Reading The Grid

Qualifying at Zandvoort delivered fireworks as Oscar Piastri edged teammate Lando Norris by just 0.012 seconds to take pole and set a new lap record. Max Verstappen, cheered on by a sea of orange at his home race, could do no better than third, while rookie Isack Hadjar stunned the paddock with a sensational P4. George Russell, Charles Leclerc, and Lewis Hamilton filled out the next slots, with Lawson, Sainz, and Alonso rounding out the top ten. Erin and Inna break down the drama of McLaren’s front-row lockout, Verstappen’s fight to reclaim home glory, and the ripple effects acro...

In this episode of Reading the Grid, Erin and Inna dive into Netflix’s The Seat – The Kimi Antonelli Story. The film promised a behind-the-scenes look at Mercedes’ bold decision to put a 17-year-old rookie in Lewis Hamilton’s old seat—but did it deliver?

We explore the highs and lows: what the documentary revealed about Mercedes’ driver decision process, the fascinating glimpses into Kimi’s natural talent and family life, and standout moments with legendary race engineer Peter Bonnington. But we also discuss what fell flat—like the awkward WhatsApp sponsorship integration, forced scenes with Toto Wolff, and the f...

In this episode of Reading the Grid, Erin and Inna close out their deep dive into Netflix’s Drive to Survive Season 7 with Episodes 9 (“Under New Management”) and 10 (“Endgame”). From Haas’ leadership shakeup and Alpine’s Flavio Briatore villain era to Ollie Bearman’s Brazil heartbreak and Esteban Ocon’s shock podium, we break down all the drama DTS captured—and everything Netflix missed.

We relive Max Verstappen’s legendary P17-to-victory drive in Brazil, McLaren’s historic Constructors’ Championship win over Ferrari in Abu Dhabi, and the emotional farewell to Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes. Along the way, we spotlight the seas...

Erin and Inna are back in the paddock for a high-octane breakdown of Drive to Survive Season 7, Episodes 6–8. From McLaren’s Lando–Oscar rivalry boiling over in Hungary, Monza, and Baku… to the sweaty chaos of Singapore’s night race through the eyes of five drivers… to Red Bull’s behind-the-scenes power plays with Daniel Ricciardo, Sergio Pérez, and Liam Lawson — nothing escapes their scrutiny. Expect sharp analysis, behind-the-scenes drama Netflix didn’t show, and plenty of “did they really just say that?” moments. Whether you’re team papaya, team prancing horse, or team energy drink, this is your pit stop for all the...

Monaco without walls delivered mayhem, and we're here for all of it. In this episode of Reading the Grid, Inna and Erin dive into a wildly strategic Hungarian Grand Prix where Lando Norris claimed McLaren’s 200th F1 win with a masterstroke one-stop strategy—tightening the WDC fight with Oscar Piastri. But while McLaren soared, Ferrari spiraled: Leclerc’s pole turned into chaos, Hamilton hit a new low, and heartbreak unfolded on and off the track.

We break down:

The Belgian Grand Prix brought heavy rain, big delays, and bold moves. Erin and Inna break down Oscar Piastri’s impressive win, McLaren’s strategy calls, and Ferrari’s success with Charles Leclerc back on the podium. They discuss Lewis Hamilton’s charge from P18 to P7, Pierre Gasly’s bizarre DNS/DNF, and Kimi Antonelli’s tough weekend.

Plus, they look ahead to the Hungarian Grand Prix with fresh predictions: Can McLaren stay on top? Will Ferrari deliver again? And is Lewis finally due for a podium in red?

Buckle up—Reading the Grid is diving deep into the most dramatic week of the F1 season yet! Erin and Inna break down everything from bold Spa Grand Prix and Sprint predictions to the bombshell firing of Christian Horner from Red Bull. What does this seismic shakeup mean for Max Verstappen’s future, the Red Bull power structure, and the wild driver market ahead of 2026? Plus: hot takes on George Russell’s revenge arc, Oscar Piastri’s podium potential, and whether Ferrari can finally deliver a double. Silly season is here—and no seat is safe.

