The Race F1 Podcast

What makes Adrian Newey so special - and will there ever be another?

12 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Glenn Freeman and Ben Anderson join Edd Straw to chat about F1's most talked about technical mind: Adrian Newey. The Red Bull tech chief looks set to ...

F1's surprise technical director move explained

07 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Hughes and Matt Beer join Edd Straw to discuss the surprise news that James Key will join the Sauber-run Alfa Romeo team as its technical directo...

Spanish GP: How Mercedes won the race behind Verstappen

04 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Hughes and Scott Mitchell-Malm join Edd Straw to explain Red Bull's dominance, evaluate the true impact of the recent Mercedes upgrades and expla...

McLaren's statement signing & Ferrari's season-defining upgrades

31 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On the eve of the Spanish Grand Prix, Scott Mitchell-Malm joins Edd Straw in Barcelona to discuss the news that McLaren have signed Rob Marshall - a k...

Monaco GP: Did Alonso and Aston Martin miss victory shot?

29 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Scott Mitchell-Malm and Mark Hughes join Edd Straw to review a dramatic Monaco Grand Prix that was enlivened by rain and Max Verstappen's most hard-fo...

The inside line on Aston Martin's new Honda engine deal

24 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Josh Suttill and Scott Mitchell-Malm join Edd Straw to discuss Aston Martin's sensational new deal with Honda, which will see them use the Japanese ma...

Explaining Sainz and Ferrari's 'tougher than ever' 2023

21 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

With no Emilia Romagna Grand Prix to review, Scott Mitchell-Malm and Mark Hughes to delve into Carlos Sainz's season, why it's been so tough for Ferr...

Why Imola F1 race had to be cancelled

17 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Valentin Khorounzhiy and Jonny Reynolds join Edd Straw to discuss the cancellation of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola, owing to heavy flooding...

Why Imola upgrades are make or break for Mercedes

17 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Hughes and Josh Suttill join Edd Straw to discuss Mercedes' long-awaited upgrade package, which arrives at this weekend's Grand Prix in Imola. T...

Aston Martin-Honda plan and Alpine’s meltdown

14 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Scott Mitchell-Malm and Valentin Khorounzhiy join Edd Straw to discuss the big stories in F1, including Aston Martin's mooted Honda deal, Laurent Ro...

10 years without victory, but is Alonso better than ever?

11 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week marks a decade since Fernando Alonso last stood on the top step of a Grand Prix podium - a remarkable statistic given the success he'd had u...

Miami Grand Prix: How Verstappen turned the tables on Perez

08 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Scott Mitchell-Malm and Mark Hughes join Edd Straw to explain how Max Verstappen turned ninth on the grid into victory in the Miami Grand Prix, and wh...

Perez vs Verstappen: Will Red Bull allow a straight title fight?

04 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On the eve of the Miami Grand Prix, Edd Straw is joined by Josh Suttill and Ben Anderson to look at the intra-team title battle that's shaping up at R...

Azerbaijan GP: Perez's street supremacy and pitlane crowding

30 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Scott Mitchell-Malm and Mark Hughes join Edd Straw to review the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, the first of F1's modified sprint weekends. Amongst other thin...

Your questions answered ahead of F1’s return in Baku

25 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Scott Mitchell-Malm and Mark Hughes join Edd Straw to answer listeners' questions on everything to do with F1 in 2023, ahead of F1's return this weeke...

BONUS: Answering your questions on F1 history - Charity special

24 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We've got a bonus episode for you on the feed today from our sister show, Bring Back V10s, the podcast that celebrates an era of F1 that was loud on a...

What Mercedes’ shock technical reshuffle means

21 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Scott Mitchell-Malm and Mark Hughes join Edd Straw to discuss Mercedes’ sudden technical reshuffle, which has seen two of it’s senior personnel sw...

Debating F1's ideal race weekend format

16 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Valentin Khorounzhiy, Scott Mitchell-Malm and Ben Anderson join Edd Straw to ask whether F1 really needs to change its event format and, if so, what ...

10 things we’ve learned from F1 2023 so far

12 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Hughes and Scott Mitchell-Malm convene to review the key talking points of the three-race 'mini-season' that kicked off the season and explain wh...

