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1. Rivals Awaken

Lewis Hamilton stuns with his F1 debut, igniting a historic rivalry with teammate Fernando Alonso. Meanwhile, an ill-advised errand is about to change the sport forever.

Excitement is in the air as the 2007 Formula 1 season gets underway. There’s a feeling that the World Championship is anyone’s for the taking. Michael Schumacher might have just retired, but Italian icon Ferrari is looking fierce and British powerhouse McLaren isn’t looking too shabby either. Under the guidance of legendary team boss Ron Dennis, the team looks like a strong contender once more with a fast car, driven by reigning world champion Fernando Alonso no less. But when their second driver - an unknown rookie called Lewis Hamilton - outperforms all expectations, it upsets the apple cart in ways that no-one can imagine. Meanwhile, in a photocopy shop in sleepy Surrey, a customer comes in to copy a package of documents that will change Formula 1 forever.

Co-host and script consultant: Sarah Holt

Producers: Matt Nielson and Rosie Stopher

Sound design: Alex Portfelix

Showrunner: Sarah Stolarz

Any questions about this podcast: spygate@bbc.co.uk

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36 minutes

Broadcasts

  • Boxing Day 2022 23:00
  • Sun 12 Mar 2023 12:00

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