Inside Line F1 Podcast

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

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

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

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

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

The 2023 Italian Grand Prix was just how Formula 1 races should be. No, seriously! There were no overtakes, but there were edge-of-seat on-track battles. And yes, that's how Formula 1 should be. The focus should be on the battles, whether or not they result in an overtake. In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah discuss the 2023 Italian Grand Prix. Max Verstappen's awesome 10 race wins in a row record, Carlos Sainz's entertaining driving, Sergio Perez's recovery and Alexander Albon's DRS train. This race was also the second of the 'ATA' or Alternate Tyre Allocation races, basically, teams had fewer sets of tyres to use. How did the ATA work? Did it spice up the action OR was it status quo for Formula 1? Alpine's double no-score, Lewis Hamilton's recovery drive with Mercedes and more. Lots to tune in to. (Season 2023, Episode 46) 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

The 'Temple of Speed' and the 'Tifosi' - will this unique love affair and emotion be rewarded with success this weekend at the 2023 Italian Grand Prix? That's what the tifosi and their beloved Scuderia Ferrari would be hoping for. But given Ferrari's form, the tifosi might be better off staying at home! In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah preview the 2023 Italian Grand Prix. Will Max Verstappen claim the record for 10 successive wins in Formula 1? Or can someone actually halt his race-winning streak? Of course, the 'curse of Monza' is yet to be broken. But VER losing due to the Monza curse would be pure cruel! But which team will be second-fastest at Monza? McLaren and Aston Martin have had a straightline speed deficit. Will their upgrades bring them into play? If Ferrari keep fumbling, is Mercedes the default team to claim P2? Could Williams have an outside chance given their recent recovery? Lots of narratives and emotions will be at play this weekend in Monza, and maybe some rain, too? Tune in! (Season 2023, Episode 45) Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah Image courtesy: Ferrari Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 2023 Dutch Grand Prix was the best race of the season, wasn't it? We had a mad crowd show up for Max Verstappen's annual fan meet at Circuit Zandvoort. We had mixed weather conditions. As always, different drivers challenged Max Verstappen throughout the weekend - but, as always, just one driver triumphed! Btw, we have a short byte (a replay) from Dr. Helmut Marko - on the comparison between two of his star drivers, Max Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel. Max Verstappen is now on a 9 race winning streak - a record that he's equalled with Sebastian Vettel and Alberto Ascari. Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso finished in second - after missing out on the podium in the last 4 races. Btw, did you notice ALO's moves into Turn 3 all through the race? Mclaren and Mercedes' challenge fumbled after a wrong/late tyre call in the opening laps of the race. Alpine's Pierre Gasly was one of the few to make the correct call and he was rewarded with a rare podium finish! And of course, Ferrari fumbled with Charles Leclerc (yet again!), in the pits, while the Monegasque fumbled on track, not before being furious on the radio. Lots of action throughout the field. Liam Lawson's debut was baptism by water. For more such jokes, tune in! (Season 2023, Episode 44) 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

