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The Pit Talk

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The Pit Talk podcast powered by Ethara sees former Red Bull F1 driver Robert Doornbos join forces with and sports broadcaster Chris McHardy.

The Pit Talk goes beyond the chequered flag and dives into every twist and turn from the entire race weekend – on and off the track.

From past and present F1 drivers to team bosses and race-day engineers, the voices behind the visor are here to pull you straight into the cockpit.

The Pit Talk, powered by Ethara – your ultimate guide to Formula One.

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  • 22 episodes
  • fortnightly
  • Avg 48 min
  • English

Episodes 22

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  • #32
    Thursday · 54 min

    Madrid Was A Flop, Lando Was Too Fast, Kimi's Got The Title & Stroll's 9 DNFs | The Pit Talk

    Monaco gave us ten overtakes this year. Madrid, a brand new circuit with a ten year deal and a World Champion as its ambassador, gave us four. Robert Doornbos was there, and he is not sugarcoating it. An industrial estate 50 minutes outside the city, a build-up that promised Macau, Monaco and Jeddah rolled into one, and then a Sunday where nothing happened in F3, nothing happened in F2 and nothing happened in F1. Plus: Robert's five takeaways, why he is calling the title for Kimi Antonelli right now, how Lando Norris lost the race by going too fast, Carlos Sainz driving like a rookie in his own back yard, Lance Stroll's record laid out race by race, and the six foot four American F3 champion who steers with one hand. And Ollie Millroy joins us from his hospital bed in Shanghai for his first interview since the crash. Six broken ribs, a fractured vertebra and a rib through his lung, and he cannot remember a second of it. He talks about the Dutch driver who pulled him out of a burning car, the marshals who did not, and whether he wants to get back in. Subscribe for a new episode every week.

  • #31
    September 9 · 56 min

    ANTONELLI WAS SCHUMACHER-ESQUE AT MONZA | Ferrari's Civil War & Russell's Uppercut | The Pit Talk Pod

    Nineteenth on the grid. First at the flag. At the Temple of Speed, in front of a Ferrari crowd, in a Mercedes. Chris McHardy and former F1 driver Robert Doornbos break down the Italian Grand Prix, and Robert spotted something on the onboards that the broadcast never showed you. One driver used more of the circuit than anybody else all weekend. Plus: Charles Leclerc puts it in the wall at Parabolica again. George Russell gets beaten by a teammate who started 19th. Ferrari have no rules of engagement and it's tearing them apart. Robert reveals the real cost of reaching Formula 1 — and it's eight million dollars. The Jacques Villeneuve story. And the GT crash in China that should have killed a driver, and the rival who drove towards the fireball to pull him out. Madrid is next. Both of them have made the same prediction. ⚡️ Powered by Ethara Live and Dubai Eye 103.8

  • #30
    August 27 · 49 min

    WHAT'S REALLY IN AN F1 CONTRACT | Money, Small Print & Half a Billion | The Pit Talk Podcast

    What does it cost to crash a Formula 1 car? Seventeen million dollars, if you do it properly. Fourteen of that is the engine alone. Robert Doornbos takes the lid off the money in this one. What's really written into a driver contract — including the clause that said he had to stay within two tenths of David Coulthard, and the bonus he tried to renegotiate before his boss told him to name any number he liked, because he'd never collect it. He didn't. He also takes us back to the F1 that made the budget cap necessary: one power steering unit, two Minardis, and a coin flip to decide who went without. Plus Max signed to 2030 and what half a billion actually buys, whether Mercedes have simply run out of money, Ferrari's ego problem, and the argument the sport can't settle — Alonso is only the second man over 45 to score a point, and a 20-year-old is leading the championship. Which one is the better story? Robert Doornbos and Chris McHardy. The Pit Talk Podcast. The Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, 3–6 December. Tickets at AbuDhabiGP.com ⚡️Powered By: @etharalive | @dubaieye1038

  • #29
    July 28 · 54 min

    Lift off for Lando, Ferrari’s ‘favourite’ & Max out of options

    Robert Doornbos drops the biggest call of the season so far — Max Verstappen’s options are gone, and Red Bull is the only door left open. Lando Norris and McLaren are BACK, the new floor works, and the number one on the car suddenly looks earned again. Max produces the overtake of the year on Lewis Hamilton. Kimi Antonelli somehow finds the podium from nowhere and inches closer to a title he no longer needs to win races for. And Carlos Sainz? Nine blue flags. NINE. ⚡️ Powered By: @etharalive | @dubaieye1038

