With Franco Colapinto and Ollie Bearman impressing on their Formula 1 outings this year, and Kimi Antonelli landing a place at Mercedes for 2024, the question of the relevance of Formula 2 has been talked about extensively in recent months. The Race F1 Podcast has now joined the discussion with an in-depth debate about not only F2, but the state of the whole junior ladder and whether the fact the drivers getting the best results in the primary feeder series are being overlooked is a problem. Nelson Valkenburg, who commentates on Formula 1 in the Netherlands and is steeped in junior single-seater racing itself, and Samarth Kanal join Edd Straw to give an overview of the landscape and explain what's working and what isn't.We start off with an explanation of why the mooted 'rookie race' won't happen at the Abu Dhabi test this year, but could take place next year, and look at the reasons for drivers ranked down the order in the F2 standings excelling in their F1 chances. We then attempt to define the problem, and propose potential solutions to ensure that the junior ladder remains healthy and fit for purpose.  Want extra podcast content? Join The Race Members' Club on Patreon! Head to Patreon.com/therace - we even have an F1-only tier! Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook Check out our latest videos on YouTube Download our app on iOS or Android Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In between episodes of The Race F1 Podcast, we thought we'd bring you a bonus segment of another podcast we think you might like. Earlier this year, The Race launched And Colossally That’s History! - a brand-new podcast all about motor racing history, presented by Richard Williams and Matt Bishop, who between them have a wealth of experience covering the sport (and in Matt's case, working as the communications chief for both McLaren and Aston Martin).The second season kicked off on October 3rd with a critical reexamination of spygate - the 2007 scandal involving Ferrari and McLaren that shook F1 to its core. Our re-telling is full of behind-the-scenes stories and eye-popping personal recollections, so if you enjoy this taster, please search for And Colossally That’s History! in your podcast app of choice and download the full episode. And while you’re there, hit the like, follow or subscribe button so you never miss an episode.Want extra podcast content? Join The Race Members' Club on Patreon! Head to Patreon.com/therace - we even have an F1-only tier! Buy some Colossally merch! Visit The Race Shop Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook Check out our latest videos on YouTube Download our app on iOS or Android Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We debate rules that Formula 1 should ditch in the latest episode of The Race F1 Podcast. Samarth Kanal and Ben Anderson join Edd Straw to state the case for rules that should be ditched and, in some cases, replaced. It will come as no surprise to regular listeners that the fastest lap point is among the regulations that is scrutinised, although that's just one of the ideas that's discussed. Rules related to car liveries, track limits, overtaking, superlicences and much more are also tackled. Want extra podcast content? Join The Race Members' Club on Patreon! Head to Patreon.com/therace - we even have an F1-only tier! Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook Check out our latest videos on YouTube Download our app on iOS or Android Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We reflect on Daniel Ricciardo's Formula 1 legacy in the latest edition of The Race F1 Podcast. Special guest Michael Lamonato joins Ben Anderson and host Edd Straw to discuss the reaction in Australia to Ricciardo being replaced by Liam Lawson, and what's been learned from what Red Bull's Helmut Marko and Lawson himself have revealed about the process. We then delve into Ricciardo's post-Red Bull career, explaining why his Renault stint shouldn't be lumped in with his McLaren and RB struggles, as well as the limitations that were exposed in his final seasons. Ricciardo's peaks are also discussed, particularly in terms of the strengths that made him one of the best in the middle stages of the second decade of the 21st century. And we also ask whether Ricciardo was unfortunate not to win a world championship in that era, and the extent to which his later career tarnishes his reputation.  Want extra podcast content? Join The Race Members' Club on Patreon! Head to Patreon.com/therace - we even have an F1-only tier! Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook Check out our latest videos on YouTube Download our app on iOS or Android Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Edd Straw is joined by Scott Mitchell-Malm and Ben Anderson to discuss the news that Daniel Ricciardo has been axed by RB, with Liam Lawson replacing him for the rest of 2024. They discuss why Red Bull have made this move now, whether Ricciardo has a future in F1, what Lawson will bring to the team, and whether the New Zealander's opportunity should be seen as an audition for another seat in 2025... Want extra podcast content? Join The Race Members' Club on Patreon! Head to Patreon.com/therace - we even have an F1-only tier! Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook Check out our latest videos on YouTube Download our app on iOS or Android Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Edd Straw is joined by Glenn Freeman and Mark Hughes to tackle another batch of questions sent in by The Race Members' Club. Top of the selection is a question about whether Red Bull will really make a move for Mercedes' George Russell, after Christian Horner made comments to that effect in Singapore.There are also a host of questions about the driver market, including whether the impressive Franco Colapinto might end up driving for Sauber or even RB next season. Plus, Mark gives a detailed explanation as to why tyre behaviour is still the hardest thing to predict in F1...Want extra podcast content and to ask questions on the show? Join The Race Members' Club on Patreon! Head to Patreon.com/therace - we even have an F1-only tier! Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook Check out our latest videos on YouTube Download our app on iOS or Android Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Edd Straw and Mark Hughes (both in Singapore) are joined by Scott Mitchell-Malm to review the Singapore Grand Prix, and a race in which Lando Norris left his rivals in his wheel tracks. They explain why Norris and McLaren were so quick and whether this win really does mean a title tilt is now a realistic possibility.They also discuss, amongst other topics, the community service order Max Verstappen was handed for swearing (and his subsequent protest), and an emotional weekend for Daniel Ricciardo, which could go down as his last in F1. Plus, as usual, there are lots of questions about the race to answer from The Race Members' Club.Want extra podcast content and to ask questions on the show? Join The Race Members' Club on Patreon! Head to Patreon.com/therace - we even have an F1-only tier Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook Check out our latest videos on YouTube Download our app on iOS or Android Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Edd Straw, Ben Anderson and Josh Suttill as they unpack the events of Baku and look further ahead by answering a raft of questions sent in by The Race Members' Club. Included are a whole host of questions about Oscar Piastri, including whether he should be considered the best overtaker in F1 and whether the Australian is McLaren's better bet for world championship glory long-term than Lando Norris. There are also questions about Franco Colapinto's F1 future, the proposed rookies race at the end of the season, and Red Bull's performance slump, amongst many others.Want extra podcast content and to ask questions on the show? Join The Race Members' Club on Patreon! Head to Patreon.com/therace to activate your 7-day free trial - we even have an F1-only tier Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook Check out our latest videos on YouTube Download our app on iOS or Android Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Edd Straw and Mark Hughes as they link up with Scott Mitchell-Malm and Samarth Kanal in Baku to chat about a pulsating Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Amongst other topics, they discuss how Oscar Piastri was able to defeat Charles Leclerc to take victory, why Sergio Perez had the upper hand on Red Bull team-mate Max Verstappen, and who was to blame in the Sainz-Perez clash. Plus, as usual, they answer questions sent in by The Race Members’ Club.  Want extra podcast content? Join The Race Members' Club on Patreon! Head to Patreon.com/therace to activate your 7-day free trial Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook Check out our latest videos on YouTube Download our app on iOS or Android Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Edd Straw is joined by Mark Hughes and Ben Anderson to discuss what is arguably F1's biggest non-driver signing of all time: Adrian Newey to Aston Martin. They discuss why one of the greatest technical minds in F1 history, who could have joined more-or-less any team he fancied, has made the decision to join Aston Martin. They also explain how Aston owner Lawrence Stroll got his man - and what he can expect for his money.Edd, Mark and Ben also discuss the particulars of Newey’s Aston role and why it’s different to what many expected, plus they talk in detail about the impact Newey might have, including whether he’s the missing piece in Aston’s ‘galactico’ team structure, how his arrival might motivate Fernando Alonso, the pressure on him to deliver, and why rival teams might be fearing what he will bring to the table in both the short- and long-term...  Want extra podcast content? Join The Race Members' Club on Patreon! Head to Patreon.com/therace to activate your 7-day free trial Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook Check out our latest videos on YouTube Download our app on iOS or Android Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices