Inside Line F1 Podcast

Red Bull Racing may have wrapped up a 1-2 finish in the Drivers' Championship for the first time in their Formula 1 history, but the battle for 4th in the Drivers' Championship is still wide open. Carlos Sainz, Fernando Alonso, Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc are separated by 12 points for P4. Similarly, the battle for the 2nd in the Constructors' Championship is tightly contested. Ferrari and Mercedes are separated by 4 points only. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/insideline Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! And finally, if the minnows interest you (which we are sure they do!), then only 16 points separated Williams in 7th to Haas in 10th. Yes, they might not be heavy points scorers, but this is Formula 1 and in Abu Dhabi, you never know what result is thrown up!  In this week's episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal preview the 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. It's the 15th race in Abu Dhabi - time flies! But what do you remember the most about the Yas Marina Circuit? The pit lane tunnel exit? Or the fact that it is one of the most-expensive circuits to be ever built...with little to offer for on-track entertainment? Also, if you're worried that Formula 1 will be over and done with after Abu Dhabi, worry not. The start to the 2024 Formula 1 Season will only be 97 days after the chequered flag drops in Abu Dhabi.  A Red Bull Racing-Max Verstappen win might be certain. And if so, Red Bull Racing will only be 1 win behind Williams' all-time race wins in Formula 1 (114). Also, Verstappen will overtake Sebastian Vettel to be the third-highest race winner in the sport - after Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher. Of course, he will extend his current record of most wins in a season to 19! But will Sergio Perez lose a spot on the final lap of a race for the third consecutive time? Can Ferrari finally perform in Abu Dhabi? They have scored neither a pole position nor a race win here ever! If they score pole on Saturday, it will be their 250th pole overall. Who will win the qualifying head-to-head in Mercedes? George Russell and Lewis Hamilton are both tied 11-11.  Haven't we already given you all the reasons for tuning in to this weekend's 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and of course, this episode, too? (Season 2023, Episode 63) Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah Image courtesy: Mercedes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What a race, just what a race! The inaugural 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix was Formula 1 hitting a jackpot, at least on-track. Just the way a manhole hit Carlos Sainz on-track on Thursday. If the racing is good, do we forget the teething issues that Formula 1 faced in Las Vegas? Well, at least, in the first half of this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, we've chosen to do so. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/insideline Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! When last did we see the top-3 battle for the lead of the race in the way Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc and Sergio Perez do so in Las Vegas? Could Charles Leclerc have won the race if not for the second Safety Car? Why could Sergio Perez not keep the lead of the race ahead of Leclerc? How is it that Ferrari suddenly had better tyre wear than all their rivals, Red Bull Racing included? Why did Ferrari choose to not pit Leclerc under the second SC, just as Red Bull Racing did? Was Max Verstappen justified in taking pot shots at the Las Vegas Grand Prix overall? And of course, his shots at everyone who came in his firing range of opinions about everything Formula 1? How did Lance Stroll and Esteban Ocon recover from a Q1 elimination to a top-5 finish? Also, is the five-second time penalty justified or should the FIA necessitate a swap on-track? Just how was the racing so good? How did McLaren mess up the weekend? How was Red Bull Racing unbeatable despite being only-second quickest in both, the slow speed and straightline? And finally, the key insight as to why Red Bull Racing and several other finishers in the top-10 chose fresh rubber for the Safety Car restarts. Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah bring to you our 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix review episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast. Tune in! (Season 2023, Episode 62) Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah Image courtesy: Red Bull Content Pool Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Arise, King Fernando" podcast features Lando Norris and Fernando Alonso discussing the 2023 Sao Paulo Grand Prix. The hosts review the F1 Sprint and Grand Prix, highlighting the entertaining racing at Interlagos. They discuss Mercedes' struggles, Daniel Ricciardo's overtaking issues, and the unpredictable race outcomes. The podcast also praises Alonso's impressive performance, including a thrilling last lap drag race. The chapter descriptions provide insights into the episode's discussions on various topics, such as Alonso's driving skills, rule book flaws, and Max Verstappen's dominance.

