The 2026 Formula 3 season delivered a brilliant championship battle, standout performances, dramatic incidents and a title fight that went all the way to the final weekend.

For this bonus episode of Everything Trackside, Sean and Mairead are joined by Chris McCarthy, lead commentator for Formula 3, to look back at the season and discuss what made it so compelling.

We get into:

🏆 Ugo Ugochukwu vs Freddie Slater — the championship battle, consistency, pace and dramatic Madrid finale.

🟣 Campos Racing’s dominance — how they secured both championships and what made their driver lineup so effective.

⭐ The standout drivers — Ernesto Rivera, Tukka Taponen, Théophile Naël, Pedro Clerot and more.

💥 The chaos — qualifying disasters, penalties, crashes, unusual race formats and the challenges of racing at Madrid.

🔮 The future of F3 and F2 — LN4 Fusion joining both championships in 2027 and what the new team could bring to the grid.

🏎️ The future of F1 — Chris’s thoughts on the provisional 2027 calendar, the proposed 10 Sprint races and the possibility of a Monaco Sprint.

Plus, Chris offers plenty of insight into the realities of Formula 3, from team performance and driver development to what it takes to succeed in one of the most competitive championships in motorsport.

Who impressed you most during the 2026 F3 season? Let us know in the comments.

Subscribe to Everything Trackside for F1, F2, F3, MotoGP, World Superbikes, IndyCar, WEC and more.

#F3 #Formula3 #FIAF3 #UgoUgochukwu #FreddieSlater #ChrisMcCarthy #EverythingTrackside #Motorsport

Madrid was supposed to bring something fresh and exciting to the F1 calendar.

Instead… it sucked.

In this week’s Everything Trackside, we take a proper look back at the Spanish Grand Prix and spend a lot of time asking how F1 managed to make such a big new event feel so underwhelming.

From the circuit itself and the racing to the atmosphere, the layout, the spectacle and the wider decision to bring Madrid onto the calendar — there’s plenty to criticise, and we’re not holding back.

We also get into:

🏎️ What went wrong with the Madring
😴 Whether the circuit actually delivered any decent racing
🎪 The event, atmosphere and overall spectacle
🤔 Why Madrid feels like such a missed opportunity
📅 Whether this race deserves its place on the F1 calendar
🔥 The biggest talking points from the weekend
🏆 The championship implications after Madrid

Was Madrid really as bad as it felt — or are we being too harsh?

Let us know what you thought of the Spanish GP in the comments.

Subscribe to Everything Trackside for F1 reviews, previews, debates, hot takes and plenty of nonsense from the world of Formula 1.

#F1 #SpanishGP #MadridGP #Madring #Formula1 #EverythingTrackside

Formula 1 is heading somewhere completely new...

The Spanish Grand Prix is leaving Barcelona behind and heading to the brand-new Madring circuit just outside Madrid — and judging by our first impressions, it could be one of the strangest F1 weekends in years.

In this week's Everything Trackside podcast, Sean, Coops and Mairead take a closer look at F1's newest circuit, from its bizarre layout and questionable corners to the huge amount of runoff, tight sections and one particularly interesting banked corner.

But there's one big question...

Is Madring actually as bad as it looks?

With only limited running having taken place at the circuit so far — including a Formula 3 test session featuring a staggering 19 red flags — nobody really knows what to expect when Formula 1 arrives.

We discuss:

🏁 What makes Madring so difficult to learn
💥 The 19-red-flag F3 test and what it tells us
🧠 Why a brand-new circuit could favour the younger drivers
🇮🇹 Charles Leclerc's fitness and whether Ferrari should risk him
⭐ Kimi Antonelli and George Russell heading into another crucial weekend
🔴 Whether Ferrari can recover from their Monza disaster
⚡ Mercedes' potential upgrades for the upcoming triple-header
🏆 Who has the advantage at a circuit nobody has raced at before
🇫🇮 Robin Räikkönen joining the Red Bull junior programme
🏎️ The hugely important Formula 3 championship finale
🔥 Freddie Slater vs Ugo Ugochukwu — and why you NEED to watch F3 this weekend
🎯 Our Spanish GP predictions

And, of course, Sean has already taken on Madring himself in the 2026-spec F1 car — completely sight unseen.

