The Pit Talk

Oscar’s Perfection, Lando’s Pain & Hadjar’s Breakthrough

Oscar Piastri delivered a flawless weekend at Zandvoort, securing pole, fastest lap, and the race win to take control of the title fight. Lando Norris, meanwhile, endured heartbreak in qualifying and the race, while Isaac Hadjar stunned the paddock with his first Formula 1 podium.

McLaren’s title fight, Red Bull’s slump & Hamilton’s Ferrari woes

Chris McHardy and Robert Doornbos take stock of a dramatic first half of the 2025 season. From McLaren’s dominance and Oscar Piastri’s rise, to Red Bull’s shocking slump and Lewis Hamilton’s struggles at Ferrari, nothing is off the table.
Robert also shares behind-the-scenes summer break stories from his F1 days, explains why Zandvoort is such a challenge for drivers, and reveals which teams might already be shifting focus to 2026.

Why Lewis Hamilton Isn’t Ferrari’s Answer

Lewis Hamilton’s post-race radio in Hungary raised serious questions about his motivation, and whether Ferrari have made the right call. In Episode 5 of The Pit Talk Podcast, former F1 driver Robert Doornbos and host Chris McHardy react to all the key storylines from Budapest and the final race before the summer break.

FIA Wrath, Tyre Farce & the Tech that’s holding F1 back

After a mini-summer ‘pitstop’ via Sardinia (more on that later), Robert Doornbos and Chris McHardy reunite to cast their eyes back over a wet and soggy Belgian Grand Prix.
And it’s fair to say the FIA don’t come in for much love. Robert also aims both barrels at Pirelli again as the guys ask: ‘what is the point of wet weather tyres’?
Chris also puts Rob on the spot over changes that YOU, the fans, want to see. So it is a thumbs up or a thumbs down for narrower wheels, mechanical cornering and/or mandated pit stops?
Oh, and there’s the latest on Max Verstappen’s ‘will he or won’t he’ move to Mercedes. All discussed as Robert enjoys his best life… on a boat in Greece! 

‘No Mercedes smoke without fire’: Doornbos hits back at Verstappen’s ‘headless chicken’ jibe

After incurring the wrath of Max Verstappen’s father, Jos, Robert Doornbos is playing defence on this week’s Pit Talk, powered by Ethara. And it all stems from claims and counter-claims of exit clauses and Mercedes interest in the four-time world champion.
Robert and co-host Chris McHardy also take a deep dive into the British Grand Prix as Lando Norris fulfils a lifelong dream, we see a new side to Oscar Piastri and Nico Hülkenberg finally sheds the most unwanted tag in Formula One history. 
Robert also gives brilliant insight into what it takes to drive in the wet and regales a hilarious tale about Kimi Raikkonen involving bearded Finns, Las Vegas and Giancarlo Fisichella. 😂

No home comforts: Verstappen’s F1 title bid over?!

Ex-F1 driver Robert Doornbos and sports broadcaster Chris McHardy reunite to review the Austrian Grand Prix.
In this second episode of The Pit Talk powered by Ethara, Robert outlines the “80-20” rule with McLaren and reserves special praise for one man in the Papaya garage. He also makes a number of bold claims regarding Max Verstappen’s Red Bull contract which would suggest the end is nigh between both parties. Neck muscles, bathtubs and a riotous day out in rental cars also feature in this latest instalment of The Pit Talk - a unique perspective into the thrilling world of Formula One with a man who’s been there, done that, for the overalls!

Verstappen’s Next F1 Move Revealed

Welcome to The Pit Talk podcast hosted by former Red Bull F1 driver Robert Doornbos and ‘team-mate’ Chris McHardy.
In the first episode, the guys introduce what the pod is all about, Chris embarrasses himself with his provisional driving license and Robert has the inside story on where Max Verstappen will be driving next season. There’s also a review of the Canadian Grand Prix, Adrian Newey’s genius comes to the fore and there’s a wonderful anecdote about the late, great Eddie Jordan.
The Pit Talk powered by Ethara. All roads lead to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.