The latest series of the “Box Box Box” vodcast, created by Pirelli and hosted by journalist Tom Clarkson, offers an extensive preview of the 2026 Formula 1 season. Recorded throughout the past year and divided into three episodes, the vodcast provides an insightful look into the sport’s leading figures before the first race takes place in Melbourne. The spotlight starts with an engaging interview featuring the four-time world champion, Max Verstappen, who discusses his career and his ongoing involvement in motor racing.
Verstappen Shares Insights on Continuous Improvement and Mentoring
In the opening episode, Max Verstappen delves into his relentless pursuit of excellence, not only as a driver for Red Bull but also as a mentor to younger talents in his driver academy. He explains the mindset he instills in emerging racers:
“I try to tell them that even if they feel happy with themselves and they had a good weekend, you always have to look at things that you can do better. Even if I win an F1 race, I always ask myself whether any change could have made a difference. You never stop learning. You always want to be better, basically.”
Drivers Reflect on the Thrill and Challenge of Racing
Alongside Verstappen, Tom Clarkson interviews Alpine driver Pierre Gasly and Mercedes’ young talent, Kimi Antonelli. Gasly expresses why Formula 1 captivates him so strongly:
“It’s the adrenaline you get behind the wheel. There is nothing that beats the feeling of going at such speeds, so close to the ground, being at the absolute limits of a race car. And the focus it takes. When the lights go out for an hour and a half, you think of nothing else. The concentration is so high that it really almost transports you into a different dimension.”
Antonelli shares his first experience in an F1 car with enthusiasm:
“I absolutely loved it. I remember I had goosebumps. I was shaking. Just, you know, by feeling the power, the downforce of the car. It was such a cool experience.”
He also reveals a superstitious side, noting,
“I have my routine. Before jumping into the car, I always do the same exercises, in the same order, to warm up. I listen to the same music, same order as well, and even when I get into the car, I always jump in from the same side.”
Exploring Sport, Passion, and Safety Through Expert Perspectives
The episode extends beyond the drivers, featuring conversations with team principals Fred Vasseur of Scuderia Ferrari and Ayao Komatsu from Haas. Additionally, Aldo Costa, currently Technical Director at Dallara and formerly holding the same role at Ferrari and Mercedes, discusses his extensive career and the technical evolution within the sport. These interviews highlight the intertwined themes of passion for racing, the importance of safety, and the continuous innovation that shapes Formula 1.
Upcoming Episodes to Cover Wider Themes in Formula 1
The remaining episodes in the “Box Box Box” series will address broader topics such as business strategies, travel challenges, the impact of change, and the responsibilities carried by those involved in Formula 1. Future interviews will include prominent names like Charles Leclerc from Scuderia Ferrari, McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso, and Audi F1’s Gabriel Bortoleto, painting a comprehensive picture of the sport’s landscape as the new season approaches.
