Driven By Us

World Champions 2025 Special - Welcoming Louise McEwen is Chief Marketing Officer at McLaren Racing, where she leads the global brand narrative, visual identity and commercial strategy for the team’s racing operations. 

But beyond branding and sponsorships, Louise is a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion across motorsport. As part of McLaren’s pioneering inclusion efforts, she’s helped drive the creation of McLaren Next & Engaged Programmes to open up motorsport and STEM-related careers to under-represented and under-privileged groups. 

Louise consistently emphasises that opportunities in motorsport shouldn’t be limited to the cockp...

Stephanie Travers is a trailblazing engineer and leader in motorsport, currently serving as the Senior Impact Manager at Mission 44, the charitable foundation created by Sir Lewis Hamilton to foster a more inclusive education system and empower underserved communities.

She also held leadership roles with Team X44, Hamilton’s Extreme E team, including Deputy Team Principal, and previously served as an Associate Sporting Director.

Beginning her career with a strong academic foundation in chemical engineering (BEng from the University of Bradford, MSc from Imperial College London), Stephanie held early roles in asset management at BASF be...

Denzel Manyande, an accomplished freelance consultant who specializes in operations and logistics. Denzel has built a reputation for transforming ideas into reality with precision whether it’s through event management, project delivery, or supply chain execution. His hands-on, detail-oriented approach makes him a trusted partner for organizations looking to deliver flawlessly from design all the way through to execution.

Denzel’s expertise covers three key areas

Operational Strategy and Management—he develops KPI-driven frameworks, coordinates suppliers and venues, plans delivery routes, and ensures seamless security and communication throughout.

Project and Event...

This week we're reflecting with Formula E - Live from The London E-Prix with Raphaella Gordon‑Saker is a Senior Sustainability & Social Impact Manager on the sustainability team at Formula E, the world’s premier all-electric racing series Formula E, Raffy leads strategic initiatives that empower communities, champion diversity and inclusion, and ensure sustainable legacies in host cities through sport.

Raphaella plays a pivotal role in adapting the FIA’s global Girls on Track programme for Formula E races. She coordinates immersive workshops, behind‑the‑scenes race experiences, mentoring sessions, and partnerships with schools and charities to engage y...

Jahee Campbell-Brennan is a motorsport engineer and entrepreneur known for his innovative work in both motorsport and automotive engineering.

After graduating with a Master’s in Automotive Engineering, he began his career in high-volume vehicle development at Ford, before going on to found Wavey Dynamics, a consultancy specialising in vehicle dynamics, aerodynamics, and engineering design for high-performance automotive and motorsport applications. Through the consultancy, he has delivered projects for leading manufacturers including McLaren Automotive, contributing to the design and development of next-generation hypercars.

Jahee is also part of the electric team at One...

Today’s guest is David Manuwa, a rising talent in motorsport engineering, a race winning, Race Engineer in British F4 with Chris Dittmann Racing (CDR).

David’s journey into the world of motorsport began behind the wheel, where he made his mark as the 2013 Bayford Meadows Cadet Champion and later became the 2022 British University Karting Champion while studying Motorsport Engineering at Coventry University, from which he graduated in 2023.

Alongside his studies, David was mentored through the AFBE-UK programme in collaboration with Mercedes AMG F1 Team by James Dornor, he also competed in the...

Yohanes Scarlett is a seasoned Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) expert, currently serving as the Policy and Research Advisor for Diversity and Inclusion at the Royal Academy of Engineering. His passion for social justice was kindled early on, shaped by his volunteer work at youth clubs, where he listened to and supported young people facing systemic inequalities. This foundation has deeply influenced his commitment to building more inclusive engineering environments Royal Academy of Engineering

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In his role at the Academy, Yohanes oversees a robust and action-oriented EDI research programme dedicated to exploring representation and structural...

Sorsha Elson is carving out her place in the fast-paced world of Formula 1 as the first female Mechanical Engineering Apprentice. Her story stands out because she didn’t follow the traditional path into motorsport. In fact, her first career was as a flight attendant, where conversations with pilots and engineers sparked her curiosity about how complex machines operate. That spark quickly grew into a passion, leading her to take the leap into engineering.

Sorsha gained the confidence and opportunities she needed to pursue her ambitions. Now, with Formula 1, she works on the Event Technical Centre, playing a...

