F1 Nation

He’s driven some incredible races and broken records in an amazing car this year, but ask Max Verstappen what he’ll remember most about 2023 and he says something different. The triple World Champion made more history in Abu Dhabi. He and Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner reflect on a dominant weekend and their stunning season. Tom Clarkson has 1996 champ Damon Hill and Aston Martin ambassador Pedro de la Rosa alongside him in the Yas Marina Paddock to review a race where crucial championship positions were decided for teams and drivers. After securing P2 in the Constructor’s Championship, Toto Wolff explains how Mercedes are remembering history as they plan to improve in 2024. Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll looks forward to a safer winter than he had last year. Lando Norris tells us what McLaren need to change about their car for 2024. Williams’ Alex Albon opens up on why 2023 was so important for him personally, and the team’s new Chief Technical Officer Pat Fry assesses if Williams have what they need to take another step forward. Plus, we say farewell to Franz Tost at AlphaTauri, and congratulations to the winner of our F1 Fantasy league This episode is sponsored by:  Shopify: sign up for a one-pound-per-month trial period at shopify.co.uk/ nation Uncommon Goods: to get 15% off your next gift, go to uncommongoods.com/NATION

High-speed overtakes, three different leaders, two safety cars, but only one winner. The streets of Las Vegas gave us one of the most thrilling races of 2023, as Max Verstappen overcame a five-second penalty to take his 18th win of the season.   From the heart of the Vegas paddock, Tom Clarkson is joined by Damon Hill and Natalie Pinkham to discuss Verstappen's victory, why polesitter Charles Leclerc missed out on the win and what the future holds for Sergio Perez after securing P2 in the Drivers' Championship.   Just four points now separate Mercedes and Ferrari in the Constructors’ Championship battle for P2, so Ferrari ambassador Marc Gené and Mercedes’ Technical Director James Allison drop by to share their thoughts on who will come out on top at the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi.   Plus, you’ll hear from Esteban Ocon after his mega drive from P16 to P4, and Aston Martin Performance Director, Tom McCullough, on Lance Stroll’s incredible comeback from P19 to P5. This episode is sponsored by:  Uncommon Goods: to get 15% off your next gift, go to uncommongoods.com/NATION. Don’t miss out on this limited time offer! 

Whether it’s the impact of cold temperatures on tyres, the challenges of racing round a completely new track, or which teams are likely to be setting the pace, our expert analyst, Pedro de la Rosa, tells you everything you need to know ahead of this weekend’s Las Vegas Grand Prix. The former McLaren driver and Aston Martin Ambassador joins Tom Clarkson on F1 Nation to discuss all the big talking points as Formula 1 makes an eagerly-anticipated return to the city for the first time in 41 years. Plus, from a star-studded opening ceremony to a wedding chapel in the paddock, Las Vegas GP CEO, Renee Wilm, talks about the mesmerising sights and sounds fans can expect to experience away from the racing. This episode is sponsored by: Shopify: sign up for a one-pound-per-month trial period at shopify.co.uk/nation eBay Motors: keep your ride alive at ebaymotors.com

Max Verstappen dominated the weekend in Sao Paulo, winning Saturday's F1 Sprint and taking a 17th Grand Prix victory of the season. Lando Norris took his seventh podium of 2023, and Fernando Alonso edged Sergio Perez to P3 by 53 thousandths of a second in a nail-biting finish across the line. From the heart of the Interlagos paddock, Tom Clarkson is joined by L’Equipe journalist, Fred Ferret, and newly-crowned Formula 3 champion, Gabriel Bortoletto, to discuss the São Paulo Grand Prix in Brazil. You’ll hear reaction from both Alonso and Norris, while Aston Martin Team Principal, Mike Krack, Mercedes’ Technical Director, James Allison, and Carlos Sainz all drop by for a post-race debrief. For in-depth interviews with F1's biggest stars, listen to F1 Beyond The Grid. To hear F1 experts explore how the sport really works, check out F1 Explains. This episode is sponsored by:  BetterHelp: our listeners get 10% off their first month at betterhelp.com /f1nation. Uncommon Goods: to get 15% off your next gift, go to uncommongoods.com/NATION

