Over the past few months you have joined us as we took F1's favorite newby fan - Michael Kosta, and handheld him through the process of figuring out what kind of F1 fan he is. With Toni Cowan Brown's confident guidance, along with a star lineup of engineers, strategists, super fans, drivers and journalists - we schooled Kosta on everything from logistics to the weather. So, you are all asking yourself - what kind of F1 fan will Michael choose to be? How much of the information did he actually retain? What does Zoltan, our trusted engineer think? all this and more in our Season 2 finale. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Brits love to talk about it but the weather in F1 is so much more than a conversation starter. It's a core component of every race strategy.For this episode, we talked with Bernie Collins who's been trackside at F1 for nearly nine years - Former F1 strategist, now F1 analyst. We also talk with two meteorologists who provide motor racing predictions - Dr. Aaron Studwell and Elizabeth Ohlemacher. We also bring back Scott Mansell to help us understand how the weather - heat and rain - affects the drivers, the cars and thus their driving. As the saying goes - the rain is the great equaliser in F1. The unpredictability of the weather is one of the most exciting parts of a race weekend!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Next year F1 will be celebrating its 75-year anniversary so it's safe to say there is a lot of history in this sport. In this episode, Toni is taking Michael all the way back to the very beginning of F1 to try and make some sense of the puzzle that is this sport. She's invited some very knowledgeable people to help her. Toni and Michael are joined by Matt Bishop who's been in F1 for 30+ years working for McLaren, Aston Martin and was one of the founders of the W Series. James Allen, ex-F1 announcer and now President of Motorsport Business & F1 Liaison at the Motorsport Network Media and Sean Kelly whose work you will most likely know as he is the Chief Statistician to the F1 broadcasters. This is our best attempt at a crash course on the history of F1, how we got here, what's changed and what hasn't.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
F1 teams are driven by a single focus - to make the fastest car possible. But how do they create these aerodynamic machines? This week we will be diving into the technology of F1. And to help us understand the tech that drives the pinnacle of motorsports is a voice you might recognize - Bernie Collins, ex-F1 mechanical and performance engineer, turned F1 strategist now a Skysports F1 commentator. Together we'll try and answer Michael's most pressing questions - What is DRS, how many parts does an F1 car have and most importantly - how does all this help Michael? So let's talk new regulations, aerodynamics, wind tunnels and duct tape. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For this week's episode, we have an incredible lineup to help us understand what it takes to race these cars every week and the speeds they reach. Michael and Toni were joined by Scott Mansel, Madeline Coleman and Romain Grosjean. We'll finally be answering the age-old question - Driver or car? Scott Mansell, founder of driver 61, is a former racing driver and YouTuber with millions of subscribers who will help us understand all the driving skills in racing. Madeline Coleman, F1 journalist at The Athletic who has this incredible ability to ask drivers how they would describe themselves and explain in depth what it's like to be them. And finally, Romain Grosjean, ex-F1 driver and current IndyCar driver talks with us about what it’s actually like to race an F1. He also spends some time talking about that moment on November 29th 2020 when he crashed his car during the Bahrain GP and was stuck in his car on fire for 28 seconds.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Can we have sports without entertainment? Or is sports entertainment first and foremost? What is 'WAGagadon'? In the context of F1, these questions become even more interesting and layered, as Elizabeth Blackstock puts it - "Liberty Media is currently stuck marketing a sport when they were sold entertainment."On this week's episode, we discuss all things drama, fashion, gossip and entertainment. Toni has assembled a phenomenal group of fans and experts to convince Michael there is so much beyond the actual race to look forward to. We are joined by Rashi Gaur, the woman behind the lifestyle account that captures and shares every detail of Lewis Hamilton's outfits. As well as the duo, Hannah and Zoe, behind the popular Fan Behavior podcast and last year's co-host Lily Herman, F1 journalists and the author behind the newsletter - Engine Failure. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
You've probably heard this saying - F1 is a travelling circus. On this week's episode, we are joined by two of the best experts to help us understand the sheer complexity of putting on every year this 'travelling circus'.Joe Pompliano is an entrepreneur and investor with a passion for breaking down the money and business behind sports. Giorgia Tirabassi is a Trackside Operations Manager at DHL Global Forwarding - DHL is one of the longest-standing sponsors in F1 and the main partner in charge of logistics. We also briefly touch on the hot topic of how many races should the F1 calendar have. Is 24 races too many races?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Anyone who follows Toni's content knows how fascinated she is with tires - the one thing that actually touches the track and yet it’s the one thing that the teams do not have full control over. The big question is can Toni convince Michael of this? Convert him to the tire head camp. To help with this, she’s tapped the biggest self professed tire fanatic of them all, Matt Trumpet - an F1 fan, fellow F1 podcast co-host and musician. Tune in as we go from rubber compounds to tea cosies from bespoke wheel nuts to deep life lessons. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
All modern sports are inundated with a seemingly endless stream of stats and data. As with everything else, F1 takes it to another level. With hundreds of sensors collecting all information possible, the F1 data fans are spoiled with endless possibilities. To better understand some of those possibilities we spoke with Tareq Nazlawy, founder of Trace - a Digital Assets Venture Studio, and Sean Kelly, F1's unofficial chief statistician. Will Michael overcome his aversion, join the ranks of the data nerds, and start coding his own CFD prediction models? Have no idea what we are talking about? Put your geek cap on and smash that play button. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In many ways, F1 is more like a chess game than a straight-out race to the finish line, but to appreciate this, Michael will need to understand the complexities behind the team's strategic thinking. We invited LMDh engineer and ex-F1 race engineer Blake Hinsey (AKA Brrrake) to help break things down for us.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kosta is interested in having his name (and face!) on an F1 car. But how does one even go about that? In this installment, Toni and our experts will explain the crazy business model of F1 and to help us with this is motorsports journalist and novelist, Elizabeth Blackstock. We'll also be briefly introducing a new guest who'll be helping us later on in the season - Matt Bishop, MotorSport columnist, Racing Pride founding ambassador and previously CCO at Aston Martin Cognizant Formula 1 Team. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This is the intro episode to season 2 of choosing sides F1 - a podcast that blends sports, cultural commentary, humor and a deep love for the pinnacle of motorsports. If our first season was all about Michael Kosta's induction into the sport, for season two, Toni Cowan-Brown (Tech and F1 commentator) takes him much deeper down the rabbit hole. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Last season on Choosing Sides, we established unequivocally that F1 is the pinnacle of motoracing. We helped co host Michael Kosta choose his team and driver and then we sent him on his jolly way. But as it turns out, F1’s newest fan is still a little confused. Season 2 co host, Toni Cowan-Brown, thinks she knows what his problem is. He hasn't figured out what kind of F1 fan he is. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's here: The season finale of Choosing Sides: F1. In this episode, Michael and Lily watch a race together and then Michael (at long last!) decides on the team and driver he wants to support as he begins his Formula 1 fan journey. Let's go!Special thanks to all of our guests this season. This episode was produced by Lily Herman and Senior Producer Yochai Maital. Sound Design by Yochai Maital. Mastering by Sela Waisblum. Recording at The Cutting Room Studios by Rob O'Leary II. At SI Studios, Max Miller is the Supervising and Executive Producer and Brannan Goetschius is Head of Audio. At iHeartRadio, Sean Titone is Executive Producer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As we get the finale ready for your waiting ears, we thought we'd take a quick moment to look back at Michael's journey - in his own words. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
At long last, we've reached the final team on the grid! Ever sowing the seeds of chaos, the Haas Formula 1 team has a short history filled with sketchy sponsors, firery crashes, and radically different drivers. Will it become a last-minute favorite for Michael ahead of our final episode? Listen to find out.Special thanks to our guests: Alanis King and Elizabeth BlackstockThis episode was produced by Lily Herman and Senior Producer Yochai Maital. Sound Design by Yochai Maital. Mastering by Sela Waisblum. Recording at The Cutting Room Studios by Rob O'Leary II. At SI Studios, Max Miller is Executive Producer and Brannan Goetschius is Head of Audio. At iHeartRadio, Sean Titone is Executive Producer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Alfa Romeo is often one of the forgotten "A" names on the grid, but that doesn't make it any less important. In this latest installment of Choosing Sides: F1, Lily tells Michael all about Alfa's strange history as well as its two drivers — one of whom is a favorite of hers. But will Michael agree?Special thanks to our guests: Tatiana CalderonThis episode was produced by Lily Herman and Senior Producer Yochai Maital. Sound Design by Yochai Maital. Mastering by Sela Waisblum. Recording at The Cutting Room Studios by Rob O'Leary II. At SI Studios, Max Miller is Executive Producer and Brannan Goetschius is Head of Audio. At iHeartRadio, Sean Titone is Executive Producer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The time has finally come for Michael to meet Williams, the F1 team that has most intrigued him over the course of the season. Will he fall for its rich history and passionate former leader Sir Frank Williams? Or much like the rest of the grid, will he leave Williams in the dust? Tune in to find out.Special thanks to our guests: Byrd PinkertonThis episode was produced by Lily Herman and Senior Producer Yochai Maital. Sound Design by Yochai Maital. Mastering by Sela Waisblum. Recording at The Cutting Room Studios by Rob O'Leary II. At SI Studios, Max Miller is Executive Producer and Brannan Goetschius is Head of Audio. At iHeartRadio, Sean Titone is Executive Producer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's time to dive into a true billionaires' playground! This week, Lily and Michael unpack the bizarre history of Aston Martin (or as it's been known in recent years, Force India, Racing Point Force India, and Racing Point). They talk about the Richie Richies who've made this team what it is today and the strange 2022 Aston Martin driver lineup of Sebastian Vettel and Lance Stroll. However, because Seb announced his retirement after this year last month, Lily will also introduce Michael to the concept of silly season — a wacky time in the F1 calendar year that's unfolding right as this episode airs.Special thanks to our guests: Nicole Sievers and Kate Lizotte.This episode was produced by Lily Herman and Senior Producer Yochai Maital. Sound Design by Yochai Maital. Mastering by Sela Waisblum. Recording at The Cutting Room Studios by Rob O'Leary II. At SI Studios, Max Miller is Executive Producer and Brannan Goetschius is Head of Audio. At iHeartRadio, Sean Titone is Executive Producer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Another week, another midfield team that begins with an "A"! In this latest installment of Choosing Sides: F1, Lily and Michael discuss Red Bull's sister team AlphaTauri and what it even means to be a "sibling" to RBR. They also talk about the team's two very likable drivers, including fan-favorite Pierre Gasly and delightful (and ever off-the-cuff) Yuki Tsunoda. But at this point in both of their careers, these racers are facing a lot of questions — including how long they want to stay at team that'll perpetually be in Red Bull's shadow.Special thanks to our guests: Ashley Kalita, Magnus Greaves, and Tatiana Calderon.This episode was produced by Lily Herman and Senior Producer Yochai Maital. Sound Design by Yochai Maital. Mastering by Sela Waisblum. Recording at The Cutting Room Studios by Rob O'Leary II. At SI Studios, Max Miller is Executive Producer and Brannan Goetschius is Head of Audio. At iHeartRadio, Sean Titone is Executive Producer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wow, we're now comfortably in the midfield of the F1 grid! On today's episode, Lily and Michael dive into the confusing, inconsistent, and sometimes scandal-ridden history of Alpine, otherwise known until rather recently as Renault. You'll get to hear all about a second -gate called Crashgate and meet two very intriguing (and different!) drivers in the legendary Fernando Alonso and the scrappy Esteban Ocon. --Production Note -- This episode was recorded prior to the August 1, 2022 news that Fernando Alonso is moving to the Aston Martin team for the 2023 season. Everything in the episode is still pretty relevant and super fun, but we'll talk more about that announcement when we discuss Aston Martin in a few weeks! (WHEW.)Special thanks to our guests: Josh Revell.This episode was produced by Lily Herman and Senior Producer Yochai Maital. Sound Design by Yochai Maital. Mastering by Sela Waisblum. Recording at The Cutting Room Studios by Rob O'Leary II. At SI Studios, Max Miller is Executive Producer and Brannan Goetschius is Head of Audio. At iHeartRadio, Sean Titone is Executive Producer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After three weeks of two-parters, it's time for our first single-team episode. This week, Lily and Michael discuss the storied history of McLaren, which spent decades at the top of the standings before struggling in recent years. In addition to covering the very contentious Spygate scandal, the pair also address McLaren's two drivers: The rising star Lando Norris and the perennial favorite — and struggling — Daniel Ricciardo. Special thanks to our guests: Josh Marsh and Nicole Sievers.This episode was produced by Lily Herman and Senior Producer Yochai Maital. Sound Design by Yochai Maital. Mastering by Sela Waisblum. Recording at The Cutting Room Studios by Rob O'Leary II. At SI Studios, Max Miller is Executive Producer and Brannan Goetschius is Head of Audio. At iHeartRadio, Sean Titone is Executive Producer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In part two of their look at Ferrari, Lily and Michael talk about the two drivers who race for the team: The speedy (and high-cheekboned) Charles Leclerc and steadfast (and thirst trap-y) Carlos Sainz. Don't let their fun banter as teammates fool you: Both of them want to win and believe they have what it takes to get to the top. The question is, who will Ferrari prioritize when push comes to shove?Special thanks to our guests: Jennie Gow, Kate Lizotte, and Aldas Kavaliauskas.This episode was produced by Lily Herman and Senior Producer Yochai Maital. Sound Design by Yochai Maital. Mastering by Sela Waisblum. Recording at The Cutting Room Studios by Rob O'Leary II. At SI Studios, Max Miller is Executive Producer and Brannan Goetschius is Head of Audio. At iHeartRadio, Sean Titone is Executive Producer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's time to leave the land of energy drinks and switch gears to the world of the Prancing Horse. In part one of this two-parter, Lily and Michael take on the long history of Ferrari, the only team on the grid that's participated in every season of Formula 1. But before we get to who's driving the cars, let's meet the man at the center of the team and much of its controversies: The legendary Enzo Ferrari.Special thanks to our guests: Josh Revell and Aldas Kavaliauskas.This episode was produced by Lily Herman and Senior Producer Yochai Maital. Sound Design by Yochai Maital. Mastering by Sela Waisblum. Recording at The Cutting Room Studios by Rob O'Leary II. At SI Studios, Max Miller is Executive Producer and Brannan Goetschius is Head of Audio. At iHeartRadio, Sean Titone is Executive Producer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We're back with the second episode in our Red Bull two-parter, and it's time to talk drivers. On one side of the garage is reigning World Drivers' Champion Max Verstappen, a young racing prodigy known to never back down from a fight — sometimes to his own detriment. On the other side is Sergio "Checo" Perez, a veteran driver who's consistency and reliability initially earned him a spot on one of the grid's fastest teams. The Red Bull team functions with a clear number-one and number-two driver setup. How has it fared for them with this duo?Special thanks to our guests: Jennie Gow, and Aldas Kavaliauskas.This episode was produced by Lily Herman and Senior Producer Yochai Maital. Sound Design by Yochai Maital. Mastering by Sela Waisblum. Recording at The Cutting Room Studios by Rob O'Leary II. At SI Studios, Max Miller is Executive Producer and Brannan Goetschius is Head of Audio. At iHeartRadio, Sean Titone is Executive Producer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Strap on your parachute and jump in to the first of our Red Bull two-parter. On today's episode, Lily and her crew of guests take Michael on a journey to give him wiiings — and by that, we mean tell him the interesting history of the Red Bull energy drink company as well as the F1 team. We'll also meet two very well-known shit stirrers in the Formula 1 paddock by the names of Christian Horner and Helmut Marko. Bonus: There may or may not be a Spice Girl involved in this operation.Special thanks to our guests: Jennie Gow, Toni Cowan-Brown, Aldas Kavaliauskas, Josh Revell, and Sarah Levenson.This episode was produced by Lily Herman and Senior Producer Yochai Maital. Sound Design by Yochai Maital. Mastering by Sela Waisblum. Recording at The Cutting Room Studios by Rob O'Leary II. At SI Studios, Max Miller is Executive Producer and Brannan Goetschius is Head of Audio. At iHeartRadio, Sean Titone is Executive Producer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this second episode of our Mercedes two-parter, Lily and Michael dive into the drivers at Mercedes. On one side of the garage is Sir Lewis Hamilton, the fashionable seven-time world champion, activist, and GOAT of Formula 1 who holds the distinction of being the sport’s first and only Black driver. On the other side is George Russell, the young gun who finally took his rightful place on the Mercedes throne after three years toiling away at Williams — only to join the team right as they hopped on the struggle bus in 2022.Special thanks to our guests: Jennie Gow, Hazel Southwell, Aldas Kavaliauskas, and Sarah LevensonThis episode was produced by Lily Herman and Senior Producer Yochai Maital. Sound Design by Yochai Maital. Mastering by Sela Waisblum. Recording at The Cutting Room Studios by Rob O'Leary II. At SI Studios, Max Miller is Executive Producer and Brannan Goetschius is Head of Audio. At iHeartRadio, Sean Titone is Executive Producer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Now that Michael knows the basics of Formula 1, it’s time to get into the teams. On the first episode of this two-parter, Lily and Michael learn all about the eight-time World Constructors’ Champion Mercedes. After spending the better part of the 2010s and the very early 2020s dominating the sport, Mercedes has hit a bit of a rough patch. But before they get to that, the pair will talk about the team’s early tragic history in Formula 1 and the guy at the head of the program whom the masses call Daddy Toto.Special thanks to our guests: Jennie Gow, and Toni Cowan Brown.This episode was produced by Lily Herman and Senior Producer Yochai Maital. Sound Design by Yochai Maital. Mastering by Sela Waisblum. Recording at The Cutting Room Studios by Rob O'Leary II. At SI Studios, Max Miller is Executive Producer and Brannan Goetschius is Head of Audio. At iHeartRadio, Sean Titone is Executive Producer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Let's get this party started! On this inaugural episode of Choosing Sides: F1, comedian Michael Kosta (of Daily Show fame) and walking pop-culture encyclopedia Lily Herman start a hilarious, engrossing journey into the world of Formula One. Our resident-F1-expert Lily takes our resident-F1-novice Michael through the basics of what makes F1 just so dramatic and obsession-worthy. They’ll dive into big questions such as, why does everyone in this sport have a massive ego? Why are there only 10 teams and 20 drivers? And why are Americans suddenly invested in F1 en masse?Special thanks to our guests: Tatiana Calderon, Hazel Southwell, and Toni Cowan Brown This episode was produced by Lily Herman and Senior Producer Yochai Maital. Sound Design by Yochai Maital. Mastering by Sela Waisblum. Recording at The Cutting Room Studios by Rob O'Leary II. At SI Studios, Max Miller is Executive Producer and Brannan Goetschius is Head of Audio. At iHeartRadio, Sean Titone is Executive Producer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What’s the deal with Formula 1 racing? Is it just a bunch of European adrenaline junkies with a death wish? And how does it differ from something like the American-based NASCAR or IndyCar series? In reality, there’s way more to it. F1 combines some of the world’s great engineering feats, drivers with the athleticism of Olympians, and a captivating billionaire's playground. But while there’s never a dull moment in this sport, how do you even get started as a viewer? Comedian Michael Kosta (The Daily Show) is here to do all of that heavy lifting for you. Each week, F1 expert-in-residence Lily Herman will take him — and you — on a different team’s journey, all in the hopes of figuring out who’s worthy of his — and your — support. From Sports Illustrated Studios and iHeart Media, this is Choosing Sides: F1. The new limited series, launches June 28th, with new episodes dropping every Tuesday. Available on the iHeart radio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
