Back Of The Grid | F1 Podcast

Summer Break Inbox Special

17 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

As F1 takes a well earned rest over the summer break, we look at a frenetic final round of the Formula E season and a potential route into F1 for the ...

2021 Mid-Season Review - The Bottas Problem

10 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It's the summer break, so it's time for us to give our mid-season assessment of every driver and team on the grid! Has anyone achieved a perfect 10? W...

2021 Hungarian GP Review - Bottas Goes Bowling

03 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

After one of the all time great races at the Hungaroring, we look at a fantastic first win for Ocon, the huge part Alonso played in it, whether Merced...

2021 Hungarian GP Preview - Red Bull Playing Games?

28 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we (reluctantly) look at what Red Bull may be hoping to achieve from a review of Hamilton's penalty, more potential changes to the race cal...

2021 British GP Review - Copse & Robbers

21 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

After what might be the most pivotal round of the championship so far, we look at who was to blame for the Verstappen and Hamilton incident, the after...

2021 British GP Preview - One Begins a Sentence With “One”

13 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

As we head into the first ever sprint race weekend at Silverstone, we look at the pros and cons of the new format, the rule changes required to make i...

2021 Austrian GP Review - Plenty of Penalties

06 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

After a race full of penalties, we look at which ones weren't deserved, which ones definitely were, why the penalty points system needs an overhaul, b...

2021 Styrian GP Review - It's a Small Window

30 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

From the highs of a dominating 4th win in a row for Red Bull with Max Verstappen, to the lows of what could have been for George Russell and Williams....

2021 French GP Review - The One That Bankrupt Us

22 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

After an unexpectedly brilliant French Grand Prix, we look at a strategic masterclass from Red Bull, how Mercedes let the race get away from them, all...

2021 French GP Preview - Why be one racetrack when you can be many

15 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

As we head into a hectic triple-header, we take the opportunity to look ahead to the second season of W Series which starts in a couple of weeks time ...

2021 Azerbaijan GP Review - Max's Painty Tyres

09 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

After another incredible weekend in Baku, we look at the great drives which led to one of the most popular podiums in years, dig into what went wrong ...

2021 Azerbaijan GP Preview - A Subtle Flex

01 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Bottas' pit stop is finally completed after nearly 48hours and flexi-wings continue to be a talking point around the paddock as we discuss the lead up...

2021 Monaco GP Review - Big Ol' Boats

25 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, more Monaco heartbreak for Leclerc, should qualifying rules be changed, the longest pit stop in F1 history, a stat about Max Verstappen you...

2021 Monaco GP Preview - Monaco or Bust

18 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week we preview a pivotal weekend in the championship for Red Bull, take another visit to calendar news corner, fawn over the new McLaren livery ...

2021 Spanish GP Review - Pretty good... for Barcelona

11 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week we talk about one of the best races we've ever seen, but first we go over all the events of the Spanish Grand Prix, plus predictions league ...

2021 Portuguese GP Review - Racecars Hate Wind

05 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week we look back on the latest round of Hamilton vs Verstappen, what the future holds for Bottas, contrasting weekends at McLaren, the same old ...

2021 Portuguese GP Preview - It's Just An Overnight Red Flag

27 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In a rare case of news breaking BEFORE we record, this week we discuss the newly announced plans for sprint qualifying at three rounds this season and...

2021 Emilia-Romagna GP Review - Sudden Unexpected Yaw

20 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we look into the Russell and Bottas incident and it’s many layers, a thrilling race at the front, a stand out performance from Norris and...

2021 Emilia-Romagna GP Preview - We'll Just Call it Imola

13 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We're back to preview the race with the longest name in F1 history, as well as another exciting edition of circuit news, changes at Mercedes and a dip...

2021 Bahrain GP Review - The Yuki Tsunoda Appreciation Episode

30 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What a start to the season! Join us as we unpack all the events of the Bahrain Grand Prix, look at where Red Bull went wrong and Mercedes outdid them,...