Max Verstappen claimed a record-breaking 16th victory of the season, Sergio Perez crashed out, Lewis Hamilton produced a tyre management masterclass to take second, Lando Norris completed a mega comeback from P17 to P5, and Daniel Ricciardo secured his first points since returning to F1. The Mexico City Grand Prix certainly lived up to expectations. Tom Clarkson is joined by Natalie Pinkham and former Sauber and Haas driver, and current Mercedes Ambassador, Esteban Gutiérrez, to dissect the main talking points from inside the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez paddock. You’ll also hear reaction from Verstappen, Perez, Hamilton, Ricciardo, Charles Leclerc, McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella and Aston Martin Performance Director, Tom McCullough. Play F1 Fantasy and join the F1 Nation World Championship to compete against us and other listeners. Go to F1.com/fantasy to sign up for free.

Max Verstappen reached a half century of victories in Formula 1, both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were disqualified due to a technical infringement on their cars, and Marta García became the inaugural F1 Academy champion. Austin had it all. Tom Clarkson is joined by Damon Hill and Tim Mayer, Chairman of the FIA stewards, to reflect on a thrilling weekend of action at the United States Grand Prix. The trio assess one of Max’s most hard-fought victories, what positives Mercedes can take from their improvements despite Hamilton losing his P2, another McLaren podium and an eventful race for Aston Martin. As well as Verstappen, you’ll hear from George Russell, Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, Valtteri Bottas and Haas Team Principal, Guenther Steiner. Plus, Tom speaks to Marta García to find out what the Spaniard’s F1 Academy success means for her future. Play F1 Fantasy and join the F1 Nation World Championship to compete against us and other listeners. Go to F1.com/fantasy to sign up for free.

Max Verstappen’s best win? His most satisfying qualifying? The race he felt most pressure in? Ahead of the US Grand Prix in Austin this weekend, Tom Clarkson and Damon Hill discuss the standout moments from the triple World Champion’s record-breaking season so far. Mercedes Technical Director, James Allison, joins the pod to share how the team are bouncing back from the collision between Lewis Hamilton and George Russell in Qatar. Also on the agenda: Daniel Ricciardo’s return for AlphaTauri at the Circuit of the Americas, the title-deciding final round of F1 Academy, and we hear from US Grand Prix race promoter Bobby Epstein. Play F1 Fantasy and join the F1 Nation World Championship to compete against us and other listeners. Go to F1.com/fantasy to sign up for free. This episode is sponsored by:  Shopify: sign up for a one-pound-per-month trial period at shopify.co.uk/nation eBay Motors: keep your ride alive at ebaymotors.com

Sir Jack Brabham, Sir Jackie Stewart, Nelson Piquet, Niki Lauda, Ayrton Senna, and now, Max Verstappen. The Dutchman joins an elite club of triple Formula 1 World Champions after wrapping up his third title in a row at the Qatar Grand Prix. From the heart of the paddock at the Lusail International Circuit, Tom Clarkson is joined by Sam Power, from Channel 10 in Australia, and Aston Martin Driver Ambassador, Jessica Hawkins, to reflect on the standout moments from Max’s latest triumph. Verstappen tells Tom where this title ranks among his others, whilst we also hear from his manager Raymond Vermeulen and Red Bull Team Principal, Christian Horner. F1 Sprint winner Oscar Piastri joins the pod after McLaren’s best weekend of the season and we discuss the first-corner collision between Mercedes teammates Lewis Hamilton and George Russell.

