2023 Belgian GP

We are back after missing the last race, as it was a boring ass race anyways! We are back at the exceptionally beautiful Spa-Francorchamps for the 2023 Belgian GP which has yet again delivered not only a brilliant main race but sprint as well. While max yet again dominated both the races, we got some brilliant action across the mid pack and some great strategy calls that made the race interesting.

In this episode we discuss:

• A proper race finally! 💥


• Does anyone even watch the sprint shootout?


• Piastri the new favorite Aussie?


• Alonso too drunk to finish the sprint 🍺


• VER and GP have a lover’s quarrel


• Is the VER dominance era more boring than HAM era?


• The strategy Gamble 🎲


• Gorilla Glue the new Red Bull sponsor?


• Max messes up quali for the sh!ts and giggles


• Otmar the most fired Team Principle ❤️‍🔥


• The alternate timeline of Piastri dominance

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Music

Intro: Howling (Sting) - Gunnar Olsen
Outro: Your Intro by Audionautix

# Belgian Grand Prix 2023: A Thrilling Race and Controversial Moments

## Introduction

* Hosts: Akash and Sarang
* Excitement for the Belgian GP at the iconic Spa-Francorchamps circuit
* Acknowledgment of a boring Hungarian GP and the decision not to record a podcast for it

## Race Highlights

### Thrilling Sprint Race

* Piastri's impressive performance, leading laps in a wet and chaotic sprint race
* Close racing and strategy calls throughout the field
* Safety car deployment due to heavy rain and poor visibility

### Max Verstappen's Dominance

* Verstappen's commanding victory in both the sprint and main race
* His ability to cut through the field and close the gap on competitors
* Questions about whether Verstappen's dominance is becoming monotonous

### Mid-Pack Battle

* Intense racing among the midfield teams, particularly for positions P8 to P14
* Drivers like Gasly, Albon, and Stroll making aggressive overtakes and strategic maneuvers

### Strategy Gamble

* Teams employing various strategies, including one-stop, two-stop, and three-stop approaches
* Lando Norris's unique strategy of starting on hard tires and switching to softs later in the race

### Gorilla Glue Sponsorship

* Speculation about Gorilla Glue becoming Red Bull's new sponsor due to the team's broken trophies
* Humorous advertisement idea involving the Gorilla Glue sponsorship

### Verstappen's Intentional Poor Qualifying

* Theory that Verstappen is intentionally underperforming in qualifying for entertainment purposes
* His ability to recover from lower grid positions and still win races

### Otmar Szafnauer's Firing

* Discussion of Otmar Szafnauer's dismissal from the Alpine team
* His history of being fired from previous teams and the potential reasons behind it

### Alternate Timeline of Piastri's Dominance

* Hypothetical scenario where Piastri becomes the dominant driver instead of Verstappen
* Acknowledgment that such a scenario is unlikely, given Verstappen's exceptional talent

## Conclusion

* Overall positive assessment of the Belgian GP weekend, despite some boring moments
* Appreciation for the close racing and strategic decisions that made the race exciting
* Encouragement for listeners to donate to the podcast if they enjoy it and have the means to do so **Belgian Grand Prix 2023 Recap: A Thrilling Race at Spa-Francorchamps**

The Belgian Grand Prix at the iconic Spa-Francorchamps circuit delivered an exhilarating race, marking a welcome return to Formula One action after a brief hiatus. The weekend featured both a captivating sprint race and a main event filled with strategic gambles and fierce competition.

**Key Highlights of the Podcast Discussion:**

* **A Thrilling Main Race:** The Belgian GP main race was a captivating spectacle, with Max Verstappen dominating both the sprint and the main race, showcasing his continued dominance in the 2023 season. However, the midfield battles provided plenty of excitement, with strategic calls and driver skill determining the outcome.

* **Sprint Race: A Question of Popularity:** The podcast delves into the debate surrounding the popularity of sprint races. While they offer a unique format and add an extra layer of excitement, the hosts question whether they truly captivate the audience's attention.

* **Piastri's Rising Star:** Oscar Piastri's impressive performance in the Belgian GP solidifies his status as a rising star in Formula One. The Australian driver's potential is highlighted, with discussions about his future prospects and the possibility of him becoming the next big name in the sport.

* **Alonso's Drunken Sprint:** Fernando Alonso's unusual behavior during the sprint race, where he appeared to be intoxicated, becomes a topic of discussion. The hosts speculate on the reasons behind his actions and the potential consequences for the driver and his team.

* **Verstappen and Perez's Rivalry:** The podcast analyzes the evolving relationship between Verstappen and Sergio Perez, with tensions simmering between the Red Bull teammates. The hosts debate whether their rivalry could escalate and potentially disrupt the team's harmony.

* **Verstappen's Dominance: A Boredom Concern:** The dominance of Verstappen and Red Bull raises concerns about the potential monotony of the 2023 season. The hosts discuss whether Verstappen's supremacy is diminishing the excitement of the sport, drawing comparisons to Lewis Hamilton's era of dominance.

* **Strategic Gamble Pays Off:** The Belgian GP showcased the importance of strategic decision-making, with teams employing various tactics to gain an advantage. The hosts analyze the key strategic calls that influenced the race outcome and highlight the impact of these decisions on the final standings.

* **Gorilla Glue Sponsorship Rumors:** A humorous segment of the podcast involves speculation about Gorilla Glue becoming a potential sponsor for Red Bull, given the team's recent struggles with car reliability. The hosts playfully explore the possibilities of such a partnership and its implications for the team's image.

* **Verstappen's Deliberate Qualifying Mistake:** The podcast discusses Verstappen's unusual decision to deliberately make a mistake during qualifying, resulting in a lower grid position. The hosts analyze his motives and speculate on whether it was a calculated move to gain a strategic advantage or simply a playful gesture.

* **Otmar Szafnauer's Firing:** The recent firing of Otmar Szafnauer, the Team Principal of Alpine, becomes a topic of discussion. The hosts debate the reasons behind his dismissal and speculate on the potential impact it could have on the team's performance and future prospects.

* **Piastri's Alternate Timeline of Dominance:** The podcast concludes with a hypothetical scenario, imagining an alternate timeline where Piastri emerges as the dominant force in Formula One, challenging the established order. The hosts discuss the factors that could have led to this outcome and the potential implications for the sport.

Overall, the podcast provides an engaging and insightful analysis of the Belgian Grand Prix, delving into the key moments, controversies, and strategic decisions that shaped the race. The hosts offer their unique perspectives and engage in lively debates, making the podcast an entertaining and informative listen for Formula One enthusiasts.