The Career Path No One Talks About in F1 - Ryan McGarva | S03EP08

Download Cash App Today: Use our Code TRACKLIMITS https://capl.onelink.me/vFut/syq59mk6 #CashAppPod Oracle is offering to cut your current cloud bill in HALF if you move to OCI. Go to https://oracle.com/TRACKLIMITS to see if your company qualifies for this special offer. In this episode, we sit down with Ryan McGarva, former F1 mechanic for Mercedes AMG Petronas, HRT, and Force India, as he reflects on a decade inside the world’s most elite garages. From wild rituals in the pit lane to why the pressure at Mercedes felt different, Ryan gives us a rare, unfiltered look at the inner workings of life in Formula 1. We get into what it’s really like working under the spotlight, how garage chemistry builds (or breaks), and why leaving F1 was one of the hardest — but healthiest — decisions he’s ever made. 🎙️ Episode Highlights - What it's like to work directly with Lewis Hamilton - Day-to-day life inside the Mercedes garage - F1 mechanic culture: “The pressure’s not where you think” - Hilarious behind-the-scenes rituals (yes, including slop buckets 🪣) - Differences between midfield teams and top-tier garages - Garage dynamics, travel burnout, and team pranks - What fans get completely wrong about pit stops - Life after F1: stepping away from the sport - Thoughts on the 2026 regulations and F1’s future direction - Advice for anyone wanting to work in motorsport 🔥 Must-Watch Moments - “At Mercedes, there’s pressure — but it’s never chaotic.” - “Force India? We built parts in the car park.” - “Everyone thinks F1 is glamorous. I was washing my race kit in hotel sinks.” - “The most underrated job in F1? It’s not who you think.” - “If you mess up a pit stop, it’s not just a bad day. It’s worldwide.” 📲 Enjoying this episode? Like, subscribe, and tap the bell to never miss exclusive insights from drivers, engineers, and creators shaping motorsport today. #RyanMcGarva #F1Podcast #TrackLimitsPodcast #MercedesF1 #LewisHamilton #Formula1 #PitCrew #F1Mechanic #F1BehindTheScenes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get Huel today with this exclusive offer for New Customers of 15% OFF with code insertcode at https://huel.com/TRACKLIMITS (Minimum $75 purchase). Get started with Notion today—sign up for free at http://notion.com/tracklimits In this high-energy return episode, Ruth Buscombe — renowned F1 strategist and F1TV contributor — joins us again to unpack everything from preseason chaos to that Ferrari move with Lewis Hamilton. Filmed mid-workout in true Track Limits fashion, Ruth opens up about F1 strategy secrets, driver dynamics, bold predictions for 2025 & 2026, and even critter-based race planning in Canada. No, seriously. We dive deep into what makes this F1 season so unique, what fans misunderstand about strategy, and why running tracks with drivers is more valuable than most people think. 🎙️ Episode Highlights -Lewis Hamilton vs Charles Leclerc: Who’s #1 at Ferrari? -Why 2024 could be F1’s tightest season in years -Rookie overload: Is this the new F1 generation? -Ruth’s bold take: “There might not be many surprises this season” -What it’s really like strategizing for a 24-race calendar -Montreal’s “critter chaos” and how it changes race strategy -Fitness and running with drivers like Valtteri Bottas -Creating F1 TV strategy content and surprising the Red Bull team with data -Reflecting on race-day emotions, commentary, and iconic driver moments -Will Ruth write a book next? 👀 🔥 Must-Watch Moments -“Ferrari would prioritize the driver title even if it hurts the constructors.” -“Lewis over a lap? Charles might have the edge.” -“You don’t need to beat Max. You just need to come P2.” -“Strategy insights? Sometimes we catch what teams miss.” -“F1 fans don’t realize how physical this life really is.” 📲 Enjoying this episode? Don’t forget to like, subscribe & hit the bell for more deep dives into Formula 1 with drivers, engineers, strategists & content creators. 