F1 Beyond The Grid
Formula 1
Updated 3 days agoThe risk-takers, late-brakers and history-makers of Formula 1 slow down for in-depth interviews. Tom Clarkson brings you revealing, feature-length conversations with drivers, team bosses, engineering experts and F1 legends. Hit the follow button for the fastest way to get new episodes. Watch episodes exclusively on the F1 YouTube channel. An official Formula 1 podcast. For race reviews + previews, listen to F1 Nation. To learn more about how F1 works, listen to F1 Explains
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Episodes (429)
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
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 EpisodesNico Hulkenberg Kevin Magnussen Takuma Sato Book your seat at a Grand PrixTickets 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 nowMore official F1 PodcastsF1 Nation - race previews, reviews and analysis from the F1 PaddockF1 Explains - your questions answered by the experts
Pat Symonds: spectacular, sustainable F1 tech
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 PodcastsF1 Nation - race previews, reviews and analysis from the F1 PaddockF1 Explains - your questions answered by the expertsThis episode is sponsored by:Salesforce: visit Salesforce.com/F1 to learn more about how Formula 1 wins fans and grows its global fanbase with SalesforceShopify: sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/beyondthegridOneSkin: get 15% off OneSkin with the code GRID at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpodFactor: head to factormeals.com/grid50 and use code grid50 to get 50% off
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 PodcastsFor 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 anypurchase of $399 or moreBetterHelp: our listeners get 10% off their first month at betterhelp.com/GRID
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 EpisodesJames Vowles, Williams Team Principal Logan Sargeant More official F1 PodcastsF1 Nation - race previews and reviews from the F1 PaddockF1 Explains - your questions answered by the expertsThis 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
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 EpisodesDaniel Ricciardo Yuki Tsunoda Liam Lawson Franz Tost, RB’s previous Team Principal More Official F1 PodcastsF1 Nation - race previews and reviews from the F1 PaddockF1 Explains - your questions answered by the expertsThis episode is sponsored by: Factor: head to factormeals.com/grid50 and use codegrid50 to get 50% offF1 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 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 EpisodesAdrian Newey, Red Bull Racing’s legendary designerMore Official F1 PodcastsF1 Nation - race previews and reviews from the F1 PaddockF1 Explains - your questions answered by the expertsThis 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
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 nowF1 Explains - your questions about F1, answered by the experts
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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?
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.
30 Days of BTG: Day 20 – Why Scott Speed didn’t succeed
On Day 20 of our countdown to the new season, former Toro Rosso driver Scott Speed tells Tom Clarkson how his ego and a fiery clash with team boss Franz Tost cut his Formula 1 career short.For Scott’s full conversation with Tom last year, listen here.
30 Days of BTG: Day 19 – Why Juan Pablo Montoya ‘didn’t fit in’
Juan Pablo Montoya is Tom Clarkson’s pick for 30 Days of Beyond The Grid, Day 19. Speaking in 2018, Montoya tells Tom why he left Formula 1 halfway through the 2006 season and how he reflects on his five and a half years in the sport. For the full interview with Juan Pablo, listen here.
30 Days of BTG: Day 18 – Paul Stoddart’s memories of Minardi’s miracle in 2002
On Day 18 of our pre-season countdown, an emotional Paul Stoddart tells the story of what he calls ‘the most famous two points in Formula 1 history’ - as his Minardi team secured a shock result at the Australian Grand Prix in 2002.For Paul’s full conversation with Tom Clarkson in 2023, listen here.
30 Days of BTG: Day 17 – Oscar Piastri’s journey to Formula 1
Tom Clarkson has chosen his full chat with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri from last season for Day 17 of 30 Days of Beyond The Grid. Oscar talks to Tom about leaving home at a young age, how his career in motorsport began with remote control racing, looking up to fellow Australians Mark Webber and Daniel Ricciardo, and much more.
30 Days of BTG: Day 16 - Carlos Sainz Jr's relationship with Carlos Sainz Sr
On Day 16 of 30 Days of Beyond The Grid, Carlos Sainz Jr tells Tom Clarkson about his incredible connection with two-time World Rally Champion father, Carlos Sainz Sr.For Sainz Jr's first BTG interview with Tom in full, tap here
30 Days of BTG: Day 15 – Mike Krack on taking charge of Aston + working for Lawrence Stroll
Aston Martin reveal their challenger for the 2024 season today.So, on Day 15 of 30 Days of Beyond The Grid, their Team Principal, Mike Krack, tells Tom Clarkson what it’s like to be in charge of a Constructor and how he works with team owner Lawrence Stroll.Listen to Mike’s full conversation with Tom in 2022 here.
30 Days of BTG: Day 14 – Stefano Domenicali explains why 24 is the ‘right’ number of races
Formula 1 will break new ground this year, with 24 races on the calendar. That’s more than any other season in the sport’s history.On Day 14 of 30 Days of Beyond The Grid, F1 CEO, Stefano Domenicali, tells Tom Clarkson why 24 Grands Prix makes sense.To learn more about F1’s future, listen to Stefano’s full conversation with Tom here.
30 Days of BTG: Day 13 – Finding F1’s future stars with Gwen Lagrue
On Day 13 of 30 Days of Beyond The Grid, F1 talent guru Gwen Lagrue, the man in charge of Mercedes’ junior driver programme, reveals what he looks for in potential F1 drivers and future World Champions.Listen to Gwen’s full conversation with Tom Clarkson from 2023 here.