F1: Chequered Flag
- Episodes
- 114
- Released
- several times a week
- Latest episode
- Nov 12, 2026
About the podcast
F1 Chequered Flag from the BBC offers expert analysis of every F1 race, with exclusive insight into every twist and turn of the F1 season. Each episode brings you in-depth race reviews, breaking down the strategies that shape each Grand Prix and the key players making headlines. Hear from F1 stars like Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris and the bosses of powerhouse teams like Red Bull, Mercedes, Ferrari and McLaren. Plus keep up to speed on the cars and tactics changing the game. Stay tuned for the latest F1 updates, straight from the track. F1 Chequered Flag: Home of Formula 1. Subscribe for the latest F1 updates, straight from the track. Watch on iPlayer: https://bbc.in/4iB1a2h (UK only)
Episodes 114
Chequered Flag Extra: The Making of Kimi Antonelli
In this Chequered Flag special, we explore Kimi Antonelli’s incredible climb through the ranks, from his upbringing in Bologna to becoming F1’s youngest ever champion. Harry Benjamin guides us through the …
Show notes
In this Chequered Flag special, we explore Kimi Antonelli’s incredible climb through the ranks, from his upbringing in Bologna to becoming F1’s youngest ever champion. Harry Benjamin guides us through the Italian’s meteoric rise hearing from prominent figures back in his hometown as well as those at Mercedes who have guided him to championship success, including deputy team principal Bradley Lord, Antonelli’s race engineer Pete Bonnington and Mercedes driver development advisor Gwen Lagrue.
Content gathered from series three of F1: Back at Base, which you can listen to on BBC Sounds, and from BBC Sport’s Nesta McGregor. Watch ‘Kimi Antonelli: The Making of Formula 1's Youngest Ever Champion’ on BBC Sport’s YouTube page.
São Paulo GP Review: Brazil Delivers!
Could Lando Norris capitalise on pole? Would Kimi Antonelli continue his championship form? Could George Russell recover? And how would Max Verstappen fare from the back? Harry Benjamin, British racing driver …
Show notes
Could Lando Norris capitalise on pole? Would Kimi Antonelli continue his championship form? Could George Russell recover? And how would Max Verstappen fare from the back? Harry Benjamin, British racing driver Sam Bird and the BBC’s F1 correspondent Andrew Benson reflect on the drama of the São Paulo Grand Prix, plus hear from the key protagonists.
São Paulo GP Quali Review: Who would take pole in extreme wet quali?
A chaotic qualifying with delays and wet conditions. But who would take pole? Harry Benjamin is joined by the British racing driver Sam Bird and the BBC’s F1 correspondent Andrew Benson to reflect on a dramatic …
Show notes
A chaotic qualifying with delays and wet conditions. But who would take pole? Harry Benjamin is joined by the British racing driver Sam Bird and the BBC’s F1 correspondent Andrew Benson to reflect on a dramatic Saturday at the São Paulo Grand Prix. Plus, we hear from Lando Norris, George Russell, Kimi Antonelli and Liam Lawson.
São Paulo GP Preview: Antonelli’s Title Parade
Can Kimi Antonelli continue his championship celebrations with victory in Brazil? Harry Benjamin is joined by former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer, former F1 mechanic Calum Nicholas and the BBC’s F1 correspondent …
Show notes
Can Kimi Antonelli continue his championship celebrations with victory in Brazil? Harry Benjamin is joined by former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer, former F1 mechanic Calum Nicholas and the BBC’s F1 correspondent Andrew Benson to look ahead to the weekend’s action and further reflect on Kimi Antonelli's title win. With plenty of other talking points to debate, we also ask whether Mercedes can wrap up the constructors’ title this weekend? What next for George Russell? And can Ferrari resolve their on-track issues between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc?
Mexico City GP Review: How Did Kimi Do It?
Just how has Kimi Antonelli become Formula 1 world champion at just 20 years old? Harry, Jennie and Marc soak up the celebrations at Mercedes as they reflect on the young Italian’s remarkable achievement. They …
Show notes
Just how has Kimi Antonelli become Formula 1 world champion at just 20 years old? Harry, Jennie and Marc soak up the celebrations at Mercedes as they reflect on the young Italian’s remarkable achievement. They hear from the man himself, his race engineer Pete Bonnington and Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff. Plus, 1996 world champion Damon Hill shares his thoughts on what he's witnessed this season.