2021 Bahrain GP Preview - The Return Of Monzaco

23 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It's time four our first race preview of the year and the return of the prediction league at what might be the hardest race to call in some time! We d...

2021 Pre-Season Testing - The Beluga Zone

16 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

As three days of testing come to a close, we assess the performance of each team, work out who were the winners and losers and try to predict what it ...

Livery Rankings 2021 - It Depends On The Pizza

10 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we take a look at the (almost) final car launches of the season, do our all important livery tier rankings, pick out the stories to keep an...

Car Launch Catchup - Who is Tom Brady?

04 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we catch up on all the car reveals to date, give our thoughts on the new liveries and technical changes and answer your questions from the ...

It's Orange

16 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we catch up on all the recent news including the engine freeze, sprint races, new contracts and new teams, while simultaneously watching th...

They've rebadged it, you fool!

28 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, a round up of all the recent news, the pros and cons of a power unit development freeze, Jenson Button corner, the Colin McRae R4, and we d...

2021 Season predictions

12 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In our first podcast of the new year we make some bold and not so bold predictions for the season ahead, catch up on all the years news so far, someho...

The 2020 Back Of The Grid Awards

22 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It's time to review the season and round off the year with the always prestigious Back Of The Grid awards. Which race do we want back on the calendar?...

2020 Abu Dhabi GP Review - It's a Posh Harbour

15 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

After a lacklustre season finale, we discuss the conclusion to the fight for third, how to improve the Yas Marina circuit, our new prediction league c...

2020 Sakhir GP Review - Two 10 out of 10 Drives

09 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

An eventful week ends with two near perfect drives, one for a debut win and the other to stake a claim for a future promotion, plus pit shenanigans, a...

2020 Bahrain GP Review - Get well soon Romain

01 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

After one of the most difficult weekends F1 has faced in some time, we thank everyone who has played a part in F1 safety for playing a part in Romain ...

2020 Bahrain GP Preview - The Run In

24 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

As we head into the final races of the F1 and F2 seasons, we look at which fights are still undecided in the championships, who is heading to the post...

2020 Turkish GP Review - 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆

17 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

After an exciting weekend in Turkey for none of the reasons we expected, we look back at the extraordinary way Lewis Hamilton won his seventh champion...

2020 Turkish GP Preview - A Surplus Of Circuits

10 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

As F1 unveil a record 23 race calendar, we ask how many races is too many, look at the pros and cons of a new race in Saudi Arabia, and preview our mo...

2020 Emilia-Romagna GP Review - The cavalcade of disappointment

03 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

As Mercedes celebrate their record seventh consecutive constructors championship, Chris puts on his tin foil Bottas hat, we ponder whether Toto and Le...

2020 Portuguese GP Review - Stroll's Weird Weekend

27 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

After a record breaking weekend in Portugal, we look at a crazy opening lap, where Bottas is falling short and where he isn't, a weekend to forget for...

2020 Portuguese GP Preview - Nico Hulkenberg: Bull Tamer?

20 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Driver contracts are the hot topic in this weeks news as we discuss rumours of a Hulkenberg return in the Red Bull, a Perez switch to Williams and Fer...

Maurice Hamilton Interview - FORMULA 1: The OFFICIAL HISTORY - Available 15th October 2020

14 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Maurice Hamilton joins Tom & Chris to discuss his new book, FORMULA 1: THE OFFICIAL HISTORY, talk about some of his favourite times covering the sport...

2020 Eifel GP Review - 91 And Counting

13 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

As Lewis Hamilton reaches a milestone most never thought possible, we look at his achievement, disappointment for Bottas and Albon, a second return f...

2020 Eifel GP Preview - The Unintentional Electric Engine Special

06 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

After Honda drop the bombshell news they will be leaving the sport at the end of the 2021 season we discuss where this leaves Red Bull, and perhaps mo...

