F1 Beyond The Grid

As a child, Formula 1 was his dream. As a young driver, he was on the same trajectory as Michael Schumacher. Tom Kristensen was offered a chance to join a Formula 1 team, but he saw it as too risky. Instead, he found success in sportscars and made history at the Le Mans 24 Hours with a record nine victories.
Tom tells Tom Clarkson about the ‘risky’ offer he received from a Formula 1 team in the 1990s, the sportscar decision which harmed his F1 chances, and the day he impressed a World Champion in a modern F1 car.
‘Mr Le Mans’ also remembers his history-making days at the world’s most famous endurance race and explains how racing different cars made him a better driver.
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In Barcelona, Alex Albon became the driver with the most race starts in Williams history – surpassing Nigel Mansell’s record of 95 Grands Prix.

Speaking to Tom Clarkson, Alex talks about what that milestone means to him and how he’s changed, as a driver and as a person, since joining the team in 2022.

Alex also tells Tom why Williams have had a difficult start to the new era of Formula 1 and how that setback has changed their targets of competing for podiums, race wins and championships.

You’ll also hear about Alex’s relationship with teammate Carlos Sainz and how he views the success achieved by the likes of Lando Norris and George Russell, having raced against them in junior categories.
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At the 1995 Canadian Grand Prix, Jean Alesi achieved the sole Grand Prix victory of his Formula 1 career.

Speaking to Tom Clarkson, Jean relives the standout moments from that unforgettable moment in Montreal – like only finding out from the fans that he was leading the race, doing a lap of honour on the back of Michael Schumacher’s car, and then being whisked to the Vatican in Rome to celebrate.

He talks about the emotions he felt when crossing the finish line and what he feels now when looking back – and whether only winning one race frustrates him.

Jean also shares some brilliant stories from other times in his career – telling Tom how he helped inspire Eddie Jordan to make his own F1 team and why Ayrton Senna was somewhat bemused when Jean borrowed something from him.
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He learned how to win at Ferrari. He believes Audi can become Formula 1 World Championship contenders by 2030. For Mattia Binotto, the first step is raising the ambition of every person in his team. Audi aren’t on the grid to take part. They’re there to win.

The Audi Team Principal tells Tom Clarkson how he plans to turn the former Sauber team into winners. Mattia talks about the pressure and opportunity created by Audi, a brand with an impressive record in other forms of motorsport. He explains the ingredients that made Ferrari the dominant team of the early 2000s and how he aims to apply the same approach to Audi.

Why are drivers Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hulkenberg perfect for Audi? Could the team be a destination for a megastar like Max Verstappen? Will Mattia get a tattoo for the team’s first race win? Tom asks Mattia all these questions and more.
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The Formula 1 driver market is potentially just one domino away from exploding into a frenzy, so what exactly does an F1 driver need to do to get themselves into the best seat on the grid?

With multiple wins, poles and podiums throughout his 15 seasons at the pinnacle of motorsport, David Coulthard was often fighting at the front. But how did he make his way into the fastest cars?

Speaking to Tom Clarkson, David shares some of the remarkable tales from that journey – including his careful approach to getting a drive at Williams after the death of Ayrton Senna and why a ‘totally unnecessary’ contract dispute resulted in him leaving them for McLaren.

DC emphasises the importance of dealing with people, pressure and politics in navigating his way to the front of the grid. He reflects on how he negotiated with big team bosses like Ron Dennis, why he tried to use the media to his advantage and how surviving a plane crash changed his approach to life in F1.
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