The Inside Track

With five races to go, Max Verstappen is just 40 points off the top of the F1 Championship. Rick Edwards and Matt Majendie discuss how likely his comeback is, why he’ll do well in Mexico, and what must be going through the heads of Team McLaren.

Also in this episode:

• How Charles Leclerc’s tyre masterclass frustrated Lando Norris in Austin
• Are McLaren’s Papaya Rules out the window?
• Yuki Tsunoda’s audition to secure the Red Bull second seat in 2026
• Red Bull’s sneaky tape-tactics get called out by the FIA

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for exclusive F1 insights, race recaps, and all the gossip from inside the paddock.

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For the entire season Matt Majendie and Rick Edwards are embedded with Max Verstappen and the Red Bull Racing Formula 1 team. Matt will be in the pits and in the garage, with the drivers and in the factory, at the debriefs and the strategy session.

Get involved with the show!

Email us: [email protected]

Follow us on social media:

Instagram: @theinsidetrack_podcast

TikTok: @theinsidetrack_pod

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theinsidetrack_podcast

This podcast is produced by BBC Studios, a commercial company that is wholly owned by the BBC. 

No money from the licence fee was used to create this podcast. The money BBC Studios makes is re-invested to help fund the BBC.

Producer: Jon Weeks

Executive Producer: James Cook

Social Media and Video Editor: Georgina Revell

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt chats to Dutch Journalist,  Erik Van Haran, who knows Max Verstappen and the Verstappen clan very well.  They talk about Max's season so far, his recent turnaround and whether he can really win the title. Erik talks about Max's character and reflects on his reputation, especially in the UK. H

e also talks about how the team are working differently under Laurent Mekies, and how those changes are helping to make them better. 


👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for exclusive F1 insights, race recaps, and all the gossip from inside the paddock.
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For the entire season Matt Majendie and Rick Edwards are embedded with Max Verstappen and the Red Bull Racing Formula 1 team. Matt will be in the pits and in the garage, with the drivers and in the factory, at the debriefs and the strategy session.

Get involved with the show!
Email us: [email protected]
Follow us on social media:
Instagram: @theinsidetrack_podcast
Tiktok: @theinsidetrack_pod

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theinsidetrack_podcast

This podcast is produced by BBC Studios, a commercial company that is wholly owned by the BBC. 

No money from the licence fee was used to create this podcast. The money BBC Studios makes is re-invested to help fund the BBC.

Producer: Jon Weeks

Executive Producer: James Cook

Social Media and Video Editor: Georgina Revell

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In an exclusive interview, Red Bull's chief engineer Paul 'Pedals' Monaghan reveals his frustration despite Verstappen's podium finish. Rick Edwards and Matt Majendie explain why his second place spot was better than his wins in Monza and Baku. 

Plus they discuss the growing tension between Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, Christian Horner's plans to make an F1 return next year, and what to look out for in the USA Grand Prix.

Also in this episode:

• Oscar Piastri unleashes his grumpy side
• Christian Horner's £80 MILLION payout
• Why Hadjar looks poised to take Red Bull's second seat
• Ferrari's poor performance in Singapore

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for exclusive F1 insights, race recaps, and all the gossip from inside the paddock.
-

For the entire season Matt Majendie and Rick Edwards are embedded with Max Verstappen and the Red Bull Racing Formula 1 team. Matt will be in the pits and in the garage, with the drivers and in the factory, at the debriefs and the strategy session.

Get involved with the show!

Email us: [email protected]
Follow us on social media:
Instagram: @theinsidetrack_podcast
TikTok: @theinsidetrack_pod
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theinsidetrack_podcast

This podcast is produced by BBC Studios, a commercial company that is wholly owned by the BBC. 

No money from the licence fee was used to create this podcast. The money BBC Studios makes is re-invested to help fund the BBC.

Producer: Jon Weeks

Executive Producer: James Cook

Social Media and Video Editor: Georgina Revell

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

They have been described as the biggest overhaul of Formula One in 50 years. Sports Journalist Matt Majendie explains the five key things you need to know about the regulation changes, and considers whether Max Verstappen could benefit.

In this episode:

• F1 cars to become 50/50 ICE and EV
• Why Formula One is making changes for 2026
• Will there be 100% sustainable fuel?
• How the changes could make overtaking more exciting

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for exclusive F1 insights, race recaps, and all the gossip from inside the paddock.

-

For the entire season Matt Majendie and Rick Edwards are embedded with Max Verstappen and the Red Bull Racing Formula 1 team. Matt will be in the pits and in the garage, with the drivers and in the factory, at the debriefs and the strategy session.

Get involved with the show!

