Formula 1 isn’t just about racing — it’s about storytelling, sponsorships, and survival in the media spotlight. In this episode of F101 with Friends, I sit down with PR pro Laura to unpack how the sport has evolved from Ferrari’s cigarette barcode era to today’s world of crypto logos, luxury  moments, and sponsor-driven narratives. We dive into the Netflix effect and how it turned drivers into global celebrities, the growing influence of a new generation of fans, and why Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari stands as one of the greatest PR masterstrokes in F1 history. 

To wrap it all up, Laura takes on a first ever French F101 quiz — with plenty of laughs along the way.

Instagram - @F101withFriends or https://www.instagram.com/f101withfriends/ 

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/14/sports/autoracing/tobacco-advertisements-formula-one.html

https://www.astonmartinf1.com/en-GB/news/feature/aston-martin-racing-green-more-than-just-a-colour

https://www.optimonk.com/almave-marketing-breakdown/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/josephwolkin/2025/04/04/formula-1-utilizes-lego-partnership-for-international-growth/ 

This week on F101 with Friends, we’re off to Budapest — a city full of charm, and a circuit that’s anything but easy. I’m joined by Mehul to unpack the Hungarian Grand Prix and why the Hungaroring, shaped like a knife resting on a boot, forces teams into precision mode from the very start.

With tight corners, barely any overtaking zones, and relentless heat, it’s a track where downforce is maxed, tyres are babied, and strategy takes center stage. We get into the key moments from the 2024 race — Hamilton’s return to glory and Papaya Rules.

We also chat about what makes Hungary so punishing for drivers and engineers alike, why qualifying is everything here, and how this slow-speed maze somehow keeps delivering high-stakes drama year after year.

Instagram - @F101withFriends or https://www.instagram.com/f101withfriends/

https://www.formula1.com/en/racing/2025/hungary

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hungarian_Grand_Prix

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hungaroring#

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/30-memorable-hungarian-grand-prix-moments-.4r4Ejop9lVaZTD3hpWLDBx 

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/piastri-wins-hungarian-grand-prix-as-norris-belatedly-hands-back-lead-in.70F4mNzYrbmvNYaj8KXm18 

We pulled a Freaky Friday this week on F101 with Friends — Kevin takes over hosting duties, and I hop into the guest seat to break down everything that went down at the legendary Belgian Grand Prix.

We talk about strategy, weather chaos, surprise winners, and why this track — shaped like a pointy gun blasting through the Ardennes — continues to be F1’s ultimate test of guts and grip.

We also dig into Eau Rouge’s eternal mystique, the fear factor of high-speed corners in the wet, and what makes Spa a fan favourite even when it breaks our hearts.

We also give you the 2024 breakdown from George Russell’s rain-soaked heartbreak to Hamilton's redemption arc - Spa served up another iconic chapter in its wild, weather-fuelled legacy. 

If you love big elevation, bigger stakes, and a circuit that chews up champions, this one’s for you.

Instagram - @F101withFriends or https://www.instagram.com/f101withfriends/

Sources:

https://www.formula1.com/en/information/belgium-circuit-de-spa-francorchamps.3LltuYaAXVRU8iezEsjzGw

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belgian_Grand_Prix

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circuit_de_Spa-Francorchamps#Original_layout

https://www.mercedesamgf1.com/news/f1-explained-how-the-spa-francorchamps-corners-got-their-names

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/russell-takes-incredible-victory-in-belgium-on-aging-tyres-after-thrilling.3FufXdo4r40I7kv5mJLMMR

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHow092BnEI

https://motorsportguides.com/memorable-f1-moments-at-the-belgian-grand-prix/

We’re off to Silverstone this week — the birthplace of Formula 1 and a track that always delivers British summer madness. I’m joined by Joy to break down everything you need to know about the 2025 British Grand Prix.

We’re also talking about why this track (shaped like an F1 driver’s head wearing a cap and holding a trophy — yes, really) is one of the most iconic on the calendar. Expect corner names with royal backstories, overtakes at 300kph, and a grandstand full of home heroes.

