The Business of Winning Podcast

Martin Donnelly - A Career Lost, A Life Won: the inspirational storyline behind F1 The Movie

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 12:00:00 +0000

In this episode of The Business of Winning, we sit down with former Formula 1 driver Martin Donnelly to explore one of the most extraordinary journeys in motorsport.

From his racing roots in Belfast to fighting his way onto the Formula 1 grid, Martin reflects on the grit, ambition and sacrifice required to reach the top. He shares candid insight into the political realities of elite motorsport, the pressure of competing against established teammates and the mindset needed to seize opportunity.

Martin recounts his life-altering accident at the 1990 Spanish Grand Prix, an incident that ended his Formula 1 career and reshaped his life. With honesty and humour, he speaks about survival, resilience and rebuilding purpose when everything changes in an instant.

Three decades later, that defining moment came full circle when Martin received an unexpected call from Lewis Hamilton, leading to his involvement in F1: The Movie. His real-life story inspired Brad Pitt’s character, Sonny Hayes, with Martin advising on the film and attending the London premiere.

This episode is a powerful reminder that winning isn’t always about titles or trophies, but about how you respond when the race changes completely.
A must-listen for anyone interested in leadership under pressure, elite performance and life beyond the finish line.

Performance Insights specialises in bringing impactful keynote speakers from motorsport industries to global events, conferences and seminars. For enquiries, please reach out to us at enquiries@performanceinsights.co.uk or visit our website www.performanceinsights.co.uk.

Join the conversation on socials using #BusinessofWinning and share your thoughts! Follow us @P1nsights for the latest updates.

Intro recorded by: Charlie Barlow.

Behaviour and Leadership with Xevi Pujolar and Nash Mayuela.

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 12:00:00 +0000

This week, we’re joined by Xevi Pujolar and Nash Mayuela.

Xevi, best known for leading trackside operations at Sauber, lifts the lid on life on the pit wall: rapid-fire decision-making, pressure resilience, and the teamwork required to execute at the highest level of motorsport.

Nash brings a complementary perspective, breaking down the behavioural science behind elite performance and how data-driven insights can be transformed into practical frameworks for teams in any industry.

A fascinating conversation for anyone interested in leadership, performance and the mindset behind winning.

Annastiina Hintsa: The Human Performance Engine Behind Formula 1

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 14:00:00 +0000

What can Formula 1 teach us about human performance, wellbeing and sustaining success under immense pressure? This week we are joined by CEO Annastiina Hintsa.

The groundbreaking partnership between her father, Dr Aki Hintsa, and Mika Häkkinen sparked a movement that now sees Hintsa’s world-renowned coaches supporting more than 60% of today’s Formula 1 grid. Annastiina offers a rare inside look at the holistic approach that has powered multiple World Championships and reshaped how elite drivers prepare, perform, and recover.

She reflects on her father’s legacy, the creation of Hintsa’s renowned “Circle of Success” model and why identity, focus and control are central to high performance. Annastiina also unpacks the pressures facing modern drivers such as social media scrutiny or the relentless calendar of Formula 1, explaining why today’s executives face many of the same challenges around distraction, decision-making and sustainable performance.

🎧 A must-listen for fans of Formula 1, leadership, human performance and personal development.

🎤 Interested in booking Annastiina to speak at your next event? Get in touch to find out more.

Safety, Speed and the Pursuit of Performance with Marcin Budkowski

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +0000

What can Formula 1 teach us about engineering excellence, leadership and staying calm under pressure? Former FIA executive and F1 team leader Marcin Budkowski joins host Mark Gallagher to share insights from a career spent at the heart of the sport’s technical and safety evolution.

From analysing the dramatic Gabriel Bortoleto crash in São Paulo to breaking down Max Verstappen’s remarkable consistency and Oscar Piastri’s recent challenges, Marcin offers an insider’s view of the 2025 season and the unseen work that keeps drivers safe and teams competitive.

He also reflects on his journey through Formula 1 - from sending handwritten letters to every technical director to landing his first role at Prost Grand Prix, navigating the emotional collapse of the team and moving to Ferrari at the height of its Schumacher-era dominance. Marcin speaks on what he learned from working alongside Jean Todt, Ross Brawn, Rory Byrne and Michael Schumache and how high-performing cultures are built, protected and sustained.

