F1 Explains: how driver managers do deals - with Carlos Onoro
About this episode
Driver managers in F1 do far more than negotiate team moves: they handle everything around a driver except driving, from contracts and confidentiality to the day-to-day logistics of an “insane” schedule. Carlos Honoro explains how he coordinates sporting, commercial, comms, and personal support for Carlos Sainz, including protecting a “sacred” window between FP3 and qualifying. The conversation also breaks down how contract clauses and information sharing work as negotiations unfold and teams manage risk.
For F1 drivers, being in the right team at the right time is crucial. Competition for a seat in a leading car is fierce. Moving teams is career-defining decision, and not always one the driver can fully control.
To negotiate the best deal available, and to organise the rest of their busy lives, drivers have mangers. They're a mix of agent and advisor - someone the driver trusts to help make decisions.
Carlos Onoro, manager and older cousin of Williams driver Carlos Sainz, sits down with Christian Hewgill to explain his role, which involves far more than doing deals. He looks back on negotiating Carlos' move to Williams, and explains why maintaining good relationships are key to success.
Read more about Carlos Onoro's job on F1.com
F1 Explains LIVE at the Formula 1 British Grand Prix
Special guest 1996 F1 World Champion Damon Hill
F1 Fanzone Stage | 1020 am | Saturday 4th July
Send questions to [email protected] - we could make you part of the show
Listen to more official F1 podcasts
Incredible personal stories on F1 Beyond The Grid - including Carlos Sainz
Expert race previews and reviews - right here on the F1 Nation podcast feed
driver managers do deals
"things that you've learned that are things that Carlos really likes or really doesn't like when you're setting up those sorts of schedules? There is one thing which is between FP3 and QOLI."
They’re talking about how a driver’s manager plans the driver’s time during a race weekend. The point is that management isn’t just contracts—it’s also protecting the driver’s routine so they can focus and perform.
This segment is about how driver managers structure a driver’s schedule and priorities around key sessions and commitments. It highlights the practical “deal-making” side of management—protecting time for recovery, media, and engineering work.
FP3
"There is one thing which is between FP3 and QOLI. You don't put any interviews or any meet and greets with sponsors or anything."
FP3 is one of the practice sessions on an F1 weekend. It’s when teams test and adjust the car before qualifying so they’re ready to go fast.
FP3 means “Free Practice 3,” the third on-track practice session of an F1 race weekend. Teams use it to fine-tune car setup and gather data ahead of qualifying.
QOLI
"There is one thing which is between FP3 and QOLI. You don't put any interviews or any meet and greets with sponsors or anything."
“QOLI” is almost certainly meant to be “qualifying.” Qualifying decides where the cars start the race, so drivers usually keep that time focused.
“QOLI” appears to be a transcription error for “Quali,” which is shorthand for qualifying in F1. Qualifying sets the starting grid, so teams and drivers protect the time leading up to it.
Silverstone
"at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. We'll be on the main stage in the F1 Fan Zone on Saturday morning at 10.20"
Silverstone is the historic Formula 1 circuit in the UK and hosts the British Grand Prix. It’s a key venue on the calendar, so schedule and media timing around it matters a lot for teams and drivers.
British Grand Prix
"at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. We'll be on the main stage in the F1 Fan Zone"
The British Grand Prix is the F1 race in the UK. In this episode, it’s where the hosts are doing a live show for fans.
The British Grand Prix is the Formula 1 race held at Silverstone. It’s referenced here as the event where the live show and related fan activities are happening.
Damon Hill
"with special guest the 1996 Formula One World Champion Damon Hill. Of course, British Grand Prix winner F1 legend"
Damon Hill is a former F1 driver who won the World Championship in 1996. He’s being featured as a guest for the live event at Silverstone.
Damon Hill is a former Formula 1 driver and the 1996 World Champion. He’s mentioned as the special guest for the podcast’s live show at Silverstone.
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