# Gridwalk: Voices of F1 - Episode 26: A Deep Dive into Formula One's Hottest Topics
- Hosts Briana L. Klein and Nicole Katz kick off the 26th episode of Gridwalk, marking half a year of insightful discussions on Formula One.
## Main Segments:
### 1. Prize Picks Promotion:
- Prize Picks, a popular sports betting platform, offers a generous $100 match bonus for new users. Listeners are encouraged to visit prizepicks.com/get100 and use the code "get100" to take advantage of this offer.
### 2. Interview with Matthew Marsh:
- The episode features an interview with Matthew Marsh, a prominent voice in Formula One broadcasting and a consultant in the world of motorsport.
- Matthew shares his unique journey from being a commentator to establishing Acuity Drapageon, a company that helps brands connect with motorsport events.
- He discusses how he leverages his credibility as a broadcaster to attract clients and promote their messages effectively.
- Matthew reminisces about his time as part of the "golden crew" of Formula One commentators alongside Paula Malcomson, Alex Yoong, Sanjeev Bala, Chris Goodwin, and Steve Slater.
### 3. Expansion of Formula One Grid:
- The podcast delves into the recent news regarding the potential expansion of the Formula One grid with four new teams expressing interest: Andretti Autosport, Hitech Grand Prix, Rodin Motorsport, and Project Lucky Sun.
- The FIA has reportedly approved the Andretti and Hitech bids, but the Formula One Management (FOM) and the existing teams have expressed resistance to the expansion.
- Briana and Nicole analyze the political dynamics at play, with the FIA seeking to assert its authority and the teams prioritizing their financial interests.
- They discuss the potential consequences of adding new teams, including the dilution of prize money and the impact on the overall quality of racing.
### 4. Financial Regulations and Cost Cap Breaches:
- The podcast addresses rumors circulating in the Italian branch of motorsport.com alleging that three Formula One teams have breached the cost cap regulations.
- Briana and Nicole express their frustration with the current state of the cost cap regulations, arguing that they hinder competition and prevent other teams from catching up to Red Bull's dominance.
- They emphasize the need for stricter enforcement of the regulations and question the effectiveness of the current penalties for breaking the cost cap.
- The hosts discuss the potential sporting penalties that could be imposed on the teams that breached the cost cap and the implications for the championship standings.
### 5. New Qualifying Format Trial:
- The upcoming Belgian Grand Prix will witness the trial of a new qualifying format, where drivers will use hard tires in Q1, medium tires in Q2, and soft tires in Q3.
- This format aims to reduce the number of tires Pirelli needs to bring to each race, making it more environmentally friendly.
- Briana and Nicole express skepticism about the new format, arguing that it will not significantly improve the spectacle of qualifying and may even lead to issues with tire warm-up.
# Formula One: Hungarian Grand Prix Predictions and Analysis
## Qualifying Format Changes
- Pirelli is introducing a new qualifying format for the Hungarian Grand Prix, with drivers using hard, medium, and soft tires in Q1, Q2, and Q3, respectively.
- The goal is to improve sustainability by reducing the number of tires used during qualifying.
- Some experts believe this change could lead to more strategic racing, while others argue that it may make qualifying less exciting.
## Tire Strategy and Degradation
- Pirelli is bringing a softer range of tires to the Hungaroring this weekend, which could lead to more tire degradation and potentially a two-stop race.
- However, the track is not particularly demanding on tires, so a one-stop strategy may still be possible.
- The tire strategy will be crucial in determining the outcome of the race, as teams will need to find the right balance between speed and tire life.
## Sergio Perez's Performance and Future at Red Bull
- Sergio Perez has been underperforming compared to his teammate Max Verstappen this season, leading to speculation about his future at Red Bull.
- Perez needs to improve his qualifying performance and race pace if he wants to secure his seat for next season.
- The Hungarian Grand Prix is a crucial race for Perez, as he needs to demonstrate his ability to challenge Verstappen and help Red Bull secure the Constructors' Championship.
## Daniel Ricciardo's Return to Formula One
- Daniel Ricciardo is making his return to Formula One with McLaren after a disappointing spell at Renault and McLaren.
- Ricciardo will be partnered with Lando Norris, who has been in impressive form this season.
- Ricciardo's performance at the Hungaroring will be closely watched, as he looks to prove that he can still compete at the highest level.
## Predictions for the Hungarian Grand Prix
- Max Verstappen is the favorite to win the Hungarian Grand Prix, given his dominant form this season.
- George Russell is a potential challenger for the podium, as Mercedes is expected to be more competitive at the Hungaroring.
- Esteban Ocon and Charles Leclerc are also in contention for a top-five finish.
- Lance Stroll and Daniel Ricciardo are the most likely drivers from the bottom five teams to score points.
## Special Daniel Ricciardo Predictions
- Ricciardo to finish in the top 10: 3 points
- Ricciardo to score more points than his teammate Lando Norris: 2 points
* Christian Lundgaard's Victory in IndyCar:
* Lundgaard's historic win in IndyCar, becoming the first Dane to win an IndyCar race.
* The heartwarming moment of his friend's emotional reaction to his victory.
* The unique bet between Lundgaard and his friend to grow and not shave their mustaches until his first IndyCar win.
* The iconic moment of them shaving their mustaches on the podium after the race.
* Christian Horner's Interview on F1 Nation:
* Horner's discussion about Nick Devereux's firing and the stability of the Czechos seat.
* Dedicated Kids Feed for UK Broadcast:
* Sky Sports UK's initiative to provide a dedicated kids feed for the race, featuring young commentators, unique graphics, and Nico Rosberg and Danica Patrick as expert commentators.
* Mercedes, Aston Martin, Williams, and McLaren at Goodwood Festival of Speed:
* The participation of several F1 teams and drivers in the Goodwood Festival of Speed, including Oscar Piastri, Alex Albon, Logan Sargent, Mick Schumacher, and Sebastian Vettel.
* Toto Wolff's Teaching at Harvard Business School:
* Wolff's return to Harvard Business School as a visiting professor.
* F1's Plans for Lighter and Louder Engines in 2026:
* The ongoing discussions and efforts to make the engines of the 2026 regulations lighter and louder.
**Additional Highlights:**
* Nicole Katz's enthusiastic reaction to Christian Lundgaard's victory and the subsequent mustache shaving.
* The hosts' predictions for Daniel Ricciardo's performance in his first race back and whether he will qualify above or below Yuki Tsunoda.
* The hosts' excitement about the upcoming Hungarian Grand Prix and their anticipation for Daniel Ricciardo's return to the grid.
* The light-hearted banter and camaraderie between the hosts throughout the podcast.