The One Position That CHANGES EVERYTHING in F1

Podium vs the Back Exit: Two Very Different Endings

In Formula 1 a single place can rewrite the entire post-race story. The top three get the podium: national anthems, a trophy, twelve litres of champagne sprayed into the sky and the world watching. For the other 17 drivers the ritual is quieter, more functional and often a little hollow by comparison.

Standing on the podium is not just about celebration. It is public validation, career currency and sponsor-friendly exposure. It also carries obligations: extended media time, photo shoots, a press conference, and the cooldown ritual — all of which add 45 to 60 minutes or more to a race day for those who climb those three steps.

What the 17 Do Instead: The FIA Garage and Cool-Down

Drivers who finish outside the podium head straight to the FIA garage. There are no spotlights, no orchestra and usually only a handful of photographers. The space is often dim, pragmatic and built for recovery rather than spectacle.

In that back-of-garage routine a driver will: step on the scales for scrutineering, dry off, hydrate, speak briefly with a coach or trainer, and change out of their suit. A press officer or PR person will usually be waiting to brief them on how incidents are being perceived on TV. That briefing often includes replayed footage — the single best antidote to emotional post-race statements.

The Media Pen and Why Every Word Matters

After the garage comes the media pen. Drivers speak to TV crews by request, handled through their press officers who queue the interviews. These conversations are recorded and archived. The reason is simple: comments can affect team strategy and reputation, and team principals often need to be in step with what was said publicly.

Waiting in the pen can be awkward. Drivers sometimes watch the podium feed or race vision on a loop — a reminder of what they just missed. For champions who have been on podiums many times before, like Lewis Hamilton or Fernando Alonso, the walk back to the garage after finishing off the podium is particularly poignant. They know the buzz they did not get and feel it.

Cool-Down Rooms and Podium Rituals

The podium experience includes a dedicated cool-down room: a temporary studio built each weekend with lights, chairs, a TV and helmet stands. From here the three podium drivers prepare for their on-camera moments.

On the podium itself there are three elliptical risers — largest for the winner — a team representative step, bottle holders and a safety barrier to stop anyone falling from the dais. The champagne served is usually three-liter Jeroboams, pre-opened and handed out at room temperature. For drivers and teams, that brief 10 to 20 minutes of spectacle has outsized value.

Small Things That Make a Big Difference

The difference between third and fourth can be brutal. A driver missing the podium by milliseconds still follows the same quiet routine as someone who finished fifth or tenth. From a career and commercial perspective, however, that single position matters: podiums translate into sponsor value, media visibility and sometimes substantial cash bonuses.

Teams treat podiums differently. Some like Mercedes and Ferrari rarely stage a separate team party for second or third. Others will celebrate with the full crew — photographers, mechanics and corporate staff — turning a podium into a team moment. Even drivers outside the top three can receive team recognition if they achieved something special that race.

First Podiums and Long-Awaited Moments

Podiums are landmarks. For some drivers they are long-awaited milestones. A driver such as Nico Hülkenberg waited hundreds of grands prix for his first podium, and when it finally arrived it was emotional and chaotic in equal measure. For rookies who hit the podium early, the experience is a powerful taste of what top-level success feels like and often fuels confidence for seasons ahead.

The post-podium obligations can be a mixed blessing: extended media duties, extra travel back to the paddock and sometimes a team celebration that runs late into the evening. For the non-podium drivers the upside is leaving the track earlier — a small consolation after a long race weekend.

How Teams Manage PR and Conflict After a Race

A crucial role falls to press officers. They brief drivers on the likely line of questioning and may show replays to temper an emotional reaction. This keeps teams aligned and minimises contradictory statements during the tightly choreographed post-race period.

Recordings of interviews are kept as an archive, which helps teams handle future inquiries and protects drivers from narratives that could spiral if left unchecked. From a media relations perspective this is best practice: accurate context, aligned messaging and predictable timing.

Practical Takeaways for Fans and Sponsors

• Podiums equal exposure: three faces, national anthems and global broadcasts — prime real estate for sponsors and driver reputations.
• Non-podium routine matters: the FIA garage is where drivers regroup, review incidents and prepare to speak to media. It is functional and low-key by design.
• Timing is everything: milliseconds can decide whether a driver leaves in a limo with the team or in relative anonymity.

Final Thought

Racing is unforgiving. The podium is more than a platform; it is a compound of career momentum, sponsor value and emotional reward. The rest of the grid returns to the realities of preparation and reflection. Both experiences are part of the same sport, but they feel worlds apart when the checkered flag falls.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly happens in the cool-down room after a podium?

The cool-down room is a temporary studio where podium drivers relax briefly, change, and watch race highlights before interviews. It includes seating, lighting, TV monitors and helmet stands. Drivers use this space to compose themselves ahead of media duties.

Why are podium interviews recorded and archived?

Recordings create an official record of what was said, protect teams from conflicting statements, and provide material for later review. They ensure consistency between drivers and team principals and are useful for PR and regulatory purposes.

Do teams celebrate second and third places the same way?

No. Celebration practices vary by team. Some corporate outfits hold modest gatherings for any podium, while others reserve large celebrations or photo opportunities for specific moments, such as first podiums or landmark results.

How long do podium obligations extend a race weekend?

Podium duties typically add 45 to 60 minutes to a driver’s post-race schedule for media, photos and team commitments. A winning driver may have even more tasks, including sponsor calls and team celebrations.

Can a fourth-place finish still boost a driver’s career?

Yes. While a podium carries more immediate recognition and sponsor value, strong results outside the top three are important for demonstrating consistency, earning team trust, and building a case for future opportunities.