Fuelling Around podcast: Lee McKenzie on what F1 drivers are really like and her views on Formula E

On the podcast this week is reporter and Formula One, W Series and Wimbledon presenter Lee McKenzie, as she discusses her new book and what F1 drivers are really like in the paddock.

McKenzie, who has been on TV screens for well over a decade, is one of the most infamous motorsport presenters, having fronted shows for Sky Sports, BBC, Channel 4 and many others.

The 45-year-old reveals stories from her new book, Inside F1, featuring some of the greatest ever F1 drivers including Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa.

Lee McKenzie on the difference between Formula 1 and Formula E

Elsewhere on the podcast, McKenzie discusses what she feels is the main difference between Formula 1 and Formula E, and why she just can’t take to the latter despite having friends in the series.

“I love motorsport,” explains McKenzie. “I watch all forms of motorsport, it doesn’t really matter what’s on, I get excited about what it is. And I dip in and out every year, and I will watch Formula E.

“I’ve got friends who race in it, I’ve got friends who commentate on it, I know the teams, I know the drivers, and I still can’t quite get as excited about it as I would a Formula 1 race. And I don’t know why that is, and I’m hoping that I’m wrong.”

BTCC legend Plato interrupts to state he believes it’s due to the sport’s lack of sound, due to the electric engines used, and McKenzie agrees. “I know they can cheat it and mask it, and it’s the same as other road cars as well.

“But when you can hear a car coming, or the growl of the car, it’s great. I remember the first time I went to F1, was mid-90s, and when they were starting them up, the ground was shaking underneath you.

“I sometimes wonder if the future of automotive is electric and we were coming up with our ideal Formula 1 Championship, does it still have a responsibility to the automotive industry? Could it not just go back to being dirty and noisy and blood coming out of your ears? But I don’t think in the world in which we live, that would be allowed anymore. With social consciousness now, you can’t do that.”