🎧 A must-listen for fans of Formula 1, engineering, leadership and high performance.

🎤 Interested in booking Marcin Budkowski to speak at your next event? Get in touch to find out more.

Pit Lane Lessons with Marc Priestley

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +0000

What can Formula 1 teach us about life, work and winning? Former McLaren mechanic and Wheeler Dealers presenter Marc Priestley joins host Mark Gallagher to share lessons from his new book Pit Lane Lessons: What F1 Can Teach You About Life and Work.

From the pressure of two-second pit stops to the relentless pursuit of perfection under Ron Dennis, Marc reveals how elite teams maintain motivation across a 24-race season, celebrate small wins, and build cultures that thrive under pressure.

He also explores how innovation in F1 isn’t just about technology - it’s a mindset - and how anyone can apply that same thinking to their own performance, leadership and teamwork.

🎧 A must-listen for fans of Formula 1, high performance and personal growth.

📖 Get your copy of Marc’s book, available on Amazon here

🎤 Interested in booking Marc Priestley to speak at your next event? Get in touch with the Performance Insights team to find out more.

Guenther Steiner & Mark Gallagher - Melbourne

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 08:00:00 +0000

This week on The Business of Winning, we’re coming to you live from the Melbourne Grand Prix with Mark Gallagher and Guenther Steiner!

Recorded after the first practice session of the 2025 season, Mark and Guenther dive into the early action on track, discussing the standout performances, team dynamics, and what the first session reveals about the competitive landscape this year.

Guenther shares behind-the-scenes stories from his Unfiltered book tour around Australia, including his highlights and the incredible reception so far — plus, a preview of what’s to come on the rest of his UK tour later this year with Fane Productions.

In this episode, we also explore how the business side of Formula 1 is shaping up this season, from the latest sponsor deals to how teams are positioning themselves for success both on and off the track.

With years of combined experience in the F1 paddock, Mark and Guenther offer expert insights on what to expect as the season unfolds — and which teams might have an edge heading into the next round.

Jennie Gow

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 15:00:00 +0000

This week on The Business of Winning, we’re joined by Jennie Gow, an accomplished motorsport journalist and broadcaster with a unique perspective on Formula 1. Jennie shares her thoughts on the early stages of F1 testing, reflecting on the cars hitting the track and what fans should be watching for as the season unfolds.

Mark and Jennie also discuss the buzz surrounding the F175 launch at O2, diving into fan, media, and team reactions. But the real highlight of this episode is Jennie's book “How to Read F1”. Jennie gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the book, which is packed with fun, informative insights for F1 fans of all levels.

With 15 years in the F1 world, Jennie also reflects on her remarkable career, including unforgettable one-on-one interviews with legends like Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. As an ambassador for FIA Girls on Track, she discusses initiatives around gender and cultural diversity in motorsport, like the F1 Academy and More Than Equal, and her thoughts on the future of these efforts in F1.

Finally, with the Australian Grand Prix just around the corner, Jennie gives us her predictions for Melbourne and shares what she expects will be the major stories of the 2025 F1 season.

Christian Klien

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 08:00:00 +0000

This week on The Business of Winning, we’re joined by Christian Klien, a former Formula 1 driver who raced for Jaguar and Red Bull Racing before building a successful career in sports car and GT racing. With a front-row seat to Red Bull’s rise from an underdog team to a dominant force, Christian shares his reflections on those early years, his relationship with team founder Dietrich Mateschitz, and what made Red Bull Racing so successful.

Mark and Christian also dive into the biggest stories of the 2025 F1 season—Lewis Hamilton’s highly anticipated move to Ferrari, Max Verstappen’s title defence, and the rise of young talent in the sport. Can Red Bull remain on top without Adrian Newey? Is McLaren the team to beat? And how will Mercedes handle life without Lewis?

Beyond racing, Christian discusses the business lessons he’s learned from his time in F1, both as a driver and commentator, and what leaders can take away from Red Bull’s winning formula.

