Episode notes
The Chequered Flag team are in Madrid for Formula 1’s first race at its brand-new circuit. Jennie Gow is joined by the BBC’s F1 correspondent Andrew Benson and former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer to assess Kimi Antonelli’s remarkable momentum, George Russell’s fight to recover his season and Ferrari’s growing tensions. Plus, Andrew sits down with Max Verstappen to discuss his decision to remain with Red Bull.
F1: Chequered Flag
by BBC Radio 5 Live · English · Sport
F1 Chequered Flag from the BBC offers expert analysis of every F1 race, with exclusive insight into every twist and turn of the F1 season. Each episode brings you in-depth race reviews, breaking down the strategies that shape each Grand Prix and the key players making headlines. Hear from F1 stars l
More from F1: Chequered Flag
-
13 Sep 2026 · 38 min
Spanish GP Review: VSC or not to VSC
Harry Benjamin, Alice Powell and Rebecca Clancy assess the twists and turns of the Spanish GP as the virtual safety car plays a vital part, leading to contrasting fortunes for Kimi Antonelli and Lando Norris. The team also praise Max Verstappen, question George Russell’s strategy and ask if the new Madring circuit was a success.
-
12 Sep 2026 · 25 min
Spanish GP Quali Review: A ‘Gorgeous’ Lap To Seal Pole
Harry Benjamin and Alice Powell review the first qualifying session at the brand-new Madring ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix. They assess how Lando Norris, Kimi Antonelli and Max Verstappen handled the challenge of Formula 1's newest circuit. Could Ferrari and Lewis Hamilton bounce back after a disappointing race in Italy? Plus, with tyre strategy, overtaking and the crucial opening lap all in focus, what can we expect from Sunday’s race?
-
11 Sep 2026 · 27 min
Max Verstappen Special
Four-time world champion Max Verstappen sits down for an exclusive chat with the BBC’s F1 correspondent Andrew Benson. The Red Bull driver talks about why he extended his contract, his discussions with McLaren, his stunning appearance at the Nurburgring 24 Hours in May, and the new Formula 1 engine rules.
-
6 Sep 2026 · 32 min
Italian GP Review: History at Monza!
Harry Benjamin, British racing driver Alex Lynn and F1 journalist Rebecca Clancy look back on a dramatic Italian Grand Prix, from Kimi Antonelli’s extraordinary challenge from the back of the grid to George Russell’s fight for victory. They examine Ferrari’s difficult home race, Max Verstappen’s pace, McLaren’s tense intra-team battle and what the championship picture means heading to Madrid’s brand-new circuit.
-
5 Sep 2026 · 24 min
Italian GP Quali Review: Magnificent Monza Delivers Huge Shock
What would happen in one of the most anticipated qualifying sessions of the season? The historic Monza took centre stage on qualifying day at the Italian Grand Prix. Would the passionate tifosi be delighted with a Ferrari pole for Lewis Hamilton or Charles Leclerc? With Kimi Antonelli taking a grid penalty, could George Russell capitalise and make ground up in the championship race? Or would we be in for a huge shock? Harry Benjamin is joined by F1 journalist Rebecca Clancy and British racing driver Alex Lynn to look back on a dramatic session, plus hear from the key protagonists.
-
3 Sep 2026 · 30 min
Italian GP Preview: Ferrari & Antonelli Bring Monza Heat
Formula 1 heads to Monza, where the Tifosi are dreaming of a Ferrari victory and Italian championship leader Kimi Antonelli faces a charge from the back of the grid. Jolyon Palmer and Andrew Benson join Harry Benjamin to assess Mercedes’ title opportunity, Lewis Hamilton’s hopes of a first Ferrari win on home turf, McLaren’s remarkable form and Lando Norris’s new long-term deal. Andrew sits down for a chat with the world champion and we discuss whether Red Bull and Max Verstappen can compete at the front this weekend.
-
4 Oct 2026 · 37 min
Bahrain GP in Malaysia Review: Chaos at Sepang!
Could Max Verstappen take his first win of the season or would Kimi Antonelli and George Russell fight back in a dramatic race in Malaysia? Harry Benjamin, British racing driver Sam Bird and the BBC’s F1 correspondent Andrew Benson sum up the delays and drama at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.
-
3 Oct 2026 · 25 min
Bahrain GP in Malaysia Quali Review: Verstappen v Hamilton Reignited?
Will we get a repeat of Max Verstappen & Lewis Hamilton’s epic 2021 battle into turn one at Sepang? Harry Benjamin is joined by British racing driver Sam Bird and the BBC’s F1 correspondent Andrew Benson to reflect on qualifying at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. The team also analyse the performance of title rivals Kimi Antonelli and George Russell. Who will take the vital advantage going into Sunday’s race?
-
30 Sep 2026 · 50 min
Bahrain GP in Malaysia Preview: Antonelli’s mindset, Piastri’s struggles & who wins in Sepang?
Can Kimi Antonelli bounce back from his Baku blip or is George Russell still in the title fight? Harry Benjamin, former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer and the BBC’s F1 correspondent Andrew Benson look ahead to the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. The team discuss why the race is happening, and why Sepang is a driver favourite. Plus, Harry speaks with Oscar Piastri about his McLaren struggles this season and why the new rules have meant he has had to adjust his driving style.
-
26 Sep 2026 · 47 min
Azerbaijan GP Review: Vettel Gives His Verdict
Has George Russell rediscovered his mojo after a lights-to-flag victory in Baku? Rosanna Tennant is joined by Marc Priestley and Harry Benjamin to reflect on the race and Russell’s impressive performance. Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel is also on the pod to give his take on the day. Plus, we hear from Russell, Max Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli.
Take it with you
The Melo app keeps playing with the screen off, works in the car and on your watch, wakes you to your station, and browses the whole catalogue offline. Free, no ads, no account.