Lights out and…action? In this blockbuster episode, Erin and Inna trade the paddock for the popcorn as they dive into F1: The Movie, the much-hyped 2025 racing drama starring Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes, a fallen F1 star chasing redemption with the struggling APXGP team. From high-octane IMAX race scenes and iconic cameos to questionable plot choices and head-scratching inaccuracies, the hosts break down what worked, what stalled, and where Hollywood took creative liberties.

They debate the film’s portrayal of women, rank their favorite (and most cringeworthy) cameos, and share the surprising Easter eggs—from real-life crash...

The 2025 British Grand Prix delivered one of the most dramatic and emotional races of the season, and we're breaking it all down on this episode of Reading the Grid. Lando Norris finally claimed his first win at home in front of a roaring Silverstone crowd, while Nico Hulkenberg stunned the paddock with a long-overdue first podium—after 239 races. We dive into the chaos of the wet-dry conditions, the controversial 10-second penalty that derailed Oscar Piastri’s race (and his composure), and the heartbreaks that plagued Charles Leclerc, George Russell, and the rookies. From Mercedes' strategy misfires to Pierre Gasly’s surp...

The 2025 Austrian Grand Prix had it all—and we mean all. From Carlos Sainz’s DNS (literal flames!) to Kimi Antonelli punting Max Verstappen out on lap one, chaos struck before the race had time to breathe. Erin and Inna break down McLaren’s dominant 1-2, Ferrari’s conservative strategy woes, and a wild midfield packed with redemption arcs (looking at you, Lawson and Hulkenberg) and heartbreaks (sorry, Albon). We dissect Yuki’s meltdown, Christian Horner’s eyebrow-raising metaphors, and that spicy Piastri-Alpine radio moment. Plus: Verstappen's rumored exit clause, George Russell’s contract smile, Silverstone predictions, and a very special b...

This week on Reading the Grid, Erin and Inna are looking ahead to the Austrian Grand Prix at the iconic Red Bull Ring—a deceptively simple circuit with high-speed straights, tricky elevation changes, and relentless track limits. We break down what makes this fan-favorite layout so exciting, share our pole picks and podium predictions, and ask: can Ferrari’s perfect lap record actually count for anything? Plus, in our “Spill the Grid” segment, we dive into the latest paddock rumors—Bottas teasing a Cadillac seat, Russell’s looming contract news, Red Bull’s second-seat drama, and Franco Colapinto’s final chance to...

Buckle up, F1 fans! This week on Reading the Grid, Erin and Inna unpack the drama-filled 2025 Canadian Grand Prix—from George Russell’s pole-to-podium triumph to Kimi Antonelli’s emotional first-ever F1 podium. We dive into Lando Norris’s heartbreaking crash, Red Bull’s protests, and Ferrari’s growing dysfunction. Plus: scalding hot takes on Nico Rosberg’s commentary, silly season rumors, and all the off-track drama you crave. Whether you're here for the strategy chaos, the snitching on the radios, or the bromance moments on the podium, we’ve got you covered.

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We're headed to Circuit Gilles Villeneuve! Erin and Inna lock in their picks for round 10: podiums, pole sitters, and the midfield chaos we all secretly live for. Will Max go full revenge mode? Can George turn tennis stamina into race pace? And will Ferrari finally recover from last year’s Canadian heartbreak?

Plus: silly season drama, Aston Martin rumors, and a Leclerc brother left behind in a Ferrari.

McLaren made history, Ferrari found mixed fortunes, and Max Verstappen hit his boiling point. In this episode of Reading the Grid, Erin and Ina break down all the drama from the Spanish Grand Prix — a race defined by strategic blunders, breakthrough performances, and emotional outbursts. From Oscar Piastri’s fifth win and McLaren’s front-row lockout to Charles Leclerc’s first-ever podium in Barcelona, there was plenty to celebrate. But Red Bull’s rare strategy missteps, Verstappen’s clashes with Russell and Leclerc, and a ten-second penalty brought the heat — and the controversy. We unpack Fernando Alonso’s gritty points finish at...

Get ready for the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix with our full race predictions from Reading the Grid! Will Ferrari’s upgrades give Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton the edge? Can Max Verstappen dominate at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya once again? We dive into team strategies, driver matchups, and what to expect from Aston Martin, Mercedes, McLaren, and more. Plus, our predictions for pole position, podium finishes, and the surprise midfield standouts.

