Crazy F1 Stories With Marc Priestley... Kimi Raikkonen DID WHAT! - PART 1

ANOTHER GUEST ON THE PITSTOP PODCAST! It's episode 62 and today we are joined by Marc Priestley aka F1 Elvis. Marc has had an amazing career in Formula 1 as a mechanic and pit crew, spanning 10 years during the glory days of Kimi Raikkonen, Fernando Alonso, and Lewis Hamilton. Tune in to this 2 part episode where Marc spills all the juicy gossip on and off the track. You can follow Marc on Instagram @f1elvis. Join us every Monday & Thursday for more crazy stories and laughter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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In this episode of the Pit Stop Podcast, Jake Boys and Fabio Bocca welcome Mark Priestley, an F1 mechanic, TV and radio personality, and author, to the show. Priestley shares his incredible journey in Formula One, from his early days as a mechanic to his transition into media.

Priestley describes his initial role as a trackside mechanic, where he and his team would build a replica garage, complete with tools and equipment, at a separate track or sometimes the same race track a week or two before the actual race. They would then run the car for days, testing new components and pushing it to its limits to identify and resolve any potential issues before the race.

After a few years as a mechanic, Priestley was promoted to the race team, where he worked alongside renowned drivers such as Mika Häkkinen, David Coulthard, Kimi Räikkönen, Fernando Alonso, and Lewis Hamilton. He recalls the intense and demanding nature of the job, with long hours, constant pressure, and the need for absolute precision.

As Formula One evolved and became more professional, Priestley witnessed a shift towards a greater focus on human performance and optimization. He and his team were among the first to pioneer the use of human dynos, not only for drivers but also for pitstop crews and the entire team. This led to collaborations with the Finnish Olympic Training Center, where they gained access to world-class facilities and expertise to enhance their physical and mental conditioning.

Priestley eventually made the transition from mechanics to media, starting with a blog where he shared his experiences and insights from the world of Formula One. His writing caught the attention of a radio producer, who invited him to provide pit lane commentary at the Silverstone Grand Prix. Despite his initial nervousness, Priestley impressed the producer with his knowledge and enthusiasm, leading to more opportunities in broadcasting.

Priestley shares an amusing anecdote about a chance encounter with Bernie Ecclestone, the former CEO of Formula One, in the paddock at Silverstone. Despite being initially intimidated by Ecclestone's reputation, Priestley ended up having a friendly conversation with him and even secured an impromptu interview.

Reflecting on his time in Formula One, Priestley acknowledges the demanding and often overwhelming nature of the sport. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a work-life balance and finding ways to disconnect and recharge. He also highlights the camaraderie and friendships formed within the Formula One community, which he considers invaluable.

Priestley's journey from mechanic to media personality is a testament to his adaptability, resilience, and passion for Formula One. His experiences offer a unique perspective on the evolution of the sport and the challenges and opportunities it presents to those who work in it. **Summary of the Podcast Episode: The Enigmatic Kimi Raikkonen and His Unforgettable Antics**

* **Introduction:**

* The podcast hosts, Jake Boys and Fabio Bocca, introduce the topic of the episode: Kimi Raikkonen, the enigmatic Finnish Formula One driver known for his unique personality and remarkable career.

* **Kimi Raikkonen's Early Career at McLaren:**

* Jake Boys, a former McLaren mechanic, shares his experiences working with Kimi Raikkonen during his early years at the team.
* Jake describes Kimi as the fastest driver he has ever worked with, possessing exceptional skills and a natural ability to extract the most from the car.
* Kimi's reserved and quiet demeanor outside of racing is contrasted with his fierce competitiveness and determination on the track.

* **Kimi Raikkonen's Relationship with McLaren Mechanics:**

* Jake highlights the close bond that Kimi developed with the McLaren mechanics, despite his often stoic and reserved demeanor.
* The team shared memorable experiences and formed lasting friendships during their time together.

* **Kimi Raikkonen's Departure from McLaren and the Blue Dye Incident:**

* Jake recounts an amusing anecdote involving Kimi Raikkonen's departure from McLaren and a prank that the mechanics played on him.
* As a farewell gesture, the mechanics dyed Kimi's gloves with blue powder, resulting in hilarious consequences during the race and podium celebrations.

* **Kimi Raikkonen's Retaliation and the Hair Clipper Incident:**

* Kimi Raikkonen, known for his mischievous nature, retaliated against Jake's prank by shaving a reverse Mohican into Jake's long hair during a visit to Kimi's house in Finland.
* Jake humorously describes the incident and the lengths Kimi went to ensure that Jake couldn't hide the shaved patch.

* **Kimi Raikkonen's Unique Personality and Legacy:**

* The hosts discuss Kimi Raikkonen's unique personality and his impact on the Formula One world.
* Kimi's reserved and often enigmatic demeanor has earned him a cult following among fans who appreciate his authenticity and straightforwardness.
* The hosts emphasize Kimi's remarkable achievements, including his World Championship title in 2007, and his reputation as one of the greatest Formula One drivers of all time.

* **Announcement of Part Two:**

* The hosts tease the upcoming Part Two of the podcast episode, promising more captivating stories and insights into Kimi Raikkonen's career and personality.
* Listeners are encouraged to follow the podcast, rate it 5 stars, and tune in to Part Two for more entertaining and informative content.

* **Conclusion:**

* The hosts express their gratitude to the listeners and invite them to join them in Part Two of the podcast, where they will delve deeper into the world of Kimi Raikkonen and his unforgettable antics.