Email us: [email protected]

Follow us on social media:

Instagram: @theinsidetrack_podcast

TikTok: @theinsidetrack_pod

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theinsidetrack_podcast

This podcast is produced by BBC Studios, a commercial company that is wholly owned by the BBC. 

No money from the licence fee was used to create this podcast. The money BBC Studios makes is re-invested to help fund the BBC.

Producer: Jon Weeks

Executive Producer: James Cook

Social Media and Video Editor: Georgina Revell

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Max Verstappen seals his fourth win of the season in Baku, Rick Edwards and Matt Majendie ask can this momentum put him back in the title fight? 

Plus, after a drama-packed Azerbaijan Grand Prix, they analyse Red Bull’s tyre-tactics, McLaren’s missed chances, and the growing tension in this season’s championship chase.

Also in this episode:

• Yuki Tsunoda’s strong points finish in Baku
• Rumour: Is Isack Hadjar set to secure Red Bull’s second seat?
• What will it take for Verstappen to do well in Singapore?
• Rick & Matt discuss Lando Norris’s missed opportunity in Azerbaijan

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for exclusive F1 insights, race recaps, and all the gossip from inside the paddock.

-

For the entire season Matt Majendie and Rick Edwards are embedded with Max Verstappen and the Red Bull Racing Formula 1 team. Matt will be in the pits and in the garage, with the drivers and in the factory, at the debriefs and the strategy session.

Get involved with the show!

Email us: [email protected]

Follow us on social media:

Instagram: @theinsidetrack_podcast

TikTok: @theinsidetrack_pod

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theinsidetrack_podcast

This podcast is produced by BBC Studios, a commercial company that is wholly owned by the BBC. 

No money from the licence fee was used to create this podcast. The money BBC Studios makes is re-invested to help fund the BBC.

Producer: Jon Weeks

Executive Producer: James Cook

Social Media and Video Editor: Georgina Revell

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After Max Verstappen’s record-breaking weekend in Monza, Matt Majendie speaks to Max’s lead mechanic Matt Caller to go behind the scenes. From the fastest lap in F1 history to the intensity of race-day decisions, they talk through the garage atmosphere, the bond between driver and crew, and what it feels like to witness “Max Magic” up close.

 

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for exclusive F1 insights, race recaps, and all the gossip from inside the paddock. - For the entire season Matt Majendie and Rick Edwards are embedded with Max Verstappen and the Red Bull Racing Formula 1 team. Matt will be in the pits and in the garage, with the drivers and in the factory, at the debriefs and the strategy session. 

 

Get involved with the show!

Email us: [email protected]

 

Follow us on social media: 

Instagram: @theinsidetrack_podcast

TikTok: @theinsidetrack_pod

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theinsidetrack_podcast

This podcast is produced by BBC Studios, a commercial company that is wholly owned by the BBC. 

No money from the licence fee was used to create this podcast. The money BBC Studios makes is re-invested to help fund the BBC.

Producer: Jon Weeks

Executive Producer: James Cook

Social Media and Video Editor: Georgina Revell

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On a record-breaking weekend for Max Verstappen, Rick Edwards and Matt Majendie discuss his win at Monza, and Red Bull’s change of tactics for the second half of the Formula One season.

We also dive into:

• Piastri’s less-than-bonza Monza race
• THAT awkward McLaren overtake
• Will the title race ever get ‘nasty’?
• Listeners’ reactions after Rick’s Piastri comments
• Will there be another fastest lap this F1 season?

Plus, our usual race predictions, leaderboard update, and some listener shoutouts.

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for exclusive F1 insights, race recaps, and all the gossip from inside the paddock.

-

For the entire season Matt Majendie and Rick Edwards are embedded with Max Verstappen and the Red Bull Racing Formula 1 team. Matt will be in the pits and in the garage, with the drivers and in the factory, at the debriefs and the strategy session.

Get involved with the show!

Email us: [email protected]

Follow us on social media:

Instagram: @theinsidetrack_podcast

TikTok: @theinsidetrack_pod

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theinsidetrack_podcast

This podcast is produced by BBC Studios, a commercial company that is wholly owned by the BBC. 

No money from the licence fee was used to create this podcast. The money BBC Studios makes is re-invested to help fund the BBC.

Producer: Jon Weeks

Executive Producer: James Cook

Social Media and Video Editor: Georgina Revell

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After his oil leak nightmare, Rick Edwards and Matt Majendie ask: Can Lando keep his title challenge alive? Plus Matt goes behind the scenes with Max Verstappen at his home race.

