A new fly on the wall podcast gives unprecedented access to two of the biggest names in Formula 1 – Mercedes and Williams.
The eight-part documentary series, F1: Back at Base, narrated by Joseph Fiennes has been given rare access to show what happens when the F1 teams return home – joining the end-of-season celebrations at Mercedes and Williams and entering restricted areas that hold the secrets to the year ahead.
Those included in the podcast are the teams’ star drivers including Alex Albon as well as the seven-time world champion Sir Lewis Hamilton who speaks to the team just after he shockingly announces that he is leaving Mercedes for rivals, Ferrari.
Experts Holly Samos and Sarah Holt, who created and wrote the series, explain the journey as they meet the workforce driving the teams forward ‘back at base’.
Both teams are working to design and build a race car for the looming 2024 season in less than 100 days. It seems like an impossible task and, as Williams team principal James Vowles says: “As much as the races look like the complicated bit – they’re not.”
In the podcast, Williams and Mercedes stand on the brink of a new season. Just one question remains – how will their new cars perform when they hit the track and face their rivals?
Top names contributing to the series include from Team Mercedes, Sir Lewis Hamilton, George Russell, Team principal Toto Wolff, Technical Director James Allison and COO Rob Thomas. From Team Williams, Alex Albon, Logan Sargeant, Team principal James Vowles, Chief Technical Officer Pat Fry and COO Fredric Brousseau.
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and the FIA Director of the Single Seater Department Nikolas Tombazis also feature.
Commissioning Executive for Podcasts, Stevie Middleton: “Our brilliant F1 experts have been able to gain unbelievable access for this fantastic F1: Back at Base series. We get to find out how an F1 car is built with two real heavy weight teams from the world of F1. Formula One has never been more popular and we’re delighted to bring audiences this new 8-part series.”
The Split box set is available now on BBC Sounds with episodes 1-4 and 25 February with episodes 5-8. The BBC 5 Live podcast F1: Back at Base will be released on BBC Sounds’ F1: Chequered Flag feed.
