Report card: Grading the teams at the summer break
Aug 7, 2024
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Scott Mitchell-Malm, a motorsport journalist, and Mark Hughes, an experienced motorsport analyst, dive deep into the F1 grid's performance at the season's midpoint. They humorously grade each team, revealing surprising insights like Haas's unexpected rise and Sauber's struggles as it transitions to Audi. The duo discusses Red Bull's strong start and Aston Martin's inconsistencies, while evaluating the competitive landscape and potential improvements for midfield teams. Expect laughter and sharp analysis as they reflect on driver performances and team strategies.
The grading system evaluates F1 teams based on performance relative to pre-season expectations, promoting a nuanced understanding of their progress.
Sauber received an F for failing to score points, highlighting the need for substantial changes before the full Audi partnership in 2026.
Williams was graded D-minus, reflecting ongoing struggles but with cautious optimism for future improvements through planned upgrades.
Deep dives
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Team Rating System Explained
The podcast discusses a grading system for F1 teams that evaluates their performance relative to pre-season expectations rather than strictly against one another. This system allows for a more nuanced assessment where teams outperforming their anticipated positions receive higher grades, even if their overall standing is lower. Lower grades can reflect poor performance depending on the context, emphasizing the importance of understanding each team's strategic goals and season trajectory. The discussion includes light-hearted banter between the hosts about personal grading experiences in school.
Sauber's Underperformance and Expected Ratings
Sauber is notably rated F due to its failure to score any points this season, which starkly contrasts the expectations set at the season's start. The team aimed to improve from its previous results but has struggled significantly, with the car falling behind in competitiveness and exhibiting poor development throughout the races. Issues such as pit stop problems and inconsistent performance in qualifying and races further contribute to this disappointing showing. The consensus among the hosts is that substantial changes are needed to regain competitiveness before the full Audi partnership in 2026.
Williams' Performance and Future Outlook
Williams receives a D-minus rating, reflecting its overall underperformance but ongoing efforts to build a more competitive car for the future. While the team has made some progress from last season, it has not consistently demonstrated the ability to score points and has been depicted as having a difficult start to the current season. The hosts acknowledge that while the current results are disappointing, there are pipelines in place and future upgrades planned that could see improvements during the second half of the season. Overall, there is cautious optimism for potential improvement moving forward.
Mid-Season Reflection on F1 Dynamics
The podcast concludes with reflections on the state of F1, highlighting the significant challenges teams face due to new regulations and tighter competition. While the top teams like Red Bull continue to perform well, other teams are showing potential for future competition. The conversation emphasizes the idea that many teams are closely matched, making it a thrilling season with ongoing technological developments. There’s anticipation for the adjustments that teams will implement post-summer break, setting the stage for potential shifts in performance during the rest of the season.
It's time to grab the report cards once again as Scott Mitchell-Malm and Mark Hughes join Edd Straw to run the rule over every team on the F1 grid and grade them for their performance relative to expectations over the first 14 races of the 24-race 2023 season. Which high achievers will be getting an A and who will be bottom of the class with an F? Listen in to find out...
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