2020 Russian GP Review - Oh, And An Onion Please!

29 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Time to review a race that was eventful by Sochi standards and saw another weekend of unusual and uncommon penalties. Were the penalties against Lewis...

2020 Russian GP Preview - Can Bottas Prevail?

22 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

After a weekend without Formula 1 we look back at the action from Le Mans, talk about proposed qualifying changes and Racing Point's significant new h...

2020 Tuscan GP Review - Mugelloh-no

15 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

After another eventful weekend in Mugello, we discuss Sebastian Vettel joining Aston Martin, what next for Sergio Perez, the causes of the many incide...

2020 Italian GP Review - Bien Joué, Pierre

08 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We look back at a roller coaster Italian GP and review a win that left every fan with a smile on their face, regardless of who they support. We analys...

2020 Belgian Grand Prix Review - That’s so Cyril

01 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The Belgian Grand Prix may not have been a classic, but there's still plenty to talk about as we look at a resurgant Renault giving the top three a he...

2020 Belgian Grand Prix Preview - What next at Williams?

25 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This week we look at what’s next for Williams after the confirmation of their sale to a private investment company, the role the new Concorde agreem...

2020 Spanish Grand Prix - Okay Copy

18 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This week we review the Spanish Grand Prix, looking at another impressive drive from Lance Stroll, what Bottas is doing wrong and Verstappen is doing ...

2020 70th Anniversary Grand Prix - Just enough time for a cup of tea

11 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This week we're joined by Ashley Foster aka Ukesnaile to discuss the Racing Point verdict, another great weekend for Hulk, highs for Verstappen, lows ...

2020 British GP Review - Bono, the tyres have actually gone

04 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

On this weeks bumper episode, we spend more time talking about three laps than should be possible, discuss Hulkenberg’s unexpected return, try to wo...

2020 British GP Preview - Stroll's Seat to Lose?

29 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It’s race week again already as we look at new circuits, a restructure at Ferrari, Vettel’s potential future at Aston Martin and whether Stroll de...

2020 Hungarian GP Review - 2000 Horsepower?

21 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This week, a superhuman effort from the Red Bull mechanics, why Hass got a penalty, why Bottas didn't, an example of what Ferrari are losing next year...

2020 Styrian GP Review - Return of the Crimson Mist

14 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Another weekend in Austria brings us another exciting race. Maybe double headers should become an actual thing, though Ferrari may disagree after anot...

2020 Austrian GP Review - Some People Just Want To Watch The Oil Burn

07 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Well that was worth the wait, wasn't it!? We review the season opener in Austria and look ahead to the second round in... Austria. Plenty to talk abou...

2020 Austrian GP Preview - #WeRaceAsOne

30 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It's finally race preview time again! We look at how the break and the revised calendar might affect the coming races, new circuits, new liveries and ...

How Very 'Abt' - Chris Says Names

02 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Plenty of news as we start to move towards something that resembles a 2020 season. Double races in Austria and GB will help fill out an initial calend...

Carlos, Charles is faster than you - Pre season just got silly

15 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

There may not be any racing, but silly season has started earlier than ever with one of the wildest weeks for driver changes in memory. We look at wha...

Nuggets o' News

06 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This week brings a possible new calendar, a new first race of the year, some positive movement in the budget cap saga and Ferrari threatening to quit ...

Crazy Calendars and Backwards Races

16 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

There may be no racing, but there’s still plenty to talk about as F1 look at ways to put a calendar together, the 2021 rules become the 2022 rules, ...

2020 Australian GP Review - The Race-less Review

17 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

After arriving in Australia a positive Covid-19 case ends the weekend before it begins and along with the rest of the sporting world further events ar...

2020 Australian GP Preview - Helmets & Hairstyles

10 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

  The season is almost upon us. This week we look ahead to opening weekend, make some predictions and see what helmet rule changes may mean for Lewis...