Mexico City GP Qualifying Review: History for Hamilton
With history beckoning for Kimi Antonelli, Lewis Hamilton stole the show in Mexico, securing his first pole position for Ferrari while Antonelli could only manage fourth. Harry, Marc and Jennie review a busy …
Show notes
With history beckoning for Kimi Antonelli, Lewis Hamilton stole the show in Mexico, securing his first pole position for Ferrari while Antonelli could only manage fourth. Harry, Marc and Jennie review a busy day in the paddock and hear from the top four drivers. Plus, they react to Esteban Ocon’s statement following his withdrawal from the weekend, in which he acknowledged a disagreement within Haas but firmly denied any physical violence.
Mexico City GP Preview: Antonelli on the Brink of History
With Kimi Antonelli on the brink of making history, Harry, Marc and Jennie look back at how the young Italian has reached this point. They hear from 1996 world champion Damon Hill and three other world …
Show notes
With Kimi Antonelli on the brink of making history, Harry, Marc and Jennie look back at how the young Italian has reached this point. They hear from 1996 world champion Damon Hill and three other world champions whose exclusive club Antonelli could join on Sunday night. Italian journalist Roberto Chinchero tells us what it would mean back home, and Arvid Lindblad joins the pod for his final regular catch-up of the season.
US GP Review: Antonelli is made to wait
Kimi Antonelli will have to wait a little longer to be crowned world champion. His victory in Austin wasn’t quite enough to wrap up the title. Guenther Steiner and Damon Hill join Rosanna Tennant to unpack a …
Show notes
Kimi Antonelli will have to wait a little longer to be crowned world champion. His victory in Austin wasn’t quite enough to wrap up the title. Guenther Steiner and Damon Hill join Rosanna Tennant to unpack a relatively uneventful race, discuss the afternoon’s main talking points and look ahead to Mexico.
US GP Qualifying Review: Pole to Champion?
Can Kimi Antonelli turn pole position into a world championship? Rosanna Tennant is joined by Rebecca Clancy and Harry Benjamin to look back at qualifying in Austin. We hear from Antonelli and Max Verstappen …
Show notes
Can Kimi Antonelli turn pole position into a world championship? Rosanna Tennant is joined by Rebecca Clancy and Harry Benjamin to look back at qualifying in Austin. We hear from Antonelli and Max Verstappen, and the team make their predictions on whether Kimi will be crowned world champion on Sunday.
US GP Preview: Will Austin Crown a Champion?
Will Kimi Antonelli be crowned Formula 1 world champion in Austin this weekend, or will the title celebrations have to wait? Rosanna Tennant is joined by Jolyon Palmer, Andrew Benson and Harry Benjamin to …
Show notes
Will Kimi Antonelli be crowned Formula 1 world champion in Austin this weekend, or will the title celebrations have to wait? Rosanna Tennant is joined by Jolyon Palmer, Andrew Benson and Harry Benjamin to assess the Italian’s chances, and we hear from the man himself. We also discuss Max Verstappen’s resurgence as he chases a third consecutive Grand Prix victory, and examine the tensions at Ferrari after Lewis Hamilton squandered a likely podium finish in Singapore. Plus, Haas driver Ollie Bearman drops by for a chat about life in F1, his future and his former team-mate Antonelli’s remarkable rise to the top.
Chequered Flag Extra: Christian Horner in conversation with Rick Edwards
Former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner sits down for an in-depth chat with Rick Edwards around the release of his memoir ‘Drive'. Horner details why he was sacked last year, what would bring him back …
Show notes
Former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner sits down for an in-depth chat with Rick Edwards around the release of his memoir ‘Drive'. Horner details why he was sacked last year, what would bring him back to F1 and whether he misses the sport.