The summer break is over! It finally is RACE WEEK! From now till the end of the 2023 Formula 1 season, there are more 'race weeks' than non-race weeks. Yes, you can do the math. In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah tell you the key stories to watch F1 for after the summer break. Yes, Max Verstappen-Red Bull Racing's dominance might be boring for a few fans, but there's so much more of the season that will unravel over the next half of the season. If the sporting side of Formula 1 interests you, here are a few stories to pick from. What race will Max Verstappen not win? Will Aston Martin get back on the podium & where will Mclaren's recovery eventually lead them to? Finally, will Ferrari go 2 tenths quicker as promised/predicted by Frederic Vasseur? If the political side interests you, here are some stories to pick from. The results of the 2022 budget cap and related breaches will be announced soon enough. As will the fate of the 11th and 12th teams in Formula 1, if so. If you like rookie drivers, which rookie will get a chance in FP1 and in which race? Could a rookie usurp one of the many race seats that are yet to be extended for 2024? In fact, driver contract extensions will be a story - the most-interesting one of Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes, of course. Basically, there are tons of narratives and stories that will headline in the second-half of the season. If you wish to add to our list, tag us on social media (@insidelinef1pod) and let's know. Tune in! (Season 2023, Episode 42) Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah Image courtesy: Mclaren Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ravi Shastri, India's Cricketing legend and World Championship winning team member, was Formula 1's official guest at the 2023 Belgian Grand Prix. Of course, you will remember him from his cameo on F1 TV's broadcast from Spa. In collaboration with Formula 1, Ravi Shastri was a guest on the Inside Line F1 Podcast. In this episode, Ravi discusses with Soumil Arora his passion for Formula 1 and how it started over four decades ago. He talks about his favourite team-drivers & how intensely entertaining Formula 1 is. Join our most-special Inside Line Club's Pitstop event till date! Jehan Daruvala will share his Motorsport stories at our event on Wednesday, 9th August from 6.00 pm onward. Tickets on Paytm Insider. See you at Khar SOCIAL. Ravi also shares how Martin Brundle's much-revered commentary shaped his own commentary style for Cricket. Soumil made Ravi wear his coaching hat to discuss careers of drivers such as Charles Leclerc, Daniel Ricciardo, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. What advice would he give them after all? Tell us what your favourite Ravi Shastri-F1 story is on our social media handles and why it isn't about his bond with Mika Hakkinen! Tune in! (Season 2023, Episode 40) Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora Image courtesy: Formula 1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Max Verstappen is breaking Formula 1 records with Red Bull Racing. Lando Norris is breaking Formula 1 trophies for Max Verstappen! We're hosting live race screenings for Formula 1 fans in Mumbai for the 2023 Belgian Grand Prix. Where: Malad and Dadar SOCIAL When: 30th July, 5.30 pm onward (IST) Soumil Arora, Kunal Shah, Sundaram Ramaswami and Siddharth Shah will host a pre/post race interaction & F1 quiz for all attendees. In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah review the 2023 Hungarian Grand Prix where admittedly, the Saturday was definitely more exciting than the Sunday. Max Verstappen running away at the start, Oscar Piastri jumping into P2, Lewis Hamilton's pole position, Zhou Guanyu being overzealous on the brakes and more. Tune in! (Season 2023, Episode 37) Follow our host on Twitter: Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah Image courtesy: Red Bull Content Pool Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With over 1,200 track limit violations in the 2023 Austrian Grand Prix, we wonder if the drivers ganged up against the FIA to prove a point. After all, track limits is a recurring issue at the Red Bull Ring - an issue that almost no one is trying to find a permanent and more reliable solution for. We're hosting a live race screening for Formula 1 fans in Mumbai for the 2023 British Grand Prix. Where: Khar SOCIAL When: 9th July, 6.30 pm onward (IST) Soumil Arora will host a pre/post race interaction & F1 quiz for all attendees. Get your tickets on Paytm Insider. In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil and Kunal banter on track limits, what happened, why it happened and what's next? Are you surprised that no other team protested? And are you some of the few even more surprised that Alpine didn't further protest Esteban Ocon's post-race time penalties? After all, Ocon was one of two drivers (the other being George Russell) who was given no in-race notification of violation. Just FIA things, we know. Also, Ferrari got their race strategy right two races in a row - but Carlos Sainz (and maybe Charles Leclerc) knows that the podium was his. Sergio Perez had two Qualifying sessions and he decided to mess up at least one. Lando Norris proved that Austria is his happy hunting ground. Toto Wolff's pleading Lewis Hamilton to drive the Mercedes, Carlos Sainz being 'intimidated' by Sergio Perez, Norris-Hamilton playing sensors and a lot more in our review episode of the 2023 Austrian Grand Prix. Tune in! (Season 2023, Episode 33) Follow our host on Twitter: Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah Image courtesy: Red Bull Content Pool Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's time for F1 Sprint and the Grand Prix at the Red Bull Racing this weekend. Yes, the 2023 Austrian Grand Prix will have 2 x Qualifying sessions and 2 x Races (okay, 1 and one-third, to be precise). But will that lead to double fun or double dominance? We're hosting a live race screening for Formula 1 fans in