Neil Martin

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 13:00:00 +0000

This week on The Business of Winning, we’re joined by Neil Martin, a pioneer in Formula 1 race strategy and data analytics. Having worked with teams like McLaren, Ferrari, and Red Bull Racing, Neil played a key role in revolutionising how teams use data to gain a competitive edge.

Beyond motorsport, Neil shares the business lessons leaders can take from F1’s data-driven approach—how real-time decision-making, risk management, and predictive analytics can transform industries far beyond the racetrack.

Bradley Scanes

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 10:00:00 +0000

This week on The Business of Winning, we’re joined by Bradley Scanes, performance coach to World Champion Max Verstappen between 2019 and 2023, one of the team responsible for helping the Dutch ace to secure multiple titles. From his start in the NHS to working with world-class athletes on Harley Street and in the high-pressure environment of F1 pit lanes, Brad’s career journey is nothing short of fascinating.

In this episode, Brad and Mark break down the unique physical and mental demands drivers face, the tailored training regimens they follow, and how they prepare for the challenges of the sport.

Exploring the role of mental health and resilience in motorsport, the importance of tailoring coaching strategies to individual athletes, and lessons from Bradley’s work that apply far beyond the track—whether in business or life.

Jonathan Legard

Fri, 27 Dec 2024 16:00:00 +0000

This week on The Business of Winning, we’re joined by Jonathan Legard, a renowned Formula 1 commentator and journalist with decades of experience covering the pinnacle of motorsport. Jonathan offers his expert analysis on the standout stories of the 2024 season and the key developments shaping the sport’s future, alongside host Mark Gallagher.

Otmar Szafnauer - Part 1

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 17:00:00 +0000

Part 1 - This week on The Business of Winning, we’re joined by Otmar Szafnauer, one of the most experienced and influential leaders in Formula 1. With over three decades in motorsport, Otmar shares his insights on the evolution of team leadership, organisational culture, and the business dynamics that keep F1 at the forefront of global sports.

In this episode, Otmar discusses the standout moments of the 2024 season, including McLaren’s resurgence as Constructors’ Champions and Max Verstappen securing his fourth World Drivers' Championship. He also explores the implications of Cadillac’s upcoming 2026 entry, Renault’s strategic shift to customer engines, and the game-changing personnel moves that have reshaped the F1 grid this year.

Hosted by Mark Gallagher, this episode is a must-listen for motorsport enthusiasts and business leaders alike, offering a unique look at how the lessons of F1 can drive success in any industry.

Otmar Szafnauer - Part 2

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 14:00:00 +0000

Part 2 - This week on The Business of Winning, we’re joined by Otmar Szafnauer, one of the most experienced and influential leaders in Formula 1. With over three decades in motorsport, Otmar shares his insights on the evolution of team leadership, organisational culture, and the business dynamics that keep F1 at the forefront of global sports.

Hosted by Mark Gallagher, this episode is a must-listen for motorsport enthusiasts and business leaders alike, offering a unique look at how the lessons of F1 can drive success in any industry.

Claire Ritchie

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 17:00:00 +0000

This week, we’re joined by Claire Ritchie, a leading figure in motorsport business and commercial partnerships. Claire shares her journey from working at Nortel to founding SQN, a company with over 20 years of success in motorsport, including key partnerships in Formula 1. She also discusses her role at Revolution, the company’s impact on F1, and the importance of diversity in the industry.

Claire gives an insider’s perspective on the evolution of F1’s commercial landscape, from Bernie Ecclestone’s era to Liberty Media’s takeover, and explores the future of the sport, including the 2026 carbon-free target, gender diversity initiatives, and the role of brands like Komatsu and NetApp in F1 today. She also shares her views on Liberty's acquisition of MotoGP and potential collaborations with F1.

Hosted by Mark Gallagher, this episode offers invaluable insights into the business side of motorsport, F1’s changing landscape, and what the future holds for both the sport and its leaders.

Professor Raymond Boyle

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 17:00:00 +0000

This week, we’re joined by Professor Raymond Boyle, a renowned expert in sports media, whose research has shaped the way we understand the intersection of sports and broadcasting. In this episode, Professor Boyle delves into his new book, Streaming the Formula 1 Rivalry: Sport and the Media in the Platform Age, unpacking the impact of digital platforms on Formula 1 and the sport’s media evolution.

With host Mark Gallagher, Raymond reflects on his career, the rise of streaming services, and how media coverage influences F1 rivalries both on and off the track. He also discusses the shifting dynamics between traditional broadcasters and new media platforms, providing a fascinating outlook on the future of sports broadcasting.

Intro recorded by: Charlie Barlow.

Ruth Buscombe

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 17:00:00 +0000

This week, we’re joined by Ruth Buscombe, a leading race strategist in Formula 1, known for her work with teams like Ferrari, Haas, and Alfa Romeo. In this episode, Ruth shares her unique insights into the 2024 F1 season, the intense rivalry at McLaren, and the development challenges Red Bull faces.

With guest host Toby Moody stepping in for Mark Gallagher, Ruth reflects on her career journey, the camaraderie in F1 teams, and the critical role of data and analytics in giving drivers a competitive edge. She also discusses the evolving team cultures across the paddock and the push for greater diversity in the sport, alongside her recent transition into broadcasting with F1TV.

Intro recorded by: Charlie Barlow.

Julien Simon-Chautemps

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 16:00:00 +0000

Julien Simon-Chautemps

This week we are joined by Julien Simon-Chautemps, the engineering mastermind behind some of Formula 1’s most thrilling moments. With over 14 seasons, 265 Grands Prix, and a championship-winning partnership with Kimi Räikkönen,

Julien’s expertise in F1 data analysis, strategy, and teamwork sets him apart.

Tune in with our host Mark Gallagher for behind-the-scenes stories and insights into high-performance leadership, teamwork, data-driven innovation, and decision-making—drawn from Julien’s extensive experience on the F1 pit wall.

Intro recorded by: Charlie Barlow.

Toby Moody

Thu, 16 May 2024 15:00:00 +0100

This week, we are excited to welcome Toby Moody as our guest on the podcast. Toby brings a wealth of insight from his experience as a seasoned motorsport commentator and former lead commentator for MotoGP broadcasts.

Tune in with our hosts Diana Binks and Mark Gallagher for behind-the-scenes stories and insights into high-performance leadership, teamwork, innovation, risk management, safety and technology - all drawn from decades of Formula 1 experience.

As part of our weekly podcast series, we feature guests who have left an indelible mark on Formula 1, Guests throughout this podcast series include; David Coulthard, Claire Williams, Mika Häkkinen, Marc Priestly, Gary Foote, Matt Bishop, Guenther Steiner, Karun Chandok, Paddy Lowe and Nicole Bearne.

Guenther Steiner

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 01:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we are delighted to welcome Günther Steiner. Günthers tenure as Haas F1 team principal has left an indelible mark on the sport. Join hosts Diana Binks and Mark Gallagher as they explore the triumphs and challenges of Günthers leadership as well as exploring his thoughts as the 2024 F1 season gets underway.

Tune into behind-the-scenes stories and insights of high-performance leadership, teamwork, innovation, risk management, safety and technology - all drawn from decades of Formula 1 experience.

Guests throughout this weekly podcast series include; David Coulthard, Claire Williams, Mika Häkkinen, Marc Priestly, Gary Foote, Matt Bishop, Günther Steiner, Karun Chandok and Nicole Bearne.

Paddy Lowe

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 01:00:00 +0100

In this episode we welcome Paddy Lowe, one of Formula 1’s most successful technical directors, having led the technical team at McLaren and then joining Mercedes to help deliver those remarkable championship successes when Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg were teammates. Paddy Lowe is one of the most respected, award-winning engineers in Formula 1, today he has also reinvented himself as an entrepreneur, launching Zero Petroleum, a company which makes synthetic fuel from air and water – a pretty remarkable story. Paddy sat down with our own Mark Gallagher at the recent Adelaide Motorsport Festival to talk about Zero, Formula 1 and his experiences at the very sharp end of the sport – you’ll hear plenty of engine noise in the background, but hopefully, that will just add to the atmosphere and not prove too distracting

Tune in with our hosts Diana Binks and Mark Gallagher for behind-the-scenes stories and insights into high-performance leadership, teamwork, innovation, risk management, safety and technology - all drawn from decades of Formula 1 experience.

