The best motor and car podcasts

Get your ears wrapped around some of the best car podcasts – available on your favourite listening platform

There’s no better way to pass the time on a long commute than finding a new podcast that whets your whistle.

Whether you’re a history buff, you’re after some juicy celebrity gossip, or you’re a bit of a foodie, they all offer a window into another world and give us some time to sit back and relax.

One podcast genre that has come to the forefront of popularity recently is cars and motoring. From racing to car detailing to collectable cars, there’s a podcast for all tastes.

Carry on reading to find out which motoring, F1 and car podcasts we think you should be delving into on your next journey.

Get ready to rev your engines!

The Thing About Cars

Run by a team in Atlanta, USA, The Thing About Cars is a podcast perfect for lovers of all things cars, whether you’re into new models, how to fix them, or you’re just a solid car admirer.

We spoke to Mickey Desai, one of the voices behind the podcast, and got him to explain a little more about the episodes and what listeners can expect:

“The Thing About Cars is a talk-show production about cars and driving, and the people who love cars and driving.

“In reality, we’re a bunch of friends who like to gather around a microphone and talk about any topic in the world of cars.

“Topics cover a very wide range: car repair, restoration, road trips, car history, personal stories, automotive trivia, the world of racing, rants about bad drivers, car reviews. Anything goes as long as it has something to do with wheels on the ground.

“Our car-loving family of friends stretches around the world, and we’re always looking for new friends to join us on this journey. Come along for the ride!”

What is somewhat unique in the motoring world it that The Thing About Cars offers the advice and recommendations of women. 

Mickey said, “Also, perhaps it’s worth mentioning that The Thing About Cars tries to differentiate ourselves from other podcasts by making sure we have women at the table with us. 

“We’re very lucky to work with a good number of women who are very much into cars and car culture.”

Listen to The Thing about Cars here:

The Smoking Tire

The Smoking Tire podcast is a popular one among the motoring community and offers a friend-like chat with Matt Farah and Zack Klapman – two men who simply love cars.

We spoke to Matt, who told us a little more about the podcast and the team behind the production.

Matt said, “The Smoking Tire podcast gives a behind-the-scenes look into the automotive industry and the industry folks who love and live cars."

Hosted by Matt Farah and Zack Klapman, The Smoking Tire podcast is an unfiltered, hair-down way to hang out after the lights and cameras of production go off.

We asked Matt who would enjoy the podcast, and he said, “Anyone who loves cars will love The Smoking Tire podcast, and our network of guests always brings new and interesting characters to the studio.

"From shop owners, inventors, tuners and journalists, to comedians, chefs and behind-the-scenes players, The Smoking Tire goes inside the world of cars and pulls the curtain off how the industry turns.”

Listen to The Smoking Tire here:

Auto Detailing Podcast

The Auto Detailing Podcast offers you more valuable information than you’ll ever get from a quick Google, giving in-depth guides, tips and recommendations for anyone looking to transform their car.

The voice behind the podcast is Jimbo Balaam, who describes himself as a ‘serial entrepreneur, auto detailing ‘expert’, product developer and tester, who prefers not to take himself too seriously and likes to hide out at his detailing studio.’

Listen to Auto Detailing Podcast here:

Autosport F1 & Motorsport

Described on Spreaker as a podcast ‘for fans of Formula 1, Formula E, sportscars, touring cars and rally, the Autosport Podcast is the official podcast of Autosport, the world’s leading authority on motorsport’.

The podcast is the home for Formula 1 – the best place to sit back, relax and learn, keep up to date with and follow all the action. 

Or listen to on your commute, pretending in your head that you too are a Formula 1 driver. We won’t tell anyone that that’s what you’re doing.

Uploading episodes almost daily, listen to interviews from drivers, learn about touring cars and rally before listening to live reports from fast-paced races.

Listen to Autosport F1 & Motorsport here:

The Collecting Cars Podcast

A podcast run by Edward Lovett and Top Gear’s Chris Harris, The Collecting Cars podcast does what it says on the tin; delving into conversation about some of the world’s most-loved cars.

Insightful conversations about cars old and new can be found in these weekly episodes.

Talking to motoring experts and some famous names, this is a true feel-good podcast that all car lovers can enjoy.

Described on the Apple website, The Collecting Cars Podcast ‘is hosted by founder and motoring enthusiast Edward Lovett and Motoring’s Chris Harris, in conversation with a stellar cast of car-loving guests.

‘An often funny, always frank show, full of insightful discussions about all things automotive.’

Listen to The Collecting Cars Podcast here:

Back Of The Grid

Another F1 focused podcast, Back Of The Grid discusses the latest news, race day roundups and leader boards.

The Back Of The Grid podcast often features their predictions, and is a great place to be to hear all the highlights from some of your favourite races.

Run by Tom King, Chris Evans and Stu Greenwood, new episodes are released monthly and offer an hour of chit chat and F1 fun.

Listen to Back of the Grid here:

F1: Beyond the Grid

Not to be confused with Back Of The Grid, Beyond The Grid is Formula 1’s official podcast.

But this is an official podcast with a twist.

Rather than reviewing and reacting to the latest results, Beyond The Grid presents stories from all eras that F1 fans will enjoy.

With unrivalled access to drivers and behind-the-scenes personnel, Beyond The Grid is a compelling listen that’s always filled with great little nuggets of information.

Host Tom Clarkson strikes a perfect balance of always asking the right questions, while still uncovering some wild and wonderful stories. With guests from every era of F1, there’s something for everyone.

Previous guests have included Toto Wolff, Christian Horner, Martin Brundle, Lewis Hamilton, Mick Schumacher – and more!

Listen to F1: Beyond the Grid here

Behind The Glass

Behind The Glass is a podcast hosted by Sam, founder of the YouTube channel Seen Through Glass.

Joined by his good friend and industry expert Tony, the pair discuss the latest news and events happening in the automotive world. If you’re a fan of supercars or just fancy dreaming about your ideal garage line-up, Behind The Glass is a must-listen for you.

You’re never far from a good debate with Behind The Glass, while an extensive guest list provides expert opinions from all areas of the motoring industry.

Listen to Behind The Glass here

Best car podcasts on Spotify

• The Thing About Cars
• The Smoking Tire
• Auto Detailing Podcast
• The Autosport Podcast
• The Collecting Cars Podcast
• Back of the Grid
• F1: Beyond the Grid
• Behind the Glass