Chequered Flag Extra: Hamilton's Drive For Opportunity In F1

In this Chequered Flag special, Harry Benjamin looks into the efforts being made to create more opportunity for young people in F1. We hear from a number of trailblazers including Lewis Hamilton who, through his charitable foundation Mission 44, is opening doors to careers within the sport.

Is Kimi Antonelli now favourite to win the driver’s title? Damon Hill and Juan Pablo Montoya join Harry Benjamin to discuss that and the big talking points from the Miami Grand Prix. They hear from Antonelli, his teammate George Russell and Lando Norris.

Can Kimi convert pole into another win? Harry Benjamin is joined by Jennie Gow and Dutch commentator Nelson Valkenburg to look back on a busy Saturday in Miami. They hear from Antonelli after his third consecutive pole, as well as Max Verstappen who lines up alongside him, and sprint winner Lando Norris.

Will normal service resume, or will the break and rule changes shake things up? Ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, Harry Benjamin is joined by Jennie Gow and Andrew Benson to discuss that and the other talking points from the paddock. They cover the new regulations, the growing battle within Mercedes, and hear from Max Verstappen and Arvid Lindblad.

As Cadillac hit the track in Formula 1’s new era, we catch up with the American team at their Silverstone base to reflect on their journey so far.Star drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez share their thoughts on the team’s first ever races in Australia, China and Japan.Team Principal Graeme Lowdon explains how the team are using the sport’s unexpected early-season break to take the next steps, as broadcaster Holly Samos and journalist Sarah Holt return to the team’s Silverstone base for another behind-the-scenes tour to see Cadillac’s progress in person.

With the F1 season resumption in Miami just a week away, how does the title favourite see his chances? George Russell is the leading British hope in 2026, with one victory from the opening three races of the year. The Mercedes driver sits down for an in-depth interview with the BBC’s F1 correspondent Andrew Benson to discuss his title hopes and the mentality surrounding that, his relationship with Max Verstappen and F1’s new regulations. F1 returns for the Miami Grand Prix next week, with live commentary across the 5 Live network and BBC Sounds.

Haas currently sit in fourth in the F1 constructors’ standings. So how are F1’s smallest team performing so well? Izzy Hammond and Harry Benjamin visit the team’s HQ to speak with Team Principal Ayao Komatsu about their success. Plus, just how did Ollie Bearman escape from that huge accident in Japan unharmed and what are the team’s ambitions for the future? Izzy and Harry also answer your F1 hot takes. Could Gianpiero Lambiase become McLaren’s Team Principal in the future, following the announcement of his switch from Red Bull in 2028? And which driver is the most likely to be a reality TV star? F1 returns next for the Miami Grand Prix at the start of May, with live commentary across the 5 Live network and BBC Sounds.

Will Lewis Hamilton win a race in 2026? Who could replace Max Verstappen if he were to leave F1 at the end of the season? Which circuits would you like to see on the calendar? And what is your favourite F1 car and livery? Harry Benjamin, British racing driver Alice Powell and the BBC’s F1 correspondent Andrew Benson tackle your questions in this Q&A special. Find out the team's thoughts on current issues impacting F1 as well as some nostalgic takes, as the sport takes an enforced break due to the cancellations of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grands Prix. F1 returns next for the Miami Grand Prix at the start of May, with live commentary across the 5 Live network and BBC Sounds.

Izzy Hammond and Harry Benjamin look back at the Japanese GP, digesting the latest F1 trends and biggest discussion points.Could Max Verstappen be on his way out of F1? How hard is it to change F1’s new regs? And do we currently have too many overtakes going on? Plus, Izzy presents her favourite memes of the week, we discuss your hot takes, and call for Jack Black to be at every F1 race!

Who would shine in the land of the rising sun as George Russell and Kimi Antonelli went head-to-head at the Japanese Grand Prix? But the post-race reaction was dominated by comments from four-time world champion Max Verstappen, who tells BBC F1’s Jennie Gow that he is “not enjoying” the sport and is considering his F1 future. Harry Benjamin, W Series race-winner Alice Powell and F1 journalist Rebecca Clancy react to Verstappen’s comments and analyse the action at Suzuka. Plus, 1996 F1 world champion Damon Hill makes a guest appearance to speak about Verstappen, and reminisce on his championship win 30 years ago.