Calum Nicholas on the 'Real Max Verstappen' & Lewis Hamilton's F1 Legacy (E328)
The High Performance Podcast
High Performance
4.8 • 4.7K Ratings
🗓️ 13 February 2025
⏱️ 61 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
Calum Nicholas is a key figure in the world of Formula 1, working as a senior mechanic for Red Bull Racing. With years of experience in the sport, he’s been at the heart of some of the most intense moments in recent F1 history, playing a crucial role in shaping championship-winning moments.
In this episode, Jake talks with Calum about what makes Max Verstappen such a rare talent and how Red Bull recognised his potential long before he became a world champion. Calum shares what it’s like working with Max, the dedication he brings to his craft, and the culture within Red Bull that keeps them at the top.
He also takes a deep dive into the unforgettable 2021 season, reflecting on the pressures, the mental battles, and the rollercoaster ride that led to Red Bull reclaiming the title. From rebuilding behind the scenes to dealing with self-doubt, Calum gives a rare glimpse into the realities of competing at the highest level.
Beyond the racing world, Calum touches on diversity in motorsport, the legacy of Lewis Hamilton, and offers valuable advice for anyone dreaming of a career in F1, no matter their background.
Life in the Pitlane: My Journey to the Heart of F1 by Calum Nicholas is now available for pre-order in hardback, audio, and eBook: https://geni.us/LifeInThePitlane
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Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | We're proud to introduce Untapped, a brand new podcast by High Performance, |
| 0:04.0 | hosted by Spencer Matthews and Jake Quickenden. |
| 0:06.6 | Listen now and discover your untapped potential. |
| 0:11.3 | Max will do absolutely anything required to win. |
| 0:15.1 | It's limitless in that. |
| 0:16.1 | It doesn't matter what's asked of him, |
| 0:17.8 | it will work towards making it happen. |
| 0:19.5 | I block everything else out. From that |
| 0:21.8 | point on, once I'm there and I'm on my knees and I see the car coming towards me, all I'm looking at |
| 0:26.2 | is the centre of that real wheel. You are going to suffer knockbacks. It is not going to be something |
| 0:31.0 | that just falls into your lap and is going to be easy. But if you are resilient and you're willing to |
| 0:34.9 | carry on and keep pushing, that first opportunity will present itself. |
| 0:39.8 | That is Callum Nicholas, the Red Bull Mechanic who's become a well-known face among Formula One fans. |
| 0:45.0 | And you're about to go inside one of the most successful F1 teams on the grid. |
| 0:49.4 | What separates Max Verstappan from the rest? |
| 0:51.7 | Why is it so hard to be his teammate? |
| 0:53.4 | How did it feel being on the |
| 0:55.2 | inside of that 2021 title controversy and how do Red Bull pull together to perform when it matters most? |
| 1:02.9 | Let's get the truth about life in Formula One with Red Bull's Callum Nicholas. |
| 1:11.9 | Callum, welcome to high performance. |
| 1:13.6 | Thank you for having me. |
| 1:14.5 | Well, look, we're talking after another high performing season |
... |
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