2020 Pre Season Testing - What They Look Like & What They Go Like

25 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Cars are finally on track in 2020! We cover all the launches, review those all important liveries, work out what we can learn from testing so far, try...

The (late) BOTG Awards 2019

30 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We're back! We kick off 2020 by drawing a line under last year and handing out our always prestigious awards for the 2019 season, discuss new contract...

2019 Abu Dhabi GP Review - The Race You Didn't See

04 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

For our final race review of the season, we look at the exciting race we didn't see on TV, what Ferrari might have been up to with their pit stops and...

2019 Abu Dhabi GP Preview - The Battle For Sixth

27 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

As we reach the final race of the 2019 season, we look at the remaining battles in the drivers and constructors standings, make our final predictions ...

2019 Brazilian GP Review - Crimson Mist

20 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The penultimate race of the season had a little bit of everything. Team mates colliding, safety car restart dramas, debut podiums and most importantly...

2019 Brazilian GP Preview - Toto Wolff's Day Off

12 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Could Toto Wolff be lending a helping hand the the Mercedes Formula E program? Where are the remaining championship battles up and down the grid? Who ...

2019 US GP Review - Powered By AWS

05 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A 6 time world champion is crowned in Lewis Hamilton after another multi-strategy race. Tyre life graphics are almost as big of a talking point too as...

2019 Mexican GP Review - Lewis, It's James

29 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A Mexican review, a US preview and some brake bias debate make up this weeks packed episode. With the constructors title sealed and the drivers champi...

2019 Mexican GP Preview - Pointless Maths?

23 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This week we look ahead to Mexico and see how Hamilton can mathematically seal the title this weekend, work out who could spoil the party and make som...

2019 Japanese GP Review - James, It's Valtteri

15 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A bumper day of action with qualifying postponed to Sunday morning due to Typhoon Hagibis brought a long night for European fans and plenty of talkin...

2019 Japanese GP Preview - Let's Describe Circuits

08 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever heard 3 men discuss a circuit concept you've never seen? Well this week you are in luck. We talk Miami GP, the new Igora Drive in Russia...

2019 Russian GP Review - Sebastian, it's James

01 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In a race most feel Mercedes lucked into with a Virtual Safety Car, we still got drama as Vettel repeated antics reminiscent of his Multi 21 days and ...

2019 Singapore GP Review - 48.8s

24 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Ferrari do a Mercedes while Mercedes do a Ferrari, and through it all we try to do 48.8s. A different yet still entertaining Singapore GP is up for re...

2019 Singapore GP Preview - Tyre Squirt 101

17 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Pirelli test new rims and tyres in preparation for 2021, Haas splice together two versions of their car and Racing Point target Renault with their upd...

2019 Italian GP Review - Black and White makes Grey

10 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Back to back victories for Charles Leclerc sees him take full advantage of Ferrari's power advantage despite a strong showing from the Mercedes pairin...

2019 Belgian GP Review - No Better Winner

03 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Charles Leclerc claimed his maiden win in a weekend marred with tragedy. It's been a long time coming for Charles but he can now call himself a Grand ...

2019 Belgian GP Preview - All Eyes on Albon

28 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Could Ocon be Renault bound, sending Hulkenberg to partner his best bud Magnussen at Haas? The rumour mill has another story for us heading into the B...

2019 Mid Season Review

20 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Tom & Chris use the summer break to review everyone's season so far and catch up on some Inbox. Enter the prediction league on our site; BackofTheGrid...

2020 Grid Predictions: Red Bull Musical Chairs

13 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Hazel Southwell joins us for the first episode of the summer break where we look ahead to what we think the grid might look like in 2020. We also have...

2019 Hungarian GP Review - The Duel

06 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Another race providing entertainment from lights to flag. This week we saw a race for the purists where the safety car stayed put and there were no pe...

