‘Am I ever going to get another opportunity? This is the moment, don’t mess it up’. These were the thoughts in Nico Rosberg’s mind as he raced for the F1 World Championship in 2016.
Ten years since his victory, Nico tells Tom Clarkson about the ‘terrifying’ pressure he felt throughout the season. He explains how he made improvements in every area to give him the best chance of winning – from sleep schedules to the paint on his helmet.


The 2016 season saw Rosberg clash with Mercedes teammate and title rival Lewis Hamilton. Nico remembers their crashes and the effect they had on their relationship. He relives the ‘critical’ overtaking move in the title-deciding race which left him shaking in the car, and the moment when he won the prize he’d worked so hard to achieve.

This episode is sponsored by: 

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<div>‘Am I ever going to get another opportunity? This is the moment, don’t mess it up’. These were the thoughts in Nico Rosberg’s mind as he raced for the F1 World Championship in 2016.</div><br><div>Ten years since his victory, Nico tells Tom Clarkson about the ‘terrifying’ pressure he felt throughout the season. He explains how he made improvements in every area to give him the best chance of winning – from sleep schedules to the paint on his helmet.</div><br><div>
<p>The 2016 season saw Rosberg clash with Mercedes teammate and title rival Lewis Hamilton. Nico remembers their crashes and the effect they had on their relationship. He relives the ‘critical’ overtaking move in the title-deciding race which left him shaking in the car, and the moment when he won the prize he’d worked so hard to achieve.<br><strong><br>This episode is sponsored by: </strong></p><p><strong>Vanta:</strong> Learn more at <a href="http://vanta.com/GRID">vanta.com/GRID</a></p></div>

LEGENDS: Nico Rosberg’s ‘terrifying’, triumphant 2016

'I still don't like how it ended. But there's also a part of me which is grateful that they pulled the trigger'. Two years have passed since Daniel Ricciardo left the Formula 1 paddock in Singapore after his final Grand Prix. After racing at the top for more than a decade, he was suddenly no longer an F1 driver. What next?
Daniel has been considering that question ever since that night in 2024. He tells Tom Clarkson about 'going through phases' of different emotions - from 'humiliation' to 'acceptance'. Travel, reconnecting with friends and a lot of introspection is helping him 'refind himself' and figure out what 'chapter two' of his life has in store.
Ricciardo won eight Formula 1 Grands Prix, stood on the podium 32 times and outscored World Champion Sebastian Vettel when they were teammates. But his racing record doesn't tell the full story of life as an F1 driver. Daniel opens up about moments in his career when he felt 'burnt out' and wanted to walk away. He also looks back with pride at his best wins, most spectacular overtaking moves and greatest on-track battles. And he considers his decision to leave Red Bull Racing in 2018; if he had stayed, would he have a World Championship to his name? 


Listen to more Official F1 Podcasts
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Your questions answered on F1 Explains

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<div>'I still don't like how it ended. But there's also a part of me which is grateful that they pulled the trigger'. Two years have passed since Daniel Ricciardo left the Formula 1 paddock in Singapore after his final Grand Prix. After racing at the top for more than a decade, he was suddenly no longer an F1 driver. What next?</div><br><div>Daniel has been considering that question ever since that night in 2024. He tells Tom Clarkson about 'going through phases' of different emotions - from 'humiliation' to 'acceptance'. Travel, reconnecting with friends and a lot of introspection is helping him 'refind himself' and figure out what 'chapter two' of his life has in store.</div><br><div>Ricciardo won eight Formula 1 Grands Prix, stood on the podium 32 times and outscored World Champion Sebastian Vettel when they were teammates. But his racing record doesn't tell the full story of life as an F1 driver. Daniel opens up about moments in his career when he felt 'burnt out' and wanted to walk away. He also looks back with pride at his best wins, most spectacular overtaking moves and greatest on-track battles. And he considers his decision to leave Red Bull Racing in 2018; if he had stayed, would he have a World Championship to his name? </div><br><div>
<p><strong>Listen to more Official F1 Podcasts</strong><br><a href="https://www.podfollow.com/f1-nation">Race previews and reviews on F1 Nation</a><br><a href="https://www.podfollow.com/f1-nation">Your questions answered on F1 Explains</a></p><p><strong>This episode is sponsored by: </strong></p><p><strong>Decagon: </strong>Ready to transform your customer support? Go to <a href="http://decagon.ai">decagon.ai</a> slash grid to see what Decagon can do<br>for your team.</p><p><strong>Housecall Pro:</strong> Ready to save time and win more jobs? For a limited time only, our listeners get 50% OFF base plans for their first 3 months at <a href="http://HousecallPro.com/GRID">HousecallPro.com/GRID</a> #ad</p><p><strong>Honda Vintage Culture: </strong>Right now, you can get 25% off the full Honda Vintage Culture range at <a href="http://hondavintageculture.com">hondavintageculture.com</a>, use the code GRID at checkout.</p><p><strong>Bitdefender:</strong> Visit <a href="http://Bitdefender.com">Bitdefender.com</a> to learn more about how Bitdefender supports Ferrari through cybersecurity built on trust and how YOU can make your digital life safer.</p></div>