Whether you're a seasoned F1 fan or a Drive to Survive newcomer, this preview will fuel your race weekend hype. Don’t miss our hot takes and spicy podi...

Monaco 2025 brought strategy chaos, team radio drama, and just enough tension to keep us hooked—even if the overtakes were nearly nonexistent. Erin and Inna break down the key storylines: Norris takes the win, Leclerc lands back on the podium at home, and Racing Bulls shock everyone with a perfectly executed double-points finish.

We’re talking Ferrari’s awkward silence, Mercedes’ baffling blunder, Haas’ ongoing headache, and why Esteban Ocon quietly crushed it. Plus: the two-stop rule, Max vs. Larson off-track, and the best dinner receipt in the paddock. Monaco may not have delivered on passes, but it fully d...

This week on Reading the Grid, Erin and Inna dive into the glitz, pressure, and potential chaos of the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix. With a mandatory two-stop rule in place and the streets of Monte Carlo ready to punish the slightest mistake, the stage is set for bold strategy calls and maybe a miracle or two.

Who’s on pole? Inna’s betting on Oscar’s revenge arc, while Erin throws out the wildest of wild cards: Pierre Gasly. We break down our podium picks, predict a midfield shake-up, and debate whether this could finally be the weekend Ferrar...

This week on Reading the Grid, Erin and Inna dive into all the drama, strategy, and heartbreak from the 2025 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola.

From Max Verstappen’s gutsy move at Turn One to a tire strategy masterclass that shaped the entire race, we break down how the front of the grid held strong—while the midfield quietly stole the show. Erin celebrates Lewis Hamilton’s best result yet in red, while Inna rides the emotional rollercoaster of Charles Leclerc’s weekend (spoiler: it involves safety cars, pit stop panic, and classic Scuderia chaos).

We also shi...

In this special episode of Reading the Grid, Erin and Inna hit the brakes on the 2025 season to revisit one of Formula 1’s most iconic cinematic moments: Ron Howard’s Rush. This 2013 biopic dramatizes the fierce rivalry between James Hunt and Niki Lauda during the unforgettable 1976 season.

From Niki Lauda’s harrowing crash at the Nürburgring to James Hunt’s flamboyant flair both on and off the track, Rush captures the drama, danger, and drive that define motorsport. Erin shares how the film shaped her early love for F1, while Inna draws parallels to rivalries in other for...

Miami Madness: McLaren Dominates, but Ferrari Sparks the First Inna vs. Erin Feud

In this fiery episode of Reading the Grid, McLaren's Miami sprint sweep takes center stage—but it's Ferrari's strategic chaos that ignites the real drama. For the first time, hosts Inna and Erin go head-to-head over the Leclerc vs. Hamilton team orders debacle. Did Ferrari cave to Hamilton’s demands, or was it the right call all along? Plus: Kimi Antonelli’s historic pole, Albon and Bearman heartbreaks, and Yuki’s heart-melting moment with Max. From midfield maneuvers to Lego driver parades, we break down the...

This week on Reading the Grid, we trade tire strategy for travel strategy as we dive into the dazzling world of the Miami Grand Prix with insider guest Sonia Fong—VP of Sales & Marketing at MDM Hotel Group and former executive at the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau. From five-star suites to street closures, Sonia gives us the full throttle view of how Miami transforms for Formula 1’s most glamorous U.S. stop. We explore how the city’s hospitality and tourism industries mobilize for an international crowd, what makes this race unlike any other on the calendar, and why Mi...

Oscar Piastri’s third win of the season shook up the standings and made him the first Aussie to lead the Drivers’ Championship since Mark Webber in 2010 — and we’re here for all of it. Erin and Inna break down the drama under the Jeddah lights, including Verstappen’s controversial Turn 1 penalty, Leclerc’s clutch podium for Ferrari, and Hamilton’s “horrible” race as his struggles at Ferrari continue.

We also dive into the best overtakes of the race, Alonso’s near-miss with rookie Bortoleto (plus the savage cooldown room banter), and the latest paddock gossip—from Verstappen’s subdued p...

McLaren finally breaks their Bahrain streak as Oscar Piastri takes the win! Erin and Inna recap all the drama from the 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix — including Lando Norris’ penalty, Lewis Hamilton’s P5 charge, and Ollie Bearman’s climb from P20 to P10.

We break down race strategy shifts after the safety car, George Russell vs. Norris for P2, Alpine’s first points of the season, and the anniversary of Romain Grosjean’s fiery crash. Plus, Spill the Grid covers Verstappen leaving Red Bull rumors and and growing frustration over inconsistent stewarding decisions.

Then we look ahead to the...

This week on Reading the Grid, we’re joined by the one and only Gaby Dalkin of @whatsgabycookin — cookbook queen, watch party icon, and F1 superfan! Gaby shares how she fell in love with the sport (spoiler: it involves Drive to Survive and a certain Honey Badger), her top driver lineup (Lewis, Carlos, and Lando, obviously), and her dream F1 dinner party.

We also dig into the Japanese Grand Prix — a bit of a snoozefest, but we found the bright spots — and gear up for Bahrain with bold podium predictions, merch fit complaints (Ferrari, we’re looking at you), a...

In this episode of Reading the Grid, we break down Drive to Survive Season 7, Episodes 4 & 5—“Carlos Signs” and “Le Curse of Leclerc.” With Lewis Hamilton heading to Ferrari, Carlos Sainz becomes the most sought-after free agent on the F1 grid. We dissect the behind-the-scenes battle for his signature, Netflix’s portrayal of the driver market, and the return of a legendary paddock villain.

Then, we shift gears to Charles Leclerc’s emotional journey at the Monaco Grand Prix. From personal tragedy to triumph, we analyze how Netflix captures his long-awaited victory, the key moments they nailed, and the iconic com...

The 2025 Chinese Grand Prix delivered unexpected drama, McLaren dominance, and some major disqualifications that shook up the final results! 🏎️🔥 In this episode, we break down all the action from Shanghai, including Oscar Piastri’s big win, Ferrari’s rough weekend, and the surprise movers in the top 10. Plus, we dive into the latest rumors—will Yuki Tsunoda really be Red Bull’s next driver? 🤔

Then, we turn our focus to Suzuka! Who’s looking strong for the Japanese Grand Prix? Will Red Bull bounce back? Can Ferrari recover? And which midfield team might pull off a shock result? We give our b...

In this episode of Reading the Grid, we unpack Drive to Survive Season 7, Episode 3, which puts the spotlight on Mercedes’ vacant seat, George Russell’s rise, and Lewis Hamilton’s emotional exit from the team. Then, we shift to the drama-filled Australian Grand Prix—where Lando Norris claimed victory in a chaotic, rain-soaked race, Ferrari faced strategic uncertainty, and F1’s rookies battled tough conditions.

But who stole our hearts with a standout performance? And who broke our hearts with a tough weekend? We’re breaking it all down before looking ahead to the Chinese Grand Prix—the first spri...

Buckle up, F1 fans! In this episode of Reading the Grid, Erin and Inna break down the drama, politics, and rivalries in Drive to Survive Season 7’s explosive first two episodes: Exit Strategy and Friendly Fire.

Exit Strategy uncovers shocking team shakeups—Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, Red Bull’s off-track chaos, and Netflix’s take on F1’s most controversial headlines. How much is fact, and how much is Netflix drama?

Then, in Friendly Fire, we analyze the growing tensions between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris. After their Austrian GP clash, is this the birth of...

Are you new to Formula 1 and wondering how to watch a race like a pro? Whether you're gearing up for your first Grand Prix or just trying to make sense of all the action on track, this episode of Reading the Grid is your ultimate beginner’s guide to F1!

Join hosts Erin and Inna as they break down everything you need to know, including:

🏎️ How F1 races work – from practice and qualifying to race day strategies

🚥 Understanding the grid – what determines a driver's starting position

🔧 Pit stops, tire choices, and race strategy – t...

Over six seasons of Drive to Survive, we’ve seen countless drivers fight for their spot on the Formula 1 grid — some thriving under the spotlight, others fading into the background. But what happened to those faces who came, went, or only made a brief cameo in the chaotic world of F1?

In this special episode, Erin and Inna dig into the stories of drivers who once graced our screens but are no longer on the grid. From comeback kings to those who quietly stepped away, we uncover where they are now — the championships they’re chasing, the surprisi...

Hosts Erin and Inna break down the biggest storylines from the 2023 Formula 1 season, from cutthroat team politics and shocking driver swaps to the behind-the-scenes chaos Netflix couldn’t resist.

Whether it’s the revolving door at Alpha Tauri, the crumbling bromance at Alpine, or the high-stakes battle to avoid the bottom of the Constructors’ Championship, we’re unpacking all the rivalries, revelations, and red flags. Plus, we dive into Ferrari’s season of strategy struggles, Aston Martin’s rollercoaster resurgence, and the slow-burning uncertainty surrounding Lewis Hamilton’s future.

From Lance Stroll’s pain-fueled return to the grid to G...

In this episode of Reading the Grid, Erin and Inna take a deep dive into Netflix’s Drive to Survive Season 5, unpacking all the drama, controversy, and high-stakes action from the 2022 Formula 1 season. From team principal meltdowns and driver legacy battles to Ferrari’s strategic blunders and Red Bull’s cost cap scandal, we’re breaking down what really happened on and off the track.

Was this season more hype than substance? Did Netflix’s storytelling match reality? Which moments had us on the edge of our seats?

We’re covering Max Verstappen’s dominance, Mercedes’ stru...

Abu Dhabi 2021 is finally here! Erin and Inna break down Drive to Survive's take on the dramatic 2021 F1 season, from the intense Red Bull vs. Mercedes title fight to the controversial rule enforcement that shaped the championship. Erin delivers a passionate rant on the Abu Dhabi finale, while the duo also dives into Daniel Ricciardo’s McLaren struggles, a heartwarming Monza victory, and an unforgettable Hungarian Grand Prix moment. Plus, they revisit memorable quotes, speculate on the 2025 silly season, and analyze FIA’s team radio crackdown. Don’t miss this action-packed episode—subscribe now!

Episode Notes:

Welcom...

Erin and Inna break down one of the most unforgettable moments in Drive to Survive history—Romain Grosjean’s fiery Bahrain crash that cemented his legacy as “the man who walked out of the fire.” This pivotal episode sparked Erin’s love for Formula 1, and we dive into its impact on the sport.

We revisit the dramatic return of F1 after the 2020 Covid-19 shutdown, exploring controversies surrounding Mercedes, Ferrari, and Racing Point, plus the successful conclusions of various revenge arcs that resulted in unexpected wins; proving that it is never too late to find your inner bastard! We continu...

Buckle up, F1 fans! In this episode of Reading the Grid, Erin and Inna continue their deep dive into Drive to Survive, tackling the drama-filled Season 2. From Mercedes’ long-awaited appearance to Red Bull’s ruthless driver swaps and Ferrari’s internal power struggles, we’re breaking down the biggest storylines of the 2019 Formula 1 season.

We also explore the resilience of young drivers facing adversity, the most standout personalities of the season (yes, we’re looking at you, Toto Wolff), and the chaos of the Brazil Grand Prix. Plus, we shift gears to the origins of silly season—where F1’s w...

It is here! As promised, the long-awaited surprise guests from the grid are joining us for their (belated) but hilarious reactions to “F1 Grid Does Secret Santa 2024” in the inaugural edition of the POP Notes segment. But first… we go back to the very first season of Drive to Survive and our introduction to F1, which is memorable for many reasons (as we review in detail) and for which we must beg your indulgence as we take our time to cover it all. We examine how this DTS season (covering 2018 F1 season) is still relevant to the current action and te...

In this engaging episode of Reading the Grid, hosts Erin and Inna delve into Guenther Steiner's best-selling book, Surviving to Drive – A Year Inside Formula 1. The episode provides a deep dive into the book’s diary-style recount of the tumultuous 2022 F1 season.

The hosts explore Steiner’s candid insights into the sport, touching on team dynamics, driver qualities, and the challenges faced by team principals. They discuss Steiner's observations about the FIA's rule enforcement inconsistencies and his nuanced views on drivers, managers, and even fellow team principals. Throughout, Erin and Inna share their personal takes on Steiner's leader...

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Reading the Grid! Join Erin and Inna, two passionate Formula 1 fans, as they introduce their new podcast that merges their love for F1 and pop culture. In this episode, they share their personal journeys into the sport, the unique appeal of Formula 1, and their mission to create a welcoming space for fans of all levels. Whether you're a longtime fan or a Drive to Survive newbie, this is the pit stop for you.