Chequered Flag Extra: F1 in Africa, Gasly on Alpine & Palmowski’s title dream
Harry Benjamin speaks to F1 Academy championship leader Alisha Palmowski about her season and her hopes of securing the title in Austin. Alisha looks ahead to the next step in her career and also offers her …
Show notes
Harry Benjamin speaks to F1 Academy championship leader Alisha Palmowski about her season and her hopes of securing the title in Austin. Alisha looks ahead to the next step in her career and also offers her thoughts on Kimi Antonelli’s rapid rise. Pierre Gasly looks back on nearly a decade in Formula 1, from his debut in Malaysia to his Monza victory and pole position. He discusses Alpine’s upward trajectory, adapting to life at the front of a team and the lessons he would pass on to his younger self. Plus, the BBC’s F1 correspondent Andrew Benson reacts to the news that Rwanda has signed a 10-year deal to host races in the African country, starting "in the early 2030s".
Singapore GP Review: Who would shine under the lights?
Could Max Verstappen convert pole to victory in Singapore & would Kimi Antonelli edge closer to the drivers’ title? Harry Benjamin is joined by British racing driver Alice Powell and F1 Academy championship …
Show notes
Could Max Verstappen convert pole to victory in Singapore & would Kimi Antonelli edge closer to the drivers’ title? Harry Benjamin is joined by British racing driver Alice Powell and F1 Academy championship leader Alisha Palmowski to reflect on all of the action and hear from the key protagonists, Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc and Kimi Antonelli. The team analyse Ferrari’s strategy and explain the permutations for Antonelli to win the title in Austin next time out.
Singapore GP Saturday Review: Sprint chaos & who would take pole?
Could Max Verstappen continue his fine form and take victory in the Singapore sprint? Would Kimi Antonelli take full advantage in qualifying, knowing that George Russell has a penalty for Sunday’s Grand Prix? …
Show notes
Could Max Verstappen continue his fine form and take victory in the Singapore sprint? Would Kimi Antonelli take full advantage in qualifying, knowing that George Russell has a penalty for Sunday’s Grand Prix? Or would Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari or the McLarens capitalise at the Marina Bay Street Circuit? Harry Benjamin and British racing driver Alice Powell react to a packed Saturday at the Singapore Grand Prix.
Singapore GP Preview: Software, Sprints & Penalties
Will George Russell be able to recover from the back of the grid in Singapore? The fallout from the software issues in Malaysia continue. Can Max Verstappen keep up his winning form? And what do we make of …
Show notes
Will George Russell be able to recover from the back of the grid in Singapore? The fallout from the software issues in Malaysia continue. Can Max Verstappen keep up his winning form? And what do we make of Singapore being a sprint weekend? Harry Benjamin, former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer and the BBC’s F1 correspondent Andrew Benson look ahead to the Singapore Grand Prix. We hear from Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton and George Russell. Plus, when will Kimi Antonelli wrap up the drivers’ title? And Harry puts Andrew and Jolyon through their paces with an F1 equivalent of Mastermind.
Bahrain GP in Malaysia Review: Chaos at Sepang!
Could Max Verstappen take his first win of the season or would Kimi Antonelli and George Russell fight back in a dramatic race in Malaysia? Harry Benjamin, British racing driver Sam Bird and the BBC’s F1 …
Show notes
Could Max Verstappen take his first win of the season or would Kimi Antonelli and George Russell fight back in a dramatic race in Malaysia? Harry Benjamin, British racing driver Sam Bird and the BBC’s F1 correspondent Andrew Benson sum up the delays and drama at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.
Bahrain GP in Malaysia Quali Review: Verstappen v Hamilton Reignited?
Will we get a repeat of Max Verstappen & Lewis Hamilton’s epic 2021 battle into turn one at Sepang? Harry Benjamin is joined by British racing driver Sam Bird and the BBC’s F1 correspondent Andrew Benson to …
Show notes
Will we get a repeat of Max Verstappen & Lewis Hamilton’s epic 2021 battle into turn one at Sepang? Harry Benjamin is joined by British racing driver Sam Bird and the BBC’s F1 correspondent Andrew Benson to reflect on qualifying at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. The team also analyse the performance of title rivals Kimi Antonelli and George Russell. Who will take the vital advantage going into Sunday’s race?
Bahrain GP in Malaysia Preview: Antonelli’s mindset, Piastri’s struggles & who wins in Sepang?
Can Kimi Antonelli bounce back from his Baku blip or is George Russell still in the title fight? Harry Benjamin, former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer and the BBC’s F1 correspondent Andrew Benson look ahead to the …
Show notes
Can Kimi Antonelli bounce back from his Baku blip or is George Russell still in the title fight? Harry Benjamin, former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer and the BBC’s F1 correspondent Andrew Benson look ahead to the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. The team discuss why the race is happening, and why Sepang is a driver favourite. Plus, Harry speaks with Oscar Piastri about his McLaren struggles this season and why the new rules have meant he has had to adjust his driving style.