00:00 – Intro & Taylor Swift banter 03:50 – Ruth’s off-season & 24-hour racing at Daytona 07:25 – Lewis to Ferrari: strategy, hype & headlines 10:48 – The truth about constructors vs. driver priorities 14:35 – Rookie pressure & why 2024 might be brutal 18:10 – Max dominance vs. F1’s midfield chaos 22:05 – What fans misunderstand about race strategy 27:40 – Media misquotes, F1 Twitter & online chaos 32:15 – Critters on track: Canadian GP strategy nightmares 36:42 – Training with drivers: why running matters in F1 42:05 – Ruth on emotion, performance & what comes next 52:00 – Would Ruth ever write a book? 53:10 – Final thoughts & outro #RuthBuscombe #F1Podcast #TrackLimitsPodcast #Formula1 #Ferrari #LewisHamilton #CharlesLeclerc #F1Strategy #F1TV #F1Content Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Track Limits, we're joined by two of the internet’s favourite F1 creators: Luke Sam and Ponden (aka Blake Dalton). From viral watch-alongs to sim racing with Red Bull Racing, they’ve built massive online audiences while staying deeply rooted in the passion that first brought them to Formula 1. They open up about leaving Australia to pursue content creation in the UK, the power of Drive to Survive, crazy stories from Vegas and Silverstone, and the challenge of staying original in a 24-race F1 calendar. Expect laughter, spicy takes, and some honest reflections on burnout, community, and the future of F1 media. ⏱️ Episode Highlights - How Drive to Survive inspired both their F1 journeys - Leaving Australia to go all-in on F1 content creation - What it's like working with Red Bull’s sim racing team - Their thoughts on Oscar Piastri, Liam Lawson, and the rise of Aussie talent - Chaos in Vegas, Silverstone war stories & wild fan moments - Sim racing, iRacing leagues, and how gaming fuels F1 passion - Hot takes: Why Ferrari might win Constructors and Lewis might struggle at Ferrari - Content burnout, sprint weekends, and the pressure of staying creative - Why F1 2025 & F175 have them cautiously optimistic - The future of F1 media — and why the community matters 🔥 Must-Watch Moments - “We moved to the UK without a house… and it worked out.” - “I pretended to win the $200,000 Autosport Award.” - “Sim racing helped me fall in love with Formula 1.” - “Sprint weekends? Honestly… they’re a content creator’s dream.” - “F175 is risky — but F1 needs to keep trying new things.” 📌 Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories from the F1 paddock and beyond. #TrackLimitsPodcast #LukeSam #Ponden #F1Creators #RedBullRacing #SimRacing #Formula1 #DriveToSurvive #F1Podcast #F1Community Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Try Huel with 15% OFF today + A FREE GIFT using code TRACKLIMITS at http://huel.com/tracklimits Oracle is offering to cut your current cloud bill in HALF if you move to OCI. Go to https://oracle.com/TRACKLIMITS to see if your company qualifies for this special offer. In this special episode, we welcome back Calum Nicholas, Red Bull Racing’s Lead F1 Mechanic and now the author of Life in the Pit Lane. Calum joins us in London to dive into the behind-the-scenes world of modern Formula 1—sharing stories from the garage, lessons from chaotic race weekends, and what it took to write his first book while travelling with the team. From winning world titles with Max Verstappen to dealing with race-day chaos and online misinformation, this episode delivers a raw, honest, and surprisingly emotional look at the world of F1. 🎙️ Episode Highlights - The intense process of writing a book while working in F1 - The real story behind that 2024 Brazilian Grand Prix weekend - Sacrifices F1 crew members make, especially with family - How Red Bull handles pressure from fans, media, and within - Mentoring new pit crew members and building a culture of trust - Honest thoughts on Max Verstappen, Liam Lawson, and the 2025 season - Practical jokes in the garage (no one is safe 😅) - Dealing with clickbait, F1 Twitter, and correcting misconceptions - Predictions for the Constructors’, Drivers’, and pit stop battles - His hope that fans and future mechanics will learn from his story 🔥 Must-Watch Moments - “I almost packed my case and left Brazil.” - “Max is so secure, he’s happy to mentor teammates.” - “Nobody is safe from practical jokes in our garage.” - “If I have a bad day, it colours the way I write.” - “I wanted this book to be brutally honest—not approved.” 0:00 – Introduction & Calum Returns to Track Limits 1:42 – Writing a Book While Working in F1 4:25 – Behind the Scenes of the Brazilian Grand Prix Chaos 7:10 – Why F1 Pit Crews Deserve More Credit 10:03 – The Mental Side of Being a Mechanic 13:20 – What Max Verstappen Is Really Like Off-Camera 16:05 – Liam Lawson, Teammate Dynamics & Red Bull's Future 19:40 – Calum on F1 Twitter, Clickbait & Misconceptions 22:55 – The Real Sacrifices of F1 Life & Missing Family Moments 27:18 – Final Thoughts on the Book & Message to the Fans 📚 Grab Calum’s new book 🎯 Life in the Pit Lane – now available wherever books are sold! 🔗 https://geni.us/LifeInThePitlane 📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more behind-the-scenes stories from the world of Formula 1. #CalumNicholas #RedBullRacing #LifeInThePitLane #F1Podcast #TrackLimitsPodcast #Formula1 #MaxVerstappen #PitCrew #F1Book #Motorsport Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Try Huel with 15% OFF today + A FREE GIFT using code TRACKLIMITS at http://huel.com/tracklimits This week on the Track Limits Podcast, we’re joined by Abbi Pulling, fresh off her incredible championship win in the F1 Academy! As one of the brightest young stars in motorsport and a proud member of the Alpine Academy, Abbi opens up about her path to the top, breaking barriers in racing, and what’s next on her journey to Formula 1. 🎙️ In this episode: - The story behind her F1 Academy title and what it meant to win it all - Life behind the scenes of a championship season—training, mindset, and the pressure to perform - What it’s like racing as a woman in motorsport and how the landscape is (finally) changing - Being part of the Alpine Academy and how it’s shaping her future - Her earliest karting memories and the sacrifices it took to reach the top - What’s next for 2025 and how she’s preparing for the leap to a higher series 🔥 Must-Watch Moments: - Abbi’s first reaction to becoming F1 Academy Champion - The wildest parts of her season on and off the track - Her advice to young girls chasing the same dream - Her thoughts on the next steps for women in Formula 1 0:00 – Introduction 1:12 – Winning the F1 Academy Championship 4:10 – Handling Pressure During the Season 6:48 – What It Means to Represent Alpine 9:30 – The Realities of Being a Young Racer 13:15 – Life Behind the Scenes: Fitness, Focus & Sacrifice 17:42 – How Motorsport is Changing for Women 21:33 – Abbi’s Honest Thoughts on the F1 Ladder 26:09 – Goals for 2025 & Her Ultimate Racing Dream 30:50 – Rapid Fire Q&A + Final Message to Young Girls in Racing 💬 Join the Conversation: What are your thoughts on Abbi’s season? Do you think we’ll see her on the F1 grid in the near future? Let us know below! 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more exclusive conversations with the fastest names in motorsport. #AbbiPulling #F1Academy #TrackLimitsPodcast #Formula1 #WomenInMotorsport #AlpineAcademy #Motorsport Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get started with Notion today—sign up for free at http://notion.com/tracklimits 🚨 Oracle is offering to cut your current cloud bill in HALF if you move to OCI. Go to https://oracle.com/TRACKLIMITS to see if your company qualifies for this special offer. 🔥 This week on the Track Limits Podcast, we’re joined by two of the most entertaining voices in motorsport content—Niran Yesufu (new to the pod) and Aarav (returning from Season 1)! As core members of Team Quadrant, they’ve helped shape the intersection between racing culture and online content, alongside none other than Lando Norris. From their creative journeys to bold F1 predictions and hilarious hot takes, this episode is packed with energy, insight, and plenty of laughs. ⏱️ EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 – Introduction 03:40 – How they got started in the YouTube/racing scene 09:15 – What it’s really like working with Lando Norris 14:22 – The rise and evolution of Team Quadrant 21:10 – Their bold predictions for the 2025 and 2026 F1 seasons 26:45 – Is Max Verstappen unstoppable? 