Inside Line F1 Podcast

"Monaco levels of downforce, Monza levels of top speed" - this phrase will be overused for the weekend of the 2024 Mexico City GP! Will the "high altitude" impact the pecking order? Long straights followed by low speed corners, will McLaren bounce back? Or will Ferrari continue to be the class of the field? Will these two teams and their drivers take points away from Red Bull Racing and Max Verstappen? Also, could this race be Sergio Perez's final race in Formula 1? Will Red Bull Racing be forced to drop the Mexican should they lose P2 to Ferrari in the Constructors' Championship? In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah preview the 2024 Mexico City GP. Outside bets for this weekend's race - Haas, and maybe, Williams also? Tune in! (Season 2024, Episode 53) 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

Ferrari's 1-2 finish in the 2024 United States Grand Prix needs to be celebrated, for the result itself, and how Ferrari set themselves up for victory. After mid-season struggles with bouncing, Ferrari backed their "Monza" upgrade to deliver in Austin, and it did. Ferrari was the quickest car around the Circuit of the Americas. Charles Leclerc shot off into the lead after Max Verstappen ran Lando Norris wide on Turn 1 of the opening lap. LEC was not to be caught after this race winning move. As for Carlos Sainz, he used Ferrari's superior tyre degradation to undercut Verstappen and end his 7 race streak of no-podium finishes! In fact, Verstappen-Red Bull Racing's handling of Sainz's potential undercut threat was a clear indication of who their target was - Lando Norris, their title rival. The resurfaced COTA offered lesser tyre degradation and turned the race into a single-stopper; and after their round of stops, Norris was, once again, required to chase Verstappen on-track and overtake him. Verstappen put up a mega defence, as he always does, and again, as he always does, stretched the rule book to ensure Norris was put in a difficult spot - yield and back off, or overtake off-track. Norris took the bait, and pulled off the overtake off-track. McLaren left the ruling to the FIA Stewards, who penalised Norris (5 seconds time penalty), but let Verstappen, who was also off-track during their skirmish, escape scot-free! Of course, all hell has broken loose on social media, with fans highlighting the FIA's inconsistencies over the years, and also, judgments favouring Verstappen. In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah discuss the 2024 USA Grand Prix, Verstappen-Norris and why the FIA ruled the way they did, Verstappen's knowledge of the "rules of on-track engagement", Liam Lawson & Franco Colapinto's mega drives to out-score their experienced team-mates, and of course, Haas' super successful home race at COTA. Tune in! (Season 2024, Episode 52) Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah Image courtesy: Ferrari Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Formula 1 is back again! And of course, to make up for the weeks of no racing, we're straight into a triple header of races in the Americas. It is expected that all teams will bring upgrades to Austin, after all, they've been working through the autumn break. Will the upgrades change the pecking order? Can Red Bull Racing's upgrades bring it back in the fight with McLaren? In fact, will McLaren's upgrades face the same fate as their rivals? Basically, not deliver performance, for a change! In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah preview the 2024 United States Grand Prix. After a series of outlier circuits, Formula 1 will race at a traditional racing venue, the Circuit of the Americas. The elevation into Turn 1, the twisty Sector 1, the high downforce Sector 3 - the COTA has taken inspiration from several iconic corners and connected them to make their own layout. How will Liam Lawson fare against Yuki Tsunoda? Also, it's an "F1 Sprint" weekend, which means Lando Norris can take more points off Max Verstappen, but can he, will he? The last time he scored back-to-back race wins in his Motorsport career was in 2017! Will Ferrari continue to be in the reckoning? Will Mercedes' upgrades give them the performance boost to join the fight at the sharp end? Tune in! (Season 2024, Episode 51) 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

Is Formula 1 playing "reverse psychology"? After years of complaining that "24 races are too much", we're in another break period where one might feel that Formula 1 could've well slotted in a Grand Prix between Singapore and Austin - the 25th Grand Prix of the season. Also, the much-anticipated 10-car "rookie" race post-season was given a no-go by the FIA. After the Andretti-fiasco, that would've seen Formula 1 teams lose money to the 11th team, the FIA has taken yet another decision that would've cost the teams extra revenue...in the off-season. Make no mistake, the "rookie race" is to give rookies a chance, yes, but above all else, it is about making more money...that too in the off-season. Either way, a 10-car race seems just very odd! The break also means that Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah have brought upgrades to the Inside Line F1 Podcast. We're trialing them in audio-video from this episode onward; your feedback will be helpful. YOU, our dear listener & viewer, are our best sensor! 😉 Tune in as we bid farewell to Daniel Ricciardo and the others, discuss Alpine-Mercedes, and how we will remember Renault's contribution to Formula 1, and yes, including why there's an odd "autumn break" in the 2024 Formula 1 calendar. (Season 2024, Episode 50) Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah Image courtesy: Getty Images via Google Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 2024 Singapore Grand Prix - was this Daniel Ricciardo's last Formula 1 race? If so, it's unfair that Ricciardo and his legion of fans didn't get a chance to bid him a proper farewell at a race and on-track. Truthfully, a decision doesn't seem to be have been made; and Red Bull's driver move could be more towards retaining Liam Lawson for the long term, than dropping Daniel Ricciardo. And of course, Ricciardo's performances have been wanting, no doubt. Also, the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix was another stand-out event, but not so much so the racing itself. McLaren's Lando Norris dominated every day of the race weekend; also, he went unchallenged, by his rivals and his team-mate, Oscar Piastri. If Ferrari hadn't bottled qualifying, maybe they could've taken the fight to the McLarens, unlike Red Bull Racing-Max Verstappen who were thrilled to qualify and finish second. Red Bull Racing cheekily used Racing Bull's Ricciardo to take the "fastest lap" of the race away from Norris, thereby taking away a key championship point. It's all within the rules and regulations, but against the spirit of the sport? The trio, Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah discuss the various stories from Singapore, including Max Verstappen's win against the FIA's silly punishments. Tune in! (Season 2024, Episode 49) 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