If you’re into fast corners, faster rain clouds, and a crowd that knows how to bring the noise — you’ll love Silverstone.

Instagram - @F101withFriends or https://www.instagram.com/f101withfriends/ 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Grand_Prix#Silverstone's_evolution_(1987%E2%80%93present)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silverstone_Circuit#Circuit

https://www.formula1.com/en/racing/2025/great-britain

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_British_Grand_Prix#:~:text=Hamilton%20took%20his%20first%20victory,Piastri%20waited%20a%20lap%20more.

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/hamilton-beats-verstappen-to-first-win-since-2021-with-record-breaking-9th.3teU9bznaWJlC2TGAYh0Vl

https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/silverstone-circuit-guide-to-f1-track-including-corner-names-and-history/10631887/

https://www.silverstone.co.uk/venue-hire/hub/articles/what-makes-event-silverstone-so-special

🇦🇹 Pack your Lederhosen and hold onto your tyres — this week we’re heading to the Styrian hills for the Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring! I’m joined by Bhoomi to break down everything you need to know about F1’s alpine speed fest.

We also get into the Red Bull Ring’s unique layout — a punchy, rollercoaster of a track shaped like an oven mitt — and the historic chaos it’s delivered over the years, including Mercedes’ infamous Lederhosen curse.

If you’re into short laps, big risks, and midfield mayhem at 700 meters above sea level, this episode is a must-listen.

🇨🇦 This week, we’re off to Montreal — home of the Canadian Grand Prix and one of F1’s wildest plot generators. I’m joined by Ragavi to break down everything you need to know about Circuit Gilles Villeneuve: the goose-head-shaped island track that always delivers drama.

We dive into the chaos of the 2024 race weekend — from George Russell’s pole-position heartbreak to Lando’s almost-win, Ferrari’s full-blown meltdown, and Logan Sargeant’s spin that sent the internet spiraling.

We’ll also talk about why this part-street, part-park circuit is so tricky, how the weather turns strategy into survival, and of course, the Wall of Champions — F1’s most iconic concrete karma.

If you love surprise podiums, slippery strategies, and the kind of Grand Prix that feels like a movie, this one’s for you.

Instagram - @F101withFriends or https://www.instagram.com/f101withfriends/ 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Grand_Prix

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circuit_Gilles_Villeneuve

https://www.formula1.com/en/racing/2025/canada/circuit

https://www.f1oversteer.com/races/five-unforgettable-canadian-gp-moments-from-buttons-win-to-hamilton-and-raikkonens-crash/?callback=in&code=NMRHNDRIMGUTODHKMI0ZYJBJLTGXNTKTZTY2ZWFHMDBHMWVL&state=cda0bf5504e54117b8890a69e13089bc 

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/verstappen-beats-norris-to-victory-in-thrilling-wet-dry-canadian-gp.6ytkbh7iDTWC3pJBwiaboI

On this week’s episode I’m joined by Mehul to break down everything you need to know about the Spanish Grand Prix

From Max’s epic win in 2016 to the legendary moments of Alonso, Schumacher, and Maldonado, we dive into the circuit’s history, fan culture, and why this track is a true test of car and driver. We also get into tyre strategy, the ghost of Catalunya’s wind, what makes this race so tricky, and what fans should expect in 2025. Oh—and yes, we talk about the drama surrounding Madrid’s new “MadRing” circuit.

Instagram - @F101withFriends or https://www.instagram.com/f101withfriends/ 

https://www.formula1.com/en/racing/2025/spain/circuit

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_Grand_Prix

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circuit_de_Barcelona-Catalunya#Layout

https://www.planetf1.com/news/fernando-alonso-2015-mclaren-testing-crash-revisited

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/spanish-gp-top-moments-gallery/4382660/

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/verstappen-holds-of-norris-challenge-to-seal-victory-at-the-spanish-grand.7a5UhXMAtkhbslSDNiPVes

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/what-tyres-will-the-teams-and-drivers-have-for-the-2025-spanish-grand-prix.5R3UWCrzQEzL5nW91ulSlk