Azerbaijan GP Review: Vettel Gives His Verdict
Has George Russell rediscovered his mojo after a lights-to-flag victory in Baku? Rosanna Tennant is joined by Marc Priestley and Harry Benjamin to reflect on the race and Russell’s impressive performance …
Show notes
Has George Russell rediscovered his mojo after a lights-to-flag victory in Baku? Rosanna Tennant is joined by Marc Priestley and Harry Benjamin to reflect on the race and Russell’s impressive performance. Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel is also on the pod to give his take on the day. Plus, we hear from Russell, Max Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli.
Azerbaijan GP Quali Review: Drama for Russell and Antonelli
Can George Russell convert pole into his first race win since June? Marc Priestley and Harry Benjamin join Rosanna Tennant as Russell put in a near-perfect lap while Kimi Antonelli crashed out in Q1. We hear …
Show notes
Can George Russell convert pole into his first race win since June? Marc Priestley and Harry Benjamin join Rosanna Tennant as Russell put in a near-perfect lap while Kimi Antonelli crashed out in Q1. We hear from both Mercedes drivers, as well as Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri, who start second and third respectively.
Azerbaijan GP Preview: Can Kimi Conquer Baku?
Can Kimi Antonelli extend his championship lead as F1 heads to Baku this weekend? Rosanna Tennant is joined by Harry Benjamin and Marc Priestley to look ahead to a race that is expected to suit Mercedes. They …
Show notes
Can Kimi Antonelli extend his championship lead as F1 heads to Baku this weekend? Rosanna Tennant is joined by Harry Benjamin and Marc Priestley to look ahead to a race that is expected to suit Mercedes. They discuss the relationship between the young Italian and his race engineer, Pete Bonnington, and hear from Kimi about how that partnership is developing. We also hear from Lando Norris, who remains firm in his belief that the VSC is having too much influence on the outcome of races. Plus, Arvid Lindblad joins the pod for his regular catch-up with Harry.
Chequered Flag Extra: Verstappen vs 100 Go-Karts
Harry Benjamin and Becky Evans give you a flavour from Silverstone as Max Verstappen attempts to overtake 100 go-karters at a special exhibition event. One of the 100 karters is our very own, Becky Evans! What …
Show notes
Harry Benjamin and Becky Evans give you a flavour from Silverstone as Max Verstappen attempts to overtake 100 go-karters at a special exhibition event. One of the 100 karters is our very own, Becky Evans! What would her strategy be against Verstappen? Harry speaks with the four-time world champion about this unique challenge, plus he chats with Red Bull performance engineer, Richard Cooke, and some of the other competitors including streamer, Pie Face, and professional mountain bike rider, Matt Jones.
Spanish GP Review: VSC or not to VSC
Harry Benjamin, Alice Powell and Rebecca Clancy assess the twists and turns of the Spanish GP as the virtual safety car plays a vital part, leading to contrasting fortunes for Kimi Antonelli and Lando Norris …
Show notes
Harry Benjamin, Alice Powell and Rebecca Clancy assess the twists and turns of the Spanish GP as the virtual safety car plays a vital part, leading to contrasting fortunes for Kimi Antonelli and Lando Norris. The team also praise Max Verstappen, question George Russell’s strategy and ask if the new Madring circuit was a success.
Spanish GP Quali Review: A ‘Gorgeous’ Lap To Seal Pole
Harry Benjamin and Alice Powell review the first qualifying session at the brand-new Madring ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix. They assess how Lando Norris, Kimi Antonelli and Max Verstappen handled the …
Show notes
Harry Benjamin and Alice Powell review the first qualifying session at the brand-new Madring ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix. They assess how Lando Norris, Kimi Antonelli and Max Verstappen handled the challenge of Formula 1's newest circuit. Could Ferrari and Lewis Hamilton bounce back after a disappointing race in Italy? Plus, with tyre strategy, overtaking and the crucial opening lap all in focus, what can we expect from Sunday’s race?