Frankly, the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix is Lando Norris' best chance to make BIG inroads into Max Verstappen's 59 points lead in the Drivers' Championship. If McLaren score 1-2 (Norris-Piastri), and they're capable of doing so, they will score their 50th 1-2 in Formula 1 history. But crucially, if Max Verstappen 7th or 8th (assuming Red Bull Racing is the fourth fastest car + all cars finish), then Norris could out-score Verstappen by nearly 20 points. 6 races remain after Singapore, and a 35-something lead will seem far more surmountable, especially since 3 rounds have the Sprint + Grand Prix format (34 points per round). Hence, the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix will either thrown the door wide open for Norris in the Drivers' Championship OR shut it a bit more firmly. In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah preview the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix. They discuss the circuit's characteristics and why this race is special for Formula 1 teams and drivers - it offers a physical, mental and mechanical challenge like no other. Also, will McLaren use "papaya rules" even more firmly if Norris *has* the chance to score big against Verstappen, even if that means asking Piastri to give up a race win!? Lots of stories and narratives to play out this weekend, starting with our 2024 Singapore Grand Prix preview episode. Tune in! (Season 2024, Episode 48) 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

We're 24 hours too late with our 2024 Azerbaijan GP review episode, however, we've covered more than just the racing on-track. Did you know that Naomi Campbell, the celebrity who waived the chequered flag in Baku, was once engaged to Flavio Briatore? Yes, lots of such stories in our near hour-long episode. On a weekend when "papaya rules" could have been used against him, Oscar Piastri drove one of his best Formula 1 races to force McLaren to use the papaya rules in favour of him! Lando Norris, the championship contender, fought back from a 15th place at the start to 4th place at the finish; out-scoring his championship rival Max Verstappen by 3 points. How did Charles Leclerc not win in Baku? Btw, only 1 out of the last 9 races have been won by the pole sitter! How did Piastri make up so much time on Leclerc on his in/out laps in the pit stop? Is Red Bull Racing back in form? Sergio Perez was battling for victory...on merit. And how is it that Max Verstappen's struggles continued? Was the Carlos Sainz-Sergio Perez incident right to be labelled as a "racing incident" or should either one of the two drivers have picked up a penalty? And if so, who? Tune in! (Season 2024, Episode 47) Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah Image courtesy: Aston Martin F1 Team Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Legendary Formula 1 engineer & designer Adrian Newey will team up with Fernando Alonso, Lance Stroll and several other star engineers at Aston Martin F1 Team from 2025 onward. Will it be yet another winning combination for Newey? A mega coupe by Canadian billionaire, Lawrence Stroll. Also, it's "race week" for Baku, the venue of the 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The "City of Winds" has always entertained, given it's unique track layout, but for once, no one knows for sure who could win this weekend. Will Ferrari-McLaren lead Mercedes-Red Bull Racing OR would a team have pulled away that slight bit to have an advantage this weekend? Historically, this race has seen interruptions, but Formula 1 has also gone 7 races without a Safety Car! In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah preview the 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Oliver Bearman stepping in for Kevin Magnussen, McLaren's team orders saga and of course, if Lando Norris can get two things right. First, the start and opening lap, and second, taking a BIG chunk of points off Max Verstappen's 62 points lead. Also, for the first time in 2024 (possibly), we have 8 drivers who could genuinely be in the fight for the lead! Sergio Perez is the "King of Baku" as the only driver to score multiple wins AND most podiums. In only 7 years, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix has etched a special place in the hearts of Formula 1 fans. Let's see how they all go this weekend. Tune in! (Season 2024, Episode 46) Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah Image courtesy: Aston Martin F1 Team Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2024 marks 20 years since the inception of Red Bull Racing. Who better than Helmut Marko, one of the main architects of the team, to narrate some stories about the multiple World Championship winning team? In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Dr. Helmut Marko takes Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah back in time to discuss the origins of the team, the culture, their almost power unit partnership with Mercedes, Fernando Alonso's rejection, a missed chance with Lando Norris and more. Note to editors of media houses: When you use quotes from this episode, do remember to credit "Inside Line F1 Podcast" AND embed the episode on your landing page(s). We expect you to follow ethical journalism. Tune in! (Season 2024, Episode 45) 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

Could McLaren have one-stopped their way to win the 2024 Italian Grand Prix at Monza? How did Charles Leclerc and Ferrari manage to snatch a surprise win at home in front of the tifosi? We dissect LEC's super-consistent lap times on the hard tyre - the one that gave him the win. McLaren and team orders - are they too late in implementing one? And of course, Oscar Piastri's massive overtake on Lando Norris on the opening lap, how did he pull that off? In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil Arora, Kunal Shah & @f1statsguru re-live the moments from the 2024 Italian Grand Prix. Kevin Magnussen's one race ban, but a point for Haas F1 Team, Alexander Albon and more so, Franco Colapinto's race debut. Also, what's your favourite Ferrari Formula 1 race car through the years? Tune in! (Season 2024, Episode 44) Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah Image courtesy: Ferrari Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of Motorsport and Formula 1's most-influential figures Dr. Helmut Marko returned as a guest on the Inside Line F1 Podcast. Dr. Marko, who is Red Bull's Motorsport Advisor, took time to discuss several topics with your regular trio of hosts - Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah. In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Dr. Marko spoke about Red Bull Racing's shocking loss to McLaren at the 2024 Dutch Grand Prix, commented on what it takes to be Max Verstappen's team-mate and how maybe only Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris can come close. He also weighed in on Mercedes' repeated interest in hiring Max Verstappen and his comments on exit clauses. We've split Dr. Marko's episode into 2 parts. Part 1, this episode, talks about current affairs regarding Red Bull Racing. Part 2, which is out next week, will focus on "20 years to Red Bull Racing" where Dr. Marko re-lives some of his proudest moments, the early day challenges, Adrian Newey, Jonathan Wheatley and more. Note to editors of media houses: When you use quotes from this episode, do remember to credit "Inside Line F1 Podcast" AND embed the episode on your landing page(s). We expect you to follow ethical journalism. Tune in! (Season 2024, Episode 43) 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

