The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez is alive with color, sound, and chaos — and this week, I’m joined by Kevin to dive into everything that makes the Mexican Grand Prix one of the most vibrant and unpredictable races on the Formula 1 calendar.
At 2,200 meters above sea level, engines struggle, tires cook, and strategy becomes a survival game. We break down what makes this circuit so special — from that wild Turn 1 launch to the flowing esses and the electric Foro Sol stadium section where the crowd practically shakes the ground. With Verstappen, Norris and Piastri feeling the WDC pressure, Ferrari chasing redemption, and the midfield ready to pounce, Mexico 2025 will be pure drama from start to finish.
We also explore the cultural heartbeat behind it all — the legacy of the Rodríguez brothers, the passion of the fans, and why this Grand Prix feels less like a race and more like a fiesta.
If you love altitude chaos, mariachi energy, and full-throttle emotion, this one’s for you.
Instagram - @F101withFriends or https://www.instagram.com/f101withfriends/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aut%C3%B3dromo_Hermanos_Rodr%C3%ADguez
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mexican_Grand_Prix
We’re in Austin, y’all — home of the United States Grand Prix and one of the most electric stops on the Formula 1 calendar. I’m joined by Aditi, a proud Max Verstappen superfan who was actually there at the 2023 race, to relive the chaos, the heat, and the unmistakable Texan energy of the Circuit of the Americas.
We get into what makes COTA so special — that 40-meter climb into Turn 1, the flowing esses inspired by Silverstone, and the technical final sector where races are won and lost. With 5 drivers in contention for the WDC, this race promises to be very exciting indeed. We also talk about the crowd energy, cowboy hats, and the barbecue-fuelled madness that turns F1’s American dream into a full-on festival.
If you love fast corners, bold overtakes, and Verstappen-level domination, this episode’s for you.
Instagram - @F101withFriends or https://www.instagram.com/f101withfriends/
https://www.formula1.com/en/racing/2025/united-states
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Grand_Prix
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circuit_of_the_Americas
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/leclerc-leads-dominant-ferrari-one-two-in-austin-as-norris-loses-third-to.3VSTWKOy40Ta1vvtlwHBff
We are headed to Marina Bay’s glowing skyline — the Singapore Grand Prix is here, and it never disappoints. I’m joined by Anchita, back from our Imola episode to talk about what it’s like to race under the floodlights.
Singapore is more than a Grand Prix: it’s the first-ever night race, part street fight, part endurance test, and part music festival. Drivers battle through 62 laps in brutal humidity, cockpit temps hitting 60 degrees, and corners that feel endless. We talk about the infamous 2008 “Crashgate,” Vettel’s streak, Ferrari’s Twitter chaos, and Carlos Sainz’s 2023 DRS masterclass that ended Red Bull’s dominance.
We also revisit Norris’s dominant 2024 win, Ricciardo’s bittersweet fastest lap, and how teams prepare with max downforce, soft suspension, and strategies shaped by inevitable safety cars.
Singapore is sweaty, dramatic, and absolutely unforgettable.
Instagram - @F101withFriends or https://www.instagram.com/f101withfriends/
https://www.formula1.com/en/racing/2025/singapore
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singapore_Grand_Prix#
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marina_Bay_Street_Circuit#
https://www.formula1.com/en/results/2024/races/1246/singapore/race-result
🇦🇿 Salam from Baku — a race weekend like no other. I’m joined by Anjali to dive into the 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix at the Baku City Circuit, where old city walls meet 21st-century speed.
We break down the chaos and the charm of this street race: the endless straight, the castle section that feels impossibly tight, and why this medal shaped track has become one of the most unpredictable stops on the calendar. From late safety cars to tyre gambles and shock podiums, Baku once again proved that nothing here is straightforward.
We also talk about what it’s like being here in person — from model cars greeting you at the airport to hotels doubling their prices, and the way the whole city transforms for F1. For fans it’s a festival, for locals it’s a disruption, and for drivers it’s a survival test.
If you love the wild side of Formula 1 — where strategy, nerves, and street-circuit chaos collide — Baku always delivers.
