F1: Behind the Scenes with Bearman, Antonelli, and the 2026 Revolution

The 2025 Formula 1 season concluded with a glimpse behind the curtain, offering insights into the lives of rookie drivers Oliver Bearman and Kimi Antonelli, as well as the intense preparations underway for the sport’s significant technical overhaul in 2026. A recent production, “F1: Back at Base,” provides a look at the challenges and triumphs experienced by these young talents and the engineering feats driving the next era of racing.

Rookie Reflections: Bearman and Antonelli

Oliver Bearman, driving for Haas F1 Team, and Kimi Antonelli, with Mercedes, both navigated their first seasons in Formula 1. The series documented their experiences, from the pressures of competition to the learning curves inherent in adapting to the pinnacle of motorsport. Antonelli, in particular, experienced a “redemption” drive at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, finishing on the podium after starting from the rear of the field Formula 1.

Bearman faced scrutiny following the Qatar Grand Prix, sparking a wave of online abuse. Fellow drivers, including Bearman himself, condemned the negativity directed towards Antonelli, labeling the perpetrators as unacceptable Yahoo Sports.

Las Vegas Grand Prix: A Challenging Circuit

The Las Vegas Grand Prix proved to be a unique challenge for drivers. Bearman described the circuit as “sketchy” and the “least enjoyable street track” he’s driven, citing low grip levels and a high track evolution Motorsport.com. The 2025 race results showed Antonelli finishing fourth, while Bearman secured a fifth-place finish F1 Las Vegas GP.

Preparing for 2026: A Modern Era for Formula 1

While the 2025 season concluded, teams were already heavily invested in developing cars for the 2026 season, which will feature a new set of technical regulations. Mercedes provided a guided tour of its factory, showcasing the intense work being done to reimagine their car for the upcoming changes. The pressure is too mounting for Cadillac as they prepare for their debut on the grid, with less than 100 days remaining before their entry into Formula 1.

Engineering Expertise: Bono and the Next Generation

The series also highlighted the dynamic between drivers and their race engineers. Kimi Antonelli’s engineer, Pete Bonnington (known as Bono), previously worked with seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton. The program explored how the experience of working with a seasoned champion compares to guiding a rookie like Antonelli through his first season.

“F1: Back at Base” is an IMG Production for the BBC, hosted by Rosamund Pike, with Sarah Holt and Holly Samos serving as co-hosts and executive producers.