Ferrari’s review and car upgrade plan

09 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Scott Mitchell-Malm and Mark Hughes join Edd Straw to discuss the validity of Ferrari’s petition to review Carlos Sainz’s Australian Grand Prix pe...

How Hulkenberg has hit the ground running in F1 return

06 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ben Anderson and Val Khorounzhiy join Edd Straw to explain Nico Hulkenberg's strong start to the season with Haas and why nobody should be surprise...

Australian GP: Explaining F1's restart controversy

02 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Hughes and Scott Mitchell-Malm join Edd Straw to review the Australian Grand Prix, not only in terms of how it played out on track but also the r...

Is F1 missing Daniel Ricciardo?

30 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On the eve of the first Australian Grand Prix to take place without Daniel Ricciardo since 2011, Ben Anderson and Claire Cottingham join Edd Straw to ...

Inside Williams’ positive start to the Vowles era

27 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Hughes and Scott Mitchell-Malm join Edd Straw to delve into the relatively good start made by Williams in the 2023 F1 season based on its very mo...

Explaining McLaren's shock technical shake-up

23 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Scott Mitchell-Malm and Matt Beer join Edd Straw to discuss the news that McLaren are reshuffling their technical department after a shaky start to th...

Why Porsche's F1 plans appear to be over

23 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Scott Mitchell-Malm joins Edd Straw to explain why Porsche's hopes to come into F1 have run aground and why one of the world's most celebrated car-mak...

Saudi Arabian GP: Alonso’s non-penalty and Red Bull tension

20 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Hughes and Scott Mitchell-Malm join Edd Straw to explain why Alonso lost, then regained, his third place finish at Jeddah and the race management...

SPECIAL: The making of Villeneuve Pironi, F1's new mega doc

16 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On March 18th a new feature-length documentary entitled Villeneuve Pironi: Racing’s Untold Tragedy is coming to Sky Documentaries in the UK.It tells...

Can Ferrari take the fight to Red Bull?

13 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur was upbeat about its prospects for the rest of the season after the Bahrain Grand Prix, but can it really challenge Red...

What's gone wrong for Mercedes?

10 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Hughes and Edd Straw delve into the Mercedes W14 and its troubles, asking what's gone wrong, how it can be fixed and how long it will take.Click ...

BONUS: How Aston Martin have gone from mid-pack to podium so quickly

08 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Are you interested in F1 design and technology? Then you need to listen to The Race F1 Tech Show! Check out this episode of the show, and if you enjoy...

Bahrain GP: How Red Bull made the perfect start to F1 2023

06 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Scott Mitchell-Malm and Mark Hughes join Edd Straw to look back on the 2023 F1 season opener in Bahrain, which was dominated by Red Bull with Max Vers...

Aston Martin's Bahrain F1 practice shockwaves

03 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fernando Alonso and Aston Martin set the pace in Friday practice for the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix. Scott Mitchell-Malm joins Edd Straw to exp...

F1 2023 season preview

27 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Hughes and Scott Mitchell-Malm join Edd Straw to look ahead to the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix, asking if Red Bull really are as strong as ...

Our final verdict on F1 pre-season testing

25 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Scott Mitchell-Malm joins Edd Straw to review Formula 1's only pre-season test and explain how the 10 teams appear to be stacking up against each othe...

Testing day 2: Explaining McLaren's struggles

24 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Scott Mitchell-Malm joins Edd Straw to bring you everything you need to know from the second day of pre-season testing in Bahrain, with a little help ...

Testing day 1: Red Bull's ominous start

23 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Scott Mitchell-Malm joins Edd Straw to review the first day of testing in Bahrain, with the help of Mark Hughes analysing the times and Gary Anderson ...

F1 2023’s big pre-season testing stories

22 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Gary Anderson and Mark Hughes join Edd Straw to preview the Bahrain test, including a look at how the top teams are looking and the best way to learn ...

LIVE SHOW: 2023's big rivalries with special guest Ted Kravitz

20 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This episode of The Race F1 Podcast isn’t the same as our usual ones - it was recorded live on Sunday February 12th in front of 300 people at Kings ...

Alpine’s 2023 F1 car breaks cover

16 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Scott Mitchell-Malm and Edd Straw bring you coverage of the Alpine F1 car launch in a podcast recorded on-site at Printworks in London.Follow The Race...