Daniel Ricciardo: 'refinding myself after Formula 1'

'It's a very unforgiving job... you're helping making champions, but it's not yourself', says Fred Vesti. Through hundreds of hours and thousands of laps in the simulator, he has contributed to Mercedes' success in 2026. It seems certain that Kimi Antonelli will be crowned Drivers' World Champion, and the team are destined to become Constructors' Champions. 

Fred tells Tom Clarkson about his demanding work at the track, at the team factory and especially in the simulator and explains how he stays ready to replace George Russell or Antonelli, should they be unable to drive. He explains the key to the Mercedes' drivers speed and how he plays a crucial role in deciding how to upgrade the car.

Fred tells the story of approaching Team Principal Toto Wolff at a party, and having a conversation which eventually led him to join the team's junior driver programme. A champion in sportscars, Vesti remains determined to race in Formula 1, even if that meant leaving the Silver Arrows.

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Claude
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That’s V - A - N - T - A dot com slash GRID


Claude

<div>
<p>'It's a very unforgiving job... you're helping making champions, but it's not yourself', says Fred Vesti. Through hundreds of hours and thousands of laps in the simulator, he has contributed to Mercedes' success in 2026. It seems certain that Kimi Antonelli will be crowned Drivers' World Champion, and the team are destined to become Constructors' Champions. </p><p>Fred tells Tom Clarkson about his demanding work at the track, at the team factory and especially in the simulator and explains how he stays ready to replace George Russell or Antonelli, should they be unable to drive. He explains the key to the Mercedes' drivers speed and how he plays a crucial role in deciding how to upgrade the car.</p><p>Fred tells the story of approaching Team Principal Toto Wolff at a party, and having a conversation which eventually led him to join the team's junior driver programme. A champion in sportscars, Vesti remains determined to race in Formula 1, even if that meant leaving the Silver Arrows.</p><p><strong>This episode is sponsored by:<br><br>Salesforce<br></strong>Nobody knows F1 fans better than Salesforce. They're looking for Fan1. Think it’s you? Prove it. Enter now for the ultimate FORMULA 1 HEINEKEN LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX experience and be crowned Fan1 at <a href="http://f1.com/unlocked">f1.com/unlocked</a> <strong><br><br>Honda Vintage Culture<br></strong>Heritage garments, inspired by Honda's racing spirit. Get 25% off with code GRID at <a href="http://hondavintageculture.com">hondavintageculture.com</a></p><p><strong>Vanta</strong><br>Save time and resources on security and compliance. Learn more at <a href="http://vanta.com/GRID">vanta.com/GRID</a><strong><br></strong><br><strong>Claude<br></strong>Hand off the tedious work to Claude. Try it on any paid plan at <a href="http://claude.ai/grid">claude.ai/grid</a> <strong><br><br></strong><br></p></div><br><div>That’s <strong>V</strong> - <strong>A</strong> - <strong>N</strong> - <strong>T</strong> - <strong>A</strong> dot com slash <strong>GRID<br></strong><br><strong><br>Claude</strong>
</div>

Fred Vesti: 'making champions' as Mercedes Third Driver

A fiery crash, a miraculous recovery, a shock disqualification, and a tense, rain-soaked title-decider. At the end of the drama-filled 1976 season, James Hunt emerged as Formula 1 World Champion.
Hunt was loved by fans and respected by his rivals, particularly by Niki Lauda. The pair fought for the world title in a remarkable year in which Lauda almost lost his life.
James retired from F1 as a World Champion with 10 race wins and 23 podiums. He later became a broadcaster, commentating for the BBC alongside Murray Walker. He died in 1993, aged just 45.
To mark the 50th anniversary of James Hunt's title win, Tom Clarkson speaks to his son Freddie - also a racing driver and TV presenter. Freddie shares stories of his ‘maverick' father, and how being the son of a world champion affected his own career.

