Beyond The Racing Line - Formula 1 Podcast

A triple header that ended at the temple of Max. For the first time we head to Singapore with the likelihood of the title fight being done and dusted. Nick De Vries gave one of the greatest job interviews of all time, has he locked himself into a seat for 2023, the Williams drive looks more and more available by the week. Power units and penalties are going hand in hand and getting out of hand. Teams are all likely to be taking hits for the rest of the season but should the penalties be harsher? And we experienced what we all never wanted to, a race finish under yellow,was the right call made? Was their time to finish under race conditions? And how much PTSD have fans suffered this weekend with flashbacks of Abu Dhabi? All the plus Race Ranking, Race Review, Driver Votes, Dud of the Day, F1.5, Fantasy, Beyond the Bet, News, Gossip and Fan Frenzy mini pod on this week's episode of BTRL.

The break is over and we are back, 9 races in 13 weeks but as we returned to a picturesque Spa the racing was second and the silliest of silly season was in pull swing. Instagram reels are not our friends when Ricciardo announced that he will depart McLearen a year earlier, bit with young Oscar alleged to have signed on this one has suddenly become a whole lot messier. Mick has cut ties with Ferrari, Alonso has nabbed Sebs seat, Gasly is being courted and suddenly we have one hell of a mess. But who will be the winner by the time the music stops? It was a clinic like no other as Max put the first nail in Leclercs championship coffin, a case of what might have been. The big question now is when will the title fight be officially over? And the introduction of the power house Audi has sent a few teams scrambling, with Porsce set to join as well does this now pave the way for Andretti? These are no minnows and a mega inclusion into the sport. All the plus Race Ranking, Race Review, Driver Votes, Dud of the Day, F1.5, Fantasy, Beyond the Bet, News, Gossip and Fan Frenzy mini pod on this week's episode of BTRL.

It was a shock to the system for so many this week as we headed to Hungary and rode off into the summer break. It was a barnstorming drive as Max took honours from 10th and left Ferrari once again pondering what could have been. After leaving so many points on the table is it time to question the inner workings of Ferrari? Do they have issues beyond the pit wall? Have the forgotten how to win? All we know is some serious questions need to be asked. The treat of rain was beckoning from the clouds but instead it was the Mercedes that came, with an out of nowhere pole for George and another podium for Hamilton, now levelling with Leclerc, are the going to claw back into the title race or will it simple be too big of an ask? And Fernando. To Aston, what! Yes the silly season has officially begun as the double world champion caught us off guard and signed a multi year deal with Aston. Right call? Wrong Call? What do you think? One thing we know is, we predicted this just last week. TICK! All the plus Race Ranking, Race Review, Driver Votes, Dud of the Day, F1.5, Fantasy, Beyond the Bet, News, Gossip and Fan Frenzy mini pod on this week's episode of BTRL.

Better late than never, yes we arr back finally and just in time as we gear up for the final round before the dreaded summer break. The championship is almost in tatters as Leclerc left another win out on track, mistake, throttle issue or is the Ferrari chassis destine to fail? All we know is a three digit swing in points is robbing us of a title fight for the ages. The Mercs found pace and lost it again as the great French hope of getting amongst the title fight because what many believe a false podium. And the debate about Paul Ricard raged on, with no contract beyond this year, another poor performance on a race weekend and lacklustre energy is it time to finally bid farewell to the land of croissants. All the plus Race Ranking, Race Review, Driver Votes, Dud of the Day, F1.5, Fantasy, Beyond the Bet, News, Gossip and Fan Frenzy mini pod on this week's episode of BTRL.

You get a penalty, you get a penalty everyone gets a penalty! Yes 43 of the finest penalties you have ever seen as the Austrian GP dazzled us with its orange haze and racing to boot. Max's house put on a show but the regining champion was not up to his usual blistering pace as the crowd turned sour and Leclerc brought it home. Has the championship swung again? Flexi floors were all the rage as we see a new technical directive dropped by the FIA. But what implications will this have on the championship, a full reshape or will.it be business as usual. And the stewards had a field day as they threw the book at drivers for track limits, Vettel for leaving the drivers meeting and even suspended fines for Physios in Parc Ferme, has this muscle flex got fan questioning the stewards or is the the hard stance we have been asking for? All that plus Race Ranking, Race Review, Driver Votes, Dud of the Day, F1.5, Fantasy, Beyond the Bet, News, Gossip and Fan Frenzy mini pod on this week's episode of BTRL.

Silverstone, the home of Formula 1 and once again it delivered a race for the ages. Yes we were back in the beautiful UK for the British GP where it was the smooth operator himself who broke through for his maiden win. A of two cities. Ferrari triumphant as Sainz claimed the top step but a poor strategy call again thew away a 1/2. Verstappen took a points hit and an Alpha Tauri endplate to match but after falling to the back Perez did Perez things and almost stole it. Hamilton rose yo the occasion as the 7 time champion look destined to shock and awe on home soil. But a solid 3rd still left questions, could he have won and are Mercedes actually back? The Halo saved the day once again as Zhou and Russell came to blows with the rookie surviving one of the most spectacular crashes we have seen. If Halo haters still exist then after this week they shouldn't. And finally amongst all that chaos it was Schumacher who took his maiden points. A 19th to 8th drive cheered on by all that was surely the feel good hit of the summer so far. All that plus Race Ranking, Race Review, Driver Votes, Dud of the Day, F1.5, Beyond the Bet, Fantasy, News, Gossip, Fan Frenzy returns and much much more on this week's episode of BTRL.

A return to Canada after years away and what a race we were treated to. After all was said and done it was just .9 of a second that separated the top two as Verstappen came home to win once again. It was a tail of 2 halvs for the mighty Alonso, a mega run into qualifying saw the double world champion take P2 for the first time in years, but after two missed opportunities, a PU issue and a penalty to boot the Spaniard was once again rueing what might have been. The men in Red showed they still have the pace and with Leclerc climbing through the field and a fast finishing Sainz they showed this title fight may just have a few more twists in the tail. The FIA intervention sparked some heated exchanges between team bosses as word of a technical directive was set to be put in place on safety grounds, Mercedes asked for some help but will this go against the silver arrows just as they look to be finding solutions. And spare a thought for the ground hog that kissed the front wing of Latifi, because, well, it bought a tear to our eye. All that plus Race Ranking, Race Review, Driver Votes, Dud of the Day, F1.5, Beyond the Bet, Fantasy, News, Gossip, Fan Frenzy returns and much much more on this week's episode of BTRL.

Back to Baku as the Bulls reign supreme. Yes the Azerbaijan grand Prix has been run and won. The tifosi were left ruing another lost opportunity as the once double digit title leader failed to finish and the points swing amassed in favour of Verstappen again. So where too for Ferrari. They have dominated quali and you'd be had pressed to argue against most races but as the saying goes, to finish first, first you must finish. The heat is on and they must convert and fast or this title will be the one that got away. Mercedes look to be in a world of hurt again, just ask Hamilton's back, but what about the number sixty three? Russell is hunting top fives and podiums, but how and why? The cost cap has teams scrambling to keen underbudget, but with big teams getting vocal there is pressure to increase it. Good call or bad call? And lastly Alsonso took the mantle of longest career in F1, a staggering 21years, he looks set to stay on and the leave Piastri waiting for an Alpine seat, but rumours are running wild as his drive is set to be announced in 2 weeks. All that plus Race Ranking, Race Review, Driver Votes, Dud of the Day, F1.5, Beyond the Bet, Fantasy, News, Gossip, Fan Frenzy returns and much much more on this week's episode of BTRL.