30:55 – What’s next for Quadrant 36:20 – The challenges of making F1 content in 2025 and beyond 41:18 – Aarav’s return to Track Limits & what’s changed since Season 1 44:00 – Fun, wild fan questions 48:13 – Wrap-up and final thoughts 🎬 MUST-WATCH MOMENTS - Aarav and Niran’s real talk on how YouTube changed their lives - Behind the curtain: What it’s actually like being around Lando Norris - Why 2026 will be the biggest shake-up in F1 since the turbo-hybrid era -The next evolution of Team Quadrant — and how they’re building something even bigger -The moment Niran made a shock prediction that left everyone stunned 📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more bangers every week. Whether you’re here for F1, vibes, or content creator chaos, you’re in the right place. #TrackLimitsPodcast #TeamQuadrant #LandoNorris #F1 #Aarav #NiranYesufu #Formula1 #F12025 #F12026 #F1Predictions #YouTubeCreators #F1Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

🚨 Don’t let your savings sit around - make it work harder for you. Go to https://get.stash.com/TRACKLIMITS to see how you can receive TWENTY-FIVE DOLLARS towards your first stock purchase. 🚨 Oracle is offering to cut your current cloud bill in HALF if you move to OCI. Go to https://oracle.com/TRACKLIMITS to see if your company qualifies for this special offer. The Track Limits Podcast welcomes back Isack Hadjar, now an official F1 driver for the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls Formula One team! Two years ago, we spoke to him as an F2 hopeful—now, he’s living his dream in F1. In this episode, Isack talks about his journey to the top, the pressure of racing in the big leagues, and what it’s like going wheel-to-wheel with the legends he grew up watching. 📢 Episode Highlights: - The Call-Up to F1: Where Isack was when he got the life-changing call from Helmut Marko. - Racing Against Hamilton & Alonso: The surreal feeling of sharing the grid with childhood idols. - F2 Struggles & Redemption: How a brutal 2023 season almost ended his F1 dream—and how he turned it around. - Goals for His Rookie Season: Why he’s focused on maximizing every opportunity and proving himself. - Teammate Battles with Yuki Tsunoda: Why he’s excited to work with Yuki and even practice his Japanese. 🔥 Must-Watch Moments: - Isack’s honest take on handling pressure in F1 vs. F2. - His thoughts on the best conditions for pure driver skill—full wet vs. dry racing. - His unexpected passion for combat sports and how judo shaped his racing mindset. 💬 Join the Conversation: What are your expectations for Isack Hadjar’s rookie F1 season? Can he challenge Yuki Tsunoda? Let us know in the comments! 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more exclusive F1 insights, stories, and interviews. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Don’t let your savings sit around - make it work harder for you. Go to https://get.stash.com/TRACKLIMITS to see how you can receive TWENTY-FIVE DOLLARS towards your first stock purchase. The Track Limits Podcast is back with a special returning guest—former McLaren F1 mechanic, broadcaster, and author Marc Priestley! In this episode, Marc dives deep into McLaren’s resurgence, the secrets behind winning in Formula 1, and shares some wild behind-the-scenes F1 stories (including a legendary prank on Kimi Räikkönen). 📢 Episode Highlights: McLaren’s Championship Rise: Why their 2024 success was years in the making. The Ferrari & Lewis Hamilton Era Begins: What Lewis needs to adapt and why 2025 might not be Ferrari’s golden year—yet. The Mindset of a Winning Team: How McLaren transformed from struggling midfielders to title contenders. F1’s Biggest Problem? Marc’s take on F1’s complicated rule book and why it needs a major reset. Insane F1 Stories: That time he filled Kimi Räikkönen’s gloves with blue powder before a race. 🔥 Moments You Can’t Miss: The truth about Max Verstappen’s future—is he really considering a move to Aston Martin? Why F1 needs to rethink Monaco (Sprinklers, anyone?) His bold prediction: Liam Lawson could take the fight to Max at Red Bull! 