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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

Kevin and Aswathy take you through the glitz, the chaos, and the pure drama of the most iconic race on the F1 calendar. From Leclerc’s emotional home win to why fire marshals wear Daft Punk helmets, this episode breaks down the Monaco GP like never before. We dive into qualifying chaos, yacht-side gossip, pit wall pressure, and the anatomy of racing through a billionaire’s backyard. Instagram - @F101withFriends or https://www.instagram.com/f101withfriends/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monaco_Grand_Prix https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circuit_de_Monaco https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/f1-button-replace-alonso-monaco.4BDMImGWreo6moygOAGgGw https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006_Monaco_Grand_Prix#:~:text=The%20race%20was%20remembered%20by,attempting%20to%20improve%20his%20time. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Monaco_Grand_Prix#:~:text=Mercedes%20driver%20Nico%20Rosberg%20won,the%20fifth%20of%20his%20career. https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/leclerc-clinches-long-awaited-home-win-in-monaco-ahead-of-piastri-and-sainz.4EmeQeb2P27aS8yGIVMOEO https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/the-strategist-qualifying-in-monaco-is-a-test-of-skill-like-no-other-so-how.207nVq4p8NMpxywAlifUJN https://www.boote-magazin.de/en/boats/superyachts/monaco-the-cost-of-a-berth-at-the-formula-1-circuit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwqlOKy4tTA https://motorsportbroadcasting.com/2023/05/18/f1-to-produce-monaco-grand-prix-broadcast-for-first-time/

We’re heading to Imola this week — one of F1’s most emotional and iconic tracks. It’s fast, it’s technical, it’s full of history, and honestly… it never disappoints. In this episode, Anchita and I are breaking down everything from the drama of the 2025 race weekend to what makes this track such a legend in the first place. We’ll talk race strategy, who brought upgrades, and how it all came down to a nail-biting finish between Max and Lando last year. Plus, yes — we’re absolutely talking about that ridiculously long race name and why it became meme central. If you’re into big strategy battles, serious setup challenges, and a track that’s as dramatic as F1 gets — this one’s for you. Instagram - @F101withFriends or https://www.instagram.com/f101withfriends/ https://www.formula1.com/en/racing/2025/emiliaromagna/circuit https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emilia_Romagna_Grand_Prix https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Marino_Grand_Prix https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imola_Circuit https://www.italymagazine.com/featured-story/imola-possession-race-track https://www.dive-bomb.com/article/top-5-moments-from-imola-s-formula-one-races https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/verstappen-holds-off-thrilling-late-charge-from-norris-to-win-emilia-romagna.2CgBWm3GodjE3QIYIMWL0x https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ferraris-f1-upgrade-plan-and-timeline-for-success-revealed/10717907/

This week, we’re heading to the Miami Grand Prix—home of fake marinas, real drama, and the fastest alligator-shaped street circuit on the calendar. Joining me is Lauren, a former Mercedes fan turned Ferrari supporter (but always Team Lewis), and together we unpack everything that makes Miami F1 weekend a must-watch. From Lando Norris’s first-ever win in 2024 to Max Verstappen’s past dominance, we relive the most iconic race moments. We also talk car setups, tyre strategy, what teams are bringing to Miami 2025, and break down the anatomy of a perfect pit stop—from wheel guns to lollipop calls. Instagram - @F101withFriends or https://www.instagram.com/f101withfriends/ https://www.formula1.com/en/racing/2025/miami/circuit https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_Grand_Prix https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_International_Autodrome https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/norris-beats-verstappen-for-breakthrough-maiden-f1-victory-in-action-packed.7f9W6X9L3kPQILyO3NljL1 https://motorsporttickets.com/blog/f1-pit-crew-what-each-member-does-during-a-formula-1-pit-stop/