Why Mercedes have gone for evolution not revolution with new car

15 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Scott Mitchell-Malm and Gary Anderson join Edd Straw to explain why the Mercedes W14 still features the infamous zero-sidepod design and examine what ...

Why Ferrari is quietly confident about its new car

14 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Gary Anderson and Mark Hughes join Edd Straw to analyse the new Ferrari SF-23, with the help of Scott Mitchell-Malm in Maranello. Follow The Race on ...

Aggressive Aston Martin and downbeat McLaren

14 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Aston Martin and McLaren launched their 2023 Formula 1 cars on the same day, but the two events had very different feels with one team far more positi...

Alfa Romeo's 'brave' 2023 F1 car explained

07 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We reveal the secrets of the Alfa Romeo C43 in the latest launch season edition of The Race F1 Podcast. Gary Anderson and Scott Mitchell-Malm join Ed...

Williams reveals new look and 2023 car hints

06 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Hughes and Scott Mitchell-Malm join Edd Straw to discuss the Williams season launch event, what it told us about the team's progress and the clue...

Ford's F1 return with Red Bull explained

03 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Hughes and Scott Mitchell-Malm join Edd Straw to reveal all about Ford's return to Formula 1 with Red Bull and how the partnership will work. Fo...

F1 2023's new car technical trends

30 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Gary Anderson and Mark Hughes join Edd Straw to answer the key questions about 2023's F1 cars, including whether they will converge in design, the key...

The top tasks on Vasseur's Ferrari to-do list

27 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fred Vasseur has faced the F1 media for the first time since he was appointed Ferrari team principal. Scott Mitchell-Malm and Ben Anderson join Edd St...

How each F1 team needs to improve in 2023

23 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

With the start of pre-season testing just one month away, we run through the 10 Formula 1 teams to highlight the key area where the need to improve in...

The F1 drivers with most to prove in 2023

19 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

F1 drivers have to prove themselves every time they drive the car, but some are under more pressure to do so than others. Scott Mitchell-Malm and Mark...

Is Williams' new boss the right man to turn team's fortunes around?

16 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Hughes and Scott Mitchel-Malm join Edd Straw to discuss James Vowles's appointment as Williams team principal and the scale of the challenge he ...

Why F1 and the FIA are at war over new teams

12 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Scott Mitchell-Malm and Mark Hughes join Edd Straw to explain the battle between the FIA and F1 over the mooted Andretti Cadillac entry and how it fit...

How Russell vs Hamilton will stack up in 2023

09 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Hughes and Scott Mitchell-Malm join Edd Straw to dissect George Russell's evolution as a Formula 1 driver, how he really did against his team-mat...

Andretti and GM's Cadillac F1 bid explained

05 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Jack Benyon and Scott Mitchell-Malm join Edd Straw to explain what's so compelling about the Andretti/GM F1 bid, how the new Cadillac-branded team wil...

F1's new team push and who could enter

04 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

With FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem announcing a new teams process is being looked into, Mark Hughes and Scott Mitchell-Malm join Edd Straw to dis...

The big questions of F1 2023

01 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Hughes and Scott Mitchell-Malm join Edd Straw to pick out the big storylines of the 2023 Formula season, including the chances of Mercedes being ...

Why F1's 2022 regs were a qualified success

19 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Hughes and Scott Mitchell-Malm join Edd Straw to evaluate the effectiveness of F1's major rules overhaul in 2022 against the objectives set when ...

Unravelling F1’s massive team boss changes

13 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As Frédéric Vasseur heads to Ferrari, Andreas Seidl head to Sauber, Andrea Stella steps up at McLaren and Jost Capito departs Williams, Mark Hughes,...

Can Alpine emerge as an F1 frontrunner?

12 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Scott Mitchell-Malm and Ben Anderson join Edd Straw to delve into Alpine's recent progress, its much-vaunted 100-race plan and how Pierre Gasly will s...

Why Aston Martin is poised to make a big step in 2023

08 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Hughes and Claire Cottingham join Edd Straw to evaluate Aston Martin's stuttering F1 progress over the past two seasons, and why the move into it...

Why Vettel's retirement leaves a hole in F1

05 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Special guest Lee McKenzie and Scott Mitchell-Malm join Edd Straw to discuss Sebastian Vettel's retirement, what he's going to do next and his Formul...

