Esme Buxton: Building The Paddock Journal & the Rise of Print in F1

In this episode, Elle talks with Esme Buxton, the founder of The Paddock Journal, a rapidly growing F1 magazine that blends motorsport with fashion and culture. Esme reflects on her journey from a fashion photographer to creating a publication that provides a human insight into the world of Formula 1. Elle and Esme discuss the current F1 break, highlighting Lando Norris’s fun-filled downtime and the dynamics among drivers.

Esme shares her background, mentioning her previous work in film production, including shooting on a Star Wars set. She explains how she founded The Paddock Journal, motivated by a gap she found in the market for a more fashionable and cultural perspective in F1 media. They talk about the challenge of launching print media in a digital age and how the publication has gained traction within just a short period.

The episode also covers Esme's experiences in the paddock, the importance of accessibility in F1, and the fascinating dynamics of F1 culture as compared to other sports. They touch on controversy surrounding influencers in the F1 paddock and how they can engage a different audience. They end with Esme sharing her aspirations for the journal and advice for those looking to break into the motorsport space.