James Sherwood-Smith is a seasoned British presenter and producer with a dynamic career spanning television, live events, and digital media. His work encompasses sectors such as motorsport, technology, and youth engagement

James began his television career in 2007 as a film reporter, where he interviewed celebrities like Will Smith and Idris Elba. His engaging presence led to a nomination for the 2008 Channel 4 New Talent Award. In 2010, he created and produced the entertainment segment "AFROBUZZ," covering major events such as the Wireless Festival and the MOBO Tour, and conducting interviews with artists like Alicia Keys and Kevin Hart.<...

We're joined by Bianca Bustamante one of the most exciting young talents in international motorsport, blazing a trail and doing it her own way!

At just 19 years old, Bianca has already made history as a trailblazing Filipino racing driver, competing at the highest levels of junior single-seaters. She rose to prominence in the inaugural F1 Academy, where she showcased her speed, resilience, and determination, and this year she’s taken on a new challenge in the GB3 Championship – proving herself against some of the most competitive young drivers in Europe.

On top of that...

British GP Special! - Driven By Us Community kicked off the Silverstone GP in full force at the Drivers Inn Stage, highlighting the power of community, connection, and inclusion in motorsport 💜

We were thrilled to welcome so many passionate fans, allies, and changemakers to our Community Hub from all walks of life to a vibrant space created for conversation, collaboration, and celebration of inspiring voices in racing. 🏁✨

From inspiring panel discussions to heartfelt meet-and-greets, it was incredible to see so many attendees both familiar faces and new supporters come together to share stories, ideas, a...

The 2nd anniversary celebration of F1 Arcade brought together a distinguished panel of voices from across the motorsport industry for a special live podcast-style event. Hosted by Cayana Freeman, the discussion cantered on journeys, diversity, community engagement, and the evolving fan culture within Formula 1. The event served not only as a milestone for F1 Arcade but also as a platform for thought-provoking conversation and inspiration.

Ariana Bravo, a respected F1 presenter and broadcaster, shared her experiences navigating the fast-paced world of Formula 1 media. She spoke about the growing role of inclusion within the paddock and how...

Bella James is a British motorsport content creator and presenter known for her sharp wit and engaging interviews. With a background in Business and a dissertation focused on the barriers women face in Formula 1, she brings both academic insight and a fresh perspective to the sport.

Bella has collaborated with platforms like WTF1, conducted interviews with drivers such as Daniel Ricciardo and Oliver Bearman, and engaged with team principals like Christian Horner on the F1 Red Carpet!

Her content spans TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, where she shares behind-the-scenes glimpses from events like the...

With a dynamic career that spans the worlds of entertainment and elite motorsport, Emma Walsh brings a truly unique voice to the industry.

Originally from Cape Town and now based in London, Emma began her journey as a professional dancer, singer, and stunt performer — including a role in the West End production of Grease The Musical.

Never one to sit on the sidelines, she holds a race licence and has competed in the Mini Challenge UK. Her on-track experience, love for cars, and stunt background led to hosting the Autosport Live Action Arena Sh...

Isi Browning is a dynamic motorsport presenter and commentator, the lead commentator for F1 Kids, Formula 1’s youth-focused broadcast initiative.

She made her F1 debut at the Monaco Grand Prix, leading the broadcast for F1 Kids and bringing energy and clarity to motorsport coverage for younger audiences.

Isi has presented and reported across various motorsport events, including pitlane reporting and commentary roles. She has also worked with ITV and other sports broadcasters, showcasing her versatility across different sporting disciplines.

Represented by Loudspeaker Talent Agency, Isi continues to expand her presence in...

Katrina Ee is a 15-year-old Malaysian-Hong Kong racing driver making her car racing debut in the 2025 Ginetta Junior Championship with Tim Gray Motorsport.

A four-time Asian karting champion, she has competed across the IAME Asia Series, Rotax Max Challenge Asia, and ROK Cup Asia.  

In 2024, Katrina was selected as one of six drivers in the inaugural cohort of the More than Equal Driver Development Programme, founded by David Coulthard. This initiative provides comprehensive support including physical training, nutrition, psychology, and driver coaching to help talented female drivers reach elite levels of motorsport

Kyan Francis is a content creator and presenter known for his engaging blend of humour and insightful analysis.

With over 120,000 followers on Instagram, he has captivated audiences by covering events like the British Grand Prix and the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

A graduate in sport science and coaching from Nottingham Trent University, Kyan has collaborated with brands such as F1 Arcade and Topps. He’s also interviewed prominent figures in motorsport, including Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari’s HQ, and attended his first Formula E race with DS Automobiles UK at the London E-Prix

Billy Jeans is a British motorsport engineer currently serving as a Trackside Power Unit Engineer at Red Bull Racing.

He joined the team in 2024, just after the summer shutdown, and quickly became an integral part of their championship-winning season. With only two days to prepare before his first race, Billy embraced the challenges of Formula 1, contributing to Red Bull’s success. 

Before his tenure at Red Bull, Billy gained valuable experience at Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains. He began with a 12-month placement in 2015, working on the Energy Recovery System (ERS) build, and lat...

Amber Jones is a motorsport presenter, media trainer, and diversity advocate, returning as a guest after co-hosting Season 1 of the Driven By Us podcast.

She’s presented for top motorsport platforms including WTF1, GT Cup Championship, Ferrari Challenge UK, and Daytona Motorsport, covering circuits like Silverstone and Brands Hatch.

In 2024, she was part of the presenting team for the Ferrari HP Esports Series Grand Final in Abu Dhabi.

Amber also leads media training workshops for young drivers, notably with the More than Equal program, helping female athletes build confidence and au...

George Imafidon MBE is a humanitarian engineer, entrepreneur, and advocate for diversity in STEM. Raised in Peckham, South London, George co-founded and leads Motivez, an award-winning organisation that has empowered over 9,000 underserved young people in the UK to access STEM opportunities. His commitment to social impact earned him the Diana Award in 2019.

In motorsport, George serves as a Race Engineer for X44 Vida Carbon Racing, the Extreme E team founded by Sir Lewis Hamilton. He also contributed to the Hamilton Commission, aiming to increase Black representation in UK motorsport. Recognised for his contributions, George was named...

Welcome to Season 2 of the Driven By Us Podcast, your backstage pass to the people powering motorsport and the stories that don’t make the headlines. Recorded in our brand new studio with an exciting new line-up of hosts, this season dives deeper into untold journeys, breakthrough moments and honest conversations from across the automotive and motorsport industries.

We’re back because there’s more to learn and more stories to share. Season 1 revealed just how many inspiring stories are out there. Season 2 is our chance to amplify even more of them: real, raw and often emotio...

Season Finale! Savannah Thomas, speaks to the phenomenal Ella Podmore MBE, a multi award winning engineer, a distinguished materials engineering manager and a passionate advocate for women in engineering. With over a decade of experience in the materials sector, she has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and expertise in managing complex projects and driving innovation in materials science. Her work has significantly contributed to advancing sustainable practices within the industry, ensuring that her team meets both operational excellence and environmental responsibility.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Ella was awarded the Member of the Order of the...

New host Savannah Thomas speaks to Jennie Gow is a distinguished radio, television presenter and journalist, renowned for her extensive work in motorsport broadcasting. She currently serves as BBC’s Formula 1 Presenter and Pit Lane Reporter Correspondent, contributing across television, radio, and online platforms, and is the presenter and pit lane reporter for BBC Radio 5 Live's Formula 1 coverage. Jennie career in broadcasting began in 1999 when she joined BBC Sport as a production secretary for "Sports Personality of the Century." Her passion for motorsports led her to present speedway and motocross events on various networks, including Channel 4 and Sky Sports. In 2010, Jennie b...

Amber Jones speaks to an iconic figure in F1 - Calum Nicholas, a Senior Power Unit Assembly Technician at Red Bull Racing and a renowned pit stop crew member. He holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest tire change and gained fame through the Netflix series Drive to Survive.

Beyond his technical role, Calum advocates for diversity in motorsports via his social media platforms. His contributions to the sport and his championship-winning team underscore his expertise and commitment to excellence in Formula 1.

He shares insights about his journey in motorsport and his...

Introducing another rising host part of the Driven By Us Community - Amber Jones speaks this week to Lawrence Barretto a prominent journalist and broadcaster, specialising in Formula 1 coverage. With over 15 years of experience in the field, he has become a key figure in motorsport media. His career took off when he became the lead live text commentator for BBC Sport, covering various sporting events, including the London 2012 Olympics.

Since 2018, Barretto has been working with Formula 1 as a senior writer and editor, later becoming an F1 correspondent and presenter in 2022. He is known for his insightful...

Mixing it up! Debbie speaks to Cayana Freeman , an international presenter, fluent in English, German, and French, known for her work with Formula 1, Formula E, and Champions League with Amazon Prime.