We also dive into:

• Oscar Piastri’s cool but “boring” personality debate
• Ferrari’s double DNF disaster and Carlos Sainz’s controversial penalty
• Isack Hadjar’s first podium — and what it means for Yuki’s future in the second seat
• Yuki Tsunoda interview: His Red Bull hopes and an unexpected Jason Statham obsession
• Cadillac’s driver signings for 2026
• Max Verstappen’s massive bodyguards…

Plus, our usual race predictions, leaderboard update, and some listener shoutouts.

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for exclusive F1 insights, race recaps, and all the gossip from inside the paddock.

-

For the entire season Matt Majendie and Rick Edwards are embedded with Max Verstappen and the Red Bull Racing Formula 1 team. Matt will be in the pits and in the garage, with the drivers and in the factory, at the debriefs and the strategy session.

Get involved with the show!

Email us: [email protected]

Follow us on social media:

Instagram: @theinsidetrack_podcast

TikTok: @theinsidetrack_pod

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theinsidetrack_podcast

This podcast is produced by BBC Studios, a commercial company that is wholly owned by the BBC. 

No money from the licence fee was used to create this podcast. The money BBC Studios makes is re-invested to help fund the BBC.

Producer: Jon Weeks

Executive Producer: James Cook

Social Media and Video Editor: Georgina Revell

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ahead of the season’s return, Matt Majendie rounds up some of the stories you may have missed over the summer break, before turning his attention to Zandvoort and the Orange Army that awaits Max Verstappen in his homeland.  

 

First there is the question of who Verstappen’s driving partner next season will be, with rumours swirling. Matt discusses the likelihood of a whole host of names, whether moves for Álex Palou, Fernando Alonso, or George Russell, or internal hires from Red Bull’s stable for Isaac Hadjar, Liam Lawson or Arvid Lindblad.  

 

Christian Horner’s future remains the subject of much speculation, and Matt assesses whether an appointment at Alpine, Cadillac or Aston Martin could be on the cards. No longer the subject of rumour is Cadillac’s driver line up for next season, with Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez now confirmed to return to the grid with them, and Matt explains why this is a smart move.  

 

Finally we look to the Netherlands Grand Prix, where Matt cannot foresee Verstappen repeating his success of previous years on this circuit and breaking up the McLaren drivers’ dominance. Meanwhile the return of the F1 season comes with the return of The Inside Track prediction league – send us your 1-2-3 on Instagram for Zandvoort, and help get the audience team some much needed points! 

 

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For the entire season Matt Majendie and Rick Edwards are embedded with Max Verstappen and the Red Bull Racing Formula 1 team. Matt will be in the pits and in the garage, with the drivers and in the factory, at the debriefs and the strategy session. 

Over the midsummer break we are bringing you special interviews and insight to give you the F1 fix.  

Get involved with the show! 

Email us: [email protected]
  
Follow us on social media:
 

Instagram: @theinsidetrack_podcast
 

TikTok: @theinsidetrack_pod
 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theinsidetrack_podcast 

This podcast is produced by BBC Studios, a commercial company that is wholly owned by the BBC. No money from the licence fee was used to create this podcast. The money BBC Studios makes is re-invested to help fund the BBC. 

 
Producer: Jarek Zaba  
Executive Producer: James Cook  
Social Media and Video Editor: Georgina Revell 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.  

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is there any word better than ‘curiosity’ to describe Alpine? How on earth do you go about grading Ferrari? And what’s an outsider’s take on Red Bull’s season so far?  

 
In this pod swap episode of The Inside Track, Late Braking’s Ben Hocking joins Matt Majendie and the theme of the day is the 10 teams on this season’s grid. Matt and Ben pull out their red pen and grade each by their own personal criteria… Who is exceeding expectations? Who has let themselves down? And which team has the most entertaining in race radio? 

 

Special attention is paid to Red Bull, with Matt eager to get the perspective of an F1 fanatic who is a little more detached from the personalities involved. How does Ben rate Max Verstappen and Yuki Tsunoda’s year so far, and what did he make of the surprise Christian Horner sacking? 

 

— 

 

For the entire season Matt Majendie and Rick Edwards are embedded with Max Verstappen and the Red Bull Racing Formula 1 team. Matt will be in the pits and in the garage, with the drivers and in the factory, at the debriefs and the strategy session. 

Over the midsummer break we are bringing you special interviews and insight to give you the F1 fix.  

 

Get involved with the show! 

Email us: [email protected]
  
Follow us on social media:
 

Instagram: @theinsidetrack_podcast
 

TikTok: @theinsidetrack_pod
 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theinsidetrack_podcast 

 

This podcast is produced by BBC Studios, a commercial company that is wholly owned by the BBC. No money from the licence fee was used to create this podcast. The money BBC Studios makes is re-invested to help fund the BBC. 

 
Producer: Jarek Zaba  
Executive Producer: Paul Smith  
Social Media and Video Editor: Georgina Revell 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.