Our Top 10 F1 drivers of 2022

01 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Hughes, Scott Mitchell-Malm and Ben Anderson join Edd Straw for one of our most popular episodes of the year: Our ranking of the top 10 F1 driver...

The major consequences of Binotto’s Ferrari resignation

29 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Scott Mitchell-Malm and Mark Hughes join Edd Straw to discuss Mattia Binotto's departure from Ferrari. They discuss why the team are splitting with th...

Abu Dhabi test: Alonso makes Aston debut

22 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Scott Mitchell-Malm and Edd Straw bring you all the news from the final day of on-track running for 2022 - including Fernando Alonso's first drive in ...

Abu Dhabi GP: Verstappen's victory, Vettel's farewell

20 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Scott Mitchell-Malm and Mark Hughes join Edd Straw to explain how the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was won, what allowed Charles Leclerc to beat Sergio Perez ...

Hulkenberg in, Schumacher out at Haas in 2023

17 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Scott Mitchell-Malm and Mark Hughes join Edd Straw to discuss the news that Nico Hulkenberg is to replace Mick Schumacher at Haas. They consider why S...

Brazilian GP: Red Bull row as Russell breaks through

14 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Scott Mitchell-Malm and Mark Hughes join Edd Straw to discuss F1's newest winner, George Russell, Verstappen ignoring team orders, another clash betwe...

What’s still to play for in F1 2022

09 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Brazilian journalist Lito Cavalcanti and Scott Mitchell-Malm join Edd Straw to look ahead to the penultimate race of the F1 season at Interlagos and d...

Is Alonso right to criticise “unprepared” Alpine?

07 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Ben Anderson and Claire Cottingham join Edd Straw to discuss Fernando Alonso’s complaints about Alpine-Renault unreliability and delve into the 41-y...

What does Red Bull's future in F1 look like after founder's death?

04 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On the weekend that Red Bull Racing clinched a first constructors' crown since 2013 in Austin, the F1 world was rocked by the death of Dietrich Matesc...

Mexican GP: Could Mercedes have denied record-breaking Verstappen?

31 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Hughes and Scott Mitchell-Malm join Edd Straw to dissect the Mercedes strategy and whether using soft-compound Pirellis could have given it a bet...

What Red Bull's cost cap breach penalty means for F1

29 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Scott Mitchell-Malm and Edd Straw convene in Mexico City to discuss Red Bull's cost cap accepted breach agreement and its implications.This podcast is...

What to expect from Audi's F1 works team

26 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jack Nicholls and Scott Mitchell-Malm join Edd Straw to discuss Audi's buy-in of Sauber, which will see the Swiss team competing as the Audi factory t...

United States GP: Should Hamilton and Mercedes have won?

24 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Scott Mitchell-Malm and Mark Hughes join Edd Straw to review a dramatic United States Grand Prix, and ask if Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes missed their ...

McLaren's cost cap 'cheating' calls and Ricciardo's 2024 hopes

20 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Scott Mitchell-Malm joins Edd Straw to discuss McLaren’s calls for cost cap breach punishments, followed by a deep dive into Daniel Ricciardo’s 20...

Why Ferrari's 2022 F1 title bid fell apart

17 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Scott Mitchell-Malm and Mark Hughes join Edd Straw to deconstruct Ferrari's season and explain where its world championship challenge fell short - and...

BONUS: The secrets of semi-automatic gearboxes

13 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week we have a bonus episode for you, lifted directly from our sister podcast: The Race F1 Tech Show.Each week, host Edd Straw and former F1 tech...

The battle over Red Bull's F1 cost cap breach

10 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Glenn Freeman and Ben Anderson join Edd Straw to explain Red Bull's 'minor overspend breach', what the potential penalties are and how F1's cost cap c...

Japanese GP review: Controversy, confusion, champion!

09 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Scott Mitchell-Malm and Mark Hughes join Edd Straw to look back at Max Verstappen's Japanese Grand Prix victory, which sealed his second Formula 1 wor...

Honda's first steps in possible full return + Hakkinen on Suzuka

05 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Josh Suttill and Scott Mitchell-Malm join Edd Straw to discuss a potential small step in a Honda F1 return, while Mika Hakkinen joins us to reveal the...