<div>A fiery crash, a miraculous recovery, a shock disqualification, and a tense, rain-soaked title-decider. At the end of the drama-filled 1976 season, James Hunt emerged as Formula 1 World Champion.</div><br><div>Hunt was loved by fans and respected by his rivals, particularly by Niki Lauda. The pair fought for the world title in a remarkable year in which Lauda almost lost his life.</div><br><div>James retired from F1 as a World Champion with 10 race wins and 23 podiums. He later became a broadcaster, commentating for the BBC alongside Murray Walker. He died in 1993, aged just 45.</div><br><div>To mark the 50th anniversary of James Hunt's title win, Tom Clarkson speaks to his son Freddie - also a racing driver and TV presenter. Freddie shares stories of his ‘maverick' father, and how being the son of a world champion affected his own career.</div>

50 years since James Hunt’s dramatic title win - with Freddie Hunt

2026 was supposed to be the year Williams made a big step forward in Formula 1.
They’d scored their first podiums under Team Principal James Vowles in 2025, all while prioritising focus on this new era of regulations, so expectations of what they could achieve this season were high. But they’ve fallen well short of those.
Speaking to Tom Clarkson, James talks about the phone calls he had with Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz before the season to tell them the team was ‘in trouble’, whether he was worried both drivers would leave and why the car was overweight in the first place.


James is very honest and self-critical, reflecting on what he’d do differently and the advice he’d give himself in hindsight. But he’s also optimistic about the future, with the team fighting hard to overcome their struggles and showing ‘true innovation’ to create a new chassis that was introduced in Baku.

This episode is sponsored by: 

Salesforce: Ever wondered what really happens behind the scenes at Formula 1? From the broadcast room to the track, see how the fastest sport on earth runs on Salesforce. Head salesforce.com/F1 to watch Inside F1, powered by Salesforce.

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Shopify: If you’re ready to launch your business before Black Friday, go to SHOPIFY.COM/beyondthegrid
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<div>2026 was supposed to be the year Williams made a big step forward in Formula 1.</div><br><div>They’d scored their first podiums under Team Principal James Vowles in 2025, all while prioritising focus on this new era of regulations, so expectations of what they could achieve this season were high. But they’ve fallen well short of those.</div><br><div>Speaking to Tom Clarkson, James talks about the phone calls he had with Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz before the season to tell them the team was ‘in trouble’, whether he was worried both drivers would leave and why the car was overweight in the first place.</div><br><div>
<p>James is very honest and self-critical, reflecting on what he’d do differently and the advice he’d give himself in hindsight. But he’s also optimistic about the future, with the team fighting hard to overcome their struggles and showing ‘true innovation’ to create a new chassis that was introduced in Baku.</p><p><strong>This episode is sponsored by: </strong></p><p>Salesforce: Ever wondered what really happens behind the scenes at Formula 1? From the broadcast room to the track, see how the fastest sport on earth runs on Salesforce. Head <a href="http://salesforce.com/F1">salesforce.com/F1</a> to watch Inside F1, powered by Salesforce.</p><p>Vanta: Learn more at <a href="http://vanta.com/GRID">vanta.com/GRID</a></p><p>Shopify: If you’re ready to launch your business before Black Friday, go to <a href="http://SHOPIFY.COM/beyondthegrid">SHOPIFY.COM/beyondthegrid</a><br>to start your free trial.</p></div>

James Vowles: ‘the most difficult year of my career’

From scoring his first podium with the team in Monaco, to missing three races with a wrist injury, and then re-signing for 2027, Isack Hadjar has had an eventful first season at Red Bull Racing.
Speaking to Tom Clarkson, Isack opens up about what happened to his wrist, how challenging it was to miss those races and what that new contract means to him.
Plus, Isack tells Tom why he’s been ‘surprising himself’ this year, what it’s like being Max Verstappen’s teammate and his targets for the rest of the season and beyond.
Red Bull Team Principal Laurent Mekies also joins Tom to talk about their approach to Isack’s recovery, why they’ve decided to keep him on for another year and whether Red Bull have everything they need in place to start challenging for World Championships again.