As part of our weekly podcast series, we feature guests who have left an indelible mark on Formula 1, Guests throughout this podcast series include; David Coulthard, Claire Williams, Mika Häkkinen, Marc Priestly, Gary Foote, Matt Bishop, Guenther Steiner, Karun Chandok and Nicole Bearne.

Matt Bishop

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 10:00:00 +0000

This week we are joined by Matt Bishop, former Chief Communications Officer for both the McLaren and Aston Martin Formula 1 teams. Matt is a founder ambassador of Racing Pride, which was set up to promote LGBTQ+ inclusivity within the motorsport industry.

Guests throughout this weekly podcast series include; David Coulthard, Claire Williams, Mika Häkkinen, Marc Priestly, Gary Foote, Matt Bishop, Günther Steiner, Karun Chandok and Nicole Bearne.

Karun Chandhok

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 01:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we welcome Karun Chandhok, one of only two Indian F1 drivers – and now a Sky Sports commentator. Karun is a member of Motorsport UK’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee and sits on its Racial Diversity Sub-Committee. As a member of the FIA Drivers’ Commission, he is an advocate for the rights and views of drivers across the world.

Tune in with our hosts Diana Binks and Mark Gallagher for behind-the-scenes stories and insights into high-performance leadership, teamwork, innovation, risk management, safety and technology - all drawn from decades of Formula 1 experience.

Guests throughout this weekly podcast series include; David Coulthard, Claire Williams, Mika Häkkinen, Marc Priestly, Gary Foote, Matt Bishop, Günther Steiner, Karun Chandok and Nicole Bearne.

Nicole Bearne

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 01:00:00 +0000

This week, we are thrilled to have Nicole Bearne as our guest on the podcast. Nicole brings a wealth of knowledge from her roles as a leading communications expert and former Head of Internal Communications at the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team.

Tune in with our hosts Diana Binks and Mark Gallagher for behind-the-scenes stories and insights into high-performance leadership, teamwork, innovation, risk management, safety and technology - all drawn from decades of Formula 1 experience.

As part of our weekly podcast series, we feature guests who have left an indelible mark on Formula 1, Guests throughout this podcast series include; David Coulthard, Claire Williams, Mika Häkkinen, Marc Priestly, Gary Foote, Matt Bishop, Günther Steiner, Karun Chandok and Nicole Bearne.

Marc Priestley

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 12:00:00 +0000

This week we are excited to be joined by Marc ‘Elvis’ Priestley, former race mechanic for McLaren F1 team. Marc has worked with an impressive list of drivers including many World Champions such as Mika Hakkinen, Fernando Alonso, Kimi Raikkonen, Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton.

Guests throughout this weekly podcast series include; David Coulthard, Claire Williams, Mika Häkkinen, Marc Priestly, Gary Foote, Matt Bishop, Günther Steiner, Karun Chandok and Nicole Bearne.

Mika Häkkinen

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 14:00:00 +0000

In our latest episode, we're thrilled to have the legendary two-time Formula 1 World Champion, Mika Hakkinen. Our hosts Diana Binks and Mark Gallagher delve into stories and business insights from Hakkinen's iconic Formula 1 journey.

Tune into behind-the-scenes stories and insights of high-performance leadership, teamwork, innovation, risk management, safety and technology - all drawn from decades of Formula 1 experience.

Guests throughout this weekly podcast series include; David Coulthard, Claire Williams, Mika Häkkinen, Marc Priestly, Gary Foote, Matt Bishop, Günther Steiner, Karun Chandok and Nicole Bearne.

Claire Williams

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 12:00:00 +0000

This week we are joined by Claire Williams OBE and former Deputy Team Principal of the Williams Formula 1 team. Our hosts Diana Binks and Mark Gallagher discuss the triumphs and challenges Claire faced while steering one of the sport's most iconic teams. As well as what it was like for her as a trailblazer for female leaders in the high-speed world of motorsport.