  • #28
    July 21 · 48 min

    IS THIS EVEN FORMULA 1 ANYMORE? | Belgian GP

    The morning after the night before in Spa, and Kimi Antonelli’s made it SIX wins in ten races. But the real story? George Russell might be talking himself out of Mercedes. Chris McHardy and ex-F1 driver Robert Doornbos break down the Belgian Grand Prix fallout: Toto Wolff’s brutal “half of it is on the driving” verdict, why Robert says George is “hanging on like a cat on the mirror,” and whether Kimi is genuinely the next Max Verstappen. Plus: the pole time that dropped 3.8 SECONDS on last year (“that’s F2, not F1”), Alonso and Aston’s absolute mess, the truth behind Max’s Red Bull future, Isack Hadjar’s P21-to-P6 masterclass, and Carlos Sainz’s radical plan to blow up the F1 format. Chris also revisits his own plan to supercharge F1, and it involves revolutionising qualifying. Robert’s onboard. Are you? ⚡️ Powered By: @etharalive | @dubaieye1038

  • #27
    July 6 · 51 min

    FERRARI'S 250th & KIMI'S HEARTBREAK | British GP

    The British Grand Prix delivered drama aplenty including a controversial finale that left Robert Doornbos and Chris McHardy a little short changed. Kimi Antonelli was on course for the win of his young career at Silverstone before a snapped brake duct and a harsh penalty ended it, leaving the teenager in tears. Charles Leclerc pounced for Ferrari's 250th win while George Russell rode a safety car to clinch a first - and lucky - home podium. Max Verstappen suffered a second mechanical failure in seven days and stormed off furious, fuelling fresh questions over his Red Bull future. Robert makes his case for why Lewis Hamilton, "a shell" of himself a year ago, could still win title number eight this year. Plus the guys discuss McLare/ “lost” year, Christian Horner's possible return, Aston Martin's collapse (again), and unforgettable Michael Schumacher stories. ⚡️Powered By: EtharaLive & DubaiEye 103.8

  • #26
    June 29 · 54 min

    "HE SHOULDN'T HAVE GOTTEN POLE" | Austrian GP 2026

    The Austrian GP delivered drama on AND off the track, and Robert Doornbos is calling it like he sees it.George Russell takes his second win of the year, but Robert questions whether he should've even had pole after a controversial yellow-flag call. Max Verstappen grabs a relieved P2 at Red Bull's home race as the silly-season storm intensifies, including reports of an €8 million bonus to close his exit clause, McLaren circling, and why Robert believes the Mercedes window has already shut. We also unpack Kimi Antonelli's rookie growing pains, Ferrari's Sunday collapse, Lewis Hamilton slipping behind George in the standings, and the BYD rumour that could add a 12th team to the grid — all before a huge Silverstone sprint weekend. ⚡️Powered By: @etharalive | @dubaieye1038 #PitTalkPod #F1 #AustrianGP #Formula1 #GeorgeRussell #MaxVerstappen #RedBull #Ferrari #LewisHamilton #Mercedes #McLaren

  • #25
    June 15 · 45 min

    A Dream In Red | Hamilton's First Ferrari Win | Spanish GP | The Pit Talk Podcast

    Lewis Hamilton wins in red. His first Ferrari victory, the oldest GP winner since 1970, and suddenly, a title fight nobody saw coming. Robert Doornbos and Chris McHardy on the Spanish GP: Hamilton's emotional comeback, Kimi Antonelli's cruel late retirement, the first all-British podium since 1968, Leclerc's confidence crisis, and why Robert reckons Max Verstappen is the best driver heading for sixth in the championship. Plus Robert's wild Mille Miglia story!

  • #24
    June 9 · 44 min

    Youngest Monaco Winner EVER, Charles Bins It, George 60 Points Down

    Kimi Antonelli just rewrote the record books in the streets of Monaco — and the rest of the grid should be terrified. Robert Doornbos and Chris break down the weekend that crowned the YOUNGEST Monaco GP winner in history: five wins on the bounce, a 66-point championship lead, and a pole snatched from Max by four hundredths of a second. Meanwhile George Russell talked the talk in the build-up… then qualified four tenths down and is now staring at a 60+ point gap to his own teammate. Ouch. Plus: Charles Leclerc signs the mega money deal then bins it into the wall, Lewis banks podium number eight at Monaco, rookie Isaac Hadjar grabs his first-ever rostrum — and Robert spills how he made half a year's rent renting out his balcony for ONE weekend.