Mumbai. Where: Dadar SOCIAL When: 2nd July, 5.30 pm onward (IST) Soumil Arora will host a pre-race interaction & F1 quiz for all attendees. Get your tickets on Paytm Insider. In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah wonder if Max Verstappen will extend his dominant streak to take two pole positions, two races and two fastest laps in Austria. Can anyone catch him? The last time we had a Sprint + Grand Prix weekend, Charles Leclerc took pole (Baku, 2023). And the time before last (Brazil, 2022), George Russell won for Mercedes. We expect everyone to use and abuse this stat through the weekend. In the mid-field, several teams will bring upgrades. But they will have lesser time to test them - just one Free Practice remember. Also, will the FIA bring about a rule change for using a 'new soft' in SQ3 on Saturday? Also, it's Red Bull's home race - expect them to host some of the most-entertaining off-track activities. In fact, a jet pack operator will be present along with a legends parade. Will Sergio Perez bounce back? Will Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton continue to battle for P2? And what about Ferrari...? Tune in! (Season 2023, Episode 32) Follow our host on Twitter: Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah Image courtesy: Red Bull Content Pool Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Who better than Dr. Helmut Marko to narrate Red Bull's origins in Formula 1 - from a team/driver sponsor to owning a Formula 1 team and then owning two! From participating in races to claiming pole positions and races wins - and then of course, World Championships. We're hosting a live race screening for Formula 1 fans in Mumbai for the 2023 British Grand Prix. Where: Khar SOCIAL When: 9th July, 6.30 pm onward (IST) Soumil Arora will host a pre/post race interaction & F1 quiz for all attendees. Get your tickets on Paytm Insider. In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Dr. Helmut Marko joins Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah for an in-depth conversation around Red Bull Racing, Red Bull Junior Team, his conversations with Dietrich Mateschitz, his love for art and more. We talk about Red Bull Racing's successes with Sebastian Vettel, Max Verstappen and dissect just how Helmut Marko assess driver talent - how much of it is instinct and how much is data and so on. Tune in! (Season 2023, Episode 31) Follow our host on Twitter: Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah Image courtesy: Red Bull Content Pool Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Seriously, who is a fan of Lance Stroll? From the top-4 teams, he looks farthest from a podium finish despite racing a car that's scored five podiums this year. In fact, six drivers have scored their maiden Formula 1 win in Canada through history but it seems highly unlikely that Stroll Jr. will add his name to this list. Anyway, Aston Martin are bringing upgrades to their car for the 2023 Canadian Grand Prix. Let's see if Fernando Alonso's wish to 'crush' Mercedes comes true. In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah preview the upcoming race at Circuit Giles Villeneuve. Red Bull Racing's dominant run could see them match Mercedes' best race-winning streak from 2019 - 8 wins on the trot. In fact, Red Bull Racing could celebrate a century of wins - becoming only the 5th constructor in the history of sport to do so. Mercedes will be out to prove that their double podium result in Spain wasn't track or weather dependent. The buzz around Ferrari will be around their historic win in Le Mans. And finally, will Williams repay Red Bull Racing the favour while declaring the upgrades on Alexander Albon's car?😉 Tune in! (Season 2023, Episode 29) Follow our host on Twitter: Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah Image courtesy: Aston Martin Formula One Team Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fernando Alonso will feature with Aston Martin-Honda from 2026, either as a driver or a team ambassador, we reckon. Yes, Honda has publicly said that they don't mind Alonso driving a race car powered by their engines, but would anyone come out publicly saying otherwise? In fact, remember Alonso's Indy 500 bid? He raced a Chevrolet-powered car. It was known, but not publicly declared, that Honda didn't want him to race their engines. Mercedes had a similar stance till they relaxed it so that Alonso could race a Mercedes-powered Aston Martin this season. 2026 might seem far away, but Aston Martin will already planning their driver line-up - what's next after Alonso? They will need an A-lister...and Lance Stroll isn't one. Could this partnership interest Charles Leclerc or Lando Norris? Honda has declared that they would like to a Japanese driver at Aston Martin - could it be Yuki Tsunoda or Ayumu Iwasa? Interesting times ahead. Here's an upload of a Twitter Spaces conversation between Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah for our avid podcast audience. Tune in! (Season 2023, Episode 24) Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora, Kunal Shah Image courtesy: Aston Martin Formula One Team Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's time for the 'Long Name Grand Prix' this weekend. The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix has historically had really long names - courtesy multiple sponsors, and of course, the region/government of Emilia Romagna. But did you grow up calling this race Imola? Or, like Kunal, did you call it San Marino? In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah preview the upcoming 2023 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. For all the naming rights sponsors, the local promoters couldn't pay to have the Sprint + Grand Prix format this year... There will be two key points this weekend - upgrades and rumours. All eyes on Mercedes, yes? @f1statsguru presents his stats preview segment for this weekend's race. Tune in! (Season 2023, Episode 22) 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