Instagram - @F101withFriends or https://www.instagram.com/f101withfriends/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azerbaijan_Grand_Prix
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baku_City_Circuit
https://www.formula1.com/en/racing/2025/azerbaijan
🇮🇹 Monza isn’t just a racetrack — it’s the Temple of Speed. In this episode of F101 with Friends, I’m joined by Aswathy to dive into everything that makes the Italian Grand Prix one of Formula 1’s most iconic weekends.
We talk about the history of Monza and its legendary moments, from Ferrari’s unforgettable wins to the chaos of safety cars and surprise podiums. We break down the 2025 race weekend, the slipstream battles, and why this high-speed circuit — with its long straights, Lesmos, Ascari, and Parabolica — is such a challenge for teams and drivers.
And of course, we get into the fan culture: the tifosi, the passion, the sea of red that turns Monza into Ferrari’s true home race.
Instagram - @F101withFriends or https://www.instagram.com/f101withfriends/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italian_Grand_Prix#The_Florio_circuit_and_other_locations
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monza_Circuit#
https://www.formula1.com/en/racing/2025/italy
https://www.monzanet.it/en/circuit/
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/leclerc-thrills-the-tifosi-to-triumph-at-monza-ahead-of-piastri-and-norris.1aiYZF3rWZp2Q9yQtcuvqV
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/100-years-of-monza-we-pick-the-most-spectacular-italian-grands-prix-from.1q7hUu1YPrEhvQInT2E6vH
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/explained-everything-you-need-to-know-about-f1s-driving-standards-guidelines.6VnN5LyImVruJmzaq7kZbh
The Dutch Grand Prix is unlike anything else on the F1 calendar — a seaside rollercoaster of banking, orange smoke, and Max mania. In this episode of F101 with Friends, I’m joined by Sanjay (from our Bahrain episode) to dive into everything that makes Zandvoort so unique.
We talk about the history of the circuit and its revival, the 2025 race weekend full of strategy swings and surprises, and what it’s like to race on a track shaped like a J with corners that feel more like a carnival ride than a Grand Prix. From the roar of the Dutch fans to the challenge of overtaking on this twisty layout, Zandvoort is chaos in the best way possible.
If you’re curious about the Dutch GP’s past, present, and future — or why every driver holds their breath through Tarzanbocht and Arie Luyendyk — this episode has you covered.
Instagram - @F101withFriends or https://www.instagram.com/f101withfriends/
https://www.formula1.com/en/racing/2025/netherlands
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dutch_Grand_Prix
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circuit_Zandvoort
Formula 1 isn’t just about racing — it’s about storytelling, sponsorships, and survival in the media spotlight. In this episode of F101 with Friends, I sit down with PR pro Laura to unpack how the sport has evolved from Ferrari’s cigarette barcode era to today’s world of crypto logos, luxury moments, and sponsor-driven narratives. We dive into the Netflix effect and how it turned drivers into global celebrities, the growing influence of a new generation of fans, and why Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari stands as one of the greatest PR masterstrokes in F1 history.
To wrap it all up, Laura takes on a first ever French F101 quiz — with plenty of laughs along the way.
Instagram - @F101withFriends or https://www.instagram.com/f101withfriends/
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/14/sports/autoracing/tobacco-advertisements-formula-one.html
https://www.astonmartinf1.com/en-GB/news/feature/aston-martin-racing-green-more-than-just-a-colour
https://www.optimonk.com/almave-marketing-breakdown/
This week on F101 with Friends, we’re off to Budapest — a city full of charm, and a circuit that’s anything but easy. I’m joined by Mehul to unpack the Hungarian Grand Prix and why the Hungaroring, shaped like a knife resting on a boot, forces teams into precision mode from the very start.
With tight corners, barely any overtaking zones, and relentless heat, it’s a track where downforce is maxed, tyres are babied, and strategy takes center stage. We get into the key moments from the 2024 race — Hamilton’s return to glory and Papaya Rules.
We also chat about what makes Hungary so punishing for drivers and engineers alike, why qualifying is everything here, and how this slow-speed maze somehow keeps delivering high-stakes drama year after year.
