The Autosport Podcast

Martyn Lee recently had the opportunity to talk to the Chief Technology Officer of Cisco UK & Ireland. about their partnership with McLaren Racing, for another project he was working on. It was a fascinating discussion, and we asked if they would kindly let us podcast the conversation for you to hear it.   We talk about how Formula One teams are using the latest technology to gain every possible advantage, both on and off track. Innovation is at the core of both racing and technology, so we talk about how cutting edge solutions are used to drive performance, and even connect with fans around the world too. For anyone interested in the technical side of the sport, we hope you find this podcast interesting.   Here's our chat with Chintan Patel… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kevin Turner presents the latest in our Top 10 Le Mans series. Today, it's all about great sportscars which were denied a legendary win at Le Mans. Sometimes driver error, on occasion a technical failure, and always a disappointment for any car which deserved a place on top of the podium. He's joined by Gary Watkins and Martyn Lee Spoiler Alert! The Top 10 is below... 10. Pescarolo C60  9. Aston Martin DB3S  8. Mercedes SS/SSK  7. Ferrari 312 PB  6. Porsche 911 GT1  5. Ferrari 330 P4  4. Porsche 908  3. Toyota GT-One  2. Mercedes-Benz 300SLR  1. Mercedes-Benz C11 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jonathan Noble (@nobleF1) joins Martyn Lee to discuss the news that Aston Martin is giving up Mercedes power to team up with Honda in 2026. This strategic alliance comes after Honda's most recent exit from F1 in 2020 and its subsequent 'return' to provide power units to Red Bull until the end of the 2025 season. The future of Honda in F1 had been uncertain, but Aston Martin's impressive progress in the sport, coupled with its free-agent status post-2025, made it an ideal candidate for a full-service partnership. This move sees Aston Martin become Honda's official manufacturer team in Formula 1, a significant step for both parties. Martin Whitmarsh, Group CEO of Aston Martin Performance Technologies, has described this partnership as a crucial piece of Aston Martin's ambitious plans in Formula 1. The sport's growing sustainability goals, which include a commitment to be net carbon neutral by 2030 and a switch to fully sustainable fuels in 2026, had a significant impact on Honda's decision to recommit to F1.

The recent Extreme E event in Scotland saw the electric racers arrive at the Glenmuckloch location in Dumfriesshire, an abandoned opencast coal mine. As always, environmental awareness was a key part of the event, as Extreme E continues to promote environmentally responsible racing. The Glenmuckloch location provided a striking backdrop for the race with its stark terrain and granite walls. As a proposed hub for renewable energy with a pumped storage hydropower facility driven by wind turbines, the site itself is transitioning from fossil fuels to a renewable era. Autosport's Head of Social, Mark Pryde, was invited along to see how the series races without leaving a trace while bringing environmental problems to light everywhere they go. Mark joins Martyn Lee for a look behind the scenes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The greatest race hasn't just delivered some of the most memorable battles for victory, but also standout moments where success was ripped from those seemingly on course for glory. Martyn Lee is joined by Kevin Turner, Gary Watkins and James Newbold Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ahead of the action at Snetterton this weekend, Martyn Lee invites Autosport's BTCC insider Marcus Simmons and Group National Editor Stephen Lickorish to discuss the thrilling prospects of the British Touring Car Championship season so far.   2023 has already seen excitement surrounding the return of option tyres, tweaks to hybrid rules, and the challenges reigning champion Tom Ingram has face in his bid to protect his status as number one.   On the podcast we discuss the changes made to the hybrid rules following their introduction in 2022 and how they will impact the racing landscape. We also talk about the return of option tyres and the potential effects on strategies this season. Finally we spotlight the drivers that are worth watching this season and the TOCA support packages which ensure racing fans have something to watch on track all day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this month's episode of the Flat Chat podcast, Stuart Codling is joined as usual by Mark Gallagher and Matt Kew to discuss the talking stories in June's edition of GP Racing magazine. A key talking point is the seeming shift in F1 from a young driver's sport to a battlefield for experienced veterans. We explore Fernando Alonso's continued success as he approaches 42, highlighting that, in this adrenaline-fueled sport, age is truly just a number. Rumours are circulating of 33-year-old Daniel Ricciardo's potential move to AlphaTauri, which sparks a conversation about the team's current flux. Mark Gallagher takes us through the after-effects of Dietrich Mateschitz’s death, the regime change at AlphaTauri, and its impact on the Red Bull talent pipeline. On another front, the team discusses the challenges presented by an expanding F1 calendar, diving into the potential strain on teams, drivers, and all involved with the sport. With a poignant quote from the Haas team manager serving as a conversation starter

Martyn Lee is joined by Matt Kew to discuss the breaking news that the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix will not take place this weekend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Martyn Lee is joined by Jonathan Noble and Roberto Chinchero ahead of this weekend's Formula 1 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, to discuss extreme weather, team upgrades, tyre regulations, driver performance, and the balance between tradition and innovation in Formula One events.   They begin by discussing potential disruptions due to severe weather conditions. The Department of Civil Protection has issued a red alert weather warning for the Emilia-Romagna region, citing risks of high winds, heavy rain, thunderstorms, and potential landslides. With an estimated rainfall accumulation of around 150mm expected by tomorrow night, concerns about flooding have prompted local authorities to recommend the closure of schools and certain roads.   How will this affect the Grand Prix? Roberto Chinchero explains how it will likely go ahead, but the track action will favour teams such as Red Bull, with their higher levels of downforce paying off in slippery conditions. Organisers have implemented contingency plans for wet weathe

Martyn Lee welcomes Gary Watkins and James Newbold to discuss why sportscar racing is enjoying a renaissance, as Le Mans celebrates its centenary year and the return of manufacturers such as Ferrari have given us even more reasons to watch. Martyn, Gary, and James delve into the changes which have been made to the rules in recent years which encouraged manufacturers such as Toyota, Peugeot, Ferrari, Porsche, Cadillac, Acura and BMW to field entries, with Lamborghini and Alpine arriving for 2024. The conversation shifts to the variety of car classes in sportscar racing, and how this diversity adds depth and complexity to the racing, and why it makes it so fascinating to follow. Gary and James share their insights on the technology seen in the WEC Hypercar and IMSA GPT classes, before the trio wrap up the discussion with a conversation about the inherent unpredictability of endurance racing and how this contributes to the sport's appeal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Martyn Lee is joined by our sportcar expert Gary Watkins, who has scoured the history books and his own extensive experience of covering the event, to put together the list of ultimate Le Mans races. They are joined by our Chief Editor Kevin Turner and James Newbold. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

British racing fans were accustomed to seeing competitive Jaguar Mk2s triumph frequently in British Saloon Car racing in the early 1960s. But on this day sixty years ago, May 11th 1963, the Ford Galaxie arrived to end the British reign at the top. When Jack Sears drove a Galaxie 500 to victory in the 1963 British Saloon Car Championship, it came as a shock to the established order. Protests and arguments ensued as American muscle destroyed the previously dominant Jags. Racing veterans Graham Hill and Sir Jack Brabham also tried their hand at driving these enormous beasts, which would struggle to slow thanks the insufficient brakes, and which were quickly upgraded before the year was out. But the point of these cars wasn't the twisty stuff, it was the enormous about of power from the 7.0 engines and seemingly endless torque. The Lotus Cortinas proved to be too quick for the big Ford V8's as the decade went on, but not before the Galaxie had cemented its place in racing history. Martyn Lee is joined by Autos

In this episode we explore thrilling revival of the Autosport 3 Hours at Snetterton where wet conditions, diverse machinery, and a range of driving experience culminated in an electrifying and unpredictable contest. When we decided to revive the Autosport 3 Hours, a race previously won twice by Jim Clark, we had no idea if it would be a success. But we need not have worried. A robust grid was the result of much hard work by the Historic Sports Car Club and Andy Dee-Crowne. However on the day itself, it was the weather which spiced up the racing in a way we couldn't have predicted. The Norfolk downpours allowed for more nimble cars and strategic moves to take center stage. Listen as we follow the inspiring performances of drivers, the importance of driving standards and the potential future of this historic race, as well as the unforgettable moments that made the Autosport 3 Hours a truly captivating event. Martyn Lee is joined by the HSCC's Andy Dee-Crowne, Autosport Chief Editor Kevin Turner and our Group

Martyn Lee is joined by three guests who were all at the Miami Hard Rock Stadium to witness Sunday's action in person. Motorsport.com's Global Editor-in-Chief Charles Bradley is a Miami resident who has seen the city embrace the return of Formula 1 - but did the sport deliver the second time round? We're also delighted to have motorsport journalist Mandy Curi back on the podcast to give her view on how America has fallen for F1, as well as Autosport's Matt Kew with his analysis of today's race. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Martyn Lee is joined by Jake Boxall-Legge to analyse Saturday's track action at the Miami Hard Rock Stadium.   Sergio Perez secured pole position at the Miami Grand Prix after a Charles Leclerc crash ended qualifying early with less than two minutes remaining of the final session, leaving Max Verstappen in ninth place. Fernando Alonso qualified second for Aston Martin, followed by Ferrari's Carlos Sainz.   Kevin Magnussen (Haas) and Pierre Gasly (Alpine) also managed impressive finishes in fourth and fifth place, respectively. Verstappen, who leads the drivers' championship by just 6 points from his teammate, suffered a setback due to a momentary loss of balance, while Leclerc's crash added to Ferrari's concerns regarding their new gearbox. Alonso is eyeing his fourth podium in five races this season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Martyn Lee is joined by the editor of autosport.com, Haydn Cobb, to delve into the key takeaways from Friday’s practice sessions at the Miami Grand Prix.   They discuss more impressive performance from the Red Bulls, the impact of a last gasp crash for Ferrari and which other drivers tamed the new track surface around the Hard Rock Stadium.   Plus as always they look at which new stories you've been clicking on at autosport.com, and some of the highlights from the analysis usually reserved for our 'Plus' subscriber area. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Martyn Lee is joined by our chief editor Kevin Turner and renowned sportscar expert Gary Watkins to discuss the top 10 Le Mans cars of all time. On today's podcast we talk about how Le Mans cars have evolved over the years, the role of technology and innovation, and the impact of the greatest cars to do battle. We delve into the stories, engineering marvels, and performances that make each car legendary. Kevin and Gary also reminisce about their experiences covering the event, the unparalleled atmosphere, and the significance of Le Mans in motorsport history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Martyn Lee is joined by Matt Kew and Filip Cleeren to analyse how today's grand prix was won, and how Formula 1 got lucky with nobody hurt as people flooded the pit lane whilst cars were still racing. Our special guest today is Ben Hocking (@BenHockingF1) who is host of the Late Braking F1 podcast (https://www.latebrakingpodcast.com). If you would like to follow their podcast, all the details are here: https://linktr.ee/latebrakingpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Martyn Lee is joined by Jake Boxall-Legge from Azerbaijan, to review Saturday’s track action. With the Sprint Shootout immediately followed by the Sprint itself, Saturday is almost a standalone event within the Grand Prix Weekend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Martyn Lee is joined by Autosport.com Editor, Haydn Cobb, to discuss the new weekend format where qualifying for Sunday’s Grand Prix now takes places on a Friday afternoon. They analyse the grid order for Sunday and what it means for Saturday’s track action, which is now a standalone day featuring a Sprint Shootout (aka Sprint Qualifying) and the Sprint Race. Whilst points are scored in the Sprint, the finishing order now has no bearing on the Grand Prix starting grid. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices