大象传媒

The McLaren and Aston Martin Formula 1 teams are preparing for a 鈥淪uper Sunday鈥� in Brazil. For just the sixth time in the sport鈥檚 history, both qualifying and the race are taking place on the same day. Stormy weather is testing the teams鈥� resources and resolve at the Interlagos Circuit, home to the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. The teams and drivers arrive at the track at the crack of dawn, ready to think on their feet in a marathon day ahead.

After a well-orchestrated performance in Saturday鈥檚 Sprint Race, Championship contenders McLaren are looking to seize advantage on Sunday. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri know they must work together to claim maximum points for the team. At Aston Martin, Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll sense an opportunity in the wet. All the drivers know that rain can level the playing field at any grand prix, and this weekend is no different.

It鈥檚 the Monday after the race before. Brazil鈥檚 historic Interlagos circuit staged another epic grand prix, and one which may prove pivotal in McLaren鈥檚 hunt for both World titles. Now, it鈥檚 time for the Aston Martin and McLaren teams to return to their factories. Back at base, they can analyse their performance with the bulk of the team who don鈥檛 travel to the races.

Aston Martin race engineers Chris Cronin and Andrew Vizard explain how vital the factory debriefs are to understanding what went right - or wrong - after every race, and how to take the learnings into the next event. Drivers Stroll and Alonso may be taking time to recuperate after an epic race weekend but they stay in touch with their engineers and work going on back at base.

At McLaren, team boss Andrea Stella is making it his mission to create a winning culture at the factory, as well as at the track. The Italian is only in his second season as team principal but has driven the team into title contention. Back at base, he shares some of the secrets to his success so far.

Aston Martin are also plotting a renaissance under new Group CEO Andy Cowell. Our guides Sarah Holt and Holly Samos are given a VIP pass to join the workforce assembled at the heart of the factory as Cowell makes his first address to the team.

While Aston Martin are looking to the future, McLaren must focus on the present. This is a team who has won multiple World titles. Now the factory is fixed on ending the 26-year wait for the next Constructors鈥� crown and they are determined to protect their lead over rivals Ferrari and Red Bull. British star Lando Norris hasn鈥檛 given up his hopes of reeling in reigning champion Max Verstappen in the drivers鈥� standings. With three races left to go in the 2024 season, there is still all to play for.

F1:Back at Base is narrated by Josh Hartnett. It is created and produced by Sarah Holt and Holly Samos and is an IMG Production for the 大象传媒.