Episode notes
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.
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
-
17 Sep 2026 · 28 min
Chequered Flag Extra: Verstappen vs 100 Go-Karts
Harry Benjamin and Becky Evans give you a flavour from Silverstone as Max Verstappen attempts to overtake 100 go-karters at a special exhibition event. One of the 100 karters is our very own, Becky Evans! What would her strategy be against Verstappen? Harry speaks with the four-time world champion about this unique challenge, plus he chats with Red Bull performance engineer, Richard Cooke, and some of the other competitors including streamer, Pie Face, and professional mountain bike rider, Matt Jones.
-
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?
-
10 Sep 2026 · 41 min
Spanish GP Preview: Hola Madrid!
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.
-
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.
-
10 Oct 2026 · 29 minNew
Singapore GP Saturday Review: Sprint chaos & who would take pole?
Could Max Verstappen continue his fine form and take victory in the Singapore sprint? Would Kimi Antonelli take full advantage in qualifying, knowing that George Russell has a penalty for Sunday’s Grand Prix? Or would Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari or the McLarens capitalise at the Marina Bay Street Circuit? Harry Benjamin and British racing driver Alice Powell react to a packed Saturday at the Singapore Grand Prix.
-
8 Oct 2026 · 58 minNew
Singapore GP Preview: Software, Sprints & Penalties
Will George Russell be able to recover from the back of the grid in Singapore? The fallout from the software issues in Malaysia continue. Can Max Verstappen keep up his winning form? And what do we make of Singapore being a sprint weekend? Harry Benjamin, former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer and the BBC’s F1 correspondent Andrew Benson look ahead to the Singapore Grand Prix. We hear from Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton and George Russell. Plus, when will Kimi Antonelli wrap up the drivers’ title? And Harry puts Andrew and Jolyon through their paces with an F1 equivalent of Mastermind.
-
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?
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.