The curse lives on. It was looking like a weekend to finally break the shackles of the leclerc curse but a botched strategy saw the home town hero walk away with a not so spectacular 4th. We talked moments in last year's title, will we do the same again? The rain came down but we hid. Robbed of a classic and fans were left scratching their heads. Have we become afraid of the wet, are we right to hold station? Is safety really the reason we don't venture into the wet? Why do we even have wet tired? All we know is its time to have a serious conversation about wet weather racing. Hours after binning it in qualifying Perez took charge and stormed home with an epic race and strategy call from the bulls, and as we go to air has earnt an extension until 2024. Is he a title contender or a supporting cast, our opinions are divided, what are yours? And once again the discussion around Monaco and its rightful place on the calendar was once again part of the weekend, is it time to accept that it is what it is or are we needing to redesign or scrap the circuit altogether. All that plus Race Ranking, Race Review, Driver Votes, Dud of the Day, F1.5, Fantasy, Beyond the Bet, News, Gossip and much much more. Keep an eye out for our mini pod Fan Frenzy later in the week as well. All that on this week's episode of BTRL.

When Spain comes around F1 fans quiver at what is traditionally a snore festival but 2022 was anything but. Leclerc was untouchable, Max was on a charge, Sainz was holding steady and then it all changed. A gust of wind, an engine failure and a red hot George Russell found himself leading the pack. But with the outright pace the Bulls came home in a dominant 1-2 as the title tools its first change of direction. It was a technical battle off track as teams bought new gear to the track, we discuss all the upgrades and ask who were the big winner, the losers and who held station. The Mercs looked on it, has the bounce been bounced for good or were the on track errors a deceptive blanket to the finishing order? With George on the podium again and a barnstorming drive from Lewis are the Mercs in this fight or is it false hope? McLaren, where too? Hot and cold, on and off and a team that has left fans scratching their head. But what is going on in the land of papya? And drone cam....why? All that plus Race Review, Race Ranking, Dud Of the Day, F1.5, Fantasy, Beyond the Bet, News, Gossip and much much more on this week's episode of BTRL. Keep an eye out for Fan Frenzy this week too as we answer all your fan questions about the Spanish GP

Here what the boys have to say about some of the questions and topics the wonderful F1 fan of the world are talking about.

Miami, Miami, Miami. It was a mighty similar tale in the Verstappen V LeClerc title fight. Charles lead early, Max waited to the right moment to pounce and has now won every race he has finished. George is hassling the Merc, another top 5 finish, Bottas is firing, and Albon drove another battlers race while Norris and Ricciardo went backwards fast. We unpack all the teams and drivers. The show was spectacular but did it overshadow the sport? Did we go too far? We discuss the impact that the integration of American tracks in the sport may have. New teams were all the talk, McLaren are not for sale, Stroll may be keen to sell up to Audi, VW and Porsche are officially in and Andretti have announced they are close to full entry by 2024. Is this a good move for the sport? How many teams do you want to see on the grid? All that plus Race Ranking, Race Review, Driver Votes, Dud of the Day, Fantasy, Beyond the Bet, News, Gossip and yesterday it's official F1.5 is launching. The grid is set, this Thursday the leader board drops. All that on this week's episode of BTRL.

Hear the boys take on the topics you want to talk about here at Fan Frenzy.

Imola has been won and run and it was a case of the entire strikes back as Verstappen pounced on the win and Charles tool a spin. A sprinkling of sprint and wet weather through up a mixed grid and we saw some big winners and big losers. Lewis has ruled himself out of the title fight for season 2022, Toto has apologised but Russell is doing Russell things and is the only driver to finish top 5 in every race. Driver of the season so far? Is there really a quick car under all that bouncing? We asked for Sainz to deliver or become the supporting cast for a LeClerc charge, and he hasn't, we discuss the ins and outs of the Spaniard's past 2 rounds, nerves, pressure, or simply overdriving? And how about the resurgence stories, Albon, McLaren, Alfa Romeo, we dive into who, what and how these mighty rises have occurred. All that plus Race Ranking, Race Review, Driver Votes, Dud of the Day, Fantasy, F1.5, News, Beyond the Bet, Gossip and much much more on this week's episode of BTRL.

This is where you the listeners send us your questions you want us to discuss, tell us your race rankings and the all important Dud of THE Day.

