The BBC’s Formula 1 podcast has returned with fresh behind-the-scenes access across three teams ahead of the new season.
The first six episodes of F1: Back at Base A New Era are now available on BBC Sounds, with episodes seven and eight arriving on 18 and 25 February, a week before the 2026 Australian Grand Prix.
The series is produced for BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds, and is also published in the F1 Chequered Flag feed.
Narrated by Rosamund Pike, the eight-part series follows the rookie 2025 seasons of Mercedes teenager Kimi Antonelli and Haas driver Ollie Bearman, alongside Cadillac’s bid to join the grid as Formula 1’s 11th team in 2026.
Rosamund said: “In 2016 I was thrown into the path of legends Sir Lewis Hamilton and Niki Lauda at the Monaco Grand Prix. Their sense of calm was so impressive. I’m drawn to that mental control, the precision, the passion and total focus.”
The series tracks Antonelli and Bearman away from race weekends, covering family life and preparations for the sport’s regulation changes in 2026.
Kimi says: “We start 2026 with a lot of excitement… I’m really happy to be part of this new journey and really hope that we can achieve great things together.”
Cadillac’s entry story forms a central strand, from selecting its driver line-up to a first shakedown at Silverstone.
Keanu Reeves appears as a contributor and says: “Cadillac have a strong bond forged in the fire of trying to get a Formula 1 entry. I’m really impressed by their commitment and passion.”
The programme also hears from Mercedes driver George Russell, who says of the new technical rules: “With more power, slightly lighter, slightly narrower cars, that will give us a better opportunity to race and fight hard with our competitors.”
The podcast is created and co-hosted by Holly Samos and Sarah Holt, who have again been granted access inside Mercedes, Haas and Cadillac as teams prepare for the sport’s new era.