Max Verstappen has the chance to make even more history in Qatar, by becoming the first driver to be crowned World Champion in an F1 Sprint race. Tom Clarkson, Natalie Pinkham and Pedro de la Rosa explain how the Dutchman can wrap up his third title this weekend. The trio also discuss whether Max will help his teammate Sergio Perez finish second in the driver standings, the competition between George Russell and Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes, and which teams can take the fight to Red Bull in 2024. This episode is sponsored by:  BetterHelp: visit betterhelp.com/f1nation today to get 10% off your first month

Last week, Max Verstappen told F1 Nation he wanted to win the Japanese Grand Prix by 20 seconds after his struggles in Singapore. He may have been a few tenths off that target but the Dutchman was back to his very best in Suzuka and dominated the whole weekend as Red Bull became World Champions again. Tom Clarkson, Natalie Pinkham and Damon Hill are joined by Team Principal, Christian Horner, and Sporting Director, Jonathan Wheatley, to reflect on their sixth Constructors’ title. “We’re coming for Red Bull.” Those were the words of Lando Norris in P2, after McLaren secured their best result of the season with Oscar Piastri claiming his first podium in Formula 1. Team Principal Andrea Stella joins the pod to discuss their remarkable progress this year. As well as the top three, you’ll also hear from Aston Martin boss, Mike Krack, Mercedes’ Communications Director, Bradley Lord, and Alpine’s Esteban Ocon. This episode is sponsored by:  BetterHelp: visit betterhelp.com/f1nation today to get 10% off your first month

Carlos Sainz produced a tactical masterclass to stop Mercedes snatching victory from him in a gripping finale to the Singapore Grand Prix.  From the heart of the Marina Bay paddock, Tom Clarkson is joined by former McLaren driver, Pedro de la Rosa, and German Formula 1 reporter, Silja Rulle, to dissect Sainz’s sensational strategy and what this win means for Ferrari. Should McLaren or Mercedes have been on the top step of the podium? Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton share their thoughts on a dramatic final few laps and whether they really had any chance of overtaking the Spaniard.  Red Bull’s 100% record in 2023 is over. Why did they struggle so much in Singapore? Max Verstappen drops by to let us know how he’s feeling after missing out on a podium for the first time this year and the Dutchman sends a powerful warning to his rivals ahead of Suzuka. You'll also hear from George Russell, Oscar Piastri, and Liam Lawson after securing his first ever points in Formula 1. This episode is sponsored by Shopify: sign up for a one-pound-per-month trial period at shopify.co.uk/nation

Will Red Bull struggle round the streets of Singapore? Or are Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez both playing mind games by saying they’ll find the Marina Bay circuit more difficult than previous races? Does Charles Leclerc need to reassert himself at Ferrari after being outperformed by teammate Carlos Sainz in Monza? Will Fernando Alonso be back on the podium for the eighth time this season? Can McLaren and Mercedes get back to the front after losing some momentum? Tom Clarkson and Natalie Pinkham dissect all the big talking points ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix. Plus, 10-time Grand Prix winner Gerhard Berger tells Tom why Max Verstappen reminds him of his former McLaren teammate and close friend, Ayrton Senna, and the Austrian answers your questions in Ask The Nation. To have your question answered on a future episode, send a voice note or an email to F1Nation@f1.com

From the heart of the Monza paddock, Tom Clarkson is joined by Italian F1 journalist, Roberto Chinchero, and Spanish F1 writer for Diario AS, Jesús Balseiro, to reflect on Max Verstappen’s record-breaking 10th Grand Prix victory in a row. Verstappen and Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner react to another triumphant weekend for the reigning World Champions, whilst Ferrari duo Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc share their thoughts on an epic battle for the final podium place in front of the adoring Tifosi. Will Lewis Hamilton still be on Oscar Piastri’s Christmas card list after their collision? The Australian gives his verdict on the incident that cost him a points finish and whether he can still take positives from the weekend. Plus, you’ll also hear from Sergio Perez, McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella, Alfa Romeo’s Zhou Guanyu, and Williams Team Principal James Vowles. This episode is sponsored by:  AG1: If a comprehensive solution is what you need from your supplement routine, then try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D AND 5 free AG1 Travel Packs with your first purchase. Go to drinkAG1.com/F1NATION.  BetterHelp: get a break from your thoughts, with BetterHelp. Visit betterhelp.com/f1nation today to get 10% off your first month.