Martin Brundle's 'Grid Walk' at the Miami Grand Prix - that's definitely going to entertain. What else? Could Taylor Swift be one among many celebrities who attend the race in Miami? The marina, has real water, apparently. Also, remember, Sebastian Vettel's message from last year? 'Miami 2060: 1st Grand Prix underwater' Also, the Miami Grand Prix is one of few races that start 30 mins into the hour (or at the start of the hour) depending on your timezone. Btw, there's expected to be a boxing-style announcer for every driver's entry this weekend. Could the resurfaced track mean another 'tyre management' race? Will Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen be evenly matched given that the Miami International Autodrome is half-street, half-regular circuit? Sergio Perez has another rare chance to score his career-first back-to-back wins in Formula 1. Tune in to listen to Soumil and Kunal's banter in this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast. @f1statsguru aka Sundaram shares his stats preview for the upcoming race. (Season 2023, Episode 19) 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

Despite 2 x Qualifying and 2 x Races, there were less than a handful of moments to review from the 2023 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Max Verstappen's over-reaction on Saturday and then under-reaction on Sunday made it to our list, as did Fernando Alonso's radio messages and of course, the pit lane blocking incident on the last lap of the race. In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah review the Sprint and Grand Prix from Azerbaijan. @f1statsguru aka Sundaram shares his jaw-dropping stats in his segment, too. Tune in! (Season 2023, Episode 18) Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah Image courtesy: Mercedes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brrrake aka Blake Hinsey, a former Red Bull Racing and Force India F1 Team engineer, joins Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah on this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast. Blake shares how one can become a Performance Engineer in Formula 1 by narrating his story, working with the current World Champion team as well as a team that was fondly known as 'best bang for buck' World Champions. He shares some of his fondest Formula 1 memories. Blake tells us how he was hired to engineer Sebastian Vettel at Red Bull Racing, only for VET to join Ferrari. He shares more about working with Max Verstappen, Sergio Perez and other Red Bull Racing drivers. And of course, what makes VER so special? 'Engine Braking' is Blake's podcast along with another social media sensation and former Red Bull Racing engineer, 'Engine Mode 11'. Tune in! (Season 2023, Episode 16) Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah Image courtesy: Formula 1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