This episode is a double - the 2024 Dutch GP review and the 2024 Italian GP preview. Yes, it's a double header, and we're making space in our publishing calendar. But making space for what or for who? Well you'll know soon. Check out the Inside Line F1 Podcast on Thursday this week...and Thursday next week. We're getting one of our headline guests back on the show. How did McLaren win by 22 seconds in Zandvoort? Can they win again in Monza? Why was Red Bull Racing just so slow in Zandvoort? Will the top-4 teams be even closer at Monza? The 2024 Italian GP will see teams choose their lowest downforce setting. Basically, they will shed ALL the drag they can. As much as love Monza for the history, the Tifosi and the iconic corners, the one thing that we HATE it for are DRS trains. At Zandvoort, we saw overtakes across the entire grid. Let's see how Monza copes on the overtaking front...and even more so with DRS trains. At Zandvoort, Ferrari over-delivered on Sunday. They pulled off a masterstroke of a tyre strategy with Charles Leclerc. LEC undercut George Russell and Oscar Piastri during his single stop. Will Ferrari continue to shine in Monza in front of their beloved Tifosi? Also, who will be the most-popular Ferrari driver at Monza - Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz or Lewis Hamilton. Lewis Hamilton's recovery drive from P14 to P8 at Zandvoort was much-heralded, much as George Russell's drop-off from a podium position to P7. After impressing in the races just before the summer break, what happened to Mercedes at Zandvoort? And can they re-join the battle at the front in Monza? Mercedes' BIG high moment will be when Andrea "Kimi" Antonelli jumps into Russell's car during FP1 to make his Formula 1 debut. Will Mercedes also use this opportunity to confirm Formula 1's worst kept secret about their replacement for Hamilton? Lots in store in this hour-long episode, tune in! (Season 2024, Episode 42) Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah Image courtesy: McLaren Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After weeks of traveling to other race venues to cheer for Max Verstappen, the "Orange Army" finally gets a home race to cheer for...Max Verstappen! Let's face it - the Dutch Grand Prix exists only for one reason. That reason is Max Verstappen. Don't believe us? Hear the story of the 2020 Dutch Grand Prix in the episode for more. Yes, the 2020 edition of the race. The one that didn't happen. It's fitting that Max Verstappen's home race is an old school circuit that every driver adores. A circuit that is tight, twisty and narrow with a high overtaking difficulty. There are two LONG DRS zones and the best part? Two heavily banked corners that will challenge the drivers and tyres alike. Come Qualifying, track position will be vital. And in the race, tyre strategy will be key. Why? Again, because overtaking is difficult around Zandvoort. In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah preview the 2024 Dutch Grand Prix. The trio discusses the circuit characteristics, facts-stats, and of course, how the next 10 races of the 2024 Formula 1 season will pan out starting from this race weekend. Will Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing resume winning races? OR will McLaren finally nail their race execution to score more 1-2s, a result they will need to claim this year's World Constructors' Championship. A few seats still remain to be filled for the 2025 Formula 1 season. Will we see any driver announcements this weekend or the next? Tune in! (Season 2024, Episode 41) Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah Image courtesy: Dutch GP Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A week to go before the start to the 2024 Dutch Grand Prix race weekend. Here's part 2 of our ever-popular mid-season review. In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah re-live moments, controversies, facts-stats from the first 14 races of the season. After covering 4 teams in part 1, the trio speak about the remaining 6 teams in part 2. A lot will happen in Formula 1 in the remaining 10 races of the season; including on the Inside Line F1 Podcast. 😉 Tune in! (Season 2024, Episode 40) Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah Image courtesy: McLaren Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Yes, we're all missing Formula 1 in this forced summer shut down period. It is forced - at least for the fans. And after the run of races we had before the summer break, we're not alone in wishing that there was no summer break at all! But, do you remember the most fun, controversial and shocking moments from the 2024 Formula 1 season? In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru aka Sundaram Ramaswami and Kunal Shah re-live the first 14 races of the season and the pre-season testing. In fact, we go all the way back to car launches, too. Lots has happened in the sport, politics and business of Formula 1, trust us. The "2024 Mid-season Review" is split into two parts. Both parts are absolutely going to make you laugh. If you don't end up laughing, tell us! We had a blast recording. Tune in! (Season 2024, Episode 39) Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah Image courtesy: Mercedes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Driver 44, Lewis Hamilton, won the 44-lap long 2024 Belgian Grand Prix after the FIA issued document number 44, that disqualified the original race winner and Hamilton's George Russell from the race. Yes, numerology was at play, if you believe in it that is, at this weekend's race around the legendary Spa Francorchamps. Btw, Oscar Piastri's slow pit stop was 4.4 seconds long! Lewis Hamilton became only the second driver to score multiple race wins in the 2024 Formula 1 season. Hamilton's victory at Spa came 11 years to the day when he scored his first race win with Mercedes! Was Mercedes expected to be in the race fight whatsoever? The pre-race chatter was about McLaren vs. Red Bull Racing and how Ferrari-Mercedes would play second fiddle. But the 2024 Belgian Grand Prix had other plans. In fact, it showed what a Formula 1 race should be like - multiple teams fighting for the win with no predictability on who could actually win! In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah dissect the race, the popular and not-so-popular stories and more. Tune in! (Season 2024, Episode 38) Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah Image courtesy: Mercedes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're onto our 5th Grand Prix in 6 weekends; are you complaining!? At this weekend's 2024 Belgian Grand Prix, McLaren will be taking on Red Bull Racing in their den at the legendary Spa Francorchamps circuit. Max Verstappen has won 3 consecutive Grands Prix at Spa (yes, we're counting 2021 even though it wasn't really a Grand Prix!). Red Bull Racing-Verstappen have won the last races at Spa despite taking power unit related grid penalties. In fact, could this weekend's race be the "Power Unit Grid Penalty" Grand Prix? It wasn't too many years ago when McLaren took a 60 place grid penalty, but those were the days. These days, McLaren is now most-definitely the class of the field. But can they deliver a drama-free race? Mixed weather is expected on Saturday for Qualifying - let's hope McLaren's pit wall gets it right...after receiving sermons and team management lessons from everyone...including those who are nobody in Formula 1 (like us!). Also, is Ferrari in the right? Will the cooler temperatures bring Mercedes closer to McLaren-Red Bull Racing? While we will see the regular narratives play out, let's remember to enjoy the Spa Francorchamps this weekend - as a race circuit. They don't make circuits like the Spa anymore! And of course, Alpine might be set to lose their "works" status by signing up for Mercedes power units from 2025. Let's hope their race weekend management is as spot-on as their new superhero livery. Tune in! (Season 2024, Episode 37) Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah Image