Tune into behind-the-scenes stories and insights of high-performance leadership, teamwork, innovation, risk management, safety and technology - all drawn from decades of Formula 1 experience.

Guests throughout this weekly podcast series include; David Coulthard, Claire Williams, Mika Häkkinen, Marc Priestly, Gary Foote, Matt Bishop, Günther Steiner, Karun Chandok and Nicole Bearne.

David Coulthard

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 14:00:00 +0000

Joined by Formula 1 Racing legend David Coulthard MBE, our hosts Diana Binks and Mark Gallagher discuss stories and business insights from DC’s incredible Formula 1 career. From his early days with Williams to his tenure with McLaren and Red Bull Racing, the discussion unravels the Coulthard's journey through working with some of the most iconic teams in the sport. Additionally, the conversation explores his current endeavours, including Whisper, a leading production company in sports and entertainment.

Tune into behind-the-scenes stories and insights of high-performance leadership, teamwork, innovation, risk management, safety and technology - all drawn from decades of Formula 1 experience.

Guests throughout this weekly podcast series include; David Coulthard, Claire Williams, Mika Häkkinen, Marc Priestly, Gary Foote, Matt Bishop, Günther Steiner, Karun Chandok and Nicole Bearne.

Mark & Diana

Fri, 09 Feb 2024 01:00:00 +0000

Join our hosts Diana Binks and Mark Gallagher as they dive into the high-octane world of Formula 1, uncovering business insights that drive success both on and off the track.

Tune into behind-the-scenes stories and insights of high-performance leadership, teamwork, innovation, risk management, safety and technology - all drawn from decades of Formula 1 experience.

Upcoming guests throughout this weekly podcast include; David Coulthard, Claire Williams, Mika Häkkinen, Marc Priestly, Gary Foote, Matt Bishop, Günther Steiner, Karun Chandok and Nicole Bearne.

F1 2020, Callum Ilott joins Ferrari & the return of W Series

Tue, 22 Dec 2020 16:02:14 +0000

ATC is joined by none other than double Formula 1 World Champion Mika Hakkinen and 9-times Grand Prix winner and WEC World Champion Mark Webber as they discuss F1 2020 including Lewis Hamilton's dominance and McLaren's resurgence. Mark Gallagher and Jonathan Legard discuss the news that Sir Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS company has become a 1/3rd partner in Mercedes F1 and also the announcement of Sergio Perez's promotion to Red Bull Racing. Meanwhile Callum Ilott talks to Jonathan Legard about his season in Formula 2, and his recent promotion to become test driver for Scuderia Ferrari. Finally, with W Series about to hit the tracks again in 2021 as a support series to Formula 1, CEO Catherine Bond-Muir and contender Jessica Hawkins talk about the Covid-enforced pause in 2020, their hopes for 2021 and ambitions for the future of the series.

Special Episode with Chris Papaioanu

Fri, 27 Nov 2020 10:26:32 +0000

Chris Papaioanu is Commander of US Navy Strike, former head of the Top Gun academy - and thus pal of Tom Cruise - a naval flyer with 3500 hours of fast jet experience, who thinks nothing of landing a weaponised jet on an aircraft carrier at 150mph or being catapulted onto another mission with a 0-165mph time of 2 seconds. He loves Formula 1, being born to a racing driver father, and he was inspired by NASA's Shuttle programme to get involved in something fast. In this special episode he talks to Mark Gallagher about his career, journey into naval aviation and the love of speed which is clearly ingrained within him. He really enjoyed chatting with James Allison and Calum Douglas in Episode 9, but we wanted to talk to Chris a little further about his own spectacular career. Sit back and enjoy.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/at-the-controls.