Instagram - @F101withFriends or https://www.instagram.com/f101withfriends/
https://www.formula1.com/en/racing/2025/hungary
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hungarian_Grand_Prix
We pulled a Freaky Friday this week on F101 with Friends — Kevin takes over hosting duties, and I hop into the guest seat to break down everything that went down at the legendary Belgian Grand Prix.
We talk about strategy, weather chaos, surprise winners, and why this track — shaped like a pointy gun blasting through the Ardennes — continues to be F1’s ultimate test of guts and grip.
We also dig into Eau Rouge’s eternal mystique, the fear factor of high-speed corners in the wet, and what makes Spa a fan favourite even when it breaks our hearts.
We also give you the 2024 breakdown from George Russell’s rain-soaked heartbreak to Hamilton's redemption arc - Spa served up another iconic chapter in its wild, weather-fuelled legacy.
If you love big elevation, bigger stakes, and a circuit that chews up champions, this one’s for you.
Instagram - @F101withFriends or https://www.instagram.com/f101withfriends/
Sources:
https://www.formula1.com/en/information/belgium-circuit-de-spa-francorchamps.3LltuYaAXVRU8iezEsjzGw
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belgian_Grand_Prix
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circuit_de_Spa-Francorchamps#Original_layout
https://www.mercedesamgf1.com/news/f1-explained-how-the-spa-francorchamps-corners-got-their-names
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHow092BnEI
https://motorsportguides.com/memorable-f1-moments-at-the-belgian-grand-prix/
We’re off to Silverstone this week — the birthplace of Formula 1 and a track that always delivers British summer madness. I’m joined by Joy to break down everything you need to know about the 2025 British Grand Prix.
We’re also talking about why this track (shaped like an F1 driver’s head wearing a cap and holding a trophy — yes, really) is one of the most iconic on the calendar. Expect corner names with royal backstories, overtakes at 300kph, and a grandstand full of home heroes.
If you’re into fast corners, faster rain clouds, and a crowd that knows how to bring the noise — you’ll love Silverstone.
Instagram - @F101withFriends or https://www.instagram.com/f101withfriends/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Grand_Prix#Silverstone's_evolution_(1987%E2%80%93present)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silverstone_Circuit#Circuit
https://www.formula1.com/en/racing/2025/great-britain
https://www.silverstone.co.uk/venue-hire/hub/articles/what-makes-event-silverstone-so-special
🇦🇹 Pack your Lederhosen and hold onto your tyres — this week we’re heading to the Styrian hills for the Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring! I’m joined by Bhoomi to break down everything you need to know about F1’s alpine speed fest.
We also get into the Red Bull Ring’s unique layout — a punchy, rollercoaster of a track shaped like an oven mitt — and the historic chaos it’s delivered over the years, including Mercedes’ infamous Lederhosen curse.
If you’re into short laps, big risks, and midfield mayhem at 700 meters above sea level, this episode is a must-listen.
🇨🇦 This week, we’re off to Montreal — home of the Canadian Grand Prix and one of F1’s wildest plot generators. I’m joined by Ragavi to break down everything you need to know about Circuit Gilles Villeneuve: the goose-head-shaped island track that always delivers drama.
We dive into the chaos of the 2024 race weekend — from George Russell’s pole-position heartbreak to Lando’s almost-win, Ferrari’s full-blown meltdown, and Logan Sargeant’s spin that sent the internet spiraling.
We’ll also talk about why this part-street, part-park circuit is so tricky, how the weather turns strategy into survival, and of course, the Wall of Champions — F1’s most iconic concrete karma.
If you love surprise podiums, slippery strategies, and the kind of Grand Prix that feels like a movie, this one’s for you.
Instagram - @F101withFriends or https://www.instagram.com/f101withfriends/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Grand_Prix
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circuit_Gilles_Villeneuve
https://www.formula1.com/en/racing/2025/canada/circuit
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/
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.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://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.youtube.com/watch?v=dKYB4fDz5Vc
https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/279177/who-is-charles-leclerc-s-dad-herv-leclerc.html
https://racingnews365.com/when-hamilton-first-met-ron-dennis-i-dont-know-what-possessed-me