13 time Grand Prix winner and former Red Bull Racing driver David Coulthard joined us as a guest on the Inside Line F1 Podcast a couple of weeks ago. DC as he's popularly known, spoke about what makes Red Bull Racing special, Christian Horner, Adrian Newey and Max Verstappen. He also spoke about his Formula 1 career among other topics. Check out the full episode on Monday, 10th April (2023). Hosted by: Soumil Arora Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Could Fernando Alonso join the ranks of the other Formula 1 legends whose 101st podium finish was actually a race win? Yes, we're manifesting 'Mission 33' for this weekend's Australian Grand Prix. This stat is courtesy @f1statsguru. In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil and Kunal preview the race Down Under - will the FIA find yet another creative way to take centre stage this weekend? Remember, drivers will have to 'walk' the track and not bike it! Will another driver be outside of the start grid box and get a time penalty? Will another team not serve a time penalty correctly? How soon before AlphaTauri and Mclaren score points? In fact, could the start to Mclaren's season get any more worse? Will Oscar Piastri out-qualify Lando Norris at his home race? Will Red Bull Racing let Sergio Perez fight Max Verstappen? In fact, can Perez keep carry forward momentum from Jeddah to Melbourne? How much further up the road will the 'Bulls finish compared to the field? Red Bull's record in Australia hasn't been as strong. Will drivers continue to complain about the difficult in overtaking at Albert Park, too? Remember, the circuit has 4 DRS zones - the only circuit to have so many. Will Helmut Marko or Franz Tost throw another salvo at AlphaTauri - from having no confidence in the engineers to another impending name change. Will Ferrari and Mercedes continue their podium-less streak for a third consecutive race? Lots to look forward to for this weekend's 2023 Australian Grand Prix. Tune in! (Season 2023, Episode 12) Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah Image courtesy: Aston Martin Formula One Team Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Just how rowdy can it get if the Jeddah Corniche Circuit delivers a Max Verstappen vs. Charles Leclerc...with a Fernando Alonso thrown in? And of course, let's hope that there are no missile strikes! In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil, @f1statsguru and Kunal preview the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. While Ferrari and Mercedes will be fending off rumours and other media speculation, we expect Red Bull Racing-Verstappen to run away with some heavy points. After Bahrain, George Russell (and others) kept stressing that Bahrain was 'an outlier'. If that's the case, will Red Bull Racing be challenged whatosever? And if so, who will the challenge come from? Tune in! (Season 2023, Episode 10) Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah Image courtesy: Aston Martin Formula One Team Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fernando Alons-ooooh! Will he take the top step of the podium this Sunday in the 2023 Bahrain Grand Prix? In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil, @f1statsguru & Kunal preview the first race of the 2023 Formula 1 season. Five things to watch for: 2023 cars - we will finally see them! End of sandbagging Fernando Alonso Overtaking fest. Race strategy Tune in! (Season 2023, Episode 8) Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora, Sundaram Ramaswami and Kunal Shah Image courtesy: Aston Martin Formula One Team Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pre-season testing for the 2023 Formula 1 season is finished. To bring to you the key takeaways for every Formula 1 team, we have F1 TV's Tech Talk's Craig Scarborough aka @ScarbsTech join us as a guest for this special episode. Is porpoising a thing of the past? Will Mercedes continue with their 0.5 sidepod concept? Is Aston Martin really as quick as testing suggested? Can Ferrari take the fight to Red Bull Racing? And what about Williams, AlphaTauri and Haas? Also, is Mclaren really in trouble after testing woes? In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil Arora spoke to @ScarbsTech about design innovations for the upcoming season, his personal journey as Formula 1's most-engaged tech guru and predictions. Tune in! (Season 2023, Episode 7) Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora & Craig Scarborough (aka @ScarbsTech) Image courtesy: Mercedes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Yes, P for testing it is. You have to tune in to know why! In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, the trio (Soumil, @f1statsguru & Kunal), get together to discuss the main talking points from the upcoming (& only) pre-season test in Bahrain. MEET US: 26th February in Mumbai. Venue: Palladium Social (from 5-7pm) We will discuss best moments from Drive to Survive (season 5) + stories from pre-season testing. And of course, an engaging F1 quiz hosted by @f1statsguru. India's most-experienced Formula 1 journalists (FIA-accredited) Abhishek Takle will be our guest for the upcoming F1 Pitstop with the Inside Line F1 Podcast. Get your access pass (INR 299 per person) on Paytm Insider. Will porpoising continue to trouble teams? How will the rookies fare, and what about the 'young' Fernando Alonso? Nico Hulkenberg hasn't been at work full-time since 3 years. Also, new design innovations, FIA-F1 friction and above all else, the lack of absolute clarity as to who is the quickest (or in fact, the slowest) from testing. There's a lot of banter and information to look forward to in this episode. Tune in! (Season 2023, Episode 6) Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora, Sundaram Ramaswami and Kunal Shah Image courtesy: Aston Martin F1 Team Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is hands down our most-special episode. We recorded our early & bold (or boldest!) predictions for the 2023 Formula 1 season...with a live audience. Yes, we engaged with some of our most-ardent listeners (who also happen to be Formula 1 fans, of course) in the real world. As you all know, we hosted our first-ever meet-up in the physical world in mid-January in Mumbai. Here's a glimpse of the fun we had - lots of banter, serious talk, predictions and above all else the joy of meeting you all. We will have more meet-ups. We will scale-up & be in your city (or country!?) sooner than later, we hope. But for now, sit back & listen to one of our finest episodes yet. Tune in! (Season 2023, Episode 03) Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora, Sundaram Ramaswami and Kunal Shah Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why was Mick Schumacher stopped from doing post-season celebratory