Torrential rain at the start, a safety car, more torrential rain, a red flag… Nothing was going to stop Max Verstappen winning his home race for the third year in a row and equalling the all-time record of nine consecutive wins in a season, set by Sebastian Vettel in 2013. So how many more is the pending triple World Champion going to add to his streak in 2023? Tom Clarkson is joined by Christian Menath, from Motorsport Magazin in Germany, and Brazilian F1 journalist, Julianne Cerasoli, to dissect how the Dutchman overcame so many obstacles on his way to victory. Who got their strategy right and who made mistakes at Zandvoort? We reflect on huge results for Aston Martin and Alpine, with Fernando Alonso and Pierre Gasly on the podium, and we assess the decision-making of McLaren and Mercedes. As well as the top three, you’ll hear reaction from Max’s manager, Raymond Vermeulen, and the Ferrari duo of Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc. This episode is sponsored by: Philips OneBlade: if you live life at F1 speeds, you need the Philips OneBlade. Available at bol.com and Kruidvat.

It’s race week again! The 2023 Formula 1 season returns after the summer break with a trip to Zandvoort for the Dutch Grand Prix. Will Max Verstappen match Sebastian Vettel’s record of nine consecutive wins in front of his home fans? What other history can he and Red Bull still create this season? Tom Clarkson is joined by 1996 World Champion, Damon Hill, and former McLaren driver and current Aston Martin Team Ambassador, Pedro de la Rosa, to discuss Max’s homecoming and which drivers have a point to prove in the second half of the season. Plus, Damon and Pedro explain how they individually “revolutionised” pit stops in Ask The Nation. To have your question answered on a future episode, send a voice note or an email to F1Nation@F1.com. Check out F1 Nation’s 2023 summer specials… Quiz of the season so far Ask The Nation This episode is sponsored by: AG1: if a comprehensive solution is what you need from your supplement routine, then try AG1 and get a FREE 1 year supply of Vitamin D AND 5 free AG1 Travel Packs with your first purchase. Go to drinkAG1.com/F1NATION. NordVPN: get your Exclusive NordVPN deal at nordvpn.com/f1nation.  It’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee

F1 teams and drivers may be taking a summer break but fear not, F1 Nation is still here for your weekly Formula 1 fix. In this episode, Tom Clarkson, Natalie Pinkham and 1996 World Champion, Damon Hill, answer your questions about F1.   Will Red Bull complete a clean sweep this season? Who can stop their record-breaking winning streak? Which team has made the most progress in 2023? Who will be Brazil’s next Formula 1 star? What’s it like to work at the pinnacle of motorsport?  All those questions are put to the team, plus a few to test Damon’s memory of his career…  To have your question answered on a future episode, send a voice note or an email to F1Nation@F1.com.  Don’t forget to check out F1 Beyond The Grid – where Formula 1's fastest stars slow down and open up to Tom Clarkson, sharing untold stories and unrivalled insight.  Got a question about how F1 works? Katie Osborne and Christian Hewgill might have the answer… This episode is sponsored by:  Shopify: sign up for a one-pound-per-month trial period at shopify.co.uk/nation  Factor: head to factormeals.com/nation50 and use code nation50 to get 50% off

Mystery Team Radio messages. Drivers, slowed-down. Big numbers. Big drama. Natalie Pinkham and 1996 F1 World Champion Damon Hill go head-to-head in the first F1 Nation quiz.  Question master Tom Clarkson tests Natalie and Damon's memories of 2023, their F1 knowledge and skills they never knew they had. You can play along too! Who will be crowned F1 Nation Quiz Champion? This episode is sponsored by:  BetterHelp: visit BetterHelp dot com slash f1nation today to get 10% off your first month. NordVPN: get your Exclusive NordVPN deal at nordvpn.com/f1nation.  It’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee

F1 is witnessing greatness. ‘Max has got this burning desire’, says Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner after another emphatic Verstappen victory in Belgium. Tom Clarkson, Natalie Pinkham and Erik van Haren reflect on Red Bull winning the first 12 races of 2023 and explore Verstappen’s ‘must-win’ mentality. ‘Being 2nd behind Max is like a win’ says the team’s Motorsport Advisor Helmut Marko as he hails Sergio Perez. After a great weekend for Oscar Piastri and a remarkable recovery drive from Lando Norris, we reflect on McLaren’s season so far and get a few words from Lando’s dad. Interim Team Principal of Alpine, Bruno Famin, explains the big leadership changes at the team and celebrates a good weekend on-track for Gasly and Ocon. Plus, we debrief with Ferrari’s Fred Vasseur after Charles Leclerc’s return to the podium, Aston Martin’s Mike Krack tells us how he’s feeling after a double points finish, and Yuki Tsunoda reveals his cocktail of choice after scoring points with AlphaTauri.

A broken record. A broken trophy. An unbreakable winning streak? Red Bull won their 12th consecutive Grand Prix in Budapest. Tom Clarkson, Lee McKenzie and Juan Fossaroli dive into the post-race celebrations to round up the Hungarian Grand Prix. At Red Bull, Jos Verstappen, Max’s father, explains why ‘focus’ is the key to his son’s ‘unbelievable’ season. Team Principal Christian Horner reflects on Max v Lewis at the race start and reveals how much damage was done to Verstappen’s winners’ trophy during the podium celebrations. Chief Technical Officer Adrian Newey talks about beating the all-time consecutive win record. After an important podium for Sergio Perez, we talk about his future at Red Bull. There’s reaction from a happy McLaren CEO Zak Brown after another Lando Norris podium and top 5 finish for Oscar Piastri. Could Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton have made the podium after his stunning pole position? How costly is a double retirement for Alpine? Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur says the team ‘made mistakes’ in Budapest. Plus, what’s behind Aston Martin’s drop in performance? Play F1 Fantasy with F1 Nation for free. Search for the game, pick your team, then join the F1 Nation World Championship. Send your emails and questions about the 2023 F1 season to F1Nation@F1.com

How did Daniel Ricciardo’s F1 comeback happen? When and where was the decision made? Who called Nyck De Vries to tell him he’d lost his seat at AlphaTauri? What are Daniel’s long-term goals in F1? Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner joins F1 Nation to give us the full inside story. Tom Clarkson and two Hungarian Grand Prix experts – two-time winner Damon Hill and podium finisher Pedro de la Rosa – discuss Ricciardo’s return and what it means for him, the outgoing Nyck De Vries, Red Bull driver Sergio Perez and AlphaTauri’s Yuki Tsunoda. Plus, after Lando Norris’ stunning Silverstone podium, the team ask if McLaren can challenge Red Bull again. Will Ferrari, Aston Martin or Mercedes have a better chance around the twisting, technical Hungaroring? Hear more from Daniel Ricciardo on F1.com and the F1 app. For more F1 podcasts, search for F1 Beyond The Grid and Formula Why. This episode is sponsored by Factor: head to factormeals.com/nation50 and use code nation50 to get 50% off 

Two British drivers on the podium. A record-equalling 11th straight win for Red Bull. The 2023 British Grand Prix will go down in history. Max Verstappen took his sixth win in a row at Silverstone, but McLaren stole the headlines with Lando Norris' first home podium and Oscar Piastri’s best F1 finish. In the heart of the F1 Paddock, Tom Clarkson is joined by Natalie Pinkham and French F1 journalist Jérémy Satis to dissect a thrilling weekend of racing. They speak to Lando’s dad, Adam, and Piastri’s manager, Mark Webber, after a very special day for the papaya team. Norris and third-placed Lewis Hamilton share their thoughts on a gripping battle for P2, whilst you’ll also hear from Verstappen, Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner, Williams’ Alex Albon, 13-time Grand Prix winner David Coulthard, Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali, Mercedes' trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin, Ferrari test driver Marc Gene and 1995 British Grand Prix winner, Johnny Herbert. Play F1 Fantasy and join the F1 Nation World Championship to compete against us and other listeners. Go to F1.com/fantasy to sign up for free. Hear more from Lando Norris on why he loves Silverstone, how he deals with fame and criticism, and what kind of dad he hopes to be in the future, in his recent F1 Beyond The Grid interview  This episode is sponsored by AG1: If a comprehensive solution is what you need from your supplement routine, then try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D AND 5 free AG1 Travel Packs with your first purchase. Go to drinkAG1.com/F1NATION.