Jeddah is fast, narrow, and full of chaos—and we’re here for it. This week on F101 with Friends, I’m joined by Nikhil to break down the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, from the knife-like track layout to why qualifying is make or break. We also dive into F1 jargon—visors and tear-offs—and why they matter more than you think in a night race. Instagram - @F101withFriends or https://www.instagram.com/f101withfriends/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeddah_Corniche_Circuit https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saudi_Arabian_Grand_Prix https://www.formula1.com/en/racing/2025/saudi-arabia/circuit https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/verstappen-seals-assured-victory-in-saudi-arabian-grand-prix-as-bearman.688391Oy9JabLrEGIXLTkr https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_Saudi_Arabian_Grand_Prix https://www.reuters.com/sports/formula1/fia-chief-faces-allegation-interference-2023-saudi-grand-prix-2024-03-04/ https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/formula-one/news/fia-deputy-president-robert-reid-resigns-says-i-have-witnessed-steady-erosion-of-principles/articleshow/120163897.cms https://www.theplan.it/eng/whats_on/qiddiya-city-f1-circuit

We're heading to the desert for Round 4 of the season at the iconic Bahrain International Circuit—a night race that’s all about tire wear, big overtakes, and strategic chaos. In this episode, Sanjay and I break down what makes Bahrain such a challenge for teams, why Turn 10 is a driver's nightmare, and how the desert weather throws everyone a curveball. Sanjay also brings up the tire wars and explains what the C1-C6 compound of tires means! Instagram - @F101withFriends or https://www.instagram.com/f101withfriends/

We are headed to Japan this weekend and luckily Chandreyi had been there in 2019! We discuss the Suzuka International Circuit and get to hear from our guest on what it was like to watch a race through Category 5 typhoon!

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

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

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

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

https://www.pirelli.com/global/en-ww/race/racingspot/why-the-degner-curves-are-the-most-remarkable-place-in-suzuka-50374/

https://www.dive-bomb.com/article/top-10-best-japanese-grand-prix-moments 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamui_Kobayashi#:~:text=After%20retiring%20late%20in%20the,rather%20than%20a%202013%20drive. 
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/need-to-know-the-most-important-facts-stats-and-trivia-ahead-of-the-2024-japanese.jrcfmTKLVwcwWyG881Uv9

“Ask a child to draw a car, and certainly he will draw it red”

Famous words from Enzo Ferrari founder of the Scuderia Ferrari F1 team. We explore the life behind the founder, greatest moments of the team and delve into their current drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton.

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

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Ferrari#Formula_One_successes_and_failures

https://www.inc.com/jeff-haden/77-years-ago-enzo-ferrari-started-a-company-for-the-rarest-of-reasons-so-he-could-spend-money-not-make-it/91021762

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enzo_Ferrari#The_Modena_Autodrome

https://www.ferrari.com/en-EN/formula1/michael-schumacher 

https://www.planetf1.com/news/fernando-alonso-ferrari 

https://www.planetf1.com/features/villeneuve-pironi-documentary

https://www.motorsinside.com/en/f1/news/32592-alain-prost-back-in-ferrari-643-32-years-later.html 

https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/single-seaters/f1/austria-02-how-ferrari-team-orders-controversy-embarrassed-f1/ 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKYB4fDz5Vc 

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/279177/who-is-charles-leclerc-s-dad-herv-leclerc.html 

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/f1s-next-big-thing-getting-to-know-charles-leclerc.4dz5iYdAM8wkkgWyS02GaS

https://www.dive-bomb.com/article/he-won-at-spa-he-wins-in-monza-reliving-the-2019-italian-grand-prix

https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/how-many-pole-positions-f1-drivers/#:~:text=CHARLES%20LECLERC%20%2D%2026%20POLES&text=Charles%20Leclerc%20has%20set%20more,now%20over%20a%20single%20lap. 

https://www.planetf1.com/news/unheard-charles-leclerc-x-rated-radio-rant-losing-las-vegas-podium-carlos-sainz 

https://racingnews365.com/when-hamilton-first-met-ron-dennis-i-dont-know-what-possessed-me

Quick recap of the first race of the season and we are back for an exciting Chinese GP. In April 2003, a marshland in Shanghai was earmarked to be the home of an F1 circuit. Eighteen months and around $450 million later, the Shanghai International Circuit was ready for action.

Join me and Rahul as we prep you for the second race and explain some jargon around engines and gearbox penalties.