The return down under saw the return of Leclerc and the men in red to the top step, however amid the faultless drive we saw the potential for more challengers in 2022. Dubbed the unfinished masterpiece of Fernando Alonso it was the pole lap that never was. Alpine have made strides foward, we think there is a win waiting in the wings but can they show consistent speed? Mercedes are the 5th fastest team that's no secret but Russell sits pretty in 2nd position, is the new kid on the block just fortunate or can he be a road block to what looks to be a drought broken by Ferrari? Mclaren have saved what looked to be the unsaleable, 2 rounds ago it was pain, pain, pian but with the first double points finish for the year, it looks as though they will gather it up. And what of Aston Matin, pointless, parties and this weekend talentless, it was the shocker or all shockers, have the cemented themselves as cellar dwellers in 2022, is Seb happy and is Stroll worthy of the drive? All that plus Race Ranking, Race Review, Driver Votes, Dud of the Day, Trending, Fantasy, Beyond the Bet, News, Gossip and much much more on this week's episode of BTRL.

Hear all the action from the paddock and pit lane from the Australian GP.

Here all the goss and goings on from the boys in the paddock and pits at the Australian GP.

Back after a successful debut last week, we have Fan Frenzy. Where our wonderful listeners and send in their questions on the socials for us to discuss.

The Redbulls are on the board, the boys in red and the challengers and its the beginning of a beautiful title fight, but are there contenders waiting to join the party? 2 rounds down and we are staring to see a pecking order, but our focus turns to Sainz and Perez. They wing men need wins on the board and early, or they are in danger of being relegated to #2 for the season. We discuss the implications of a non win and a win. We saw hard and heavy racing, the new regulations have done the job but is DRS too powerful? Is a fragile car a good thing for the sport or a bad thing? We unpack the raceability. And what of Mercedes, is it the end of the era, will Russell out score Hamilton this year? Or will they pick the low hanging fruit and be the 3rd chair at the table? All that plus, Race Ranking, Race Review, Driver Votes, Dud of the Day, Fantasy, F1.5, Beyond the Bet, News, Gossip and keep an eye out for the mid week mini pod Fan Frenzy where we Review and answer all fan questions. All that and much much more on this week's episode of BRTL.

THE MINI POD IS HERE.. Yes we are launching FAN FRENZY in 2022. A mini pod dedicated to you the fans and only the fans, comments, questions, DM's you name it, it's in here keep an eye out each Monday for our special Fan Questions post and keep those comments and DM's rolling in as the boys answer anything and everything F1 related, from you, the fans. We hope you enjoy!

We are under way for 2022. The deck has been shuffled, hands dealt and there are winners and losers at the table. Last time out we left Bahrain with a sour taste but with a quick pallet cleanse we have departed the desert feeling refreshed. Haas were the big winners as too were Alfa Romeo, the McLaren's have been dealt a horror hand and Williams are treading water. We unpack the grid in full and share our thoughts on who got it right and who has work to do. It was the Kmag and Bottas show as fans were treated to not 1 but 2 fairy tale stories, Zhou scored on debut and Hamilton dis Hamilton things and found his was onto the podium, but who's are the danger men of 2022 and who will do the most damage to a championship rival. Helmet cam is here and here to stay, fan engagement has been high on the list in the off season and along with some sharp graphics and a tidy Drive to Survive season is F1 heading in the right direction for fans? We think so. It's all that plus, Race Ranking, Race Review, Driver Votes, Dud of the Day, Beyond the Bet, Fantasy, News, Gossip, Round 2 Predictions and this week we are launching a very special Fan Question mini pod, keep an eye out in the coming days. Welcome back to Beyond the Racing Line for 2022.

Season 2022 is upon us. It feels like only yesterday we said farewell to the most dramatic title fight of all time. We are back and it's business as usual as we gear up for lights out in Bahrain. Testing is back, if you believe the hype Ferrari have this in the bag, Mercedes are "struggling" and the midfield will be tight. But we know that it's all smoke and mirrors as teams prepare to toss aside the sandbags. We unpack testing and give our constructor predictions. We saw the return of an old favourite as Haas dumped Mazepin and Kmag returned. But is it an opportunity lost as the likes of Piastri watch from the sidelines. We gear up for Bahrain and give our race predictions for the first time along with a bit of news and gossip as well as some cheeky Beyond the Bet odds. And for those artistic fans we are joking this week by special guest Chris DR AutoArt as we launch the Fantasy competition for season 2022. So join us for the very first episode of BTRL for season 2022

With the 2022 season nearly here it's time to see what you are made of and take on Roger, Justin and Tristan and all the 'Beyondies'. Head to the Formula 1 website or app, OR find the link on our Facebook page to find all the details. Our League code is: 6385b66fae

Yes the test has begun, or for a better word the shakedown, as the teams fire up their 2022 challengers. Social media is running wild with tech images as we get our first look at the unique innovations each team has brung. So who will be the front runner? Will it be the hyper aggressive Ferrari? The sleek styling if the Aston? The trimmed Mercedes? The manic Redbull or someone else? Join us for a bite sized episode as we talk tech, livery and chat all things day one as live feeds hit the socials. All that plus more on this week's episode of BTRL.

Season 2021 was a season like no other. We saw some of the most significant moments in F1 history come together to give us the magnificent beast that was season 2021. So sit back and relax while the boys relive all the highs and lows of all those major moments, discuss how the teams and drivers faired, while continually touch base with what's to come in 2022. The boys also give their thoughts on the latest liveries and announce the prestigious Dud of the Year and Beyond the Racing Line Driver of the Year Awards. It's great to be back.

AND JUST LIKE THAT WE HAVE OUR CHAMPION. In the most dramatic, electrifying, and yet controversial circumstances we crown our champion for 2021. It was a case of neither deserved to lose, yet one had to and as we know sport can break your heart. It was a Perez putting on a defensive clinic, it was Latifi in the wall, a safety car that threw Redbull a free kick, a questionable decision from the race director and a one lap battle for the ages. Over the past seasons we have seen nothing quite like it and we got the finale we deserved. It may not be over as Mercedes weigh up protest options. So grab your headphones, turn the volume up to 11 sit back, relax and enjoy the final round of BTRL! #F1

Its come down to this, 1 race, 1 title, 1 more chance and a margin of 0. If you never experienced the magic of Senna and Prost, this title fight is very much a modern day remake. We went to Jedda and saw a qualifying for the ages, the lap that never was or the lap of the year, we unpack that moment that divided fans. We were left with a bitter sweet taste in our mouths in Saudi Arabia as driving tactics and sportsman like conduct were questioned, over the line or right on the edge. We talk more about how fans have reacted to the race. Michael Massi was wheeling and dealing over the weekend, and copped heat for what looked to be a lack of control over the race, but is this simply inexperience or F1 opens up access do fans need a better understanding of what goes on behind the scenes. All that plus Race Ranking, Race Review, Driver Votes, Dud of the Day, F1.5, Fantasy, Beyond the Bet, News, Gossip and much much more on this week's episode of BTRL.

The King returned and sealed an unlikely podium. The reigning champ was on it and the championship leader made the ultimate save. Qatar was the land of champions and with 2 rounds to go its anyone's game. Alonso wound back the clock and produced a 1 stop masterpiece that others could not. Many have doubted his return to F1 but this shows there is still fight left in this mountain of a driver. Should he stay on for more? Flags were flying in the desert but not in the way Max wanted. A Marshall gone rogue? A deliberate look away or a situation that should have just been play on? We discuss. The Mercedes are flexing their muscles and maybe even their wings. Have the ICE replacement been the call of the season, or is there an illegal wing at play? There may be riots in the street or protests in the capital. A space to watch. And lastly we dive into the all-important fan naming, Spinnies, Icemen and Vetellians. F1.5 had a bit of extra spice to it this week. What would you name yourself as a driver fan? All that plus Race Ranking, Race Review, Driver Votes, Fantasy, F1.5, Beyond the Bet, News, Gossip, Fan Questions and much much more on this week's episode of BTRL.