No practice. No preparation. Just learning the circuit from scratch.

Let's just say... it didn't exactly go smoothly.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Intro
01:00 – First impressions of Madring
03:50 – Why does this track look so strange?
06:40 – Sean's first experience driving Madring
08:00 – Is there actually anywhere to overtake?
10:20 – 19 red flags in Formula 3?!
12:00 – The massive learning curve facing F1
15:00 – Are there ANY good corners at Madring?
17:00 – Who will adapt quickest to a brand-new circuit?
20:30 – Charles Leclerc's fitness and Ferrari dilemma
25:00 – Should Isack Hadjar have returned this weekend?
31:30 – Kimi Antonelli vs George Russell
36:30 – Ferrari's latest drama
39:00 – Mercedes' upcoming upgrades
41:30 – Formula 2 championship battle
43:00 – Why you NEED to watch Formula 3 this weekend
44:00 – Freddie Slater vs Ugo Ugochukwu
49:30 – George Russell gets his own Silverstone grandstand
52:20 – Robin Räikkönen joins Red Bull
55:20 – Spanish GP weekend schedule
56:45 – Spanish GP predictions
58:40 – Who wins the F3 championship?
59:00 – Final thoughts on Madring

Subscribe to Everything Trackside for more F1 previews, reviews, hotlaps, interviews and motorsport content.

#F1 #Formula1 #SpanishGP #Madring #MadridGP #F12026 #EverythingTrackside #ETSF1Hotlaps #Formula2 #Formula3

Monza belonged to Kimi Antonelli.

The young Italian delivered one of the most impressive weekends of his young Formula 1 career, putting himself firmly into the conversation at the front of the grid — and showing exactly why Mercedes believe they have a future World Champion on their hands.

We break down Antonelli's huge Monza performance, his battle at the front and what it means for the championship as the season enters its final stretch.

But there was plenty more to discuss from the Temple of Speed:

🇮🇹 Kimi Antonelli's breakthrough Monza weekend
🏆 Is Kimi now the favourite for the World Championship?
🔴 Ferrari's frustrating home Grand Prix
⚔️ The latest chapter in the Russell vs Antonelli championship fight
🇩🇪 Mercedes' strategy and race execution
🏁 The biggest winners and losers from Monza
📈 What the result means for the championship

And, of course, we ask the question:

*Are we watching the beginning of Kimi Antonelli's first championship-winning season?*

Let us know what you thought of Kimi's performance — and whether you think he can go all the way in 2026. 👇

🎧 Listen to Everything Trackside wherever you get your podcasts.

#F1 #Formula1 #ItalianGP #Monza #KimiAntonelli #Antonelli #Mercedes #LandoNorris #McLaren #Ferrari #MaxVerstappen #EverythingTrackside

Lando Norris is building his own pathway to Formula 1 — and it could be a huge deal for the entire feeder series ladder.

Sean and Mairead jump on for a bonus episode of Everything Trackside to discuss Lando's launch of LN4 Fusion and LN4 Legacy, his plans to develop young drivers through the junior categories and why this is very different from what we've seen from other F1 drivers.

From Fernando Alonso's A14 Management to Max Verstappen's Verstappen.com Racing and Lewis Hamilton's Mission 44, we look at how F1 drivers are getting increasingly involved in developing the next generation — and why Lando's project could take things a step further.

We also get into the biggest problem facing young drivers: MONEY. How difficult is it to climb from karting through F4, F3 and F2? Could LN4 Legacy give talented drivers an opportunity they otherwise wouldn't have?

Then it's back to racing!

Formula 2 and Formula 3 are finally back this weekend at Monza, with both championships entering crucial stages of their seasons. We look at the title fights, the drivers to watch and make our predictions for the weekend.

Plus, why F2 and F3 might just be the best racing you aren't watching.