3 races to go for the 2023 Formula 1 season to conclude...or make that 4 if you are one of those who counts a Sprint as an extra race! Btw, is it the Brazil Grand Prix or the Sao Paulo Grand Prix - what name did you grow up to? Interlagos is a very popular racing venue. It stands for 'between the lakes' in Portuguese. If there's one circuit we don't mind the Sprint at, it's this. Lewis Hamilton's charge to the front in the Sprint and Grand Prix in 2021 is still fresh in our memory. In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah preview the 2023 Sao Paulo Grand Prix. Will we see a different team step up to claim P2 behind Max Verstappen? Will Verstappen's dominant win-all-races continue at Interlagos? Yes, Red Bull Racing messed it up at Interlagos last year. But most Formula 1 teams don't repeat mistakes.  But what do the stats say? As @f1statsguru points out, the pole sitter of the Hungarian Grand Prix has gone to win the Sao Paulo Grand Prix since many years. If this trend continues, Lewis Hamilton will win top honours this Sunday. In this episode, the trio talk about the unique characteristics of Interlagos, expectant weather this weekend, Williams' chances and if Aston Martin's decline in form and results will continue. We've see three different pole sitters in the last three years - remember Kevin Magnussen? And we've had three different race winners in the last three years. Let's see who takes top honours this weekend...two times over! Tune in! (Season 2023, Episode 59) Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah Image courtesy: Red Bull Content Pool Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We expect discussions and dissonance around Andretti's entry in Formula 1 to hijack all stories from the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix, including Max Verstappen's impending 3rd Formula 1 World Championship. But does Formula 1 need an 11th team? We're split in our judgment and opinion. On sporting grounds, we agree that an 11th team will do wonders for Formula 1 and upcoming young talent. But from a business perspective, it's tricky - that's where we had peak disagreement despite having no vested interests in Andretti's entry.  Why should the existing 10 teams agree to devalue their business? Why is Andretti interested in Formula 1 only now? Is the FIA pressurising Liberty Media to enter into an agreement with Andretti by making their (acceptance) stance public? Lots of interesting discussions that will hopefully give you a better understanding of the messy situation that Formula 1 faces with Andretti. And of course, this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast is also the official preview episode for the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix. A sprint race weekend, a fast-flowy circuit, and is resurfaced, re-kerbed and will offer a challenge via different track temperatures and of course, the first time running of the ground-effect cars. Will Ferrari's better tyre degradation prevail? Is Mercedes' claim that Ferrari have better tyre degradation since the summer break true? Will McLaren continue to eat into Aston Martin's points gap to 4th place? We reckon McLaren will continue to be the team closest to Red Bull Racing this weekend, too.  A new circuit, different challenges...and lots of sports washing. Tune in! (Season 2023, Episode 53) Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah Image courtesy: Andretti Global Cadillac Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 'driver silly season' for the 2023 Formula 1 season was barely a season at all, let alone be silly. But you can't call us silly for calling out Logan Sargeant's lack of performances this season.    Are we sharing an opinion on Sargeant's season, yes? Are we backing it up with data, absolutely, yes. But why would Williams be backing their driver who isn't performing? Their car is progressing up to the midfield and so should both their drivers, isn't it?  How has Logan Sargeant performed against George Russell in his first year at Williams? And what about Nicholas Latifi? We all know his stats aren't impressive against the mighty Alexander Albon.  In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah discuss Logan Sargeant's performances in 2023 or lack thereof, what Williams' future should be in 2024 and more. Tune in! (Season 2023, Episode 52) Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah Image courtesy: Williams Racing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sergio Perez's driving went from bad in Singapore to worse...in Suzuka. Red Bull Racing were cheeky with Perez's double retirement and time penalty...in Suzuka. McLaren scored their best result of the season, a double podium,...in Suzuka. Fernando Alonso finally lost his cool with Aston Martin on the radio...in Suzuka. The tension brewed over between Lewis Hamilton and George Russell...in Suzuka. Max Verstappen resumed to his dominant winning ways...in Suzuka. Alpine had a team-mate fall-out on the