F1: Chequered Flag

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

Chinese GP Review: Antonelli Stars & Ferrari’s Gripping Battle

Mercedes show their strength once again, but will we have an inter-team title fight between George Russell and Kimi Antonelli after the Italian’s star show in China? Ferrari produced a battle for the ages, so is Lewis Hamilton back to his best? Plus, what is going on at McLaren? Harry Benjamin, former McLaren Formula E driver Sam Bird and the BBC’s F1 correspondent Andrew Benson review the Chinese Grand Prix, asking whether the new rules have worked or whether this is now a ‘battery world championship’.

Chinese GP Saturday Review: Pole History & Hamilton’s Resurgence

It was an eventful day at the Chinese Grand Prix as a surprise pole sitter made history, following a dramatic sprint. Was that F1’s best sprint? Plus, is Lewis Hamilton back to his best? Harry Benjamin, former McLaren Formula E driver Sam Bird and the BBC’s F1 correspondent Andrew Benson reflect on Saturday at the Chinese Grand Prix, and look ahead to Sunday’s race.