The best motor and car podcasts

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

Long commutes can be easily brightened up when you have a great podcast queued up for the journey.

Whether you're into deep historical dives, celebrity drama, discovering the best local eats, or diving deep into the world of cars and motorsport, there's something out there to transform your drive into entertainment time.

Car and motoring podcasts have exploded in popularity recently, and for good reason. From F1 race breakdowns to restoration stories to supercar reviews, there's a show for every type of automotive enthusiast.

We’ve rounded up which motoring, F1 and car podcasts we think you should be delving into on your next journey.

The Thing About Cars

Run by a team in Atlanta, USA, The Thing About Cars is a podcast perfect for anyone passionate about automobiles. Whether you're into the latest models, DIY repairs, or simply love anything on four wheels.

We spoke to Mickey Desai, one of the podcast's hosts, who shared more about 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 sets The Thing About Cars apart from the usual lineup of dudes arguing about horsepower? They've discovered that women also have opinions about cars – shocking, we know.

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 popular among the motoring community. Essentially, it’s a chat between two friends - 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."

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 is for anyone wanting to keep their car looking showroom fresh. This podcast delivers comprehensive guides, insider tips, and product recommendations that go far beyond basic car washing advice.

Host Jimbo Balaam brings years of hands-on experience to every episode.

A self-described "serial entrepreneur" and auto detailing expert, Jimbo runs his own detailing studio and has a knack for testing products and sharing honest reviews – all while keeping things refreshingly down-to-earth.

Whether you're a weekend warrior who spends more on car care products than groceries, or you're just trying to figure out why your car always looks dirty five minutes after washing it, Jimbo's practical approach makes even intricate car detailing accessible.

Listen to Auto Detailing Podcast here:

Autosport F1 & Motorsport

As the official podcast of Autosport magazine, this show covers everything from Formula 1 and Formula E, to sportscars, touring cars, and rally racing – basically, if it has wheels and goes fast, they're talking about it.

With nearly daily episodes, it's your one-stop shop for staying current with all the motorsport action. Whether you want in-depth driver interviews, technical breakdowns, or live race reports that'll have you gripping your steering wheel a little tighter on the way to work, they've got you covered.

Perfect for armchair racers who like to imagine they're hitting the apex at Silverstone while stuck in traffic on the M25. (Your secret's safe with us.)

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.

Weekly episodes feature conversations with motoring legends, collectors, and industry insiders who share stories about the cars that shaped their lives.

Whether they're discussing a barn-find Ferrari or debating the merits of modern supercars versus classic metal, the chemistry between hosts keeps things engaging.

As 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.’

What sets this podcast apart is its focus on the emotional connection between people and their cars – it's not just about horsepower and lap times, but about why certain vehicles capture our imaginations and refuse to let go.

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.

Tom King, Chris Evans, and Stu Greenwood serve up monthly doses of F1 analysis that's equal parts insightful and entertaining.

These three aren't afraid to make bold predictions or call out drivers when they mess up spectacularly on corners.

From post-race breakdowns to championship speculation, they cover all the essential F1 talking points while maintaining the kind of conversational flow that makes you feel like you're hanging out with knowledgeable mates at the track.

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 Formula 1 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. Host Tom Clarkson specialises in extracting the stories that never make it to the podium interviews.

With exclusive access to F1's biggest names, Clarkson has a knack for getting drivers and team principals to share tales they've never told before.

Whether it's uncovering Lewis Hamilton's pre-race rituals or getting Toto Wolff to reveal what really happens behind closed garage doors, the conversations always deliver those "I had no idea" moments.

His interviewing style strikes the perfect balance: respectful enough to earn trust, but persistent enough to get the good stuff.

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, this podcast pairs supercar expertise with genuine enthusiasm.

Alongside his co-host Tony, Sam brings the same passion that made his YouTube channel popular to his in-depth automotive discussions.

The duo tackle everything from the latest supercar launches, to fantasy garage debates that'll have you mentally spending lottery winnings you haven't won yet.

Their chemistry keeps things entertaining while diving deep into what makes the automotive world tick and your realistic Peugeot 208 feel deeply inadequate.

With guests ranging from industry insiders to fellow YouTube creators, Behind The Glass offers perspectives you won't find elsewhere – plus the kind of spirited debates that make long commutes fly by.

Listen to Behind The Glass here

So, now you’ve got the scoop on the best motor podcasts available to stream, which one will you listen to first?