraordinary humans, but who is Tom Clarkson's first guest in 2024? Find out here, then join F1 Beyond The Grid for in-depth conversations with the sport's fastest stars every Wednesday. Discover new official F1 podcasts in 2024: F1 Nation - 2024 Season Preview out now F1 Explains - your questions about F1, answered by the experts

30 Days of BTG: Day 29 – James Allison’s hilarious first encounter with Lewis Hamilton

30 Days of BTG: Day 29 – James Allison’s hilarious first encounter with Lewis Hamilton

Mercedes Technical Director, James Allison, is Tom Clarkson’s pick for the penultimate day of our countdown to the new series of F1 Beyond The Grid. James tells the very funny and emotional story of how his rather awkward first interaction with Lewis Hamilton formed the foundations of a strong and successful relationship between them. For James’ full conversation with Tom from 2019, listen here.

30 Days of BTG: Day 28 – Zhou Guanyu on idolising Alonso + Chinese Grand Prix dreams

30 Days of BTG: Day 28 – Zhou Guanyu on idolising Alonso + Chinese Grand Prix dreams

On 30 Days of Beyond The Grid, Day 28, Zhou Guanyu tells Tom Clarkson why Fernando Alonso is his idol, what it means to be the first Formula 1 driver from China, and how excited he’ll be to race in front of his home fans at the Chinese Grand Prix. For Zhou’s full conversation with Tom from 2022, listen here.

30 Days of BTG: Day 27 – Martin Brundle’s iconic battles with Ayrton Senna

30 Days of BTG: Day 27 – Martin Brundle’s iconic battles with Ayrton Senna

Martin Brundle is best known today for his infamous pre-race gridwalks and his expert analysis on television. But did you know he had a very impressive and dramatic racing career before moving into the commentary box? On Day 27 of our countdown to the new season, Martin tells Tom Clarkson about beating the likes of Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher and Mika Häkkinen, before they all went on to become multiple Formula 1 World Champions. For Martin’s full interview with Tom in 2018, listen here.

30 Days of BTG: Day 26 – Ralf Schumacher talks teammate rivalries and making history with Michael

30 Days of BTG: Day 26 – Ralf Schumacher talks teammate rivalries and making history with Michael

Six-time Grand Prix winner Ralf Schumacher joins Tom Clarkson on 30 Days of Beyond The Grid, Day 26. Ralf explains why he never became friendly with teammates and also tells Tom whether he would have made it to Formula 1 without his seven-time World Champion brother, Michael Schumacher. For Ralf’s full interview with Tom in 2019, listen here.

30 Days of BTG: Day 25 – How Alex Albon bounced back from Red Bull exit

30 Days of BTG: Day 25 – How Alex Albon bounced back from Red Bull exit

On 30 Days of Beyond The Grid, Day 25, Alex Albon talks about the impact of being dropped by Red Bull at the end of 2020 and how he fought his way back into Formula 1 with Williams. Listen to Alex’s full chat with Tom Clarkson in 2022 here.

30 Days of BTG: Day 24 – Ross Brawn tells the inside story of Brawn GP’s fairytale in 2009

30 Days of BTG: Day 24 – Ross Brawn tells the inside story of Brawn GP’s fairytale in 2009

In 2019, Tom Clarkson sat down with Ross Brawn to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Brawn GP becoming the first team to win both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ World Championships in their debut year. On Day 24 of our countdown to the new season, listen to their conversation in full - as Ross shares fascinating insight into how the team emerged from Honda’s ashes and went on to dominate the 2009 season. This episode is sponsored by: Indeed: get a seventy-five dollar sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility at indeed.com/GRID. BetterHelp: our listeners get 10% off their first month at betterhelp.com/GRID

30 Days of BTG: Day 23 – Inside Senna and Prost’s McLaren rivalry, with Neil Oatley

30 Days of BTG: Day 23 – Inside Senna and Prost’s McLaren rivalry, with Neil Oatley

On Day 23 of our pre-season countdown, World Champion designer Neil Oatley shares what it was like to have a front row seat for the fierce rivalry between Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost at McLaren in the late 1980’s. For Neil’s full chat with Tom in 2023, listen here.

30 Days of BTG: Day 22 – Damon Hill recalls his World Champion teammates and 1994 title-decider drama

30 Days of BTG: Day 22 – Damon Hill recalls his World Champion teammates and 1994 title-decider drama

Damon Hill is Tom Clarkson’s guest for 30 Days of Beyond The Grid, Day 22. The 1996 World Champion explains why his fellow title-winning teammates - Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost, and Ayrton Senna - were in a class of their own. And Damon also shares his perspective on losing the 1994 championship to Michael Schumacher in controversial circumstances. Listen to Damon’s full interview with Tom from 2019 here.

30 Days of BTG: Day 21 – Has Lance Stroll had an ‘easy ride’ into Formula 1?

30 Days of BTG: Day 21 – Has Lance Stroll had an ‘easy ride’ into Formula 1?

He's a three-time podium finisher and a regular points-scorer, with a fantastic pole position to his name, but Lance Stroll's place in Formula 1 is sometimes still questioned. His father, Lawrence, owns the Aston Martin team he drives for - the latest stage in what he calls a 'father-son journey' to the top of motorsport. On 30 Days of Beyond The Grid, Day 21, Lance tells Tom Clarkson why he deserves to be in F1, the sacrifices he’s made and what his relationship with Lawrence is like. For Lance’s full conversation with Tom in 2020, listen here.