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

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

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

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

https://www.planetf1.com/tracks/shanghai-international

https://www.planetf1.com/news/chinese-gp-track-guide-shanghai-international-circuit-lap

https://www.f1manager.com/grands-prix/chinese-grand-prix

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/need-to-know-the-most-important-facts-stats-and-trivia-ahead-of-the-2024-chinese.2StMIf4Gd3NCHTQaQciqCH 

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/verstappen-charges-to-victory-over-norris-and-perez-in-action-packed-chinese.3Uz5CwNh5tEQt62umIGhob 

https://www.autosport.com/general/news/10-memorable-moments-from-f1s-chinese-grand-prix-history-5321983/5321983/ 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UM8zgq4qHq4 

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/formula-1-to-race-in-shanghai-until-2030-with-new-five-year-extension.773NjupGSMZ1sBQZUfTgY3 

https://www.crash.net/f1/race-report/54068/1/china-2005-alonso-win-gives-renault-its-title 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_Chinese_Grand_Prix

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/wasnt-like-it-was-a-love-tap-frustrated-ricciardo-gives-verdict-after-race.cNyHbSXQgJbCox2l5RyMX

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/alonso-reflects-on-crazy-race-in-china-after-nearly-crashing-while-stroll.3Qpr3blqiCvryzSYcud0TM 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8dF9tMRoU4 

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/the-beginners-guide-to-formula-1-engine-and-gearbox-penalties.2TSy7BFgEvdNLojGLWS3F1 

Pre-season testing got done. The teams had a chance to see if all their drawings and plans translate into actual performance.

We are a few days away from the first race of the season. We are about to go racing in Albert Park, Australia. Aditi and I talk about the history of the track, best moments and what to look out for. Plus a quick breakdown of key phrases you’ll hear from the commentators during the race.

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

Sources:

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

https://www.formula1.com/en/information/australia-melbourne-grand-prix-circuit.4LZLnnP4nXDFVVD01EdvvG 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NfsXFY_V2o  

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/sainz-storms-to-victory-amid-drama-in-australia-as-verstappen-retires-and.4ZVm82EhKLMcVIHurBPr8N 

https://www.planetf1.com/tracks/melbourne-grand-prix-circuit 

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/need-to-know-the-most-important-facts-stats-and-trivia-ahead-of-the-2024-australian.3innNdecWV1u3W5QlEceVp 

H kilosttps://www.lightsoutblog.com/australian-grand-prix-weekend-information/ 

https://www.f1manager.com/grands-prix/australian-grand-prix

https://www.formula1.com/en/video/top-10-memorable-f1-moments-in-melbourne.1729377305836220331 

http://en.espn.co.uk/onthisday/motorsport/story/2297.html 

https://www.grandprix247.com/2023/03/27/melbourne-flashback-alonsos-incredible-accident-in-2016-australian-grand-prix-f1-crash/ 

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/48145/1/montoya-storms-out-of-press-conference 

The 2024 F1 season was packed with drama, records, fights and scandals and surprises. Max Verstappen clinched his fourth title, but Lando Norris pushed him hard. McLaren made history, winning their first Constructors' Championship in 26 years. Anjali and I discuss how the stage was set for 2025 and all the chaos we hope to see!

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

Sources:

Max v Lando in Austria: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pM6w0rF4CM

McLaren team radios in Hungary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0crwcDPrI54

Brazil race highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbxJT-yBdcs

Alex Albon double overtake in Canada: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ouz6hhbjwNk 

https://www.planetf1.com/news/alpine-gps-data-captured-esteban-ocon-visit-williams 

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/in-numbers-how-2024-came-to-be-one-of-the-most-thrilling-f1-seasons-yet.6nlrEsGGuIRTqA5TeFQHJ6 

Alex Jacques commentary on Charles winning in Monaco: https://www.instagram.com/track__limit/reel/C7exrcaNQbB/?hl=en 

https://racingnews365.com/perez-leads-williams-in-painful-list 

https://www.whichcar.com.au/news/motorsport/unluckiest-driver-in-f1 

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1025088/1/furious-verstappen-calls-russell-head-after-contact 

https://www.forbes.com/sites/dancancian/2024/12/05/george-russell-and-bully-max-verstappen-the-new-f1-feud-explained/?utm_source=chatgpt.com 

https://www.planetf1.com/news/mclaren-f1-papaya-rules-explained#:~:text=Its%20first%20use%20came%20about,competitor%20is%20my%20team%2Dmate. 

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/why-mclaren-losing-mini-drs-is-not-the-game-changer-its-rivals-hoped-for/10656393/ 

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/red-bull-admits-front-bib-device-exists-but-plan-agreed-with-fia/10663585/ 

https://media.alpinecars.com/bwt-alpine-f1-team-announces-organisational-changes-across-its-technical-teams/ 

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/alpine-announce-further-team-changes-as-flavio-briatore-returns-in-executive.14mfyaJthQ4dBCx36Kpl6q 

https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/renault-unexpected-f1-option-new-engine-protests/ 

https://www.f1technical.net/news/25560 

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/1029059/nico-rosberg-f1-alpine-for-sale-revelation/

Long time F1 fan, Kevin and I deep dive into the forces that keep F1 running—whether it's the FIA making the rules, Liberty Media Group shaping the spectacle, or the GPDA ensuring drivers’ voices are heard. We’ve looked at who holds the power, who enforces the rules, and how safety innovations have saved lives.

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

Sources:

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/1010847/f1-hans-device/ 

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/tech-tuesday-a-close-look-at-the-halo-and-how-it-saved-hamiltons-neck-in.68Ajvw12Xza2P3JvuXGRO3 

https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/articles/c78x03252mpo#:~:text=For%20international%2Dlevel%20drivers%2C%20a,fine%20and%20one%2Dmonth%20suspension. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Prix_Drivers%27_Association 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F%C3%A9d%C3%A9ration_Internationale_de_l%27Automobile

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

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

Max vs Lewis at Monza: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VSwwZYDW94 

https://www.thesun.ie/sport/14146905/f1-drivers-statement-swearing-verstappen-leclerc 

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2024/07/18/exclusive-getting-to-know-fia-f1-race-starter-rebecca-lee/

https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/f1-stewards-who-are-they-what-do-they-do-how-are-they-chosen-6500572/6500572/

Jumping the start 1999 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kH3yOAnPJwg 

My sister Bharati has been an unwilling participant in my F1 obsession all of last year—so naturally, she’s my first guest! We break down the basics: Why is it called Formula 1? What makes a championship? Who are all these people? And what makes these cars so special? By the end, maybe (just maybe) I’ve convinced a new fan!

Instagram - @F101withfriends or https://www.instagram.com/f101withfriends/

Sources:

https://www.sportskeeda.com/f1/news-why-formula-1-called-formula-1-understanding-meaning-behind-name-of-the-series 

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/why-is-it-called-formula-1-and-12-other-questions-about-the-championships.1GHeel6u4jga6hMpX2eFs1

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/drivers-teams-cars-circuits-and-more-everything-you-need-to-know-about.7iQfL3Rivf1comzdqV5jwc 

https://rtrsports.com/en/blog/why-formula-1-is-called-formula-1-discovering-its-origins/

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

https://racingnews365.com/f1-points-system 

https://racingnews365.com/verstappen-must-pay-fia-unprecedented-amount-for-new-f1-super-licence 

https://medium.com/@arthurmaga/the-aerodynamics-of-formula-1-a-physicist-view-8946f94af35f#:~:text=Formula%201%20wings%20are%20constructed,maximize%20downforce%2C%20including%20the%20driver. 

Welcome to F101 with Friends, the podcast that breaks down Formula 1 like your favorite 101 course—but way more fun! Whether you’re fresh off Drive to Survive, a casual fan, or someone who just wants to keep up with the chaos, we’ve got you covered.

Buckle up, because the fun. starts. right. neeeeoooow!

My name is Nisha - a newbie F1 girlie who is desperate to make more friends so I can talk about the sport ALL the time.

So follow, subscribe, and share F101 with Friends—because this community is just getting started. If you have any queries or you want to be a friend on the pod, please reach out to us on

Instagram - @f101withfriends

or click the link: https://www.instagram.com/f101withfriends/