In this eight-part series, hosted by actor Josh Hartnett, we have been given unprecedented access to two of the most famous names in Formula 1 - McLaren and Aston Martin. These teams are unlocking the doors to their top-secret factories. It’s a critical moment in their season, but they are letting inside as they fight to the finish line in the final 10 races of 2024. With F1 experts Sarah Holt and Holly Samos as our guides, we will meet the workforce driving them forwards from the heart of their operations.

The detailed work going on back at base has driven McLaren into contention for both World titles in 2024. British star driver Lando Norris is chasing down Red Bull’s reigning world champion, Max Verstappen, for the coveted Drivers’ Championship. This is Norris’ first title campaign and we will be with him every step of the way, from his first day back at work following F1’s summer break to after the chequered flag falls at the season finale in Abu Dhabi. This is a huge season of growth for Norris, and his Australian teammate Oscar Piastri. The drivers reveal just why in this series.

At Aston Martin there is also change in the air. The team, owned by Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll, is in the final phase of building a supersize F1 headquarters on the fringes of the famous Silverstone racetrack, home of the British Grand Prix. The work going on at the evolving Aston Martin Racing Technology Campus is on a scale never seen before in F1. Holly and Sarah are given a VIP tour of the new facilities and speak to drivers Lance Stroll and double world champion Fernando Alonso about how the transformation is fuelling the team’s future ambitions.

But it’s not only the factory making headline news, so too is the arrival of the team’s “Super Signing”. Aston Martin won the race to sign the most-wanted name in Formula 1. We were there to speak to the top-secret signing before the news broke to the rest of the world’s media.

Formula 1 never stands still. The race for perfection continues around-the-clock at the factory. At McLaren, Piastri and Norris are set the task of working together to collect enough points to win a first Constructors’ Championship for McLaren since 1998. The effort to turn around the famous team’s fortunes has relied on the skill and commitment of hundreds of staff working back at base. Overseeing operations is McLaren CEO Zak Brown and team principal Andrea Stella. But, as the season reaches its climax, all they can do is watch and wait. The fate of the team now lies in the hands of the drivers but taking on reigning champions Red Bull and arch-rivals Ferrari is no small feat. As the flag falls on a thrillin 2024 season, will there be commiserations or celebrations back at base?

F1:Back at Base was created and produced by Holly Samos and Sarah Holt and is an IMG Production for the BBC.

Jennie Gow, Harry Benjamin, Jolyon Palmer and Andrew Benson look back on the 2024 F1 season, with the help of some special guests and some Christmas crackers! Where does Max Verstappen rank among the greats of the sport after winning his fourth world title? Can Lando Norris challenge next season? And will Ferrari be regretting replacing Carlos Sainz with Lewis Hamilton? Plus, we discuss Alpine’s revival, Williams’ struggles, and we give our moments of the season.

Two-time F1 world champion Fernando Alonso sits down for an in-depth chat with BBC F1 correspondent, Andrew Benson. Alonso speaks about his season with Aston Martin, the addition of Adrian Newey to the team and whether that will make them more competitive in 2025 and 2026. Plus, Alonso talks about his dreams of winning a third world title.

Jennie and the team reflect on McLaren winning the constructor's title. They hear from Zac Brown, Andrea Stella, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

Jennie and the team look back at the final qualifying session of the season. They hear from the two McLaren drivers who will be hoping to secure their first constructors title since 1998. We also hear from Carlos Sainz who starts from third, and Nico Hulkenberg and Valtteri Bottas who both had good days.

Andrew Benson and Scott Mitchell-Malm join Jennie to look ahead to the race. They discuss the ongoing spat between Max Verstappen and George Russell and hear from both drivers. Toto Wolff pays tribute to Lewis Hamilton ahead of his final race with Mercedes. And Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc talk about the constructor’s title and what it would mean to both teams.

Rosanna Tennant, McLaren Formula E driver Sam Bird, BBC F1 correspondent Andrew Benson, and Harry Benjamin react to a busy Qatar GP that was dominated by penalties and punctures. Race winner Max Verstappen gives his thoughts after yet another assured drive, while we also hear from Charles Leclerc, Oscar Piastri and a disappointed Lando Norris, who was one of a number of drivers penalised in the race.

Rosanna Tennant, McLaren Formula E driver Sam Bird, BBC F1 correspondent Andrew Benson, and Harry Benjamin reflect on qualifying for the Qatar GP, as well as the sprint race. The team hear from Max Verstappen, George Russell, Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton. Plus, after their last minute switch securing a one-two in the sprint, Rosanna speaks with McLaren team principal Andrea Stella.

Rosanna Tennant, former McLaren mechanic Marc Priestley, BBC F1 correspondent Andrew Benson, and Harry Benjamin take a more considered look at Max Verstappen’s fourth world title, as well as preview the Qatar GP. The team hear from the Dutchman and Lando Norris. Plus, who will come out on top in the constructors’ championship? A disappointed Lewis Hamilton gives his views after sprint qualifying, and Rosanna chats to Abbi Pulling, with the Brit on the verge of clinching the F1 Academy title.

Alice and Harry join Rosanna to look back at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. They reflect on a special evening that saw Max Verstappen claim his fourth world title. Max and his Red Bull boss Christian Horner are on the pod. And we discuss the race and hear from the top three finishers.