Podcast Summary: Christiane Amanpour Presents: The Ex Files

Episode: Introducing: Up To Speed

Date: February 20, 2026
Host: Christiane Amanpour (Global)
Episode Purpose: Preview of "Up To Speed," a new Formula One podcast.

Episode Overview

This special installment of The Ex Files serves as a brief break from the podcast’s usual global affairs focus. Christiane Amanpour introduces listeners to “Up To Speed,” an upcoming podcast exploring the world of Formula One beyond the racetrack—from behind-the-scenes gossip to politics and game-changing personalities. The trailer for “Up To Speed” is played to highlight what listeners can expect from this new series.

Key Discussion Points

1. Introduction to "Up To Speed"

• Christiane Amanpour welcomes listeners, briefly describing the scope of the new podcast:

  "A new podcast looking at Formula One beyond the track, the personalities, the politics and the pressure shaping the sport."
  — [00:05]

• Invitation for listeners to check out the trailer and follow the new show.

2. The "Up To Speed" Formula One Podcast Trailer

The trailer provides a dynamic, multi-host overview promising listeners unrivaled access and excitement around the world of F1.
Key Hosts Introduced:

• Will Buxton: Motor racing broadcaster, delivers stories "behind the headlines."
• Naomi Schiff: Analyst and former racer, who will break down "what matters."
• David Coulthard: Multiple Grand Prix winner, providing the "inside track."
• Joanie Sharp: F1 content creator, with the "ear to the ground" for the latest gossip.

Trailer Highlights:

• F1 is described as “sports greatest soap opera” where “milliseconds make history.”
• Coverage extends beyond races to include rivalries, regulatory shakeups, and new teams.
• The promise of "blockbuster interviews" and "unfiltered race reactions."
• The team aims to answer quirky fan questions—e.g. “Do F1 drivers pass their driving test first time?” (Spoiler alert: “They don’t”).

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “What’s the most dramatic show on earth?... Forget Love Island, the Kardashians, even the Traitors. This is Formula One.”
  — Will Buxton and David Coulthard [00:26]

• “It's where milliseconds make history. It's sport's greatest soap opera.”
  — Naomi Schiff and Joanie Sharp [00:32]

• “And I'm Joanie Sharp, F1 content creator with my ear to the ground for the best gossip, rivalries, regulation shakeups, and a new team entering the grid this season. Anything could happen. The stakes have never been higher.”
  — Joanie Sharp [01:06]

• “Like, do F1 drivers pass their driving test first time? ... Spoiler. They don’t.”
  — Naomi Schiff and Will Buxton [01:27]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:05] Christiane Amanpour introduces the Up To Speed trailer.
• [00:26] Hosts introduce the energy and drama of Formula One.
• [00:49] The Up To Speed team lays out their roles and what they bring to the show.
• [01:11] Teasers for coverage: new teams, gossip, rivalry, high stakes.
• [01:27] Sample fan question and answer.
• [01:34] Call to action: “Open our free Global Player app and search Up To Speed.”
• [01:49] Closing.

Tone, Energy, and Style

The trailer is fast-paced, witty, and reflects the candid, energetic style of modern sports broadcasting. The interplay between the hosts offers a sense of camaraderie and inside knowledge, with humorous asides and insider anecdotes aimed at both hardcore fans and casual listeners.

Summary Takeaway

This episode serves as a lively, lighthearted detour from global geopolitics, acting as Christiane Amanpour’s personal endorsement for the new Formula One podcast. Up To Speed positions itself as the go-to destination for anyone wanting to dive deep into the personalities, politics, and unpredictable drama shaping the modern F1 scene—with humor and expertise from a diverse, knowledgeable team. The summary clarifies that although this is a trailer episode, it exemplifies the high production value and engaging storytelling expected from a Global Player original.