🏁 LN4 Fusion & LN4 Legacy
🏎️ F2 & F3 return at Monza
🔥 Solov vs Minì vs Câmara
🏆 Slater vs Ugochukwu
💰 The cost of reaching F1
🇮🇹 Monza predictions

LIKE the video, SUBSCRIBE to Everything Trackside and let us know who YOU think will come out on top at Monza!

#F1 #LandoNorris #F2 #F3 #Formula2 #Formula3 #Monza

The Temple of Speed is calling… and Ferrari have nowhere to hide. 🇮🇹🏁

Formula 1 heads to Monza for the Italian Grand Prix, and the pressure is firmly on Ferrari to deliver in front of the Tifosi.

After another dramatic race in Zandvoort, Lando Norris has closed the gap at the front while Kimi Antonelli continues to lead the championship. Can Lando carry his momentum into Italy, or will Kimi strike back?

And what about Ferrari? Monza should theoretically suit their car — but can Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton finally put together the result the Tifosi have been waiting for?

We preview all the major talking points:

🇮🇹 Ferrari's huge home race
🏆 Kimi Antonelli's championship lead
🟠 Can Lando Norris make it back-to-back wins?
🔴 Can Leclerc and Hamilton challenge for victory?
⚡ The unique low-downforce demands of Monza
👀 Red Bull and Max Verstappen's chances
🏎️ Mercedes' battle for the podium
🌧️ The weather wildcard
🇮🇹 Why Monza remains one of F1's most important races
🏆 Our Italian GP podium predictions

Plus, the panel picks their Driver of the Weekend, surprise performer and potential disappointment before the action gets underway.

Can Ferrari finally give the Tifosi something to celebrate?

Let us know your podium predictions in the comments! 👇

🎧 Listen to Everything Trackside wherever you get your podcasts.

#F1 #Formula1 #ItalianGP #Monza #Ferrari #CharlesLeclerc #LewisHamilton #LandoNorris #KimiAntonelli #MaxVerstappen #McLaren #EverythingTrackside

he Dutch Grand Prix had everything — a wet start, a huge opening-lap crash, strategy gambles, late-race drama and a stunning comeback victory for Lando Norris.

Max Verstappen's home race got off to the worst possible start when he lost the rear on the wet banking at the end of Lap 1, bringing out the red flag. After the restart, Kimi Antonelli took control at the front, with Norris and Oscar Piastri both in the fight.

But as the race developed, everything changed.

Lando stayed in contention before producing an incredible outside move at Turn 1 to get past Kimi, before hunting down Lewis Hamilton on 22-lap-old tyres to retake the lead.

We break down:

🏆 Lando Norris' brilliant comeback victory
💥 Max Verstappen's nightmare home race
🇳🇱 What went wrong for Max on the banking
⭐ Kimi Antonelli's latest championship statement
🔴 Ferrari's surprisingly strong race pace
🟠 McLaren's continuing pit-stop problems
🤔 Mercedes' controversial decision to swap George Russell and Kimi
😬 Lewis Hamilton's late charge for the podium
🇪🇸 Fernando Alonso scoring an incredible P9
💥 Williams' bizarre double incident
🌧️ The impact of the changing conditions and early rain threat
🏆 What the result means for the championship

And, of course, we ask the big question:

Is Lando Norris finally turning the championship into a real fight with Kimi Antonelli?

Let us know your Driver of the Day and the biggest winner and loser from Zandvoort in the comments.

🎧 Listen to Everything Trackside: Spotify, Apple Podcasts & wherever you get your podcasts.

#F1 #Formula1 #DutchGP #Zandvoort #LandoNorris #MaxVerstappen #KimiAntonelli #McLaren #RedBull #EverythingTrackside

The Formula 1 summer break is over — and we're back at Zandvoort for the Dutch Grand Prix!

With Max Verstappen facing his final Dutch GP for now, can he deliver one last home victory? Or will McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes spoil the party?