Max Verstappen Special
Four-time world champion Max Verstappen sits down for an exclusive chat with the BBC’s F1 correspondent Andrew Benson. The Red Bull driver talks about why he extended his contract, his discussions with McLaren …
Show notes
Four-time world champion Max Verstappen sits down for an exclusive chat with the BBC’s F1 correspondent Andrew Benson. The Red Bull driver talks about why he extended his contract, his discussions with McLaren, his stunning appearance at the Nurburgring 24 Hours in May, and the new Formula 1 engine rules.
Spanish GP Preview: Hola Madrid!
The Chequered Flag team are in Madrid for Formula 1’s first race at its brand-new circuit. Jennie Gow is joined by the BBC’s F1 correspondent Andrew Benson and former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer to assess Kimi …
Show notes
The Chequered Flag team are in Madrid for Formula 1’s first race at its brand-new circuit. Jennie Gow is joined by the BBC’s F1 correspondent Andrew Benson and former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer to assess Kimi Antonelli’s remarkable momentum, George Russell’s fight to recover his season and Ferrari’s growing tensions. Plus, Andrew sits down with Max Verstappen to discuss his decision to remain with Red Bull.
Italian GP Review: History at Monza!
Harry Benjamin, British racing driver Alex Lynn and F1 journalist Rebecca Clancy look back on a dramatic Italian Grand Prix, from Kimi Antonelli’s extraordinary challenge from the back of the grid to George …
Show notes
Harry Benjamin, British racing driver Alex Lynn and F1 journalist Rebecca Clancy look back on a dramatic Italian Grand Prix, from Kimi Antonelli’s extraordinary challenge from the back of the grid to George Russell’s fight for victory. They examine Ferrari’s difficult home race, Max Verstappen’s pace, McLaren’s tense intra-team battle and what the championship picture means heading to Madrid’s brand-new circuit.
Italian GP Quali Review: Magnificent Monza Delivers Huge Shock
What would happen in one of the most anticipated qualifying sessions of the season? The historic Monza took centre stage on qualifying day at the Italian Grand Prix. Would the passionate tifosi be delighted …
Show notes
What would happen in one of the most anticipated qualifying sessions of the season? The historic Monza took centre stage on qualifying day at the Italian Grand Prix. Would the passionate tifosi be delighted with a Ferrari pole for Lewis Hamilton or Charles Leclerc? With Kimi Antonelli taking a grid penalty, could George Russell capitalise and make ground up in the championship race? Or would we be in for a huge shock? Harry Benjamin is joined by F1 journalist Rebecca Clancy and British racing driver Alex Lynn to look back on a dramatic session, plus hear from the key protagonists.
Italian GP Preview: Ferrari & Antonelli Bring Monza Heat
Formula 1 heads to Monza, where the Tifosi are dreaming of a Ferrari victory and Italian championship leader Kimi Antonelli faces a charge from the back of the grid. Jolyon Palmer and Andrew Benson join Harry …
Show notes
Formula 1 heads to Monza, where the Tifosi are dreaming of a Ferrari victory and Italian championship leader Kimi Antonelli faces a charge from the back of the grid. Jolyon Palmer and Andrew Benson join Harry Benjamin to assess Mercedes’ title opportunity, Lewis Hamilton’s hopes of a first Ferrari win on home turf, McLaren’s remarkable form and Lando Norris’s new long-term deal. Andrew sits down for a chat with the world champion and we discuss whether Red Bull and Max Verstappen can compete at the front this weekend.
Chequered Flag Extra: F1 Super Subs & the Home Grand Prix Curse
As championship leader Kimi Antonelli and the rest of F1 head to Monza, Harry Benjamin and Nicola Hume are here to investigate why the Italian has cause for concern.Off the back of Yuki Tsunoda and Liam …
Show notes
As championship leader Kimi Antonelli and the rest of F1 head to Monza, Harry Benjamin and Nicola Hume are here to investigate why the Italian has cause for concern.
Off the back of Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson’s stand-in success in Zandvoort, they also revisit the most memorable F1 super subs, from the sublime to the ridiculous.
Nicola puts Harry on the spot with her Formula 1 or Formula Fun facts - which are true and which are fake? Plus, have the Backstreet Boys nailed the perfect driver boyband line-up?
These are the latest 40 of 114 episodes. You’ll find older episodes in the podcast’s feed.
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