logo
episode-header-image
Feb 2025
40m 47s

Inside pre-season testing - with Oscar P...

FORMULA 1
About this episode
Formula 1 teams have one chance to test their cars before the 2025 season. With every lap, drivers and engineers learn more about their new machines. Why is pre-season testing so important, and how do teams get the most out of it?

From Bahrain, Christian and Katie are joined by F1TV Lead Presenter Laura Winter, who gives us the lowdown on testing. Then Alpine rookie Jack Doohan, McLaren's Oscar Piastri and other key team members explain what happens at testing, and how they gather data ahead of the first race.

Got questions about F1? We'll answer them!
  • Send emails or voice notes to F1Explains@F1.com
  • Let us know if you'll be at the Australian GP - you could be part of our live show

Coming soon to Las Vegas - F1 karting + more at Grand Prix Plaza
  • Race, shop and eat at the home of the Formula 1 Las Vegas GP
  • See iconic cars at F1 X - a brand new 4D exhibition
  • Opens at Grand Prix Plaza, Las Vegas, March 29th
  • Tickets from March 6th at grandprixplaza.com
  • Read more here on F1.com
It's all to drive for. Be there
Up next
Feb 2026
F1 Explains is back - in our new home
Go to the F1 Nation podcast feed to hear our first episode of 2026. Christian Hewgill and Lawrence Barretto talk through all you need to know ahead of the new season 
1m 23s
Feb 2026
F1 Explains has joined F1 Nation for 2026
F1 Explains is moving to the F1 Nation podcast feed for the new season.Get answers to your F1 questions from Christian Hewgill and expert guests, plus race reviews and previews with Tom Clarkson - all in one place.Send your questions about the 2026 F1 season to F1Explains@F1.comS ... Show More
1m 47s
Dec 2025
Driving secrets, pit crew cookies, movie star cars + a Team Principal's toilet - The Best of F1 Explains 2025
Lando Norris' driving style, the food which fuels the Haas pit crew, the Apex GP cars from F1: The Movie and the team boss who lets his drivers use his office toilet. F1 Explains covered all this and much more in 2025 as we answered your questions on how the sport works.Christian ... Show More
25m 6s
Recommended Episodes
Dec 2024
Liam Lawson's racing line, how Ferrari found Ollie Bearman + Oscar Piastri's F2 preparation - The Best of F1 Explains 2024
What really happens on the grid before a race? How do Formula 1 teams scout their future stars? How are drivers coached to go faster? In 2024, F1 Explains answered these questions and many more sent in by F1 fans from all over the world.F1 Explains takes your questions and finds ... Show More
47m 18s
Mar 2023
Oscar Piastri & build-up to race one in Bahrain
<p>As the first race of the 2023 F1 season in Bahrain approaches, the team check in with McLaren's Australian rookie Oscar Piastri.</p><br><p>They cover a serious amount of ground including how his career went from racing remote control cars to joining the grid and Oscar's plans ... Show More
46m 6s
Feb 2023
Pre-season at Silverstone with Jenson Button, Logan Sargeant, Alex Albon & Esteban Ocon
<p>As pre-season testing gets underway The Fast And The Curious team head to Silverstone to introduce you to the world of Formula 1 and come face-to-face with drivers, engineers and what Christian calls "the beautiful beasts" on the track (cars to the rest of us).</p><br><p>In th ... Show More
52m 7s
Apr 2025
Why ‘high-speed, risk v reward’ Jeddah could throw up some surprises – 2025 Saudi Arabian GP Preview with Alpine Test + Reserve Driver Paul Aron
Tom Clarkson is joined in the Jeddah paddock by Alpine Test and Reserve Driver Paul Aron to preview this weekend’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.What challenges does this circuit provide drivers and teams? Are McLaren still the clear favourites? Or could we see another Suzuka-esque su ... Show More
24m 13s
Mar 2025
2025 F1 Tech Preview: Comparing the 'Big 4' car concepts + Answering your questions
The new season of The Race F1 Tech Show kicks off with a look Formula 1’s big four and the directions they have taken with their 2025 cars. Ex-Jordan, Stewart and Jaguar technical director Gary Anderson joins host Edd Straw to run the rule over the top cars based on what we’ve se ... Show More
49m 47s