courtesy: McLaren Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We called it! In the week leading up to the 2024 Hungarian Grand Prix, we had our "we told you so" moment when we predicted an Oscar Piastri win in Hungary. But what no one could have predicted is "how" he could go about clinching his debut win in Formula 1. The 2024 Hungarian Grand Prix offered edge-of-seat action for various reasons. First, a chasing Max Verstappen in his Red Bull Racing car. Second, Lewis Hamilton being in the mix or thereabouts. And third, obviously, McLaren's pit walls decisions, communications and eventual optics in how they handed the win back to Piastri. Poor Lando Norris. He was put to the "moral test" on live television, and despite being very very tempted, he did well to make the "right" choice. But what could have happened IF Norris chose to ignore team orders? In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil Arora, F1 StatsGuru and Kunal Shah re-live the 2024 Hungarian Grand Prix. They debate the various decisions made by the McLaren pit wall. Could they have handled this situation better? Why did they decide to undercut Oscar Piastri with Lando Norris at the last stop? Max Verstappen, who was annoyed and impatient, finished a lowly fifth - after tangling with his arch rival Lewis Hamilton. The Stewards ruled "no action", but was it a racing incident or was Hamilton to blame in this situation? In this hour long episode, the trio discusses various stories, narratives, strategies and race outcomes from the epic 2024 Hungarian Grand Prix. Tune in! (Season 2024, Episode 36) Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah Image courtesy: McLaren Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mercedes has never won "three in a row" in this era of Formula 1. Can they claim this stat by winning the 2024 Hungarian Grand Prix? Based on the 2024 British Grand Prix, Mercedes is one the fastest teams in Formula 1, if not the fastest. But of course, they won the 2024 Austrian Grand Prix only because Max Verstappen-Lando Norris had a fallout on track (and George Russell was 15 seconds behind the lead pair). Of all the current teams, Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton have the best stats for the 2024 Hungarian Grand Prix in the last decade! Hungaroring was built to mimic the circuit of Monaco, and it isn't surprising that the technical requirements (high downforce!) have labelled this circuit just outside of Budapest as "Monaco without the walls". Will Red Bull Racing be troubled at the Hungaroring as they were in Monaco? Will McLaren be as quick - as they've been everywhere, and will this be the race they finally start delivering "perfect" races, and what about Ferrari? The team that won in Monaco; will they be back in the fight at "Monaco without the walls"? The drivers silly season might see some announcements - Esteban Ocon to Haas to be finally confirmed? As for the others, all eyes on Carlos Sainz and Sergio Perez - the two big movers in the market. Yes, Perez has a signed contract for the next two season (2025 and 2026), but given his current form and struggles to resurrect, one wonders if Red Bull Racing will take up their option on the "performance clause" that is often rumoured. Tune in! (Season 2024, Episode 35) Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah Image courtesy: Mercedes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Indian Cricket legend & Formula 1 fan since the ages Ravi Shastri predicted a Lewis Hamilton victory on the Saturday of the 2024 British Grand Prix on the Inside Line F1 Podcast. Ravi, who has previously been a guest on our show, joined us from Silverstone where he was a guest of the Stake Sauber Kick F1 Team. Soumil Arora hosted Ravi where the duo spoke about athlete mindset and how an "older" star driver like Lewis Hamilton would react to being beaten by a "younger" team-mate aka George Russell. Ravi also told us how he started watching Formula 1 while playing county cricket in England in the 70s and 80s, and Silverstone is special for Formula 1...and for himself. Did you know? Ravi's original inspiration in Formula 1 was former driver turned broadcaster Martin Brundle. Also in this episode, Ravi shares his views on the Max Verstappen-Lando Norris rivalry, why he has high hopes from Aussie driver Oscar Piastri and of course, his thoughts on India recently winning the T20 World Cup in the United States of America. Tune in! (Season 2024, Episode 34) Follow our host on Twitter: Soumil Arora Image courtesy: Formula 1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What an emotional win for Lewis Hamilton in front of his home fans at Silverstone! The 2024 British Grand Prix will go down in memory as one of the most-special races in history. Yes, a British driver won the British Grand Prix for the 30th time in history, but what makes it special is that Hamilton won at home, his 9th such victory, with Mercedes - a team he has actually given up on! Also, Hamilton-Mercedes won on merit. They were the quickest car on-track. Hamilton's "wing" choices on Saturday and the track temperatures on Sunday played a vital role in his 104th career win in Formula 1. And of course, Hamilton's impeccable driving in mixed weather conditions, too. It was heartwarming to see the British fans join Hamilton's family in celebrating this win - one that took 56 races to come. Hamilton becomes the first and only driver with over 300 starts to score a race win in Formula 1. In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah re-live the magical British Grand Prix. Were you also surprised when Red Bull Racing weren't the quickest across the changing track conditions? Also, were you surprised when McLaren decided to "invent" race strategy than stick to the norm? George Russell's retirement, Nico Hulkenberg's mega points score for Haas and several other stories and facts from the 2024 British Grand Prix. Tune in! (Season 2024, Episode 33) Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah Image courtesy: Mercedes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Lando Norris-Max Verstappen battle will continue at one of Formula 1's most-legendary and oldest circuits on the calendar, Silverstone. Lewis Hamilton's reaction to the Norris-Verstappen incident from Austria will make headlines. But will he comment at all? A lot at stake for the title protagonists, Formula 1 and the British fans at this weekend's British Grand Prix. In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, @f1statsguru is back in the studio along side Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah. Tune in! (Season 2024, Episode 32) Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah Image courtesy: McLaren Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Will Max Verstappen and Lando Norris' friendship survive the test of Formula 1? Seemingly, that's the key question after their race-altering incident in the 2024 Austrian Grand Prix. Understandable that their friendship is under question, because in 2024 at least, we don't believe the Drivers' World Championship is. It will be won by Max Verstappen! And of course, was Verstappen "dirty" in his wheel-to-wheel battle against Norris? The fan base is split, and we try offer an emotional and objective response. Needless to say, Verstappen-Norris is box-office stuff, and we'd love more of this. But can anyone go wheel-to-wheel against Verstappen at all? Also in this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah dissect the 2024 Austrian Grand Prix. Will Mercedes be celebrating their race win? Could Oscar Piastri have won this race had it not been for his "track limits" penalty in qualifying on Saturday? Congrats to Haas for scoring their best race result since 2022 (also in Austria). Ferrari's optimism with Charles Leclerc, Sergio Perez's damaged RB20 and not picking up of the pieces after the Verstappen-Norris incident, Aston Martin's no-score and more in this episode. Tune in! (Season 2024, Episode 31) 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

Can McLaren challenge Red Bull Racing? And could Ferrari and Mercedes potentially join their fight? These might be the two questions we ask ourselves at every remaining Grand Prix of 2024! In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah preview the 2024 Austrian Grand Prix, also an "F1 Sprint" weekend. We have a timeless story from Red Bull's Motorsport Advisor, Dr. Helmut Marko, on the origins of Red Bull Racing, the Red Bull Junior Team, etc. (from the 25th minute). Tune in to the full episode of Dr. Helmut Marko on the Inside Line F1 Podcast All eyes on Sergio Perez, Oscar Piastri and Aston Martin - all in need of a good result. The Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring offers a different challenge to the cars. Of course, we expect the "Orange Army" to cheer for Max Verstappen, but could the cheers this year also be for McLaren's papaya car? Lots of stories, opinions and banter in this episode. (Season 2024, Episode 30) 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

Why did Lando Norris claim that he should have won the 2024 Spanish Grand Prix? In fact, why did Norris run a different race strategy vs. Max Verstappen, and why was he not too concerned about the Mercedes drivers? Why did George Russell's race attack wear off mid-race? And of course, how did Max Verstappen end up winning a race despite the McLaren being the quicker car yet again? Why has Ferrari lost ground for the second race in succession, and why was Carlos Sainz involved in Turn 1 incidents with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton? Did Mercedes sabotage Russell's race (sarcasm alert!) by putting him on the hard in his final stint while Lewis Hamilton chose the soft? Why was Sergio Perez's 8th place finish lauded by Christian Horner. Fun fact: Perez was the only three-stopping driver who finished in the points What happened to Aston Martin? Fernando Alonso was 17 seconds off Nico Hulkenberg for P11 (lap 58/66), and of course, how did Alpine change their fortunes? Is it the "Flavio Briatore effect" felt at Enstone already? In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah dissect the 2024 Spanish Grand Prix by answering a lot of race-related questions, discussing stats-facts and more. Tune in! (Season 2024, Episode 29) Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah Image courtesy: McLaren Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the end, Max Verstappen won the 2024 Canadian Grand Prix, also his 60th win in Formula 1. However, there were two other drivers who could've equally won the race - Mercedes' George Russell and McLaren's Lando Norris. The race, that saw several interruptions thanks to the rain and Safety Car, eventually rewarded "track position" given that the pace between the protagonists was very similar. In fact, Mercedes' pit stops at the restart for fresh tyres was a masterstroke. It gave them significant tyre delta to pull off overtakes and score their first podium of the season. Of course, this was after George Russell scored the team's first pole position of the season on Saturday. The other two key strategy moments were - Haas' "wet" tyre start of the race. Kevin Magnussen & Nico Hulkenberg were flying in the first tenth of the race! They pulled off overtakes at will. The other moment was when Yuki Tsunoda and Esteban Ocon chose to not pit under the Safety Car and pile 44 laps on the inters. This gave them track position in the top-10! The 2024 Canadian Grand Prix was chaotic, but fun. It offered us a good mix of on-track action, mixed weather, a multi-team battle and Alpine's first double points finish of the 2024 Formula 1 season. Tune in! (Season 2024, Episode 27) 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