Austrian Grand Prix? Completed it! Max Verstappen took maximum points at the Red Bull Ring by winning the Sprint Race on Saturday, the 71-lap contest on Sunday and the extra point for fastest lap. The Dutchman’s perfect weekend extends his Championship lead over teammate Sergio Perez to 81 points. Tom Clarkson is joined by Diego Mejia from Fox Sports Mexico and Bild’s Silja Rulle to dissect a thrilling weekend of action that had track limits drama, gripping wheel-to-wheel racing, wet conditions and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc back on the podium. As well as reaction from both Red Bull drivers and their Chief Technical Officer Adrian Newey, you’ll hear from McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella on Lando Norris’s P4, Alpine Team Principal Otmar Szafnauer, Williams’ Alex Albon and former Austrian F1 driver Alex Wurz. Play F1 Fantasy and join the F1 Nation World Championship to compete against us and other listeners. Go to F1.com/fantasy to sign up for free. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp: visit betterhelp.com/f1nation today to get 10% off your first month

Red Bull return to their home race in Austria having joined an exclusive club of constructors to win 100 Grands Prix, after Max Verstappen’s victory in Canada. The Dutchman is now 69 points clear of teammate Sergio Perez in the drivers’ standings and plenty more are on offer this weekend because the Red Bull Ring will host the second sprint race of the season. Tom Clarkson is joined by 1996 F1 World Champion Damon Hill to reflect on where the Championship has potentially been won and lost in the last three races. After that stellar podium in Canada, where Verstappen was joined by Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton, TC and DH discuss which traits they’d take from each driver to build the ultimate World Champion - inspired by the driver rating categories of EA SPORTS F1 23. The thrilling battle between Aston Martin and Mercedes is also on the agenda, along with the progress of Ferrari and Williams after much better results in Montreal. Plus, McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella drops by to talk about their upgrades for the next few races, and Tom and Damon answer your questions in Ask The Nation. To have your question answered in a future episode, email a voicenote to F1Nation@F1.com. Play F1 Fantasy and join the F1 Nation World Championship to compete against us and other listeners. Go to F1.com/fantasy to sign up for free. This episode is sponsored by: NordVPN: get Exclusive NordVPN deal at https://nordvpn.com/f1nation It’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! Caldera + Lab: get 20% OFF with our code NATION at calderalab.com.

Eat. Sleep. Win. Repeat. Max Verstappen extended his Championship lead to 69 points with P1 at the Canadian Grand Prix, equalling Ayrton Senna’s 41 race wins and securing Red Bull’s 100th victory in Formula 1.  Tom Clarkson is joined by Natalie Pinkham and L’Equipe’s Fred Ferret to dissect another dominant weekend for Verstappen, as he made it four wins in a row. But are Aston Martin and Mercedes now closer to Red Bull than they’ve been all season?  Meanwhile, Alex Albon secured his best ever result for Williams - completing a mega 58 laps on the hard tyre and a defensive masterclass to take seventh. As well as the top three, you’ll hear from Red Bull Motorsport Advisor Helmut Marko, Mercedes Head of Trackside Engineering Andrew Shovlin, Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur, former Canadian GP-winner Jean Alesi, McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, Alfa Romeo’s Valtteri Bottas and Alpha Tauri’s Yuki Tsunoda. Play F1 Fantasy and join the F1 Nation World Championship to compete against us and other listeners. Go to F1.com/fantasy to sign up for free. This episode is sponsored by:  HelloFresh: go to HelloFresh.com/nation16 and use code nation16 for 16 free meals plus free shipping! MoneyGram: flex your finances using the only digital wallets with real cash access activated by MoneyGram. Learn more at moneygram.com/stellarwallets Shopify: sign up for a one-pound-per-month trial period at shopify.co.uk/nation