We preview the weekend's biggest talking points, including:

🇳🇱 Max Verstappen's final Dutch Grand Prix
🏆 Kimi Antonelli's 59-point lead over George Russell
🔴 Can Ferrari bounce back from Hungary?
🟠 Can McLaren continue their strong form?
⚡ Aston Martin's new Honda power unit
🔋 The huge battery-management challenge at Zandvoort
🌧️ Could rain turn the race upside down?
🏁 And should Formula 1 really be losing Zandvoort?

Plus, we make our Dutch GP podium predictions.

And yes... it's a Sprint weekend, so there's plenty of racing to get through.

🎧 Listen to Everything Trackside wherever you get your podcasts.

#F1 #Formula1 #DutchGP #Zandvoort #MaxVerstappen #LewisHamilton #Ferrari #McLaren #Mercedes #EverythingTrackside

It's time for our biggest debate of the season...

The Everything Trackside team have ranked every single Formula 1 driver after the opening 11 races of the 2026 season.

From Lance Stroll to Kimi Antonelli, we reveal our full rankings before diving into the biggest talking points:
🏆 Is Antonelli already the best driver on the grid?
🤔 Has George Russell been one of the biggest disappointments?
🔴 Are Ferrari finally back?
📉 What's gone wrong at Williams?
👀 Is Oscar Piastri's future at McLaren already in doubt?

With opinions from the entire Everything Trackside team, expect plenty of debate—and probably a few rankings you'll completely disagree with.

👇 Let us know YOUR Top 10 drivers from the first half of the season in the comments!

🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts
🌐 More F1 news, features & analysis:
https://everythingtrackside.com

#F1 #Formula1 #F1Podcast #KimiAntonelli #LewisHamilton #MaxVerstappen #Ferrari #Mercedes #McLaren #GeorgeRussell #OscarPiastri

This week we're swapping four wheels for two as Everything Trackside heads to MotoGP ahead of Silverstone.

If you've never watched MotoGP before, this is the perfect place to start. The panel breaks down why this year's championship has become one of the most unpredictable in motorsport, the huge rider market that's set to shake up 2027, and everything fans need to know before heading to Silverstone.

In this episode:

• Why MotoGP is winning over Formula 1 fans
• The incredible 2026 championship battle
• The biggest rider moves and transfer rumours
• Silverstone MotoGP fan guide
• Best grandstands and viewing spots
• MotoGP vs Formula 1 at Silverstone
• British rider prospects
• Why now is the perfect time to start following MotoGP

If you enjoyed our previous Silverstone F1 fan guide, this is the perfect companion before MotoGP arrives at the circuit.

Like, subscribe and follow Everything Trackside for race previews, reviews, interviews and motorsport news across Formula 1, MotoGP, Formula 2, Formula 3 and more.

#Silverstone #BritishGrandPrix #GrandPrixofGreatBritain #MotoGP #Bikes #Aprilia #Ducati #VR46 #trackhouse #MarcMarquez #MarcoBezzecchi #Aiogura #Yamaha #KTM

Lando Norris finally returned to the top step in Hungary, but the biggest story wasn't the race winner.

The panel debates whether McLaren's strategy cost Oscar Piastri more than just a podium, whether trust is beginning to break down inside the team, and why Max Verstappen somehow continues to drag impossible results out of the Red Bull.

We also look at Ferrari's growing consistency, Mercedes' difficult weekend, George Russell's nightmare start and what Malaysia joining the calendar means for the championship.

In this episode:

• Was McLaren right to pit Piastri?
• Has Oscar lost trust in the team?
• Lando Norris returns to winning ways
• Verstappen's incredible overtake and recovery
• Ferrari quietly strengthen their championship hopes
• Mercedes' difficult Hungarian GP
• George Russell's disastrous opening lap
• Malaysia replaces Bahrain on the 2026 calendar
• Early predictions for the second half of the season

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe and follow Everything Trackside across YouTube, Spotify and your favourite podcast platform.

#F1 #Formula1 #HungarianGrandPrix #McLaren #OscarPiastri #LandoNorris #PapayaRules #motorsportpodcast #motorsport