The "kerbs" at the Gilles Villeneuve Circuit in Montreal, that's where everyone's eyes could be in the build-up to this weekend's 2024 Canadian Grand Prix. Will Red Bull Racing's RB20 continue to struggle over the kerbs, and if so, could this give us another non-Red Bull Racing win in 2024? From the Ferrari and McLaren drivers, Oscar Piastri is the only driver yet to score a win. In Monaco, Piastri could've scored pole and then won the race had he strung all his sectors together in Qualifying. Could he be the one challenging for win in Canada this weekend? Btw, 3 x DRS zones means Red Bull Racing will have that much more tarmac to unleash their efficient DRS wing on! All eyes also on the wind and the temperature - could the wind catch Ferrari out and could cooler temperatures bring Mercedes into play? Is there a Sergio Perez-Red Bull Racing announcement expected pre-Canada? Btw, the Lance Stroll Grandstand has been sold out for this weekend. It's his home race. Can he do something special...for once? Lots to look forward to on and off the track...and in this 40+ mins long episode. Tune in! (Season 2024, Episode 26) Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah Image courtesy: Google Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Everything about Monaco is different. Yes, it is. It's not just the race distance or the circuit length, but even the podium ceremony. Did you know that in Monaco the trophies are handed out before the national anthem? At the other circuits, it is the other way around. Yes, keep an eye out for this one. For the teams and drivers, the challenge of Monaco is what excites them. Qualifying is key and "track position" is everything around the streets of Monaco. In the race, it is more about not ceding track position to your rival than finishing the race in the shortest possible race time. For the teams, Monaco is logistical challenge given the smaller confines to work within. Upgrades are the name of the game, but the "confidence" in the cockpit is what the teams will help their drivers chase in Monaco. The talk about Monaco is usually about "leaving lap time" on the table, since the time comes when you go up close to the walls and barriers! It's more about margins to the walls than margins between teams when Formula 1 is racing in Monaco. Join @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah in this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast as they preview the upcoming 2024 Monaco Grand Prix. (Season 2024, Episode 24) Follow our hosts on Twitter: @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah Image courtesy: Red Bull Content Pool Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Max Verstappen & Lando Norris have finished in the top-2 positions in the last 3 races of the 2024 Formula 1 season. The question on everyone's mind is - will the Verstappen-Norris battle continue through the season? If the 2023 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix is anything to go by, it does seem so. If Miami was won by Norris-McLaren thanks to the Safety Car, Norris' late-race charge in Imola confirmed McLaren's turn of pace thanks to their steady upgrade plans...a plan that started in Austria last year. Since their win in Miami, McLaren's communication has changed - from claiming that they could challenge Red Bull Racing, they're now saying than can. For Formula 1's sake, one can only hope so. But how could Lando Norris launch such a late-race charge on Max Verstappen? How did Verstappen-Red Bull recover after a messy start to the weekend? Could Norris have attacked Verstappen earlier, and if the race was a lap longer, could Norris have actually one? In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Kunal Shah and @f1statsguru review the 2024 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Soumil Arora, who is on holiday in the north-eastern part of India, was sorely missed! Is Mercedes now the 'best of the rest'? Why have Yuki Tsunoda and Nico Hulkenberg impressed everyone in 2024? Did Hulkenberg's tow cost McLaren a 1-2 in Qualifying on Saturday? Sergio Perez is now third in the Drivers' Championship behind Charles Leclerc - could this hamper his contract extension talks? And of course, did Ferrari's upgrades work? Lots of narratives, explainers and facts-stats packed in this 50+ mins long episode. Tune in! (Season 2024, Episode 23) Follow our hosts on Twitter: @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah Image courtesy: Red Bull Content Pool Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Could a new pecking order emerge at the 2024 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix? It's the first European race of the season and we expect teams to bring a plethora of upgrades to this race. Can the upgrades really make things tighter between Red Bull Racing, McLaren and Ferrari? It's not the top-3, but all teams that could see their fortunes change this weekend onward. McLaren and Ferrari were in the battle for 2nd place, but is it actually for 1st place with Red Bull Racing? OR will Max Verstappen return with vengeance at Imola, as he usually does so after losing a race? Lots of exciting stories to look forward to for this weekend's race. Nico Hulkenberg, the Formula 1 veteran, has never raced at Imola! He's also the first driver to join another team...after racing for Haas. Btw, Kevin Magnussen is 2 points away from a race ban, will he clean up his racing act? Or will Oliver Bearman end up racing for two teams in 2024? In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah preview the 2024 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. Imola, the historic venue that will host this weekend's race, is often remembered for the deaths of Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger. It has been 30 years since their passing at the 1994 Imola Grand Prix, of course, at Imola. Lots in store in this near hour long chat, tune in! (Season 2024, Episode 22) Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah Image courtesy: McLaren Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Adrian Newey bombshell has finally dropped...on Red Bull Racing and all of Formula 1. But what Newey does next is more of interest, of course. F1 TV's lead voice and commentator Alex Jacques is our special guest on this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast. "What a problem to have for someone who has won 200 Grands Prix," said Alex Jacques, the guest on this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast. Soumil Arora and Jacques discussed with a lot of confidence that Maranello is where Newey will be headed to next...to work for Ferrari. "A great addition to his already fabled CV!" concluded Jacques. In this "voices of F1" episode series, which is also a bonus episode before the 2024 Miami Grand Prix, Soumil and Alex spoke about Carlos Sainz's options, including Audi, Kimi Antonelli to Mercedes, Wolff-Hamilton and lots more. Tune in! (Season 2024, Episode 19) Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora and Alex Jacques Image courtesy: Red Bull Content Pool Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Could Fernando Alonso get a penalty yet again? He's had 2 in the first 5 races of the 2024 Formula 1 season...for "racing" his rivals on-track. This race, last year - was when Max Verstappen engaged "God" mode. He's never had pole position in Miami, but has won both the races held here. The weather is expected to be hot and humid - could Verstappen score yet another pole position, race win, fastest lap...and also, the fastest pit stop of the race? Red Bull Racing is operating on a different level than the others. We expect Red Bull Racing's "politics" to also hit a new peak this weekend. After much silence in the Austral-Asian rounds, Adrian Newey reportedly wants to leave Red Bull Racing for "personal" races / moral grounds in the aftermath of the Christian Horner misconduct saga. Will Newey actually GO or is he doing what Helmut Marko did a few races ago - report an exit via the media only to then have the owners of Red Bull stage a public "comeback" confirmation? Already, the three pillars of Red Bull Racing - Christian Horner, Helmut Marko and Adrian Newey, have all had their own stories of leaving/staying with the World Champion team in only the first 5 races of the season. Audi's first-ever signing in Formula 1 is Nico Hulkenberg. Who will their second driver be? And is signing Nico the best step forward for Audi? We expect the "driver silly season" to be another key talking point this weekend, which btw, also happens to be a back-to-back "F1 Sprint" race weekend. In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah look forward to the F1 Sprint and Grand Prix in Miami. They discuss stats, facts and fun trends that have emerged from the first 5 races of the season. Tune in! (Season 2024, Episode 18) 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

The Ferrari challenge faded in China. McLaren and Lando Norris were a distant second best. Truth be told, Max Verstappen-Red Bull Racing went unchallenged in the 2024 Chinese Grand Prix. In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah re-live the most memorable moments from Formula 1's return to China. The F1 Sprint, qualifying, Sprint Shoot-out and the Grand Prix - Fernando Alonso stood out through ALL those sessions! Carlos Sainz's spin and crash, Lewis Hamilton's setup change that he will never repeat in life, Lando Norris' pole lap for the Sprint, Lance Stroll's lack of focus at the restart, Ricciardo's post-race anger and more. Tune in! (Season 2024, Episode 17) 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

5 years and 105 races later, the Chinese Grand Prix is back to host Formula 1. The BIGGEST talking point of the weekend will be the Sprint format - and the sole 60 mins-long practice session for the team-drivers to dial their setup in. A lot has changed in Formula 1 since the sport last raced in China. For starters, Mercedes aren't dominating, Max Verstappen is now a World Champion along with Red Bull Racing, Fernando Alonso is back...and Ferrari, well, they're still Ferrari - happy to be in the / lead the chasing pack instead of being chased themselves. Tyres will be another key talking point at the Shanghai International Circuit. The last time Formula 1 raced in China, it wasn't just the tyres that were different, but the wheel rims, too. Yes, Formula 1 raced the 13" rims back then (and currently use the 18" ones). The SIC is expected to be front-limited and heavy on tyre wear - will that bring Ferrari closer to Red Bull Racing? If the conditions are cooler, it will aid Mercedes and McLaren. A lot of stats and facts are packed in this episode, happy listening! Tune in! (Season 2024, Episode 16) 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

