How Max Verstappen has become a ‘complete driver’ - Former Red Bull F1 mechanic Calum Nicholas

How Max Verstappen has become a ‘complete driver’ - Former Red Bull F1 mechanic Calum Nicholas

From The Inside Track by BBC Studios

November 21, 2025 · 29 min · Season 1 · Episode 43

About this episode

Calum Nicholas discusses Max Verstappen's evolution as a driver and shares insights from his time at Red Bull Racing.

Calum Nicholas, Red Bull team ambassador, tells Matt Majendie why he thinks Max Verstappen is the best driver on the grid in 2025. Calum also discusses his time behind the scenes at Red Bull, including the 2021 Championship Season win, what he learned over ten years in his role, and how the culture within the team breeds success. Also in this episode: Calum’s struggle with leaving work behind Max’s personal character and being a ‘great human’ Calum’s mission to diversify the F1 workforce Laurent Mekies Vs Christian Horner Calum’s experience writing his book: Life in the Pit Lane Will Max stay at RB beyond 2026? Why Red Bull’s powertrain shift for 2026 is a bold strategy Don’t forget to subscribe for exclusive F1 insights, race recaps, and all the gossip from inside the paddock. - For the entire season Matt Majendie and Rick Edwards are embedded with Max Verstappen and the Red Bull Racing Formula 1 team. Matt will be in the pits and in the garage, with the drivers and in the factory, at the debriefs and the strategy session. Get involved with the show! Email us: theinsidetrack@bbc.com Follow us on social media: Instagram…

People in this episode

Host: Matt Majendie

Guest: Calum Nicholas

Topics covered

  • Formula 1
  • Max Verstappen
  • Red Bull Racing
  • F1 workforce diversity
  • 2021 Championship Season
  • team culture
  • Calum Nicholas

Keywords

  • Max Verstappen
  • Calum Nicholas
  • Red Bull
  • F1
  • 2021 Championship
  • diversity
  • pit lane
  • powertrain shift
  • Christian Horner

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Red Bull, BBC Studios

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