Back At Base: Episode 7 - The Bombshell

Jennie Gow, Harry Benjamin, Formula E driver Sam Bird, and BBC F1 correspondent Andrew Benson reflect on the Chinese Grand Prix. We hear from race winner Max Verstappen, as well as Lando Norris and Fernando Alonso.

Harry Benjamin, McLaren Formula E driver Sam Bird, and BBC F1 correspondent Andrew Benson reflect on the Chinese Grand Prix sprint, as well as qualifying for Sunday’s race. We talk about Max Verstappen’s imperious form, Lewis Hamilton’s contrasting day, plus ask if Lando Norris will ever win a race.

Jennie Gow, Jolyon Palmer, Bec Clancy & Andrew Benson look ahead to the Chinese Grand Prix. We discuss the return to China after five years away, Fernando Alonso’s new deal at Aston Martin, and whether Max Verstappen can be challenged this weekend. We also hear from the three-time world champion, as well as Alonso.

Jennie Gow, Harry Benjamin & Alice Powell react to the Japanese Grand Prix. We hear from Max Verstappen after his third win of the season. Plus, discuss the battle at Ferrari hearing from both Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc. The team also discuss Yuki Tsunoda after yet another impressive drive, hearing from the home hero.

Harry Benjamin, Alice Powell & Andrew Benson reflect on qualifying at the Japanese Grand Prix. We hear from polesitter Max Verstappen, plus Sergio Perez and Lando Norris.

Jennie Gow, Jolyon Palmer, Bec Clancy & Andrew Benson look ahead to the Japanese Grand Prix. We discuss whether Red Bull will have more reliability issues, and how Carlos Sainz’s victory in Australia changes the dynamic at Ferrari. Plus, should Alonso have received a penalty in Melbourne? And could Sebastian Vettel make a comeback to the sport?

Rosanna and team look back at the first race of the season. They reflect on Max Verstappen’s lights to flag victory and hear from the Dutchman. Checo Perez and Carlos Sainz are also one the pod after finishing 2nd and 3rd.

Rosanna and the team look back at the first qualifying session of the season. They hear from the top three as well as Lewis Hamilton who starts back in 9th.

For the last three months, we have followed the Williams and Mercedes teams as they prepared and built their cars for the 2024 season. Holly Samos and Sarah Holt have been our guides as we’ve gone with them inside the factories - but now it’s almost time to return to the track. First, the teams have to launch their race cars and reveal them to the rest of the world. Williams have travelled to New York to present their car in front of their American fans and partners. For homegrown driver Logan Sargeant this is a chance to mix business and pleasure. Even on the brink of a new season, Formula 1 is already looking ahead. On the horizon in 2026 is a major new set of technical regulations. The next generation of F1 cars will use less energy - and run on sustainable fuels with net zero CO2 exhaust emissions, as the sport’s CEO Stefano Domenicali explains. The teams are also looking to the future. Mercedes are introducing sustainability initiatives close to home and Williams are on the path to transforming their organisation. It’s the 14th of February, 2024. Valentine’s Day - and Mercedes are hoping it will be love at first sight, as their new race car makes its bow. The team have travelled just eight miles from Brackley for their pre-season launch at Silverstone, home of the British Grand Prix. It’s time for the wraps to come off the 2024 car. George Russell and Lewis Hamilton get their first drive in the car the team has lovingly built just for them. Now, as our series comes to a close, just one question remains. How will the Williams and Mercedes cars fair in the season to come?F1: Back at Base is an IMG Production for the BBC Hosted by me, Joseph Fiennes Co-hosts & Executive Producers are Holly Samos and Sarah Holt The Producers are Alasdair Cresswell, Joe Aldridge and Jack Winstanley. The Senior Producer is Ollie Kneen The Executive Producer for IMG is Steve Tebb The Showrunner is Holly Samos The Story Editor and Scriptwriter is Sarah Holt The Commissioning Editor at the BBC is Stevie Middleton

Lewis Hamilton has returned from the Christmas break with some shocking news for his Mercedes team. His bombshell makes headlines around the world - with some calling it the biggest story in Formula 1 this century. Even if that’s a little far-fetched, there is no doubt that his decision has sent shockwaves through the F1 community. At Mercedes, team principal Toto Wolff is used to having to react quickly - almost as quickly as his drivers on track. The Austrian has to face a barrage of media questions about the driver who has won six World titles with his team - and who has also become a friend. Holly Samos has exclusive interviews with the key protagonists.While Mercedes take just a moment to reflect on Hamilton’s news, Williams are making their final preparations for the 2024 season. Logan Sargeant is back at Grove for his seat fitting along with his race engineer Gaetan Jego. Making sure the driver is comfortable in the cockpit is crucial, especially when racing on bumpy tracks at high speed. The Mercedes factory at Brackley is also now getting back to the tick-list of preparations. The car needs a new paint job and the team has to be kitted out. With the 2024 season coming ever closer, the anticipation is building. And none more so than for the drivers, who get to drive these magnificent machines in the heat of competition.F1:Back at Base was created and produced by Holly Samos and Sarah Holt and is an IMG Production for the BBC.