S5 Ep: 2: The Story of Peter Hodgkinson (Former Head of Build and Employment Engagement Mercedes F1)

In this episode, we sit down with Peter Hodgkinson, one of the most influential and quietly impactful figures in modern motorsport leadership. With a career spanning over three decades, Peter’s journey took him from garage floors in the United States to the heart of Formula 1’s most successful era with the Mercedes AMG Petronas team. At Mercedes he served as Head of Build, where he was central to defining the discipline, quality, and technical excellence that helped deliver multiple world championships, and later as Head of Employee Engagement, translating the relentless precision of engineering into people-first leadership and team culture.In this conversation, we unpack:🚀 What it really takes to build and sustain elite performance in the world’s most pressurized racing environment🤝 How culture and clarity of purpose can become competitive advantages🔧 Lessons from working across Le Mans, IMSA, Brawn, and the silver arrows of Mercedes📌 Practical leadership insights for leaders, engineers, and high-performance teamsWhether you’re a motorsport fan, a leader, or someone who cares about how great teams are built, this episode is for you.

Season 5: F1 Preview - The calm before the storm, or is it another 2022? With Colin Johnston Ft: Malik Leigh. Check out the episode and let us know your thoughts. Will this be a Hamilton trip or a Mercedes comeback?

In this episode of Jorgy’s Stripping the Dipping, we sit down with Carol Armstrong, FIA member and passionate advocate for the future of motorsport. From championing inclusivity and sustainability to shaping policies that keep racing safe, fair, and forward-looking, Carol offers a unique perspective from the very heart of motorsport’s global governing body.We explore how the FIA is driving change both on and off the track, the challenges of balancing tradition with innovation, and the role of women in shaping motorsport’s next chapter. Carol also shares her personal journey into the sport and what keeps her motivated in a fast-changing industry.Whether you’re an F1 fanatic or curious about how decisions at the top affect the racing we love, this conversation promises insight, inspiration, and a behind-the-scenes look at motorsport’s future.

In this electrifying episode, we’re joined by Nicholas Longuet, a top-tier F1 Esports driver known for his razor-sharp racecraft, cool-headed strategy, and relentless drive on the virtual grid. With stints at Alpine and Alfa Romeo’s esports teams, Nicholas has consistently proven himself as one of the fastest and most consistent talents in the F1 Esports scene.🎧 We dive into:🏁 How Nicholas got into sim racing and made his way into the elite F1 Esports Pro Series🧠 The mental grind and preparation that goes into split-second decision-making at 200+ mph virtually🕹️ The difference between real-world motorsport and sim racing and how they're closer than you think🌍 The growth of esports, global fan bases, and how racing virtually has opened real-life career doors🥊 How he deals with pressure, rivalries, and what it really takes to race at the top, even when it's online

"From Carbon to Caution: The Old-School Truths of F1 with Ian Jackson" In this refreshingly candid episode, Stripping The Dipping sits down with Ian Jackson, a former Formula 1 composite technician who spent years in the heart of the paddock, crafting the very parts that kept championship cars glued to the tarmac. Now retired and far removed from the glitz of the modern grid, Ian offers an unfiltered, old-school perspective on how F1 has evolved from a sport of grit, grease, and raw speed to what some now call a high-speed reality show. We dive into: 🔧 What life was really like behind the scenes in an F1 garage 🏁 Whether modern F1 is still a sport... or just showbiz in overdrive 💭 His thoughts on the direction F1 is heading and what’s been lost in translation 🛠️ The forgotten craftsmanship behind composite work and car building 🚨 The pressures, politics, and real talk no Netflix series dares to show Plus, we throw Ian into a rapid-fire round of sandwich dilemmas, pineapple on pizza philosophy, and one or two curveballs he definitely wasn’t expecting. This is a must-listen for anyone who misses the soul of motorsport and wants to hear what it used to be like before the algorithms, influencers, and helmet cam drama took over.

In this high octane episode of Stripping The Dipping, we step into the fast-paced world of global motorsport events with the incredible Inés Yofre, a seasoned event operations specialist who's worked behind the scenes in both MotoGP and Formula 1. From organizing the chaos of race weekends to navigating the pressure of elite international sporting events, Inés shares her unique perspective on what it really takes to bring a race to life. With experience supporting event logistics across continents and series, she gives us the insider details that fans rarely hear how paddocks operate, what it’s like working so close to teams and riders, and the adrenaline rush that comes without ever stepping into a car or on a bike. We also chat about her career path, the role of women in motorsport, and how she balances life in one of the most demanding industries in the world. Plus don’t miss her answers to our signature rapid-fire questions, including the pineapple on pizza debate and the ever controversial “If you were a sandwich…” Whether you're a MotoGP die-hard, a Formula 1 fanatic, or someone curious about how global sporting events run smoothly behind the velvet ropes, this episode delivers speed, substance, and serious inspiration.

Racing Through Time with Colin Johnston – F1, History & the Mercedes Connection In this thought-provoking episode, we’re joined once again by motorsport historian, researcher, and returning friend of the show—Colin Johnston. A man who bridges the gap between the roaring past and the data-driven present, Colin offers fascinating insights into the evolution of motorsport, both on and off the track. We dive into his experience attending a Formula 1 Grand Prix, what it felt like to witness the action live, and how it compared to the sport’s historic eras. Colin also shares exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpses into his involvement with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team, giving fans a unique look into what goes on beyond race day. We unpack the role of a motorsport historian in today’s fast-paced digital landscape, discuss the importance of preserving motorsport’s forgotten stories, and reflect on how storytelling—through Netflix, social media, and beyond—has reshaped the fan experience. As always, we wrap up with a hilarious and slightly chaotic rapid-fire segment that includes hypothetical sandwiches, historical hot takes, and a few questions even Colin had to pause and think about! Highlights: The fan experience of attending an F1 race in person Working with Mercedes F1 – what that actually looks like How motorsport history is being preserved and modernized Top underrated stories from racing’s past The historian’s view on Drive to Survive, AI, and sim racing Rapid-fire fun: pineapple pizza, sandwich alter-egos, and ghost teams Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newer viewer hungry for depth, this episode delivers a unique blend of edutainment, nostalgia, and behind-the-scenes revelations.

In this episode, we delve into the world of Australian motorsport with Dean Brooking, the founder and team director of JKD Racing. With over 20 years of racing experience across categories like HQ Holdens, Porsche Challenge, and Hyundai Excels, Dean brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the track. Dean shares insights into the challenges and triumphs of building JKD Racing into a competitive force in the V8 SuperUte Series. We discuss the technical and logistical aspects of team management, the importance of fostering a positive team culture, and the role of fan engagement in motorsport. He also opens up about the personal aspects of racing, including mentoring his stepson, Jensen Engelhardt, who races alongside him. Dean emphasizes the significance of continuous improvement, both on and off the track, and how he navigates the pressures of the racing world. Whether you're a motorsport enthusiast or interested in the behind-the-scenes workings of a racing team, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the dedication and strategy involved in achieving success on the track. 🔗 Connect with JKD Racing: Website: jkdracing.com.au Instagram: @jkdracing Facebook: JKD Racing Australia

At just 19 years old, Aliyyah Koloc is already making waves across some of the toughest racing disciplines on the planet from extreme endurance events to truck racing and the grueling Dakar Rally. But her story goes far beyond speed and trophies. In this episode, Aliyyah opens up about her journey from a teenage racing prodigy to a role model in motorsport, and how she's using her platform as an ambassador for diversity, mental health awareness, and inclusion.We dive into the challenges she’s faced, the pressure of racing at a global level, and how she balances the mental and physical demands of a brutally competitive industry all while advocating for a more open, supportive racing community.Aliyyah’s passion, resilience, and honesty shine through in this powerful conversation that shows there’s much more to motorsport than just winning, it's about purpose, perseverance, and making a difference.

What happens when legal strategy meets motorsport adrenaline? In this episode of Stripping The Dipping, we sit down with John Hand, a UK-based motorsport lawyer and consultant whose journey through the high-speed, high-stakes legal side of racing is nothing short of fascinating. With a background in law and a passion for racing, John gives us an insider’s look into the often-overlooked world of motorsport contracts, disputes, and governance. From FIA regulations and race control issues to how drivers and teams protect their brand and rights, John’s expertise sheds light on what really goes on behind the scenes in the paddock. We also explore: What makes motorsport law so unique Legal gray areas that fans never hear about Memorable cases and controversies John’s take on current challenges in F1 and beyond His surprising motorsport fandom picks! Plus, we put John through our signature rapid-fire round—and yes, we ask the big question: pineapple on pizza? Whether you’re a law nerd, F1 fanatic, or just love great motorsport conversations—this episode is for you. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and drop your questions in the comments. Who would YOU like to see us interview next?