  • #23
    May 25 · 48 min

    Antonelli already a better driver than teammate Russell

    It’s the morning after the night before and Robert Doornbos and Chris McHardy are back to discuss all the fallout from a thrilling Canadian Grand Prix. A record-breaking fourth successive win for Kimi Antonelli has Robert purring as he makes a bold claim that won’t go down well with fans of George Russell. Robert also explains why Max Verstappen will never win motorsport’s Triple Crown… and there’s a good reason for that! The boys also discuss the nuances of driving in F1 compared to IndyCar as Robert explains the physical and mental toll of competing in both. That in the wake of Felix Rosenqvist’s incredible last-gasp victory in the 100th edition of the iconic Indy500.

  • #21
    March 30 · 46 min

    Verstappen's Jounro Bust-Up A Warning Sign?

    The Japanese Grand Prix delivered a huge weekend in the 2026 Formula 1 season — and there’s a lot to unpack. Kimi Antonelli takes back-to-back wins in China and Japan, becoming the youngest championship leader in the history of the sport. Despite a poor start, he fights back to win at Suzuka, with Mercedes continuing to look strong across the opening races. The race itself was shaped by a major incident, with Ollie Bearman involved in a 50G crash — one of the biggest impacts seen in recent Formula 1 history — bringing out a safety car that proved decisive. McLaren showed real progress, with Oscar Piastri running strongly and finishing second, while Ferrari demonstrated impressive cornering speed but struggled with energy deployment and straight-line performance. There’s also a deeper conversation around the current state of Formula 1. Questions are raised about qualifying, energy management and whether modern cars are delivering the same level of excitement, with drivers managing systems rather than pushing flat out. Off track, attention turns to Max Verstappen after a difficult weekend. A tense moment in the press conference involving journalist Giles Richards, combined with on-track struggles, highlights growing frustration around performance and the current direction of the sport. The episode also looks at wider issues across the grid, including Aston Martin’s ongoing struggles and the challenges facing teams as they look ahead to future development. 🎧 Full race reaction, insight and debate from Suzuka. ⚡️ Powered by: @etharalive | @dubaieye1038fm

  • #20
    March 17 · 43 min

    Antonelli Wins — But Mercedes Might Already Have One Hand on the Title | The Pit Talk Podcast

    Kimi Antonelli delivers a breakthrough moment in China, becoming the first Italian to win a Formula 1 race in 20 years, but while the headlines celebrate a new star, the bigger story may already be unfolding at the front of the grid. Mercedes look firmly in control after two races, with signs they still have more performance in hand. Behind them, Ferrari show promise, Lewis Hamilton secures his first podium in red, and Red Bull continue to struggle to match the pace. In this episode of The Pit Talk Podcast, Chris McHardy and former F1 driver Robert Doornbos break down everything from the Chinese Grand Prix: •⁠ ⁠Antonelli’s first win and the maturity behind it •⁠ ⁠Mercedes’ early dominance — and why it could get worse for the rest •⁠ ⁠Hamilton vs Leclerc: Ferrari’s most compelling battle right now •⁠ ⁠Red Bull’s issues and what it means for Verstappen’s title hopes •⁠ ⁠Reliability concerns and multiple non-starters — are the new regulations too complex? •⁠ ⁠Aston Martin’s struggles and serious questions around their direction •⁠ ⁠Calendar disruption as Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are cancelled - It’s only race two — but the narrative of the 2026 season is already starting to take shape.

  • #19
    March 9 · 42 min

    Mercedes’ ‘rocket ship’ ominous for F1 | Australian GP 2026 Reaction

    The 2026 Formula 1 season has started with a statement, and Mercedes look frighteningly fast. George Russell claimed victory in Melbourne with a dominant performance as Mercedes secured their first 1-2 finish without Lewis Hamilton since 1955. The pace of the Mercedes — described as a “rocket ship” — immediately raises questions about whether the rest of the grid can catch them this season. In this episode of The Pit Talk Podcast, Chris McHardy and former Formula 1 driver Robert Doornbos break down everything from the opening race of the 2026 season. The new 2026 regulations produced an explosive opening 15 laps with wheel-to-wheel battles for the lead, raising big questions about whether this season will be decided by drivers or engineering. Is Mercedes already the team to beat? 🎙️ The Pit Talk Podcast with Chris McHardy and Robert Doornbos reacts immediately after the Australian Grand Prix to analyse the biggest stories shaping the new Formula 1 season.