last lap of the 2023 Japanese Grand Prix...in Suzuka. And of course, Sebastian Vettel started a 'bee hotel'...in Suzuka. In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah review the 2023 Japanese Grand Prix. Yes, we're a day late than usual but Soumil was busy with MotoGP's Grand Prix of India. Psst! He was the 'voice of MotoGP' in India. Lots of fun stories from the paddock, championship narratives and facts-stats packed into this episode of our podcast. If you missed our race screenings for the last couple of races, we'll be back our events in Mumbai from the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix. Tune in! (Season 2023, Episode 51) Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah Image courtesy: Aston Martin Formula One Team Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Formula 1 circus travels Far East to race in Suzuka, one of the most-legendary circuits on the calendar. The Japanese Formula 1 fans are special for their love for the sport transcends team-driver boundaries.  But of course, they've got Yuki Tsunoda to cheer for, for yet another race. But will he be there in 2024? Should an extension announcement come this weekend? The key question, though, is - will Red Bull Racing and Max Verstappen resume their dominant ways? OR has the 'flexi' technical directive literally slowed them down this much?  Will Charles Leclerc bounce back at Ferrari? We can't recollect when last was he out-qualified and out-scored by a team-mate for three races in row. Yes, Carlos Sainz has been in splendid form post-summer break. What about Aston Martin? Will McLaren catch them by the end of the season in the Constructors' Championship? And of course, Alpine needs to resurrect form and luck as well, not necessarily in that order though. Suzuka is a gorgeous circuit, the corners are iconic, technical and fast-flowy. There's every reason that the 2023 Japanese Grand Prix will be a belter! Tune in. (Season 2023, Episode 50) Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah Image courtesy: Red Bull Content Pool Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Max Verstappen is yet to win in Singapore. Will we repeat this stat after the 2023 Singapore Grand Prix though? Heck, VER is yet to take pole position at the Marina Bay Street Circuit. In fact, Red Bull Racing's last pole was in 2013 (Sebastian Vettel). However, there's more belief that VER will extend his record-breaking race winning streak to 11 wins this Sunday. But also, Singapore might be his toughest race to win...yet. Firstly, VER's five race winning streak of 2022 ended at Singapore. Could it be a repeat this year? Of course, this could be for no fault of his own, as we saw in 2022. Secondly, will the driver breaking VER's ongoing race winning streak become popular or unpopular for breaking the streak? Yes, it is about who breaks the streak. If it's Sergio Perez, he will be unpopular, however, if it's any other driver, he'll be a popular one! The perils of racing along side Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing, we guess. The Marina Bay Street Circuit features a new layout this weekend. Williams believe that the new layout will be more suitable to the FW45 than the old one. The organisers have replaced four 90 degree slow corners with a 400 metre long straight. They say that the layout change is to accommodate ongoing developments on the streets of Singapore, or is it really? They do anything these days to boost 'overtaking' in Formula 1. A high downforce circuit that's tough on it's tyres. Add to it the physical challenge for the drivers - the heat and humidity. Throw in the usual narratives, but also, the nearest home race for Zhou Guanyu and Alexander Albon. C'mon, Alfa Romeo Racing, if there's a race to announce Zhou's extension, it's this! This weekend's going to be another epic Formula 1 race, and our race preview, will bring you closer to the upcoming race...and the sport. Tune in! (Season 2023, Episode 48) Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah Image courtesy: Red Bull Content Pool Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever wondered, what IF the lights go off mid-race at the Marina Bay Circuit? How does a driver reorient himself with the direction of the race after a spin?  Well, it's race week for the 2023 Singapore Grand Prix. We've got some of the best Singapore Grand Prix stories with Steve Slater, the 'voice of F1' for Star Sports, Fox Sports and many more. In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah are in conversation with Steve Slater, who was a consultant with the Singapore Grand Prix organisers for several years. Why are so many corners 90-degrees? Why is the Singapore Grand Prix a 'night race'? Yes, lots of fun questions and insights from Steve himself. Tune in! (Season 2023, Episode 47) Follow our hosts on Twitter: Steve Slater, Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah Image courtesy: Red Bull Content Pool Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices