F1: Chequered Flag

Chequered Flag Extra: Verstappen’s Future, Bearman’s Crash & Jack Black

Izzy Hammond and Harry Benjamin look back at the Japanese GP, digesting the latest F1 trends and biggest discussion points. Could Max Verstappen be on his way out of F1? How hard is it to change F1’s new regs? And do we currently have too many overtakes going on?  Plus, Izzy presents her favourite memes of the week, we discuss your hot takes, and call for Jack Black to be at every F1 race!

Japanese GP Review: Could Verstappen Leave F1?

Who would shine in the land of the rising sun as George Russell and Kimi Antonelli went head-to-head at the Japanese Grand Prix? But the post-race reaction was dominated by comments from four-time world champion Max Verstappen, who tells BBC F1’s Jennie Gow that he is “not enjoying” the sport and is considering his F1 future. Harry Benjamin, W Series race-winner Alice Powell and F1 journalist Rebecca Clancy react to Verstappen’s comments and analyse the action at Suzuka. Plus, 1996 F1 world champion Damon Hill makes a guest appearance to speak about Verstappen, and reminisce on his championship win 30 years ago.

Japanese GP Quali Review: Antonelli v Russell & Verstappen’s Struggles

Who would prevail in the pole shootout between Kimi Antonelli and George Russell in Japan? Harry Benjamin, Jennie Gow and W Series race-winner Alice Powell reflect on qualifying at the Japanese Grand Prix. Could Ferrari challenge the Silver Arrows? And would McLaren improve their poor start to the season? Plus, Max Verstappen’s Red Bull struggles continue.

Japanese GP Preview: Will Mercedes’ Dominance Continue?

George Russell won in Australia. Kimi Antonelli claimed a first F1 victory in China. Can anyone stop Mercedes in Japan? Jennie Gow is joined by the BBC's F1 correspondent Andrew Benson and F1 journalist Scott Mitchell-Malm to look ahead to round three at the historic Suzuka Circuit. Is this era of racing ‘fun’? We hear from seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who is looking to challenge for a first race victory in Ferrari red. Plus, what is going wrong at McLaren? Jennie and Andrew speak with their team principal, Andrea Stella.

Back at Base S3: 9. A New Era Bonus Episode

Following the first two races of the 2026 Formula 1 season, we catch up with two of the sport's rising stars, Chinese GP winner for Mercedes, Kimi Antonelli, and Haas one-to-watch Ollie Bearman. With never-before-heard interviews from the series, we learn a little more about their lives on the road and at home. As they embarked on their second year racing in the world’s fastest sport, how would they adjust to F1’s new era of cars at the opening races of the season? F1: Back at Base is an IMG Production for the BBC. Co-hosts & Executive Producers are Sarah Holt and Holly Samos