FIA and Liberty at Odds | F1 Tire Testing Taboo | Grid Walk Jan 26, 2023

On the first official episode of Grid Walk, Nicole and Briana attempt to contain their excitement about the upcoming 2023 Formula 1 season. Just because it is still the F1 off-season doesn’t mean they don’t have any F1 topics to discuss!

Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) President Mohammed Ben Sulayem tweets his thoughts about a potential $20 Billion evaluation of F1 and Formula One Group/Liberty Media wasn’t pleased.

Nicole brings us “Gossip Grid”; Charles Leclerc, Pierre Gasly, and Esteban Ocon were all spotted during Paris Fashion Week. What does this tell us about the status and importance of Formula 1 drivers? Alex Albon can’t live without Chipotle or his Crocs and Lando Norris was on the cover of British GQ Hype. It seems like Shakira is a fan of the Scuderia Ferrari Formula 1 team!

There are few things Briana loves more than talking tires. Nicole gives her a challenge when discussing the upcoming Pirelli tire testing (with teams Mercedes AMG F1, Aston Martin F1, and Alpha Tauri) without using a few crucial words (such as “Test” and “Soft”).

MoneyGram Haas F1 Team finally announced their livery launch date! Nicole and Briana speculate what will the MoneyGram Haas F1 Team livery look like and why did it take MoneyGram Haas F1 Team so long to announce their launch.

Lastly, Briana gives “Yellow Sector Notes,” so we can complete a full lap around the paddock making a pitstop at every F1 teams’ garage. Max Verstappen installed WHAT on his private plane? Who does George Russell want to skydive with? What’s the status of the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Principal? Why was it a disappointing Sunday for an Aston Martin driver?

Grid Walk is a weekly Formula 1 show that releases every Thursday. For daily F1 content follow @gridwalkshow on all social media platforms.

**FIA-FOM Rivalry and Saudi Investment Controversy:**

* The podcast begins by discussing the ongoing feud between the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and Formula One Management (FOM), the commercial rights holder of Formula One.

* President of the FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, caused a stir by tweeting that the estimated $20 billion valuation of Formula One is inflated and that interested buyers should apply common sense when making offers.

* FOM responded by sending a letter to Mohammed, expressing their displeasure at his interference in their commercial rights.

* The podcast delves into the complex relationship between the FIA, FOM, and the 10 Formula One teams, highlighting the checks and balances in place to ensure fair governance of the sport.

**FIA President's Controversial Tweets:**

* The podcast reviews a series of recent tweets by Mohammed that have raised eyebrows, including his comments on the 2023 calendar, driver rules, the potential addition of new teams, and the Andretti Cadillac bid.

* The hosts express their concerns about the FIA president's public statements, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a clear separation between the sporting and commercial aspects of Formula One.

**Paris Fashion Week and Driver Appearances:**

* The podcast shifts gears to discuss the presence of Formula One drivers at Paris Fashion Week, highlighting the growing popularity of the sport and its drivers beyond the racetrack.

* Drivers such as Charles Leclerc, Esteban Ocon, and Pierre Gasly were spotted at various fashion shows, showcasing their personal style and expanding their reach into the fashion world.

**Alex Albon's 10 Things He Can't Live Without:**

* The podcast covers Alex Albon's recent appearance in GQ Sports, where he shared 10 things he can't live without, including his Oculus Rift, Chipotle celebrity VIP card, and skincare routine.

**Lando Norris' GQ Cover and Mental Health Advocacy:**

* Lando Norris' feature on the cover of British GQ is discussed, with a focus on his candid discussion about the pressures and mental health challenges faced by Formula One drivers.

**Shakira's New Song and Ferrari Reference:**

* The podcast touches on Shakira's latest song, "BizRap Music Sessions number 53," which contains lyrics that reference Ferrari and Rolex, major sponsors of Formula One.

**Tire Testing and Pirelli's Role:**

* The podcast concludes with a segment on tire testing, explaining why Pirelli conducts test days and the importance of selecting tires that degrade at a good rate to enhance the excitement of races.

* The hosts engage in a game where they discuss tire testing without using specific words like "soft," "test," "time," and "grip." **Tire Testing:**

* Pirelli-sponsored off-season tire testing is not mandatory.
* Teams can participate in group events in December, January, and February leading up to the season.
* Mercedes and Alfa Romeo are testing dry tires next week, February 1st through 2nd.
* Alfa Romeo will test the new wet tires on February 3rd and 4th.
* Mercedes and Alfa Romeo will test dry tires together on February 7th and 8th.

**Car Usage:**

* Teams are using 2022 cars for testing, not the upcoming 2023 cars.
* An FIA representative ensures that parts on the car were run at some point in 2022.
* Teams can use parts that were not used in a race but were run in a free practice session or qualifying.

**Benefits of Participation:**

* Data gathering on the 2022 car's reaction to the 2023 tires can help teams set up correlation models ahead of time.
* Teams can gain information on how the tires will perform with their 2023 car's evolution.
* Pirelli is making changes to the tires based on data and feedback from the 2022 season.

**Haas Car Launch:**

* Haas' car launch is expected to be a tweet unveiling the livery and a photo of the car.
* The team may have waited to announce their launch date to ensure they would be the first reveal of the season.
* A matte, charcoal-gray livery with red font is a possibility for the Haas car.

**Yellow Sector Notes:**

* In-helmet cameras will be mandatory for all drivers in the 2023 season.
* Max Verstappen has installed a racing simulator on his private plane.
* Ferrari claims that the 2023 Ferrari is fast.
* George Russell wants to go skydiving with Lewis Hamilton.
* Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly are trying to dispel rumors of a rift between them.
* Lance Stroll praised the recovery of the Aston Martin team in 2022.
* Pietro Fittipaldi is back as the Haas Reserve Driver.
* Yuki Tsunoda tested the 2021 AT02 car at the Imola track.
* Alex Albon and Logan Sargeant gave interviews discussing their underwear preferences.