💬 Join the Conversation: Who will dominate 2025—McLaren, Ferrari, or Red Bull? And should Monaco’s race format change? Let us know in the comments! 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more exclusive F1 insights, stories, and interviews. #MarcPriestley #F1 #TrackLimitsPodcast #McLaren #LewisHamilton #MaxVerstappen #Formula1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s a wrap! Season 2 of the Track Limits Podcast has been an unforgettable journey, and your hosts Mikey, Feven, Swish, and Henny are here to look back on the most exciting, chaotic, and hilarious moments of the season. From behind-the-scenes chaos to incredible guest interviews, we’re celebrating everything that made this season special while giving you a sneak peek into what’s coming in Season 3! 📢 Episode Highlights: Too Many Races?: The hosts debate whether the 2023 F1 calendar was too crowded and reminisce about the standout events. Travel Adventures: From cold plunges in terrible Airbnbs to unforgettable trips to the McLaren and Williams factories, the behind-the-scenes antics kept things entertaining. Favourite Guests: Max Verstappen’s inspiring energy in Madrid, Natalie Pinkham’s hilarious mix-up, and unforgettable race watch parties. Hilarious Bets and Blunders: Feven and Henny’s Checo bet and who owes a skydive, plus Swish’s passport panic at Williams HQ. Season 3 Preview: What’s changing in the podcast format, new plans for race watch parties, and exciting collaborations ahead. 🔥 Funniest Moments You’ll Love: Fighting over hot water in an Airbnb. Watching Vampire Diaries to recover from a terrifying cannibal movie. Feven’s “golden retriever vs. tiger” take on Charles Leclerc. 💬 Join the Conversation: What were your favourite moments from Season 2? Are you ready for Season 3? Let us know in the comments below! Make sure to subscribe, review and follow us on our socials: https://www.instagram.com/tracklimits/ https://youtube.com/@tracklimitspod https://twitter.com/tracklimits_pod/ https://www.tiktok.com/@tracklimitspod Join our mailing list to learn more about Track Limits: https://www.tracklimitspod.com/ 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated as we gear up for an even bigger and better Season 3. #TrackLimitsPodcast #F1 #Motorsport #EndOfSeason #MaxVerstappen #Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this special episode of the Track Limits Podcast, we sit down with four-time F1 World Champion Max Verstappen at the Heineken Player Zero Zero event in Madrid. Known for his relentless drive on the track, Max shares his passion for sim racing, fostering young talent, and his exciting plans for the future. 📢 Episode Highlights: The Power of Sim Racing: How Max is using Team Redline to bring virtual racers into real-world motorsport. Giving Back: Why Max is passionate about helping young talent who lack traditional racing opportunities. Life After F1: Insights into Max’s vision for his post-racing career, focusing on management and mentoring. Tech Talk: Max’s thoughts on virtual reality and how it’s evolving in the sim racing world. Advice for Aspiring Racers: Max shares practical tips for young drivers looking to break into motorsport. 🔥 Key Moments You’ll Love: Max reveals how Team Redline will bring its first sim racer to real-world competition next year. His honest take on VR in sim racing—what’s exciting and what still needs work. Why hard work, critical thinking, and surrounding yourself with the right people are key to success in motorsport. 💬 Join the Conversation: Do you think sim racing can truly bridge the gap to professional motorsport? Let us know in the comments! Make sure to subscribe, review and follow us on our socials: https://www.instagram.com/tracklimits/ https://twitter.com/tracklimits_pod/ https://www.tiktok.com/@tracklimitspod Join our mailing list to learn more about Track Limits: https://www.tracklimitspod.com/ 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more exclusive interviews with motorsport’s biggest stars. #MaxVerstappen #SimRacing #TrackLimitsPodcast #F1 #TeamRedline #HeinekenPlayerZeroZero Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices