The Business of Winning Podcast

In this episode of The Business of Winning, we sit down with former Formula 1 driver Martin Donnelly to explore one of the most extraordinary journeys in motorsport. From his racing roots in Belfast to fighting his way onto the Formula 1 grid, Martin reflects on the grit, ambition and sacrifice required to reach the top. He shares candid insight into the political realities of elite motorsport, th...

This week, we’re joined by Xevi Pujolar and Nash Mayuela. Xevi, best known for leading trackside operations at Sauber, lifts the lid on life on the pit wall: rapid-fire decision-making, pressure resilience, and the teamwork required to execute at the highest level of motorsport. Nash brings a complementary perspective, breaking down the behavioural science behind elite performance and how data-dri...

What can Formula 1 teach us about human performance, wellbeing and sustaining success under immense pressure? This week we are joined by CEO Annastiina Hintsa. The groundbreaking partnership between her father, Dr Aki Hintsa, and Mika Häkkinen sparked a movement that now sees Hintsa’s world-renowned coaches supporting more than 60% of today’s Formula 1 grid. Annastiina offers a rare inside look at...

What can Formula 1 teach us about engineering excellence, leadership and staying calm under pressure? Former FIA executive and F1 team leader Marcin Budkowski joins host Mark Gallagher to share insights from a career spent at the heart of the sport’s technical and safety evolution. From analysing the dramatic Gabriel Bortoleto crash in São Paulo to breaking down Max Verstappen’s remarkable consist...

What can Formula 1 teach us about life, work and winning? Former McLaren mechanic and Wheeler Dealers presenter Marc Priestley joins host Mark Gallagher to share lessons from his new book Pit Lane Lessons: What F1 Can Teach You About Life and Work. From the pressure of two-second pit stops to the relentless pursuit of perfection under Ron Dennis, Marc reveals how elite teams maintain motivation ac...

This week on The Business of Winning , we’re coming to you live from the Melbourne Grand Prix with Mark Gallagher and Guenther Steiner! Recorded after the first practice session of the 2025 season, Mark and Guenther dive into the early action on track, discussing the standout performances, team dynamics, and what the first session reveals about the competitive landscape this year. Guenther shares...

This week on The Business of Winning, we’re joined by Jennie Gow, an accomplished motorsport journalist and broadcaster with a unique perspective on Formula 1. Jennie shares her thoughts on the early stages of F1 testing, reflecting on the cars hitting the track and what fans should be watching for as the season unfolds. Mark and Jennie also discuss the buzz surrounding the F175 launch at O2, divi...

This week on The Business of Winning , we’re joined by Christian Klien, a former Formula 1 driver who raced for Jaguar and Red Bull Racing before building a successful career in sports car and GT racing. With a front-row seat to Red Bull’s rise from an underdog team to a dominant force, Christian shares his reflections on those early years, his relationship with team founder Dietrich Mateschitz, a...

This week on The Business of Winning , we’re joined by Neil Martin, a pioneer in Formula 1 race strategy and data analytics. Having worked with teams like McLaren, Ferrari, and Red Bull Racing, Neil played a key role in revolutionising how teams use data to gain a competitive edge. Beyond motorsport, Neil shares the business lessons leaders can take from F1’s data-driven approach—how real-time dec...

This week on The Business of Winning , we’re joined by Bradley Scanes, performance coach to World Champion Max Verstappen between 2019 and 2023, one of the team responsible for helping the Dutch ace to secure multiple titles. From his start in the NHS to working with world-class athletes on Harley Street and in the high-pressure environment of F1 pit lanes, Brad’s career journey is nothing short o...

This week on The Business of Winning, we’re joined by Jonathan Legard, a renowned Formula 1 commentator and journalist with decades of experience covering the pinnacle of motorsport. Jonathan offers his expert analysis on the standout stories of the 2024 season and the key developments shaping the sport’s future, alongside host Mark Gallagher. Performance Insights specialises in bringing impactful...

Part 1 - This week on The Business of Winning , we’re joined by Otmar Szafnauer, one of the most experienced and influential leaders in Formula 1. With over three decades in motorsport, Otmar shares his insights on the evolution of team leadership, organisational culture, and the business dynamics that keep F1 at the forefront of global sports. In this episode, Otmar discusses the standout moments...

Part 2 - This week on The Business of Winning , we’re joined by Otmar Szafnauer, one of the most experienced and influential leaders in Formula 1. With over three decades in motorsport, Otmar shares his insights on the evolution of team leadership, organisational culture, and the business dynamics that keep F1 at the forefront of global sports. In this episode, Otmar discusses the standout moments...

This week, we’re joined by Claire Ritchie, a leading figure in motorsport business and commercial partnerships. Claire shares her journey from working at Nortel to founding SQN, a company with over 20 years of success in motorsport, including key partnerships in Formula 1. She also discusses her role at Revolution, the company’s impact on F1, and the importance of diversity in the industry. Claire...

This week, we’re joined by Professor Raymond Boyle, a renowned expert in sports media, whose research has shaped the way we understand the intersection of sports and broadcasting. In this episode, Professor Boyle delves into his new book, Streaming the Formula 1 Rivalry: Sport and the Media in the Platform Age, unpacking the impact of digital platforms on Formula 1 and the sport’s media evolution....

This week, we’re joined by Ruth Buscombe, a leading race strategist in Formula 1, known for her work with teams like Ferrari, Haas, and Alfa Romeo. In this episode, Ruth shares her unique insights into the 2024 F1 season, the intense rivalry at McLaren, and the development challenges Red Bull faces. With guest host Toby Moody stepping in for Mark Gallagher, Ruth reflects on her career journey, the...

Julien Simon-Chautemps This week we are joined by Julien Simon-Chautemps, the engineering mastermind behind some of Formula 1’s most thrilling moments. With over 14 seasons, 265 Grands Prix, and a championship-winning partnership with Kimi Räikkönen, Julien’s expertise in F1 data analysis, strategy, and teamwork sets him apart. Tune in with our host Mark Gallagher for behind-the-scenes stories and...

This week, we are excited to welcome Toby Moody as our guest on the podcast. Toby brings a wealth of insight from his experience as a seasoned motorsport commentator and former lead commentator for MotoGP broadcasts.  Tune in with our hosts Diana Binks and Mark Gallagher for behind-the-scenes stories and insights into high-performance leadership, teamwork, innovation, risk management, safety and t...

In this episode, we are delighted to welcome Günther Steiner. Günthers tenure as Haas F1 team principal has left an indelible mark on the sport. Join hosts Diana Binks and Mark Gallagher as they explore the triumphs and challenges of Günthers leadership as well as exploring his thoughts as the 2024 F1 season gets underway.  Tune into behind-the-scenes stories and insights of high-performance leade...

In this episode we welcome Paddy Lowe, one of Formula 1’s most successful technical directors, having led the technical team at McLaren and then joining Mercedes to help deliver those remarkable championship successes when Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg were teammates.  Paddy Lowe is one of the most respected, award-winning engineers in Formula 1, today he has also reinvented himself as an entrep...

This week we are joined by Matt Bishop, former Chief Communications Officer for both the McLaren and Aston Martin Formula 1 teams. Matt is a founder ambassador of Racing Pride, which was set up to promote LGBTQ+ inclusivity within the motorsport industry.  Tune in with our hosts Diana Binks and Mark Gallagher for behind-the-scenes stories and insights into high-performance leadership, teamwork, in...

In this episode, we welcome Karun Chandhok, one of only two Indian F1 drivers – and now a Sky Sports commentator. Karun is a member of Motorsport UK’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee and sits on its Racial Diversity Sub-Committee. As a member of the FIA Drivers’ Commission, he is an advocate for the rights and views of drivers across the world.  Tune in with our hosts Diana Binks and M...

This week, we are thrilled to have Nicole Bearne as our guest on the podcast. Nicole brings a wealth of knowledge from her roles as a leading communications expert and former Head of Internal Communications at the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team.  Tune in with our hosts Diana Binks and Mark Gallagher for behind-the-scenes stories and insights into high-performance leadership, teamwork, inno...

This week we are excited to be joined by Marc ‘Elvis’ Priestley, former race mechanic for McLaren F1 team. Marc has worked with an impressive list of drivers including many World Champions such as Mika Hakkinen, Fernando Alonso, Kimi Raikkonen, Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton.  Tune in with our hosts Diana Binks and Mark Gallagher for behind-the-scenes stories and insights into high-performance l...

In our latest episode, we're thrilled to have the legendary two-time Formula 1 World Champion, Mika Hakkinen. Our hosts Diana Binks and Mark Gallagher delve into stories and business insights from Hakkinen's iconic Formula 1 journey.  Tune into behind-the-scenes stories and insights of high-performance leadership, teamwork, innovation, risk management, safety and technology - all drawn f...