F1 at Downing Street - with the UK Prime Minister, James Vowles, Oliver Bearman + Cadillac boss Graeme Lowdon

·23 min·2 clips

Tom Clarkson records from 10 Downing Street with the UK Prime Minister and F1 leaders to celebrate the sport's 75th anniversary.

This episode is recorded at 10 Downing Street in London, marking the 75th anniversary of the Formula 1 World Championship. Host Tom Clarkson introduces the unique setting, noting the presence of the UK Prime Minister, team principals, drivers, and apprentices. Prime Minister Keir Starmer explains F1's significance to the UK, citing its £12 billion economic contribution, 40,000 jobs, and role in innovation and soft power. Williams team principal James Vowles adds that F1 generates extraordinary passion, with half a million fans at Silverstone and a multinational workforce. Haas driver Oliver Bearman shares his surreal experience at Downing Street and excitement for his first British Grand Prix as a full-time driver, recalling his first visit to Silverstone as a spectator in 2015. Cadillac team principal Graeme Lowdon discusses why the new American team chose the UK for its base, emphasizing the expertise available and the blank canvas for building a diverse team. He mentions that the 2026 car development is underway, with a chassis already tested. Mercedes aerodynamicist Daniel McCullough details his path into F1, including studying aeronautical engineering, applying to 40 placements, and securing one at Racing Bulls before joining Mercedes. He works on the floor and diffuser, key performance areas. The episode also touches on F1's global reach, with races in 21 countries and listeners in over 150 nations. It notes that seven of ten F1 teams are UK-based, and new teams like Cadillac and Audi are establishing UK operations. Apprenticeships and the F1 Engineering Scholarship are highlighted as pathways into the sport. A clip from a previous episode with Lando Norris is referenced, where he discusses preferring a Silverstone win over Monaco. F1 president Stefano Domenicali gives closing remarks on the sport's current momentum. The episode concludes with a reminder to check out the Lando Norris interview and upcoming episodes.

As heard by us

A Downing Street reception frames F1's 75th anniversary as a polished home-race story with a technical edge.

F1 Beyond The Grid uses F1's 75th anniversary gathering at 10 Downing Street as a polished frame for the British Grand Prix build-up. With the UK Prime Minister welcoming drivers, team bosses, and early-career figures, the episode places the sport's history and UK standing…

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Why you'd press play

Press play from 10 Downing Street, where F1 marks 75 years of the world championship before turning toward Oli Bearman's first British Grand Prix.

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