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The Need for Speed

Wed, 11 Nov 2020 18:05:26 +0000

In this special addition we feature James Allison, Technical Director of the Mercedes Benz Formula 1 team, in conversation with Chris Papaioanu, Commanding Officer, STRIKE, at the US Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center. They compares notes on running high performing teams, James discusses what makes Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff so special and Chris talks about Top Gun, the pinnacle of US Naval aviation. They compare notes on leadership and the common approach they both have to getting the best out of teams. They are joined in the podcast by Calum Douglas, author of the outstanding new book 'The Secret Horsepower Race' detailing the engineering war that took place between the Allied and Axis aviation engine designers during WW2. Lessons learned were quickly forgotten, and Calum has unearthed some remarkable insights that are very relevant today. James Allison wrote the foreword to Calum's book, the details of which were presented to the Mercedes F1 team during a lunch time lecture. The team was riveted.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/at-the-controls.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paddy Lowe, Julian Tan, Lando Norris & The eSports Revolution

Thu, 15 Oct 2020 13:07:33 +0100

One of Formula 1's leading engineers, Paddy Lowe talks about Lewis Hamilton's qualities as the driver of this era, reflects on his early days at Williams and the development of active suspension and talks about his interest in helping bring an industrial approach to solving the planet's climate crisis - and hints at a return to Formula 1. Dr Julian Tan is Formula 1's head of eSports and, with the new series underway, he explains F1's eSports journey so far, the effect of Covid on helping accelerate this part of F1's business on-line, and how quickly they pivoted the business when the pandemic started to emerge in January. Finally, McLaren's stellar driver Lando Norris discusses his passion for eSports and computer gaming, its relevance to him as a driver and how much he enjoys that aspect of his life - while acknowledging that nothing quite matches driving a contemporary F1 car flat-out on the race tracks of the world.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/at-the-controls.

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Talent, Triumph and Tragedy

Thu, 10 Sep 2020 19:51:29 +0100

Esteban Gutiérrez is an impressive man, accomplished racer and important part of the Mercedes-AMG F1 team. A Champion in Formula BMW and GP3, he finished 3rd in GP2 before embarking on a Formula 1 career which witnessed two seasons racing for Sauber before becoming a test driver for Ferrari and latterly Mercedes. He is also an ambitious businessman with a big future in our sport and took time out from his schedule to sit down with Jonathan Legard. Actually face to face and in person, no Zoom involved - remember that?

Sam Bradley and Holly Chapman may not yet be famous, but they have already had one big moment in the sun when Mercedes' bosses invited them to represent the team during the Formula 1 podium ceremonies in Austria and Belgium. They share their career journeys and relate what's it's like to be asked by the boss to join Lewis or Valtteri on the top step. Sam's a mechanic on Lewis's car while Holly is responsible for all of Valtteri's power units, but both were equally blown away by the experience.

David Tremayne, partner to Joe Saward on Grand Prix Plus, talks to us about his republished biography of Austrian World Champion Jochen Rindt, friend of Bernie Ecclestone, best pal to Helmut Marko and a major part of the 1960's Formula 1 jetset before losing his life at the Italian Grand Prix in 1970. Our sport's only posthumous World Champion.

Jonathan and Mark discuss Sebastian Vettel's departure from Ferrari and arrival at Aston Martin together with the news that Fernando Alonso will not be racing for Renault next season - it's going to be renamed and rebranded as Alpine F1. Meanwhile two of Formula 1's biggest names have been going through some major changes, with Sir Frank Williams exiting his team along with daughter Claire, and McLaren announcing that its Woking HQ is being offering for sale to investors in order to raise cash during these difficult times.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/at-the-controls.

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Daniel Ricciardo, Mandy Hickson, Fred Bteich & Carol Glenn

Wed, 12 Aug 2020 09:12:00 +0100

Daniel Ricciardo on dealing with the pressures of being at the forefront of Formula 1, including a career moment when he had to get away from it all and press the reset button with some friends. Mandy Hickson on her new book An Officer Not a Gentleman, relating tales of her journey to becoming only the 2nd woman to flight Tornado GR4's for the RAF. Fernando Alonso fan Fred Bteich on how a 12 year old Lebanese boy fell in love with Formula 1, and found himself as a 29 year old final year neurosurgery resident at a Beirut hospital dealing with the personal and professional aftermath of the catastrophic explosion on August 4th. Carol Glenn on being a black woman who fell in love with motor racing, became a marshal and is now a qualified motorsport event administrator. An inspirational lady who dealt with racism dressed as casual banter, and is taking positive steps to help future generations enjoy the sport she is passionate about.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/at-the-controls.

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Challenging Times with Nic Hamilton & George Russell

Sat, 11 Jul 2020 12:16:31 +0100

As the British Touring Car Championship gets set to return Nic Hamilton takes time out to discuss being back in the cockpit, shares insights on his personal battles to overcome the challenges of battling cerebral palsy, bullying and racism in his youth, and gives his thoughts on bother Lewis's achievements to date as well as the new initiatives in Formula 1 born out of the Black Lives Matter movement. Williams F1 driver George Russell adds his comments on the importance of diversity in the sport, and explains how he came from being a novice esports racer to winning Formula 1's virtual series during the Covid-19 lock down. An episode unashamedly focused on matters of the moment as Formula 1 comes to terms with the changes needed to make the sport more inclusive and accessible to anyone wishing to work at the pinnacle of global motor sport.

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Mark Webber's Formation High Flier

Fri, 05 Jun 2020 12:52:55 +0100

Mark Webber and fast jet pilot Ben Murphy of Red Arrows, The Blades and Red Bull Air Race fame discuss what it takes to stay at the top of your game and the impending return to action in F1. The two first met when Ben flew Mark in formation with David Coulthard and Steve Jones over Silverstone Circuit as part of Channel 4's build up to the 2019 British Grand Prix. F1 fan Ben, former commander of the world famous Red Arrows, discusses the importance of never giving up when aiming for your dream career. Mark debates the intensity of the new F1 season, why the Austrian GP is the perfect location for the opening race, former Red Bull Racing team mate Sebastian Vettel's exit from Ferrari and why Lewis Hamilton remains the most formidable force in F1. A usual Mark is straight talking and insightful, taking the time to explain his own fascination with flying and why managing risk is all part of living life to the full. Ben describes his own career journey, one which has taken him into a new world of competitive flying.

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Niki, Mika & Seb - The Champions Edition

Wed, 13 May 2020 12:36:07 +0100

Maurice Hamilton and Lee McKenzie join Jonathan Legard and Mark Gallagher to reflect on the great Niki Lauda on the eve of publication of Maurice's much anticipated biography of the legendary Austrian. Talking of legends, Formula 1's iconic commentator Murray Walker gives his views on what made Niki such an extraordinary individual. Mika Hakkinen reveals his early ambitions to join the circus, prompting a life long love of unicycling, and reflects on being coached by none other than Niki Lauda's former adversary James Hunt. To cap it all we have David Coulthard join the show to discuss the news that Sebastian Vettel is to leave Ferrari at the end of this year and DC explains why he was not entirely surprised by this turn of events.

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Charlie Martin, F1's Covid challenge & the birth of composites

Thu, 09 Apr 2020 12:35:07 +0100

Jonathan Legard and Mark Gallagher broadcast in blissful coronavirus-induced lock down. They talk to Professor Martin Elliott about how Formula 1's pit stop prowess has helped to change hospital procedures and why the sport has been able to rise to the challenge of tackling the UK's shortage of breathing aids during the Covid-19 pandemic. Speaking of speedy engineering challenges, Mark chats with John Lilley about a remarkable project to return a World War 2 Mosquito multi-role aircraft to the skies over the UK. The People's Mosquito has a Formula 1 link in that the Mosquito fighter-bomber was the first composite structure combat plane, the 'wooden wonder' proving a technology that continues to be used to this day. Finally, colleague Claire Cottingham interviews Charlie Martin who aims to become the first transgender woman to compete in the Le Mans 24 Hours sports car race; a very personal story of bravery, adversity and triumph in a sport which is beginning to improve its approach to diversity and inclusion.

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Coulthard, Gascoyne & the 1950 Australian Grand Prix

Tue, 10 Mar 2020 16:20:00 +0000

Jonathan Legard, Mark Gallagher and Claire Cottingham discuss the forthcoming season in Formula 1, the FIA's settlement with Ferrari and why the W Series paddock has a different atmosphere from most. Featuring a car ride with David Coulthard from the Nurburgring, a chat in the Mousetrap Pub with proud owner Mike Gascoyne, and wonderful memories of the 1950 Australian Grand Prix in Nuriootpa brought to you by someone who was there!

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