Is Ferrari really on the mend? They only scored a 3-4 finish in the 2024 Japanese Grand Prix BUT that finish came at the back of very good tyre degradation...and race strategy. Now whether you've been following Formula 1 recently or for the past many years, you would know that these are two factors that have usually held Ferrari back on the Sundays. Helmets off to Frederic Vasseur and all of Ferrari for having turned these variables around in their favour. You know what made Ferrari's race strategy and tyre degradation even more impressive? The track was at its hottest on Sunday - and that impacts tyre wear and usage directly. Elsewhere, Max Verstappen won his 57th race in Formula 1; after scoring his 36th career pole on Saturday. Verstappen has been unbeaten in Qualifying in the first 4 races of the season. Is this a new streak building up? Sergio Perez is doing what's expected of him, but how has he turned things around? Who has picked up the pieces in the top-10 each time they were available? Also, why did Lewis Hamilton ask to swap position with George Russell? Why was McLaren unable to challenge Ferrari at Suzuka. Lots of race discussions...insights, stats and banter with Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah in this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast. Tune in! (Season 2024, Episode 15) Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah Image courtesy: Ferrari Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What a Formula 1 debut weekend for Oliver Bearman! For starters, he didn't crash - and mind you, he had two FPs less than the other 19 races at the world's fastest street circuit. He almost knocked Lewis Hamilton out of Q3, pulled off overtakes in the Grand Prix to score his first points for Ferrari in Formula 1. And yes, he's scored more points in Formula 1 in 2024...than in Formula 2. Heck, he also won the "Driver of the Day" in Saudi Arabia. Thanks to Bearman, Ferrari now has three drivers in the top-10 of the Drivers' Championship! The 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was the best advertisement for Bearman's candidature for a Formula 1 seat in 2025. Also in this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah look back at the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Just how far up the road is Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing? Will Verstappen be challenged at all on-track in 2024? Will he score another "10 wins on the trot" record OR will he add more to it? Has Sergio Perez accepted that he's only ever going to be the "second-best" driver in the world? Is Mercedes the second-fastest team in 2024 or have they fallen back? Why were McLaren and Mercedes unable to overtake each other? Will the two Red Bull Racing and Ferrari drivers continue to occupy the podium for the races to come? Did Fernando Alonso quality and finish the race out-of-place for Aston Martin? Does Lance Stroll need "how not to crash" lessons still? "Can you bring it back, Lance?" is the most-epic radio message of the season! Why did the FIA not penalise Lando Norris for his apparent jump start? Why did Kevin Magnussen get 2 x 10 second time penalties? Also, Magnussen's heroics helped Haas F1 Team and Nico Hulkenberg score their first point for the 2024 Formula 1 season. In fact, Haas is only the sixth team to score points this season. Alpine's struggles, Daniel Ricciardo's spin and Racing Bulls-Yuki Tsunoda's annoyance with Magnussen's heroics. We've got a lot packed in this review episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast. Tune in! (Season 2024, Episode 11) Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah Image courtesy: Ferrari Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mohammed Ben Sulayem was jealous of the attention Christian Horner was getting with his scandal. So MBS decided to a scandal or three, for that matter, of his. Yes, it's the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, but we expect MBS and the ongoing Red Bull Racing power struggles to take centre stage. Will the Red Bull Racing team agree to internal compromises OR will they implode and fall apart? Let's hope the end to their dominance isn't as rubbish as it seems from the outside. In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah dissect the MBS and Red Bull-gate - what exactly is happening, and why? Also, we talk about the teams/drivers that need to do well in Qualifying and in the Race. Yes, 2024 is a 24 race long calendar but it is the early season performances that will give drivers without a contract from next year much leverage. The track itself is gorgeous under the lights, fast...and dizzy-inducing? The teams will bring low downforce configurations and that should change the pecking order in the race. In fact, after Bahrain, one hopes that the chasing pack behind Red Bull is able to chase without many errors. Tune in! (Season 2024, Episode 10) Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah Image courtesy: Mercedes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Will Red Bull Racing reveal their decision from the investigation into Christian Horner's alleged misdemeanours at Formula 1's opening race in Bahrain? What's your take, will Horner continue in his role at the World Champion team or will he be asked to go? Of course, any off-track story of such a nature will take attention from Red Bull Racing's RB20, if it continues to dominate Formula 1. But can it, will it? The narratives at the start of the season could well be different from the middle and the end of the long Formula 1 season. In fact, the pecking order itself might be different in Bahrain given the extensive mileage all teams have had in the last week or so. The other key question is about Alpine. Are they really as messed up and slow as the experts are predicting? Will McLaren start the season strong? And what about Mercedes and Ferrari? The 2024 Formula 1 season is finally upon us...and remember, the Bahrain Grand Prix is on a Saturday! Tune in to this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast as Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah look forward to the key stories, talking points and predictions for the upcoming 2024 Bahrain Grand Prix. (Season 2024, Episode 08) Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah Image courtesy: Formula 1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 2024 Formula 1 season is upon us...almost! Here are our early and bold predictions for the upcoming season. In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah lay down their predictions for the 10 Formula 1 teams, the FIA and of course, FOM aka Liberty Media. Will Red Bull Racing continue to dominate on-track? Will they continue to have "driver problems"? Will Lewis Hamilton's last season with Mercedes be a drab or will he actually win/outscore George Russell? Is Ferrari no longer a sloppy team under the leadership of Frederic Vasseur? But wait, we talk of the mid-field and the minnows, too. Will Stake-Kick's investment into Sauber go waste by 2026? Haas' biggest publicity will be on Williams' sidepod, is it? Will Alexander Albon leave Williams to race at Red Bull Racing OR Mercedes? His Thai roots should come handy, we guess. And where does this leave Carlos Sainz Jr.? Also, let's leave Andrea "Kimi" Antonelli alone. (Season 2024, Episode 07) Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah Image courtesy: Ferrari Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How does one get hired as a Team Principal? Is Otmar Szafnauer in touch with Andretti to lead their Formula 1 team? What was the Pink Mercedes saga all about and how painful was it to lose 3rd place in the World Constructors' Championship in 2020? In our part 2 of the Otmar Szafnauer interview episode, the former Alpine, Aston Martin and Force India / Racing Point chief talks to Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah about several interesting topics on the Inside Line F1 Podcast. How many teams are sufficient for Formula 1? Sergio Perez and Esteban Ocon - two solid midfield drivers that Otmar worked with, how was it with those two? Alpine's lack of a customer team, is that a competitive limitation in Formula 1? And of course, the many heads to Alpine - did that complicate decision making? After a blockbuster Part 1, we're back with Part 2 of the Otmar Szafnauer interview. For those who missed Part 1, hear the episode "Otmar Szafnauer on Lawrence Stroll, Vijay Mallya, Force India, Alpine and more". (Season 2024, Episode 06) Follow our hosts: Soumil Arora, Kunal Shah and Otmar Szafnauer Image courtesy: Formula 1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here's our much-awaited Otmar Szafnauer interview. The entire interview is so good that we decided to split it into two parts. In part 1 and on the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Otmar talks to Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah about his journey into Formula 1, how he was interviewed and hired at Force India. At Force India, Otmar worked his magic - the team was called "pound for pound" World Champion and he proudly explains exactly why. Also known as "best of the rest" for finishing just behind the top-3 teams, Otmar explains the exact budget gap that existed between Force India and the top teams. In fact, Otmar is of the strong opinion that Force India would've been World Champions in Formula 1 had all teams operated on the same budget. In this episode, he also explains why he decided to move on from Force India / Racing Point & Aston Martin despite saving the team from shutting down only a few years ago. Otmar has worked with three billionaires - Lawrence Stroll, Subrata Roy and Vijay Mallya. He explains the difference in working styles between Stroll-Mallya and offers a comment on Stroll Sr.'s view that his son Lance is a future World Champion. If there's one episode that's a must-listen in this off-season, it's this! P.S.: Part 2 will release on 5th February, 2024. (Season 2024, Episode 04) Follow our hosts: Soumil Arora, Kunal Shah and Otmar Szafnauer Image courtesy: Wikipedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Indian Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan aka King Khan is world famous. But did you know, he's the ONLY actor in the world to have his face on a Formula 1 car? Yes, here's one of our Force India Formula 1 Team specials. Back in the day, SRK, as he's fondly known, starred in Ra.One. As a part of his film's promotions, SRK's photo was plastered on the nose of the Force India Formula 1 car that raced in the inaugural 2011 Indian Grand Prix. In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil Arora chats with Ravikant Sabnavis and Kunal Shah about Force India's maverick marketing activities around the world, their association with Sachin "#MasterBlaster" Tendulkar (yes, we LOVE it when Cricket meets F1), the team's junior driver program, The "One from a Billion Hunt", building Motorsport-themed games for kids at KidZania and exploring a Formula 1-themed rollercoaster ride among others. Tune in! (Season 2024, Episode 03) Follow our hosts: Soumil Arora, Kunal Shah and Ravikant Sabnavis Image courtesy: Force India F1 Team Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How will one remember the 2023 Formula 1 season? We suspect that it will be more about the stats than the competition itself - that's for Formula 1, the category that Max Verstappen competed in. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/insideline Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! If you're the type who participates in Formula 1 quizzes, the stats from the 2023 Formula 1 season could either be very easy (which driver won most races?) or very weird (which driver has led more laps in Abu Dhabi than Fernando Alonso and Charles Leclerc combined?). This is why Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah recorded the best and weird stats from the 2023 Formula 1 season for the Inside Line F1 Podcast. It's off-season for Formula 1 but we've got tons of content lined up, including an interview with Otmar Szafnauer. Look out for our specials, subscribe, tune in and of course, review and recommend us. (Season 2023, Episode 65) Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah Image courtesy: Mercedes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