<div>From scoring his first podium with the team in Monaco, to missing three races with a wrist injury, and then re-signing for 2027, Isack Hadjar has had an eventful first season at Red Bull Racing.</div><br><div>Speaking to Tom Clarkson, Isack opens up about what happened to his wrist, how challenging it was to miss those races and what that new contract means to him.</div><br><div>Plus, Isack tells Tom why he’s been ‘surprising himself’ this year, what it’s like being Max Verstappen’s teammate and his targets for the rest of the season and beyond.</div><br><div>Red Bull Team Principal Laurent Mekies also joins Tom to talk about their approach to Isack’s recovery, why they’ve decided to keep him on for another year and whether Red Bull have everything they need in place to start challenging for World Championships again.</div>

Isack Hadjar + Laurent Mekies: trust, teamwork + targets

‘I did all I could to survive’. A fiery crash put his life in danger, but Romain Grosjean escaped the flames and returned to racing.
As Romain tells Tom Clarkson, the crash in Bahrain was not the first time he had to rebuild his career. After a seven-race spell in Formula 1 in 2008, he was dropped for the following season. Determined to find a way back, he took a step down the motorsport ladder to the junior category, GP2, became champion, and earned a Formula 1 comeback with the same team that had previously let him go.


Romain, who has 10 F1 podiums to his name, reflects on Grands Prix he could have won, how his former team Haas have changed since he scored points for them on their debut 10 years ago, and considers his future in the Formula 1 paddock.

This episode is sponsored by: 

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Hexclad: find your forever cookware @hexclad and get 10% off at hexclad.co.uk/GRID! Offer excludes
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Vanta: learn more at vanta.com/GRID

<div>‘I did all I could to survive’. A fiery crash put his life in danger, but Romain Grosjean escaped the flames and returned to racing.</div><br><div>As Romain tells Tom Clarkson, the crash in Bahrain was not the first time he had to rebuild his career. After a seven-race spell in Formula 1 in 2008, he was dropped for the following season. Determined to find a way back, he took a step down the motorsport ladder to the junior category, GP2, became champion, and earned a Formula 1 comeback with the same team that had previously let him go.</div><br><div>
<p>Romain, who has 10 F1 podiums to his name, reflects on Grands Prix he could have won, how his former team Haas have changed since he scored points for them on their debut 10 years ago, and considers his future in the Formula 1 paddock.</p><p><strong>This episode is sponsored by: </strong></p><p>Wayfair: join Wayfair Rewards today and get 5% back on every purchase. Head to <a href="http://wayfair.com">wayfair.com</a> or shop the Wayfair app for all things home.</p><p>Hexclad: find your forever cookware @hexclad and get 10% off at <a href="http://hexclad.co.uk/GRID">hexclad.co.uk/GRID</a>! Offer excludes<br>bundles and other items already on sale. #hexcladpartner</p><p>Vanta: learn more at <a href="http://vanta.com/GRID">vanta.com/GRID</a></p></div>

Romain Grosjean: a career of comebacks

After describing 2025 as the ‘toughest year of my career’, Yuki Tsunoda was thrilled to make his F1 comeback with Racing Bulls after the summer break – stepping in for Liam Lawson while he fills in for the injured Isack Hadjar at Red Bull.
Speaking to Tom Clarkson, Yuki opens up about his struggles at Red Bull last season – revealing how it affected him personally, the biggest mistake he made and what it really felt like when he found out he wouldn’t be on the grid in 2026.
Or so it would seem… You can imagine how happy Yuki was to receive the call that he’d be back racing in Zandvoort, just three days before the first practice session! Yuki takes Tom inside the chaotic week that ensued, how he prepared to drive the 2026 cars for the first time at such short notice, and what it meant to score points in the second race of his comeback at Monza.


And while Yuki’s unsure how many more races he’ll compete in this season as Isack recovers, Tom asks him what the future holds from 2027 onwards.

This episode is sponsored by: 

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Homeserve: join the millions of customers who trust HomeServe. For 50% less your first
year, go to homeserve.com/grid.

