Formula 1 Azerbaijan GP Preview & The New F1 Sprint Weekend Format is Much Better | Grid Walk April 27, 2023

Before diving into the usual Grid Walk fun, Briana and Nicole start this week’s episode addressing the most recent allegations against current FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. After an incredibly long break, Formula 1 is FINALLY racing again this weekend at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The Baku City Circuit will have plenty of guaranteed excitement. Not only does the Azerbaijan Grand Prix involve a Sprint Race but there is a brand new format for the entire race weekend involving Sprint Shootout. Briana and Nicole go over everything you need to know about a Formula 1 Sprint Race and the new Sprint Shootout.The new Sprint Race format inspired another round of Red Flags! Briana presents Nicole with several chaotic changes that could occur to a Formula 1 race weekend. Nicole has to decide how many changes she can handle before throwing a “back in my day” type temper tantrum. Will Nicole continue to “Push This Lap” or will the changes to grand prix weekends lead her to “Box Box Box”?Briana is jumping out of her seat to discuss all the technical upgrades that are coming to the Formula 1 grid at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Are we still going to see Mclaren F1 Team’s B-Spec car like they originally stated? Why are BWT Alpine F1 Team and Mclaren F1 Team bridging new floors to Baku? Is there anything happening when it comes to upgrades at Scuderia Ferrari?Briana and Nicole continue their season long competition and share their predictions for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix Predictions. Did Briana and Nicole pick a Oracle Red Bull Racing driver, Max Verstappen or Sergio Perez, to take P1 at the Baku City Circuit? Which Formula 1 Team at the back of the grid will score the most points amongst BWT Alpine F1 Team, MoneyGram Haas F1 Team, Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake, Scuderia AlphaTauri, and Williams Racing?It is officially race week for the brand new F1 Academy! The all-female single-seater racing series will kick off its season this weekend in Spielberg, Austria at Red Bull Ring. Can anyone at Formula 1 let us know where we can watch F1 Academy or why broadcasting hasn’t been addressed?Grid Walk is a weekly Formula 1 show that releases every Thursday. For daily F1 content follow @gridwalkshow on all social media platforms.

1. **Shayla-Ann Rowe's Experience:**
- Shayla-Ann Rowe, the Interim Secretary General for Motorsports at the FIA, faced significant bullying and sexism during her tenure.
- She formally outlined her experiences in a letter to FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and the head of the Senate.
- The FIA's bylaws should have triggered a review of Ben Sulayem's behavior, but no such review was conducted.

2. **Systemic Issues:**
- The lack of an internal review highlights systemic issues within the FIA.
- The Telegraph's report focuses on the absence of an investigation into the allegations against Ben Sulayem.
- The FIA's failure to address these concerns perpetuates a culture of impunity for sexist behavior.

3. **Accountability and Higher Standards:**
- Women often hesitate to report sexism due to fear of being dismissed or retaliated against.
- It is crucial to start with belief and understanding when addressing such allegations.
- The FIA and F1 need to hold their leaders accountable to higher standards of conduct.
- Simply replacing individuals with similar attitudes and behaviors does not solve the underlying problem.

**Additional Points:**

- The Telegraph's report has prompted discussions about sexism and misogyny in Formula One and beyond.
- The hosts emphasize the importance of public backing from other parties involved in the sport, such as FOM and the teams.
- The hosts also discuss the need for a clear and transparent process for addressing complaints and allegations of misconduct.
- They acknowledge that some fans may disagree with their perspective but encourage open-mindedness and a willingness to consider different viewpoints.
- The hosts express their frustration with the lack of consequences for sexist behavior in Formula One and call for meaningful action to address these issues.
- They highlight the importance of supporting women in the sport and creating a more inclusive environment for all.

The hypothetical changes discussed include:

1. Implementing a separate qualifying and race for the six sprint races, effectively eliminating the sprint shootout.

2. Introducing a reverse grid element into some of the sprint and Grand Prix races, potentially disrupting the traditional qualifying order.

3. Awarding points for free practice sessions, potentially altering the significance of these sessions.

4. Eliminating qualifying altogether and lining up drivers in reverse championship order for all races, creating a unique and unpredictable grid.

5. Transforming F1 into a spec series, where all teams use identical cars, potentially leveling the playing field and enhancing competition.

The hosts provide their perspectives on each proposed change, considering factors such as fairness, excitement, and the overall health of the sport. They acknowledge that some changes might be met with resistance from fans and teams, but they also recognize the potential for innovation and improvement.

The discussion highlights the dynamic nature of F1 and the willingness of the sport's governing body to consider changes to enhance the spectacle and appeal of the races. The hosts emphasize the importance of maintaining a balance between tradition and innovation, ensuring that any changes align with the core values and principles of Formula One.

* **F1 Garage:**
* Sustainable Fuel for 2026: F1 released an informative video highlighting their sustainable fuel initiative for the 2026 engine regulations.
* Conflicting Reports on Daniel Ricciardo: Some reports suggest Ricciardo's simulation performance at Red Bull was impressive, while others indicate he's still struggling to match Sergio Perez's pace.
* Aston Martin's TikTok Success: Fernando Alonso continues to captivate fans with his engaging TikTok content, showcasing the team's creative approach to social media.
* Lewis Hamilton's Merch Line: Hamilton teased the return of his limited-edition clothing line, Plus44, with a potential drop in Miami.
* Charlotte Clare's Song Release: Esteban Ocon praised F1 Academy driver Bianca Bustamante for her dedication and work ethic, highlighting the challenges women face in the sport.
* McLaren's Development Driver Program: McLaren officially announced its revamped development driver program, providing opportunities for young talents to progress in the sport.
* Williams Pop-Up in Miami: Williams is hosting a pop-up event in Miami during the race weekend, offering fans an immersive experience with the team.
* Gunther Steiner's Book and Joe Saward's Jewelry: Steiner released his book on April 20th, coinciding with the 420 holiday, while Saward showcased his stunning Dior jewelry collection on Instagram.
* Yuki Tsunoda's Support for Sebastian Vettel: Tsunoda expressed his support for Vettel potentially taking over Helmut Marko's position at Red Bull, suggesting a positive reception for such a move.

* **Yellow Sector Notes:**
* Nicole Katz commends Briana L. Klein's quick delivery of the news, comparing it to a sprint shootout rather than a gridwalk.
* Encouragement for Listeners: The hosts remind listeners to enable auto downloads, rate and review the podcast, especially on Apple Podcasts, as it significantly impacts their motivation and success.
* Social Media Engagement: Briana and Nicole emphasize the importance of following them on various social media platforms to stay connected with the latest updates.