Raised in Germany by a Ghanaian father and German mother, she studied international business management and later moved to the UK to pursue her passion for television. She now freelances in London, collaborating on diverse projects across sports, music, and Gen Z culture, with a love for travel, fashion, and fitness.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Debbie speaking to the legend that is Thandie Sibanda is a dynamic figure in pop culture and motorsports journalism, particularly known for her insightful contributions to Formula 1 coverage. With a rich blend of storytelling and analysis, she engages audiences through social media. Thandie is a co-host of the popular podcast "Quick Stop F1," where she discusses race analysis, F1 news, and the intersection of motorsport with social issues and pop culture.

Thandie has carved a niche in digital journalism, offering nuanced perspectives on culture, diversity, and innovation in her writing for outlets. With a growing presence...

This week Debbie is speaks to Maia Rowe Sampson & Manon Clement - passionate advocates for equality and diversity. 

Maia has a background in science research, education and content writing. She became frustrated that the current UK science curriculums did not give students the tools to succeed in real STEM roles, particularly in underrepresented communities, to pursue careers in STEM. Motivated by this realisation, Maia transitioned into a new role, where she could have a broader impact. She now works with AFBE-UK, collaborating on initiatives aimed at engaging young people in Birmingham with motorsport and other STEM o...

On todays episode Debbie speak the wonderful Zoe Chilton, a seasoned motorsports professional with significant experience in the world of Formula 1. She is best known for her role at Red Bull Racing, where she served as Head of Strategic Partnerships.

During her tenure at Red Bull, Zoe was instrumental in building and maintaining key relationships between the team and its sponsors, helping drive the brand’s global presence and success. She worked on innovative collaborations that showcased Red Bull Racing’s cutting-edge technology and marketing acumen.

In 2023, Zoe Chilton made headlines as she tran...

Introducing new host Debbie Nakakande who sits down with Chloe Chong a promising young racing driver, born in 2007, with dual British-Canadian nationality. She began karting in 2013, inspired by motorsport legend Lewis Hamilton, and later competed in the European karting scene.

In 2022, she was a finalist in the FIA's "Girls on Track – Rising Stars" program, which identifies female motorsport talent. Chloe made her single-seater debut in 2023 with Prema Racing in the newly established F1 Academy series becoming the youngest ever driver to race in the series. Despite being the youngest competitor, she managed several top-eight finishes, securing po...

Today Cayana Freeman sits down with the phenomenal Pilar Harris, an influential figure in motorsport working closely with Susie Wolff, currently leading social impact efforts at the F1 Academy and overseeing the Discover Your Drive initiative. Previously the Senior Director of Corporate Social Responsibility, Sustainability, and Government Relations at Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, Harris plays a pivotal role in shaping the sport's future by fostering diversity and inclusivity.

At the F1 Academy, she focuses on driving gender equality and supporting the development of young female talent both on and off the track. Discover Your Drive...

This week our host Cayana Freeman speaks to Shyam Rajdev (known as Shy) is a skilled freelance content creator with a focus on motorsport, music, lifestyle, and automotive photography. His career path is rooted in his early passion for photography, which began at age 16 when he started experimenting with his father’s 35mm film camera. After initially studying music journalism, Shy shifted from the music industry into motorsports, where he found his niche capturing the emotional highs and lows of racing.

Shy has collaborated with some of the biggest names in motorsport, including Sir Lewis Hamilton MB...

We open our Driven By Us podcast with our host Cayana Freeman speaking to James Dornor - CEO of the pioneering community-driven organisation on a mission to empower aspiring leaders from ethnic minorities and underrepresented groups in the automotive & motorsport industry. Recognising the industry's imperative for diversity and inclusion, we provide a safe space facilitated by relatable role models across world-leading organisations with first-hand success stories, founded in April 2023, on a mission to empower and provide an established community network that gives a safe space for those to speak out and empower through motorsports.

James's le...

Welcome to the Driven By Us podcast, here to showcase talents from under represented & ethnic minority backgrounds working in Automotive & Motorsport particularly across STEM and Media, by speaking to some of the biggest names across the industry driving change!

Each week we'll be hearing from a new guest as we're here to share their stories, and hopefully along the way inspire the next generation hosted by Cayana Freeman, Debbie Nakakande, Amber Jones & Savannah Thomas

Real stories from real role model!

Keep upto date on LinkedIn & Instagram @driven.by.us and...