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<div>After describing 2025 as the ‘toughest year of my career’, Yuki Tsunoda was thrilled to make his F1 comeback with Racing Bulls after the summer break – stepping in for Liam Lawson while he fills in for the injured Isack Hadjar at Red Bull.</div><br><div>Speaking to Tom Clarkson, Yuki opens up about his struggles at Red Bull last season – revealing how it affected him personally, the biggest mistake he made and what it really felt like when he found out he wouldn’t be on the grid in 2026.</div><br><div>Or so it would seem… You can imagine how happy Yuki was to receive the call that he’d be back racing in Zandvoort, just three days before the first practice session! Yuki takes Tom inside the chaotic week that ensued, how he prepared to drive the 2026 cars for the first time at such short notice, and what it meant to score points in the second race of his comeback at Monza.</div><br><div>
<p>And while Yuki’s unsure how many more races he’ll compete in this season as Isack recovers, Tom asks him what the future holds from 2027 onwards.</p><p>This episode is sponsored by: </p><p>CarGurus: go to <a href="http://cargurus.co.uk">cargurus.co.uk</a> for complete vehicle details without any surprises.</p><p>Homeserve: join the millions of customers who trust HomeServe. For 50% less your first<br>year, go to <a href="http://homeserve.com/grid">homeserve.com/grid</a>.</p><p>Claude: For problems worth solving go to <a href="http://Claude.ai/grid">Claude.ai/grid</a>.</p></div>

Yuki Tsunoda: racing for F1 return

Aston Martin Global Ambassador Pedro de la Rosa joins Tom Clarkson to discuss how Aston are fighting back after a difficult 2026 so far.
Pedro tells Tom how it really felt when they realised just how far behind they were during the Barcelona shakedown and whether the team’s strategy of waiting until halfway through the season to bring upgrades risked them losing two-time World Champion Fernando Alonso.
Pedro also talks more about his relationship with Alonso, including how they communicate with each other through eye contact, and what it’s like working with Aston Team Principal and legendary designer Adrian Newey.


Plus, 20 years on, Pedro reflects on his first and only F1 podium at Hungary in 2006, why that result didn’t guarantee his seat at McLaren and how ‘hurt’ he was to not race alongside Lewis Hamilton in 2008.

This episode is sponsored by: 

Shopify: head over to shopify.com/beyondthegrid to start your free trial today.

Vanta: learn more at vanta.com/GRID

<div>Aston Martin Global Ambassador Pedro de la Rosa joins Tom Clarkson to discuss how Aston are fighting back after a difficult 2026 so far.</div><br><div>Pedro tells Tom how it really felt when they realised just how far behind they were during the Barcelona shakedown and whether the team’s strategy of waiting until halfway through the season to bring upgrades risked them losing two-time World Champion Fernando Alonso.</div><br><div>Pedro also talks more about his relationship with Alonso, including how they communicate with each other through eye contact, and what it’s like working with Aston Team Principal and legendary designer Adrian Newey.</div><br><div>
<p>Plus, 20 years on, Pedro reflects on his first and only F1 podium at Hungary in 2006, why that result didn’t guarantee his seat at McLaren and how ‘hurt’ he was to not race alongside Lewis Hamilton in 2008.</p><p><strong>This episode is sponsored by: </strong></p><p><strong>Shopify: </strong>head over to <a href="http://shopify.com/beyondthegrid">shopify.com/beyondthegrid</a> to start your free trial today.</p><p><strong>Vanta:</strong> learn more at <a href="http://vanta.com/GRID">vanta.com/GRID</a></p></div>

Pedro de la Rosa: Aston’s ambition, Fernando’s future + McLaren memories

Why did he sign a new multi-year deal with Ferrari? What caused his rough patch earlier in the season? How did those struggles really make him feel? And what did victory at Silverstone mean to him after that difficult period?
Speaking to Tom Clarkson, Charles Leclerc opens up and shares really interesting insight into the ups and downs he’s experienced so far in 2026.


Charles also tells Tom what it’s like being a Ferrari driver at Monza, why Michael Schumacher had such a big influence on him growing up, whether he thinks Ferrari can challenge Mercedes for the World Championship this season, and how it feels to now be married to his wife Alexandra.

This episode is brought to you by Bitdefender, Exclusive Cybersecurity Partner of Scuderia Ferrari HP.

<div>Why did he sign a new multi-year deal with Ferrari? What caused his rough patch earlier in the season? How did those struggles really make him feel? And what did victory at Silverstone mean to him after that difficult period?</div><br><div>Speaking to Tom Clarkson, Charles Leclerc opens up and shares really interesting insight into the ups and downs he’s experienced so far in 2026.</div><br><div>
<p>Charles also tells Tom what it’s like being a Ferrari driver at Monza, why Michael Schumacher had such a big influence on him growing up, whether he thinks Ferrari can challenge Mercedes for the World Championship this season, and how it feels to now be married to his wife Alexandra.</p><p>This episode is brought to you by Bitdefender, Exclusive Cybersecurity Partner of Scuderia Ferrari HP.</p></div>

Charles Leclerc: full faith in Ferrari

Formula 1's fastest stars 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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