With Max Verstappen 53 points ahead in the World Championship, is his teammate Sergio Perez under pressure in Canada? Natalie Pinkham says yes. Tom Clarkson thinks it actually takes the pressure off Red Bull team principal Christian Horner. A double podium for Mercedes at the Spanish Grand Prix means they’re now ahead of Aston Martin in the Constructors’ Standings. But fighting talk from Fernando Alonso, who says Spain will be their last race without a podium, suggests that battle will continue until the end of the season. Tom and Natalie also discuss contrasting fortunes for Alpine and McLaren, a big personnel change at Alfa Romeo, and whether Yuki Tsunoda will bounce back from his penalty in Barcelona. Plus, Safety Car driver Bernd Mayländer joins the pod as this weekend’s race in Montreal marks 50 years since the Safety Car was first seen in Formula 1. Play F1 Fantasy and join the F1 Nation World Championship to compete against us and other listeners. Go to F1.com/fantasy to sign up for free. This episode is sponsored by:  NordVPN: get Exclusive NordVPN deal at https://nordvpn.com/f1nation It’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! AG1: try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D AND 5 free AG1 Travel Packs with your first purchase. Go to drinkAG1.com/F1Nation.  MoneyGram: flex your finances using the only digital wallets with real cash access activated by MoneyGram. Learn more at moneygram.com/stellarwallets.

Fastest in all three practice sessions, fastest in qualifying and he took fastest lap on the way to securing the 40th Grand Prix victory of his career. Max Verstappen dominated the Spanish Grand Prix weekend to move 53 points clear at the top of the Drivers’ World Championship. Tom Clarkson is joined by German journalist Christian Menath from MotorsportMagazin.com and Spanish journalist Jesus Balseiro of Diario AS to explain why we should revel in the sheer greatness on display from the two-time World Champion. Are Mercedes finally on their way back to the top after a double podium in Barcelona? You’ll hear what Lewis Hamilton thinks about their upgrades, after he finished P2 and George Russell stormed from 12th to third. “In Canada, we’ll crush them,” exclaims a defiant Fernando Alonso in response to Mercedes moving above Aston Martin in the Constructors’ Standings. He could only manage P7 at his home race, behind teammate Lance Stroll. The guys also discuss difficult Sundays for Carlos Sainz, Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris. Plus, Esteban Ocon joins the pod after following his Monaco podium with a solid P8. Play F1 Fantasy and join the F1 Nation World Championship to compete against us and other listeners. Go to F1.com/fantasy to sign up for free. This episode is sponsored by:  MoneyGram: flex your finances using the only digital wallets with real cash access activated by MoneyGram. Learn more at moneygram.com/stellarwallets. That’s moneygram.com/stellarwallets BetterHelp: visit betterhelp.com/f1nation today to get 10% off your first month

Rain or shine, Monaco put F1's best to the test. Verstappen and Alonso's spectacular last-sector shootout in qualifying and Esteban Ocon's sensational lap made it a Saturday to remember. Sunday was even more dramatic. Tom Clarkson welcomes two Monaco GP veterans - Pedro de la Rosa and Alex Wurz - to review an incredible weekend of Formula 1. They discuss the secret to Verstappen's pole position lap, why Ocon's effort was extra-special, and whether Charles Leclerc's penalty should have been avoided. Moving on to the Grand Prix, the team talk tyres, strategy, and the skill required to race in wet conditions. We hear from Max Verstappen, Fernando Alonso, Esteban Ocon, Carlos Sainz, Lando Norris and Sergio Perez, who is now 39 points behind his teammate in the World Championship. Mercedes' Head of Trackside Engineering, Andrew Shovlin, explains what the Silver Arrows hope to gain from its new upgrades. Plus, TC, 'The Barcelona Bullet' and Alex explain why the Spanish Grand Prix will be a challenge for the drivers' necks and the teams' upgrade packages.  Play F1 Fantasy and join the F1 Nation World Championship to compete against us and other listeners. Go to F1.com/fantasy to sign up for free. For more on why street circuits are the ultimate test for F1 drivers and strategists, listen to F1's new Formula Why podcast.   This episode is sponsored by:  Athletic Greens: get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D AND 5 free travel packs with your first purchase. Go to athleticgreens.com/F1NATION. NordVPN: EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal https://nordvpn.com/f1nation Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!  MoneyGram: flex your finances using the only digital wallets with real cash access activated by MoneyGram. Learn more at moneygram.com/stellarwallets.