Singapore GP review: Perez's best, Verstappen's worst

02 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Scott Mitchell-Malm and Mark Hughes join Edd Straw to review the Singapore Grand Prix and explain the penalty that threatened Sergio Perez's wins, the...

Red Bull F1 cost cap suspicions explained

30 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Scott Mitchell-Malm and Mark Hughes join Edd Straw in Singapore to discuss the bombshell news about two teams - one believed to be Red Bull - expected...

Zhou's new Alfa deal and how team's 2022 decline has hidden his progress

27 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Hughes joins Edd Straw to discuss Zhou Guanyu's new deal with Alfa Romeo for 2023. The duo analyse the Chinese driver's rookie season so far, and...

Has Schumacher done enough to earn a 2023 F1 seat?

26 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Scott Mitchell-Malm and Glenn Freeman join Edd Straw to evaluate Mick Schumacher's Formula 1 career to date and assess his chances of staying on the ...

Why AlphaTauri had no option but to re-sign Tsunoda

22 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

With Yuki Tsunoda's 2023 AlphaTauri F1 deal confirmed, Mark Hughes and Valentin Khorounzhiy join Edd Straw to discuss his strengths and weaknesses, t...

What should Ricciardo do next?

19 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Daniel Ricciardo has the best CV of any driver on the F1 market, yet there’s a chance he won’t be on the grid next year. Claire Cottingham and Ben...

Who should Alpine sign alongside Ocon for 2023?

15 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Alpine has its sights on Pierre Gasly, but might not get him, and has a lengthy shortlist for potential alternatives as it seeks to fill its vacant dr...

Italian GP review: Flunked finish and Ferrari failure

11 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The FIA's failure to get the race restarted after a late safety car and Ferrari's strategy were the big talking points from the Italian Grand Prix. Sc...

Why Porsche has called off F1 move...for now

09 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Scott Mitchell-Malm joins Edd Straw to explain Porsche's announcement that it would not be proceeding with its planned Red Bull partnership, and the r...

The Herta controversy and why Alpine wants Gasly

07 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Scott Mitchell-Malm joins Edd Straw to discuss Pierre Gasly's likely move to Alpine and whether it's the right choice, and make the case for Colton He...

Dutch GP review: Conspiracy theories and Mercedes strategy errors

05 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Hughes and Scott Mitchell-Malm join Edd Straw to delve into Yuki Tsunoda's seemingly conveniently-timed stoppage and Lewis Hamilton's strategy g...

How Alpine let Piastri slip into the hands of McLaren

02 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We explain how Alpine got it so wrong with its Oscar Piastri deal in the latest edition of The Race F1 Podcast. Scott Mitchell-Malm joins Edd Straw t...

Belgian GP review: Why was Verstappen so stunningly quick at Spa?

28 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Hughes and Scott Mitchell-Malm join Edd Straw to look back at a Belgian Grand Prix in which reigning champion Max Verstappen asserted his dominan...

Audi announces F1 entry - the key questions answered

26 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Audi has finally confirmed it will come into Formula 1, but has it set too ambitious a timeline to be successful?That's one of the questions we ask in...

Why McLaren gave up on Daniel Ricciardo

24 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's official! Ricciardo is out of McLaren for 2023 after an agreement was reached to terminate his contract. Scott Mitchell-Malm joins Edd Straw to e...

F1 is back - what to expect from Spa

24 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Ben Anderson and Mark Hughes join Edd Straw to look ahead to resumption of F1 hostilities in the Belgian Grand Prix at the legendary Spa-Francorchamps...

How Verstappen has become an F1 great, with Dutch journalist Erik van Haren

22 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Special guest Erik van Haren joins Edd Straw and Scott Mitchell to delve into all things Max Verstappen, the Dutch journalist offering his views on Ve...

Our verdict on who could switch from IndyCar to F1

15 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

With Colton Herta, Pato O'Ward and Alex Palou all either already participating in F1 test running, or due to do so, we ask which is best-equipped to m...

Why does nobody want to drive for Alpine in F1?

08 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

With Fernando Alonso signing for Aston Martin and Oscar Piastri headed to McLaren, we ask why two drivers have turned their back on Alpine. Mark Hughe...

What's going on with Piastri and Alpine...and McLaren

03 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Alpine says Oscar Piastri will race for it in 2023, Oscar Piastri says he will not. What's the truth, what happens next and can McLaren really make a ...