With the world against them Mercedes and Hamilton drove a race for the ages and against all odds too the most unlikely of wins. 3 to go, 14pts in it, if you thought it was over, it's not. We deserve a fairy tale and that's exactly what we will get. The FIA stepped in and Got Mercedes where it hurt, disqualification from quali, but the champ rose the occasion. What did you make of the call? Right, wrong or too harsh? Inspector Max could learn a thing or two, don't go putting your hands where they should be. But we call of F1 to be better. The whistle was put away as Max walked Lewis wide, as arms were thrown and a please explain demanded. Play on or wrong call? All we know is that we want the whistle put away by the ref, do you agree? All that plus Race Ranking, Race Review, Driver Votes, Dud of the Day, F1.5, Beyond the Bet, Fantasy, News, Gossip and much much more on this week's episode of BTRL.

One hand on the title? Maybe? Who are you backing? Is it all over? Or is there a twist in the tail? Mexico was run and won, Max extend his lead, the constructors is now anyone's game and we are about to hit the height of the title fight. The second bull is well in this fight, and Perez is causing a nuisance. How important is Checo and what role does he play in the final rounds. Hamilton is fighting this to the end make no mistake, but is it out of reach? The champ is only a step off the pace, does he have enough tricks up his sleeve to take it when it counts? Gasly is back doing Gasly things, 4th again, we head to Interlago where last time out he pulled off a stunning result for the the Torro Rosso, what would you do if you were Gasly? Try and re enter Redbull, or build this team around you? All that plus, Race Rankings, Race Review, Driver Votes, Dud of the Day, Beyond the Bet, Fantasy, F1.5 Standings, News, Gossip and much much more on this week's episode of BTRL.

Y'all enjoy the race weekend? Well America arrived in style as the championship took another turn, in what was one of the drives of the season, from both. This week we dive right into the battle and unpack COTA. A strategic master-class from both Merc and Redbull, epic drives from Hamilton and Verstappen and in the end 1.33 was the difference. Fitting? Perez lifted and showed signs of matching it with Max, he has a hand to play in this title and could be the difference, over to you Bottas. Finally it was the battle we realised we needed and Brundle took on the Celebrities. It may be all for the gram but is there a place for these stars on the grid? All that plus Race Ranking, Race Review, Driver Votes, Dud of the Day, Fantasy, Beyond the Bet, F1.5, News, Gossip and much much more on this week's episode of BTRL.

Another week another race and another swing in the title fight, it's advantage Verstappen after Turkey and neither combatant has lead by more than 8pts. We asked mid season who wins and by how much, what are your predictions with 7 to go? Turkey left us feeling undercooked this week with the promise of a wet race that never reached its full potential, but does the surface need to be looked at? We throw around a few ideas to get Turkey back to the Gold standard. There was promise aplenty up the front, Leclerc looked poised to pounce, Alonso was in the box seat and Lewis had a new hardware to put on a charge, but there were more losers than winners this week. And the boss is back, Bottas took what would be his best win to date after the horror of his Turkish spin last time out, it was a clinical performance, but the reaction of Toto caught the eyes of many. Does Bottas deserve much more? All that plus Race Ranking, Race Review, Driver Votes, Dud of the Day, F1.5, Fantasy, Beyond the Bet, News and Gossip all on this week's episode of BTRL.

So close yet so far, the rain came in Sochi and it was Hamilton who prevailed and Norris played the price as the champ recorded a historic 100th win. Will we ever see such a fete again? Yes it's the Russian GP, next year we farewell "the carpark" but if there was a chance to go out on high note they took it. Max took his penalties and damage limitation was the name of the game. From last to 2nd and the slightest of swings in the title fight. This one is going to Abu Dhabi in our mind. 100 wins, a record that will stand the test of time as Lewis notched win number 3 for the season. Do you think we will see a record Luke this ever again? The rain came and Lando was hung out to, well soak, the Brit on the verge of a debut win we all wanted to see but a lack of info, a risky gamble and the conditions saw him slip, quite literally from the top step. Will he be better for the run? Will he take a win in season 2021? All that plus, Race Ranking. Race Review, Driver Votes, Dud of the Day, Beyond the Bet, Fantasy, F1.5, News, Gossip and much much more on this week's ep of BTRL.

To say that it's been a long time coming is an understatement, but as the Honey Badger said himself, he never left he just stepped aside for a while. The biggest smile in F1 was back and it will take some wiping as Monza delivered another classic. Is The Temple of Speed rising higher in the ranks of F1 circuits? At the other end of the scale it was frowns all round, Max and Lewis came together in spectacular fashion, and fans applauded the Halo once again we were denied the battle on track again. Who's at fault? Is this fight about to blow over? Does Max need to just start banking points or is Lewis getting his elbows too far out? One thing is for sure it's going down to the wire. And Bottas, the Finn lost his seat last week and we saw a care free fighter in Italy, which begs more questions once again about his time at Mercedes. With the pressure off could he throw a spanner in the works before season end? All that plus Race Ranking, Race Review, Dud of the Day, F1.5 championship, Fantasy, Beyond the Bet, Fan Questions, News, Gossip and much much more on this week's episode of BTRL.

A sea of orange washed across Zandvoort and Max delivered a clinic beyond his years to re-take the title lead. The rear gunners are out of it and we are wanting to keep it that way. Head to head 8 to go it's anyone's game. Zandvoort delivered in spades and the orange army was out in force, is there a more passionate group of F1 fans in modern times? We talk all things fans and Zandvoorts reprofile. The midfield battle is hotting up and it's swung once again. The McLaren's were in no man's land, Gasly delivered a stellar 4th place and the Ferraris bounced back, Alonso and the Alpine is growing in pace and it's hotting up fast, who will be the midfield champion come seasons end. Silly season is in full swing. Bottas has signed with Alfa Romeo, Gasly and Tsunoda have locked the Alfa seats down and the worst kept secret is no more as Russell signs for Mercedes. So who takes the remaining seats? We talk musical chairs once again, who are you backing? And sprint races are back on the table as we head off to the temple of speed, but was this weekends quali show enough to convince fans we don't need them? Time will tell. All that plus, Race Ranking, Race Review, Fantasy, F 1.5, Dud if the Day, Beyond the Bet, News, Gossip and much much more on this week's episode of BTRL.

THE RACE THAT NEVER WAS... What a weekend, well sort of, we raced behind a safety car, we waited, and waited and waited, paraded for 2 laps and then hey presto half points. Despite no race we have got lots of talk about. Russell pulled it out of the bag when it counted. But was it enough to land the Merc seat? Toto said the deal is done, Bottas with a cryptic post on Instagram but where will these 2 be seated in 2022? Lando was on it, then in it as he threw away a potential pole position, but was it down to poor conditions or too much money on the loud pedal? Whatever it was you can't fault him. And what about the fans, left high and...well wet, has F1 damaged the brand? Did we race to please sponsors? What should the sport do to reimburse the dedicated? We discuss plenty of options. All that plus news, driver market and Dud of the day on this week's half episode of BTRL.

Hungary for more? Well it's the summer break but your appetites for more F1 are satisfied after a chaotic and at times confusing race. Ocon took home the win in unconventional fashion as Bottas went bowling and banked a strike consisting of both Rebulls. If last week was the moment of the season then surely Hungary was the turning point. At half way the dial has turned and it's advantage Hamilton to the tune of 8 points. Vettel threw Aston Martin over his shoulder again and dragged home a feel-good second, he showed his good guy side again and supported diversity and equality but a slap on the wrist and a clip around the ear saw him fined and disqualified for an insufficient fuel sample, is it time to re-look at the rules? Williams finally banked the points they have longed for, and after 715 days between drinks it was Latifi who out raced Russell and took home the chocolates. We saw a raw and emotional Russell, is Mercedes the home for George or is he better suited as the future of Williams? And last but not least it was birthday boy Alonso who wound back the clock and put on a driving masterclass. If age is just a number then Alonso is just getting started. Alpine look justified in their signing and the Spaniard is back to his very best, a race win without a race win. All that plus Race Ranking, Race Review, Dud of the Day, Fantasy, Beyond the Bet, News, Gossip, Formula 1.5 and much much more on this weeks episode of BTRL