donuts? Why did the FIA designate an area for donuts? And of course, Schumacher's synchronised spinning with Nicholas Latifi. Are Ferrari hyping their 'dummy pit stop' a bit too much? Could Max Verstappen have slowed down Charles Leclerc as Sergio Perez chased him down in the closing stages of the 2022 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix? Of course, Verstappen shrugged off such as a suggestion as not 'fair racing' Aston Martin - Alfa Romeo being for 55 points while Fernando having the most-Alonso-esque end to his third stint with 'Team Enstone'. In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil, @f1statsguru (aka Sundaram) and Kunal share banter from the final race of the season. Tune in! (Season 2022, Episode 71) Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora, Sundaram Ramaswami and Kunal Shah Image courtesy: Haas F1 Team Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's officially the Sao Paolo GP - even though we're accustomed to calling it the Brazilian GP over the years! Call it what you may, this is Lewis Hamilton's 'honorary' home race after he was granted honorary citizenship of Brazil - a heart-warming gesture, to say the least. For our regulars, you already know that we will be hosting this season's final live race watchalong for this weekend's race. The super host and pundit will the legendary Peter Windsor. The event is FREE and open to all fans! Join our race watchalong sessions with the award-winning journalist & team manager (Williams & Ferrari), Peter Windsor. On the live stream, you can discuss with Peter & our hosts various race-related topics - performances, insights & more. Join us to enhance your real-time race viewing experience! Get your FREE access pass for our race watchalong session with Peter Windsor on Paytm Insider. In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil, @f1statsguru & Kunal preview the 2022 Sao Paolo Grand Prix. We expect 'altitude' and 'elevation changes' to the buzzwords this weekend. And of course, a driver or three might compare racing at Interlagos to racing at a go-kart circuit! And of course, we've got two races this weekend - Will Max Verstappen win them both? Or will altitude bring Mercedes into play again? They've been tantalisingly close to a race win in the last two Grand Prix weekends. Will Ferrari continue to struggle? Tune in! (Season 2022, Episode 68) Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora, Sundaram Ramaswami and Kunal Shah Image courtesy: Mercedes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Max Verstappen soared Sky high in the 2022 Mexico Grand Prix. So much so that he & Red Bull Racing decided to 'boycott' one of the most-famous official broadcasters of the sport. Join our race watchalong sessions with the award-winning journalist & team manager (Williams & Ferrari), Peter Windsor. On the live stream, you can discuss with Peter & our hosts various race-related topics - performances, insights & more. Join us to enhance your real-time race viewing experience! Get your FREE access pass for our race watchalong session with Peter Windsor on Paytm Insider. In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil and Kunal discuss tyre strategies - because that's what kept us all on the edge of our seats (well, mostly) through the 71-lap race. After all, strategy is what cost Mercedes a race win & gave Daniel Ricciardo the opportunity to showcase some of his missing performances. But what about Ferrari? They didn't have the pace to showcase any strategy masterclass (or mistakes!). And finally, what can be said about Fernando Alonso's ill-luck. Tune in! (Season 2022, Episode 66) Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora, Sundaram Ramaswami and Kunal Shah Image courtesy: Red Bull Content Pool Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apart from Sergio Perez & the Mexican Formula 1 fans - there's a lot to look forward to this weekend. Audi-Sauber's most-recent announcement, the Alpine-FIA protest, a carry forward from the last race in COTA - and a Mexican Wave, perhaps? Join our race watchalong sessions with the award-winning journalist & team manager (Williams & Ferrari), Peter Windsor. On the live stream, you can discuss with Peter & our hosts various race-related topics - performances, insights & more. Join us to enhance your real-time race viewing experience! Get your FREE access pass for our race watchalong session with Peter Windsor on Paytm Insider. If Sergio Perez wins, it will be the most-epic Mexican Grand Prix ever! Will Mexico declare a national holiday!? And of course, we don't think Max Verstappen will gift a win to Checo; but stranger things have happened before. Remember Spain? And then the usual - Alpine vs. Mclaren, Aston Martin vs. Alfa Romeo + the few others in the Drivers' Championship. Tune in! (Season 2022, Episode 65) Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora, Sundaram Ramaswami and Kunal Shah Image courtesy: Red Bull Content Pool Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a three-week break, it's finally RACE WEEK. The Singapore Grand Prix returns to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix after a three year hiatus. Since three is the number in play, will this prove to be a lucky hunting ground for driver who races car #3 (Daniel Ricciardo, of course)? Of course, there's a greater chance that driver who raced car #33 (Max Verstappen, remember?) till last year is the downright favourite. But let's look back before we look forward? Join our race watchalong sessions with the legendary British Formula 1 commentator Steve Slater (ex-Sky TV, ESPN, Star Sports). On the live stream, you can discuss with Steve & our hosts various race-related topics - strategies, performances, insights & more. Join us to enhance your real-time race viewing experience! Get your FREE access pass: Paytm Insider & Inside Line F1 Podcast - Race Watchalong with Steve Slater. In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, the broadcasting legend Steve Slater joins Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah to look back at how the Singapore Grand Prix came about. Did you know that the current layout that Formula 1 races on isn't the layout that was first proposed? Also, did you know of the science that went into illuminating the street circuit - also Formula 1's first-ever night race? Steve Slater was directly involved with the Singapore Grand Prix for many years - so expect a lot of 'did you know' moments in this episode. Sit back & enjoy one of many Steve's stories (narrated by Steve himself!) as we build up to our 2022 Singapore Grand Prix coverage. (Season 2022, Episode 57) Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah Image courtesy: Ferrari Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices