David Coulthard Launches New F1 Podcast After Honouring Eddie Jordan
Formula 1 legend David Coulthard has made a triumphant return to the podcasting arena, joining a fresh four-person hosting team for Global's innovative new venture, Up To Speed. This move comes after Coulthard respectfully concluded his previous podcast, Formula For Success, which he co-hosted with the late, revered broadcaster and former team owner Eddie Jordan, who passed away in March last year at the age of 76.
A Tribute to a Cherished Partnership
Coulthard, a 13-time Grand Prix winner, explained that Formula For Success was brought to a close "out of respect for Eddie and the fun that we had". The podcast had reached a milestone of 100 episodes before Jordan's death, leaving a void in the F1 podcasting landscape. Coulthard reflected on their dynamic, noting a "love-hate relationship" with Jordan, but emphasised how the experience gave him insight into engaging with diverse audiences beyond traditional television viewership.
The New Up To Speed Podcast Lineup
The new fortnightly programme, Up To Speed, features Coulthard alongside a stellar cast of motorsport personalities:
- Will Buxton: Former F1 TV host and current star of Netflix's Drive to Survive, who recently took a lead commentary role in IndyCar.
- Naomi Schiff: Sky Sports pundit and respected figure in the racing community.
- Jolie Sharpe: Social media content creator known for her ability to connect with contemporary sports audiences.
Buxton expressed enthusiasm for the project, highlighting the opportunity to collaborate with familiar faces like Coulthard and Schiff, while getting to know Sharpe. He remarked on the joy of returning to F1 fandom with "childlike eyes" after years in the paddock.
Embracing the 2026 F1 Season Changes
The podcast launches as Formula 1 enters the 2026 season, marked by significant regulatory changes that promise to reshuffle the grid order. Buxton pointed out the uncertainty, stating, "Until you hit the track in Australia for that opening race of the season, none of us know. None of the teams really know." He described it as a "clean sheet of paper" for everyone, with drivers and teams relearning their approaches due to new car and engine specifications.
Sharpe, though less familiar to traditional motorsport fans, brings a fresh perspective, boasting a substantial social media following. She humorously noted the surprise of working with "these two idiots"—Coulthard and Buxton—and emphasised the genuine rapport among the hosts, which she believes will translate into engaging content for listeners.
A Passion Project for Coulthard
For Coulthard, podcasting has evolved into a passion project. He shared that his initial foray with Formula For Success allowed him to "grow to love" the format, appreciating the chance to interact with a broader audience. With Up To Speed, he aims to "talk to an audience in a different way", reflecting Formula 1's expanding global appeal.
The podcast is set to release episodes on Mondays and Thursdays, available across all major podcast platforms. As the 2026 season unfolds with its anticipated drama and surprises, Up To Speed promises to inform, educate, and entertain F1 enthusiasts worldwide, blending expert analysis with the infectious enthusiasm of its diverse hosting team.