2019 German GP Review - Flat Cap Chaos

30 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In a race where all involved were at the mercy of the elements we saw spins, wipe outs and crashes galore. The conditions of Hockenheim challenged the...

2019 German GP Preview - Cars That Make You Go 'Wow!'

23 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A new draft of 2021 regulations are out so this week we go through them, discuss what it will potentially mean for the sport going forward and look ah...

2019 British GP Review - Where Next For Vettel?

16 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Hamilton benefits from a safety car and Vettel is lucky to not cause one as he took a closer look at Verstappen’s rear diffuser. We cover everything...

2019 British GP Preview - Flying the Flag

09 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

It's the time of year where silly season begins so we are talking Ricciardo's options in 2020, seeing who will be bringing upgrades for the run into s...

2019 Austrian GP Review - The Max Factor

02 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The heat was evident this weekend, both on the circuit and in the cockpit as Max Verstappen bumped his way past Charles Leclerc to take a home win for...

2019 French GP Review - Gorilla Madness

25 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The first back to back of the season means a French review and an Austrian preview all rolled into one. We discuss gorilla trophy heists, Lando "The M...

2019 French GP Preview - Fernando LeManso

17 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Two French races in as many weekends! We look back at the events of the Le Mans 24hr as well as a look ahead to this weekends French GP. Can Renault p...

2019 Canadian GP Review - "The Incident"

11 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Penalty or not? We discuss "The Incident", but we also take the time to cover what was an all round entertaining race even before the drama up front. ...

2019 Canadian GP Preview - The Wall of Future Champions?

04 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

With Mercedes set to bring engine updates to a power demanding Canadian Grand Prix will they continue to dominate this season? Will Ferrari be able to...

2019 Monaco GP Review - George Hustle

29 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

An entertaining race by Monaco standards, but what about compared to recent races this season? Tom isn't convinced and Stu has a mission to change his...

2019 Monaco GP Preview - Not Quite The Back Of The Grid

21 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Alonso fails to qualify for the Indy500, Chris and Stu do us proud at Karun's Karting Carnival and we look ahead to the star studded event that is a M...

2019 Spanish GP Review - Hive Mind F1

14 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We actually found things to talk about after this weekends race... Some of it was race related, some of it may have been about male pattern baldness a...

2019 Spanish GP Preview - Upgrade Mania

07 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We look ahead to a race that could be ditched in favour of Zandvoort in coming seasons, as well as debate where we think teams will be post typical Ba...

2019 Azerbaijan GP Review - Whoops!

30 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

"Whoops" sums up so much of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix this year. Drain covers, recovery vehicles, bridges, crashes and reversing mishaps. Could Valtte...

2019 Azerbaijan GP Preview - Russlencia and Monzaco

23 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A virtual lap of Hanoi we are dubbing "Russlencia" and a look ahead to Azerbaijan, now known as "Monzaco". Whose upgrades will provide the biggest gai...

2019 Chinese GP Review - Honestly, What The Ferrari Are We Doing Here?

16 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Ferrari team orders are once again the talking point of the weekend as Mercedes score a 1-2 for the 3rd race of the season, a feat not achieved since ...

2019 Chinese GP Preview - Drifting into China

09 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A look ahead to the 1000th race in World Championship history in China, plus Tom teaches us a little about British drifting, we chat about the upcomin...

2019 Bahrain GP Review - Leclerc Dominates, Ferrari Disintegrate

02 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The Ferrari fails on Leclerc costing him a maiden win but holds out long enough to at least secure a podium. The Renault woes continue for Ricciardo a...

2019 Bahrain GP Preview - Race Friends

27 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The Schumacher name will make a return to the F1 schedule in the Bahrain test, Formula E keeps on delivering and we look ahead to Bahrain, will Bottas...

2019 Australian GP Review - Valtteri Badass

19 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A dominant win come race day for Valtteri Bottas but mega disappointment for the home man Daniel Ricciardo. An opening race that fills us with optimis...