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F1 Beyond The Grid

F1 Beyond The Grid

By: Formula 1
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About this listen

 The 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.

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An official Formula 1 podcast. For race reviews + previews, listen to F1 Nation. To learn more about how F1 works, listen to F1 Explains Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Doriane Pin: F1 ACADEMY champion, still pushing

    Doriane Pin: F1 ACADEMY champion, still pushing
    Apr 7 2026

    From the first time she sat in a kart, aged 9, Doriane Pin has wanted to race in Formula 1. F1 ACADEMY champion, Mercedes Development Driver, poised to drive an F1 car for the first time - Doriane is getting closer and closer to that dream.

    Doriane tells Tom Clarkson her racing story so far, from feeling like a 'superhero' in her kart, to seeking sponsors at the age of 11, taking on the Le Mans 24 hours, and being spotted by the Mercedes Junior Programme.

    In F1 ACADEMY, Doriane switched to racing open wheel cars on Grand Prix circuits, supported by Mercedes teammates Lewis Hamilton, George Russell and Kimi Antonelli. Susie Wolff's advice helped her score points in every race, and become champion at the end of her second season.

    Now Doriane is Development Driver for Mercedes and is preparing for a first F1 test. Her dream remains the same: a seat on the Grand Prix grid.

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    51 mins
  • Laurent Mekies: relishing Red Bull challenge

    Laurent Mekies: relishing Red Bull challenge
    Mar 31 2026
    Red Bull Racing were at a crossroads when Laurent Mekies took over as Team Principal halfway through 2025. After a difficult first half of the season, should they continue working on their 2025 car or write that year off and prioritise the new regulations for 2026?
    Their decision to stay focussed on the ‘25 car paid off, with Max Verstappen going from more than 100 points behind to missing out on the title by just two points. But in this new era of Formula 1, Red Bull have fallen down the pecking order after a difficult start to the season.
    Speaking to Tom Clarkson, Laurent explains why they didn’t switch full focus to 2026 earlier and whether they’re now paying the price for last year’s turnaround.
    Laurent also talks about how different his experience as a Team Principal is at Red Bull compared to Racing Bulls. He shares insight into what Max Verstappen is like outside of the car, the Dutchman’s future with the team and how Isack Hadjar is settling into his new surroundings.

    Plus, with Red Bull making their own power units for the first time this year, Laurent tells Tom why he describes their Powertrains project as a ‘crazy challenge’ that only a team like Red Bull could take on.

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    49 mins
  • Ayao Komatsu: aiming high with Haas

    Ayao Komatsu: aiming high with Haas
    Mar 25 2026
    Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu is Tom Clarkson’s guest on this week’s F1 Beyond The Grid.
    Ayao has been with Haas since their debut season 10 years ago, but he’s only been in charge since 2024. What has he learned about leadership in that time? How did he guide the team’s recovery from such a difficult start last season? And what are Haas’ targets in the new era of Formula 1?
    As for the drivers, Ayao tells Tom what he wants to see from Esteban Ocon this year and how long they can hold on to Ollie Bearman if his eye-catching performances continue.

    Ayao also reveals a lot about his relationship with owner Gene Haas and what Toyota bring to the table as the team’s technical partner.

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    1 hr
All stars
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I really enjoyed hearing from Paul Stoddart. His perspectives on drivers like Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso were vivid and reaffirmed what I've heard about their characters in positive (and in Schumi's case unexpected) ways. It's also refreshing to hear such a positive impression of Red Bull in an age where they've been branded Public Enemy Number One by so many. A great listen.

So good

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great podcast, with great origin stories from drivers and mechanics etc. Must listen for F1 fans.

Brilliant Podcast

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Absolutely brilliant. F1 podcasting at it's best. As a life-long F1 fan, being born in 1991, hearing all these podcast episodes has opened up a world of memories that I felt that I had forgotten. From old drivers to current, old team principles to current and even race engineers to engine designers and aerodynamisists.

Keep at it Tom and F1, I will always be listening as long as it may continue. Thank you.

Podcasting magic.

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I love this podcast!! To hear how people like lando and Daniel cope with the stress and stain of the car is amazing.

Charlie

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I love when u get people on the show now I just need to waste some words so I can send it


It’s great I love it am only 12 but it’s so good

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