Watch the eight-part series that follows Aston Martin Aramco behind the scenes during the second half of the 2024 Formula 1 season.
In the longest season in F1 history, there has been plenty of action on track, but also plenty of work behind the scenes at the AMR Technology Campus.
We let the BBC join us at the heart of our operations during the final 10 races of 2024 to tell the story of our team’s preparation for the world’s fastest competition: Back to basics — How to go jogging. You will be accompanied by F1 experts Sarah Holt and Holly Samos and narrated by actor and motoring enthusiast Josh Hartnett.
Here are the episodes not to be missed…
Part 1 | A dream opportunity
Driving a car is second nature, it’s part of your body. It is a very special place and a privilege to be behind the wheel of these incredible machines.
Lance Stroll
Mike Krack gives a candid review of the season so far, while Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso tell us about their day-to-day lives as Formula 1 project manager, Guy Austin offers a VIP tour of the AMR technology campus and reveals what makes our new home truly revolutionary.
2nd part | Pencil project
In my time here, I’ve never seen this level of excitement about an announcement that we’ve made. But I’ve seen some people leave with a really big smile on their face, skipping in their step.
Lawrence Stroll, Executive Chairman
Because one of the biggest news in the paddock just broke, Back to base was the first to speak to Adrian Newey, giving him exclusive access to the AMR Technology Campus on the day of the big announcement. Find out the exact moment Lawrence spoke to staff to confirm the news.
Part 3 | Command Center
The layout of the buildings is in line with the production process, which is truly unique. We started with a blank sheet of paper and worked out the sequence of processes and what we wanted the F1 factory to look like.
Ben Fitzgerald, Chief Operating Officer
Development is everywhere during a Formula 1 season, but the process from paper to car is much longer than you might imagine. Director of Operations Ben Fitzgerald explains how new parts arrive on the car and how the layout of the AMR Technology Campus facilitates the process.
In addition, test and reserve driver Stoffel Vandoorne and simulator manager Iain Forbes Brown will focus on preparing for the final races of the season in the simulator.
4th part | The calm before the storm
We try to ensure that the race engineers communicating with the drivers have as much information as possible about the races that are happening around them.
Pete Hall, Head of Racing Strategy
As the on-track action continues, our race support team works at the AMR Technology Campus Command Center in conjunction with track engineers to get the most out of each race weekend. Have you ever wondered what goes on in that secret room? Back to base joined the team during the US Sprint Grand Prix weekend for live previews.
5th part | Echoes of the past
To perform well and be satisfied with what you do, you need a good environment. 400 races is a good number, but I think it will be more important when I stop running and look at all the stats.
Fernando Alonso
With an impressive Formula 1 career to date, Fernando Alonso has left his mark on the sport. He claims to have become the first driver to reach 400 Mexican Grand Prix starts Back to base about what this milestone means to him.
From an enduring link to inspiring the future of Formula 1, Back to base accompanied Pilot Ambassador Jessica Hawkins to the #GirlsWill event at Silverstone Museum to meet and inspire the next generation.
6th part | Full commitment
The strengths of this team have come to the fore as we pride ourselves on our preparedness and ability to handle any scenario that may arise.
Andy Stevenson, Sporting Director
The 2024 São Paulo Grand Prix was an unforgettable moment due to the calendar change and chaotic weather. But what was the experience like on the ground? Sporting director Andy Stevenson and race engineers Chris Cronin and Andrew Vizard highlight the heroic efforts of the entire team over the weekend.
7th part | Much more to lose
We learned a critical lesson about how close the danger is to the drivers in the car, so a lot of effort has since been put into helping them, both through the FIA and within the team.
Chris Cronin, Principal Engineer – Track
In the middle of the extreme heat in Qatar in 2023, the teams had to find a solution to keep the drivers in the cars cool. Hear race engineers Chris and Andrew explain what measures have been put in place for 2024, while Lance’s performance coach Henry Howe reveals how the rider prepares for the race in the heat.
8th part | The search for perfection
It is a statement of intent and a huge asset to our desire to be champions.
Ian Greig, Head of Aerodynamics
As the season draws to a close, the pursuit of perfection never stops. Back to base immerses you in one of the most sensitive areas of the AMR technology campus: the wind tunnel. Join Ian Greig, Head of Aerodynamics, for an enlightening insight into the sport’s most advanced wind tunnel.
Good to know
- Podcast Back to base Formula 1 is now available on BBC Sounds.
- Renowned F1 engineer Adrian Newey expressed his excitement at the new announcements during the episodes.
- Fernando Alonso reached the milestone of 400 starts, making him a pioneer in this discipline.
