Show Notes
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 [email protected]
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
Grandstand seats, general admission + hospitality at tickets.formula1.com
Get closer to the track in Miami with the new Campus Pass - f1miamigp.com
More from F1 Explains
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
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 [email protected] Search F1 Nation on your podcast app, hit follow or subscribe, and you'll get every new episode of F1 Explains
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.
In the months between the chequered flag in Abu Dhabi and the five red lights in Australia, Formula 1 teams are still be racing. They're building in factories, testing on simulators and wind tunnels, working flat-out to get their cars ready for a new era.
What does a Formula 1 driver need to become a World Champion? Can they really approach a title decider as if it’s any other race? And is it better to be leading the way or chasing?