You may not realise it but we are witnessed a moment of F1 history for the ages. Two titans not willing to give an inch in a fight that is destined to go down to the wire. The British Grand Prix was set to be the weekend that we were introduced to Sprints however we left without batting an eyelid. This week we unpack that moment as the boys give their views on who was right, who was wrong and what implications this has on the championship. Leclerc is staking a claim as one of the drivers on the season. Is he getting the credit he deserves? He almost stole it on the weekend, how far away are we from a win for the men in red? The Sprint made its debut and left with mixed reactions, does it hold a place in F1, is it really pure racing or a money grab for a next gen of fans. Good guy Seb and the fighting Fernando of old were at their finest both on and off the track, we chat about the impact the mentors are having on the sport. And J is back. Nothing else there, he's just back. All that plus Race review, Race Ranking, Dud if the Day, Fantasy, Formula 1.5, Beyond the Bet, Fan Questions and much much more on this week's episode of BTRL.

Been to Austria? Well you'd be forgiven for thinking we never left. The triple header is done and non will be happier to depart the Styrian Alps than Hamilton as Max and the Bulls dominate. However one DNF and the margin in well within reach so this one isn't over. Penalties, penalties and more penalties. The talking point for this week? Did Derek Warwick get up on the wrong side of the bed or did the elbows stick too far out? We want hard racing but who got it right and who got it wrong? Lando can do no wrong. The brit is the in form drover of the season and lets be honest we didn't expect it. Is a win on the cards in 2021? Maybe, just maybe it is. Russell did Russell things and Bottas again took home another podium. The rumour mill is in full swing with an announcement on the Merc seat imminent. We discuss who gets it and why. Aston Martin are looking for a livery change to be more present on broadcasts. Sponsor BWT want the pink back and some are chasing the modern Fluro green. But will they pull the trigger on a re design this year? And down under is pulled from 2021 as our hearts collectively sink. What would you like to see as the replacement? All that plus Race Review, Race Ranking, Dud of the Day, Fantasy, Beyond the Bet, News, Gossip and a preview of the upcoming Sprint Race format on this weeks episode of BTRL.

4 on the bounce and the Bulls are in control. Yes the Mercs are winless and it's hurting. No development and no answers, is the dynasty over? The redbull rings is one of the races of the season. We saw a clinical master-class, however some fans were bored of the race. Is it time we come to appreciate these types of drives more often. The McLaren and Ferrari battle swung again, the boys in red went back before going forward, but Lando and Dan are on opposite wavelengths. Who is poised to take this win? Fernando is back, but have Alpine pulled the trigger too soon on an Ocon 3yr deal. With Russell and Bottas potentially "up for grabs" have they missed an opportunity? All that plus, Race Review, Race Ranking, Dud if the Day, Fantasy, Beyond the Bet, News, Gossip, our recommendations and a predictions for this weekend. All that and much much more on this week's episode of BTRL.

AH LE FRENCH GRAND PRIX. Delivered or still a dud? This weekend it delivered in spades but does it still have a worthy place on the calendar? It was the Bulls again who pulled off a strategic master-stroke and it caught the Mercs napping. Perez again repaying the faith in spades but are the Mercs cracking under pressure and beating themselves. Bottas. Some say getting a rough deal but we think not, listen in as we chat about the Finn and what the future holds. The McLaren boys came flying though and the Ferrari went in reverse. Mixed fortunes for the race for 3rd. Who is winning this battle at the moment? All that plus Race Review, Race Ranking, Dud of the Day, Beyond the Bet, Fantasy, News, Gossip and the all important F1.5 standing on this week's episode of BTRL. Don't forget to head over to DRAuto art, our wonderful sponsor of Fantasy this year, and check out some amazing F1 art.