F1 in Schools, have you heard of F1's efforts to promote STEM among school students? Yes, it is like F1 Academy but for engineers, project managers, marketing and sponsorship managers and so on. It is a unique global platform for the promotion of Formula 1 and partners to a youth market. F1 in Schools is not-for-profit and the only global multi-disciplinary challenge in which teams of students deploy CAD/CAM software to collaborate, design, analyse, manufacture, test, and then race miniature compressed air powered cars made from F1 model block. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/insideline.Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! In the first off-season episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil Arora speaks to Andrew Denford, the Founder and Chairman of F1 in Schools about the program that has been operational for over 20 years. F1 in Schools is present in over 60 countries and sees over 20,000 schools participating. The engineering challenge, which schools students from age 6 to 19 can participate, involves designing and building a model race car that is made from a block of wood and propelled by compressed air. The challenge inspires students to use IT to learn about physics, aerodynamics, design, manufacture, branding, graphics, sponsorship, marketing, leadership/teamwork, media skills and financial strategy, and apply them in a practical, imaginative, competitive and exciting way. Teams must raise sponsorship and manage budgets to fund research, travel and accommodation. This episode will shed light on how youngster can pursue a career in Formula 1...outside of the cockpit. Tune in! (Season 2023, Episode 64) Follow our host on Twitter: Soumil Arora Image courtesy: F1 in Schools Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

Max Verstappen may be running away with wins and re-writing records and history books in 2023, but there is so much more to this season than Verstappen's heroics. Lando Norris and Fernando Alonso, two of the several others who deserved their share or praise and limelight from the 2023 Sao Paulo Grand Prix. In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah review the F1 Sprint and Grand Prix that was hosted at Interlagos. The temperature effect was at play, yet again, as we saw teams with different fortunes and outcomes through the three day weekend. Either way, Interlagos entertained. Yes, built on land unsuitable for housing, Interlagos is definitely most-suitable for racing; irrespective of the race format. The F1 Sprint entertained, as did the Grand Prix. In fact, the last lap drag race between Alonso and Sergio Perez was super fun, too. Are Mercedes going backwards? Did Daniel Ricciardo and Oscar Piastri's opening lap retirement and subsequent rejoining after the Red Flag expose yet another flaw in Formula 1's rule book? They joined the 2023 Sao Paulo Grand Prix a lap down...despite starting from the pit lane on the same lap. Yuki Tsunoda was another such hero through the weekend. In the AlphaTauri, Tsunoda was battling the likes of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. If anything, Mercedes faced a Ferrari-esque race in Sunday's Grand Prix. Usually, Mercedes go quick in race trim, but that wasn't the case at Interlagos. Lots of narratives and fun moments from the 2023 Sao Paulo Grand Prix. Tune in and re-live most of them. (Season 2023, Episode 60) Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah Image courtesy: Aston Martin F1 Team Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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