The Pit Talk

US GP Review | ‘Meek’ Piastri, Max living ‘rent free’ & F1 WAGs

Chris McHardy and Robert Doornbos are back in the hotseats as they reflect on a US Grand Prix utterly dominated by one man: Max Verstappen.
Robert explains why Oscar Piastri’s recent travails may be terminal. For this season at least. Plus it’s not good news for McLaren’s other title contender, Lando Norris, as Robert makes a damning claim.
What of George Russell’s new Mercedes contract, a new found fascination with F1 “WAGs” and Christian Horner’s “talks” with Ferrari? The guys discuss it all, PLUS Robert weights in on the big one: who is going to win this 2025 Drivers Championship? Look away Papaya fans

Singapore shocker: McLaren’s Papaya Rules favour only one man

Robert Doornbos and Chris McHardy are back in the hotseats as they reflect on a controversial Singapore Grand Prix. Yet more proof that McLaren are “favouring” Lando Norris as Oscar Piastri is again left asking ‘why me’? Robert gives his verdict on the Papaya Rules threatening to undermine McLaren’s season, and leave the door ajar for four-time world champion Max Verstappen.
The guys also discuss the cooling vests that irked Max so much, with Robert sharing the extreme lengths he adopted to stay in peak physical condition and withstand the unique demands that F1 places on its drivers.

Azerbaijan GP Review & Max’s Grand Slam Shakes Up Title Fight

Baku delivered chaos and controversy. Max Verstappen smashed the field with a ruthless grand slam – pole, every lap led, fastest lap, race win – his sixth clean sweep to equal Lewis Hamilton and throw himself back into the title fight. 
 

‘McLaren’s team orders akin to match fixing’ | Schumacher’s Ferrari clause

Robert Doornbos and Chris McHardy run the rule over a controversial Italian Grand Prix in the latest episode of the Pit Talk Podcast powered by Ethara.
Robert doesn’t hold back in his assessment of McLaren’s decision to let Lando Norris pass team-mate Oscar Piastri late on in Monza after a pit stop howler. Part and parcel of racing or is a rule change needed? 

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!