 ‘I think there are two teams that’ll be faster than Red Bull in Monaco’. It’s a big statement from Tom Clarkson. He’s been studying the data and explains why the slow, tight corners of Monaco could give Ferrari and Aston Martin an advantage over Red Bull. TC and Natalie Pinkham look ahead to F1’s most famous race and discuss who’ll go well in the Principality. Which Red Bull driver has more momentum – Miami winner Max Verstappen or street circuit specialist Sergio Perez? Could Fernando Alonso’s experience give him the upper hand? Can Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc end his run of bad luck on his home circuit? Plus, Haas boss Guenther Steiner looks ahead to the team’s 150th race in F1, and McLaren CEO Zak Brown talks juggling the Monaco Grand Prix and the Indy 500. Formula 1 is supporting the communities affected by flooding in Emilia Romagna. To add your donation to the region’s emergency fund, go to F1.com/donate This episode is sponsored by: NordVPN: EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal https://nordvpn.com/f1nation Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Hello Fresh: go to hellofresh.com/nation16 and use code nation16 for 16 free meals plus free shipping! Shopify: sign up for a one-pound-per-month trial period at shopify.co.uk/nation MoneyGram: convert your digital currency to cash and back again using the only digital wallets with real cash access activated by MoneyGram. Learn more at moneygram.com/stellarwallets. 

 Imola is intense. The legendary Italian circuit is home to two teams who want to improve: Ferrari and AlphaTauri. Will they crack under pressure or delight their fans? Tom Clarkson, Natalie Pinkham, Damon Hill and Italian journalist Roberto Chinchero look ahead to the race weekend. Why might the track suit Ferrari? Can AlphaTauri’s Nyck de Vries show what he’s really capable of after a tricky start to his time in F1? Will Mercedes’ long-awaited upgrades bring them into the fight? Can Fernando Alonso repeat one of his most famous F1 wins? Plus, with just 14 points between Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez, the team discuss why both Red Bull drivers are title contenders this season. This episode is sponsored by:  Caldera Lab: 20% OFF with our code NATION at calderalab.com/NATION  Athletic Greens: FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D AND 5 free travel packs with your first purchase. Go to athleticgreens.com/F1NATION. MoneyGram: convert your digital currency to cash and back again using the only digital wallets with real cash access activated by MoneyGram. Learn more at moneygram.com/stellarwallets.

From P9 to P1, Max Verstappen produced a masterclass in Miami as he fought through the field to take his third victory of the season and move 14 points clear of teammate Sergio Perez at the top of the Drivers’ World Championship. Tom Clarkson is joined by former McLaren driver Pedro de la Rosa and De Telegraaf journalist Erik van Haren to dissect the race. Erik shares insight into Max’s frame of mind coming into the weekend after his frustrations in Baku and the influence Max’s father, Jos Verstappen, has on his racing.  Red Bull team principal Christian Horner explains why strategy was the key difference in the battle between his drivers, after they secured their fourth 1-2 of the year. A satisfied George Russell drops by to share his thoughts on an impressive P4 and what to expect from Mercedes’ planned upgrades for the next race at Imola. Lando Norris gives a very honest assessment of McLaren’s lack of performance as they leave the States without any points for the third time this season. Alpine duo Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon both finished in the top 10 for the first time in three Grands Prix and team principal Otmar Szafnauer tells Tom that the upgrades they brought to Azerbaijan are paying off. Plus, Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz reflects on his second P5 in a row. Check out F1 Beyond The Grid for in-depth interviews with F1’s biggest names. Plus, you can listen to F1’s new podcast, Formula Why, to hear why there are still more races to come in the United States this season.     This episode is sponsored by: MoneyGram: Convert your digital currency to cash and back again using the only digital wallets with real cash access activated by MoneyGram. Learn more at https://moneygram.com/stellarwallets Heineken Silver is running a sweepstakes to win a VIP experience to the Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix. You must be a US resident aged 21 or over. Click here to enter and see full terms and conditions  NordVPN: EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal https://nordvpn.com/f1nation try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!