Unconventional Formula Podcast at the University of Pécs

What truly makes the world of Formula One exciting are the intrigues and decisions unfolding behind the scenes – aspects only few fully understand. Yet there are credible, ethical journalists and correspondents who have long helped bring insight into the paddock, the closed area behind the team garages. Among them are the staff members of Formula.hu magazine, who, through their entertaining and informative podcast episodes, regularly deliver the latest, most accessible information to the wider public – always with a touch of informality and humour. Their latest “episode” took place in the form of a roundtable discussion held on 13 November in the Zoltán Bachman Lecture Hall of the Szentágothai Research Centre at the University of Pécs.

Dr Gergő Gellérfi, motorsport journalist and university lecturer; Tamás Gobodics, F1 and rally journalist and editor-in-chief of Formula Magazine; and Sándor Mészáros, Formula.hu’s travelling correspondent who has covered more than 160 Grands Prix, hardly need an introduction – their track records speak for themselves. Mészáros is the only Hungarian journalist to hold a permanent FIA accreditation, which for several years has allowed him to attend and record material at any race weekend within a given season. Their very presence as a trustworthy F1 news hub is acknowledged by several international bodies, with all the advantages and drawbacks this entails.

After short introductions, the discussion began, touching on how F1 news is born and the challenges of working with the international press – supported by Sándor Mészáros’s entertaining anecdotes. For instance, when Valtteri Bottas transferred from Mercedes to Alfa Romeo, the veteran correspondent discovered the story through a manager of another, unnamed driver, who leaked that Bottas had already secured the coveted seat – an act of personal satisfaction towards the team. Another example was when he uncovered early hints about Malaysia’s potential return to Formula One by striking up a casual conversation with a member of the Asian delegation and asking about his badge, in a manner worthy of a seasoned spy. Such tips are immediately reported back to his colleagues, who then prepare material after internal consultation. Dr Gergő Gellérfi revealed that major stories sometimes emerge at the most unexpected moments – such as Lewis Hamilton’s famous transfer announced on 1 February 2024, for which their accredited correspondent had simply messaged them: “something’s up”.

Of course, not all stories can be published; sometimes this is a matter of honour, while in the worst cases they could lead to legal disputes. Even so, every unpublished story is just as important to the team as those that reach print. The 2024 Horner case was one such example: the editorial office received an eight-page letter from abroad warning them that their possession of certain information was known and threatening legal action. From then on, they were taken more seriously: “now the information comes after us”, as Sándor Mészáros remarked.

After the engaging discussion, the audience had the opportunity to pose informal questions. These ranged from the most promising young drivers and the influencer phenomenon in the paddock, to a remarkable interview conducted with the lead singer of AC/DC – a topic branching well beyond the world of Formula One.

Overall, the roundtable provided not only a shared experience for Formula fans, but also valuable guidance for aspiring journalists. Through the many stories, a set of values and skills emerged that may prove essential for future members of the press.