  • #18
    March 5 · 47 min

    What Robert Doornbos Saw in Bahrain: Ferrari Pressure, Aston Martin Trouble & F1’s Wild New Rules

    The Pit Talk Podcast returns for Season 2 as former F1 driver Robert Doornbos and broadcaster Chris McHardy preview the new Formula 1 season ahead of the opening race in Melbourne. From major rule changes to championship contenders, this episode dives deep into the biggest storylines shaping the 2026 Formula 1 season. In this episode we break down the biggest storylines for 2026: Ferrari’s make-or-break season after a bold message from Piero Ferrari The real problems at Aston Martin despite huge investment and the arrival of Adrian Newey How the new F1 rules – active aero, boost modes and battery management Early insights from Bahrain testing and which teams look strongest Rookie watch and why Arvid Lindblad could be one to watch Can Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc finally deliver a title for Ferrari? With a new era beginning in Formula 1, we discuss the teams, drivers and controversies that could define the season.

  • #17
    Dec 8, 2025 · 56 min

    ‘Lando a worthy champion, but he’s not F1 driver of 2025’

    It’s the morning after the night all of Lando Norris’ dreams came true as he was crowned Formula One world champion. Robert Doornbos and Chris McHardy are back in their hotseats - albeit a little bleary eyed - as they run the rule over the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Lando may have won the war but Max Verstappen took the battle on the day clinching an eighth Grand Prix of the year. With that in mind, who really is the Driver of 2025? The guys also assess what went wrong for Oscar Piastri in the final nine races of the season, wonder what might have been had Christian Horner been given the boot earlier and ponder what’s next for Lewis Hamilton who is a complete shadow of his former self. Robert also looks into his crystal ball as the conversation invariably turns to what next with testing for 2026 just around the corner. And we tell you who on the pit wall is expecting “mayhem” with all the regulation changes!

  • #16
    Dec 1, 2025 · 46 min

    Max Power: McLaren’s ‘Doha Disaster’ sets up Abu Dhabi F1 title decider

    The tagline says it all: ‘all roads lead to Abu Dhabi.’ And so the 2025 Formula One season comes down this: a three-way shootout at Yas Marina Circuit to determine the destination of the Drivers Championship. McLaren’s inexplicable decision not to pit in Qatar allows Max Verstappen to win the Grand Prix, and move to with 12 points of Lando Norris. In this episode, Robert Doornbos and Chris McHardy speculate on what might be going on inside the corridors of power at McLaren, and ponder what might just transpire in the UAE capital as the race for the Drivers Championship gets ready for it’s final, thrilling lap.

  • #15
    Nov 25, 2025 · 44 min

    Las Vegas GP shocker: Farce or foul-play at McLaren? New Hamilton-Ferrari theory

    Robert Doornbos and Chris McHardy are back in their hotseats as they try to make sense of a controversial Las Vegas Grand Prix. Disqualifications for both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have blown the race for the Drivers Championship wide open. Did McLaren have a genuine case to answer for or were there ‘other forces’ at play? The guys debate that, and give a break down of the technical infringements that could derail their title dreams. Is there more to Lewis Hamilton’s constant bemoaning at Ferrari than meets the eye, and which team was offered to Robert back in the day as Toto Wolff lands a lucrative windfall at Mercedes.

  • #14
    Nov 11, 2025 · 44 min

    Brazil GP: Lando 58-Point Swing, Piastri Penalty & Ferrari Nightmare

    The Brazilian Grand Prix 🇧🇷 never disappoints — and this one had it all. Lando Norris continued his incredible late-season surge, taking a perfect 33-point weekend and pulling off a 58-point swing on teammate Oscar Piastri to seize control of the championship race. But while McLaren celebrated, Ferrari endured a nightmare weekend to forget, and Max Verstappen fought back from the pit lane to the podium. From the Senna S controversy and Ferrari’s meltdown to Max’s tyre strategy and Yuki Tsunoda’s pit-stop chaos, Robert Doornbos and Chris McHardy dissect every major story from Interlagos and look ahead to what promises to be a wild Las Vegas Grand Prix under the lights.

  • #13
    Nov 7, 2025 · 56 min

    David Coulthard exclusive: ‘Schumacher was NEVER wrong’, Kimi’s natural talent & bold Aston Martin claim

    Robert Doornbos and Chris McHardy welcome their first guest to the Pit Talk podcast. A Formula One great, this man boasts 246 starts, 62 podiums and 13 Grand Prix victories to his name. Introducing David Coulthard. In this sit down interview, ‘DC’ opens on a range of subjects. From his friendship with Eddie Jordan to his admission that he lacked one key ingredient needed to be world champion, a quality Michael Schumacher had in spades. He also discusses the changing face of F1, his love of steering wheels and backs up Robert’s assertion that Kimi Raikkonen is one of the the true great of the sport from a talent perspective. Coulthard also weighs in on the Drivers Championship tussle and makes a bold prediction when it comes to the team to watch in 2026.

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