Alonso's 101st podium, a race win? 2023 Australian GP Preview

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

**Episode Overview:**

- The Inside Line F1 podcast discusses the upcoming Australian Grand Prix and speculates on potential race outcomes.


**Key Insights and Perspectives:**

- The FIA's new rule banning drivers from using bikes or scooters to inspect the track is met with amusement and skepticism by the hosts.


- Fernando Alonso's impressive performance in the first two races of the season has reignited hopes among fans that he may achieve his 101st podium finish, which would be a milestone typically followed by a race win.


- Aston Martin, led by Alonso, has emerged as a strong contender this season, while McLaren continues to struggle.


- Red Bull Racing's dominance in the first two races raises questions about how much further ahead they can finish in subsequent races.


- The Australian Grand Prix circuit, Albert Park, is praised for its scenic beauty, fast layout, and fan-friendly amenities.


- Oscar Piastri's impressive qualifying performance in Saudi Arabia has raised expectations for his home race in Australia.


- McLaren and AlphaTauri remain the only teams yet to score points in the Constructors' Championship.


- The hosts speculate on potential rule changes or controversies that the FIA may introduce during the Australian Grand Prix.


- Tire wear and following difficulties are expected to be significant factors in the race.


- The hosts discuss the possibility of a podium finish without Ferrari or Mercedes representation, which would be a rare occurrence.


- Charles Leclerc is aiming for his 25th career podium finish, but the hosts predict he may have to wait longer.


**Important Quotes:**

- "This is our preview on the InsideLine F1 podcast and we are absolutely intrigued to see what Formula One drivers will actually do if they don't get to ride a bike on the circuit." - Soumil Arora


- "Fernando Alonso took his 100th podium and Melbourne could be podium number 101. Are the chickens coming home to roost? Is El Plan on the cards at last?" - Soumil Arora


- "Red Bull Racing was actually the fastest across all the sessions, right? So FP1, 2, 3 qualifying, and then the race. And I wonder if that could be sort of the new benchmark that they have, you know, if that could be the new benchmark that they've accidentally created for themselves when it comes to, hey, how much more can we dominate in a season?" - Kunal Shah


- "This circuit, if you just watch all the onboards, if you watch all the races over here, it just makes you feel so serene Kunal. Really, when I think about it constantly, I think Albert Park, personally for me at least, has to be one of the best F1 street circuits that we've ever had." - Soumil Arora


- "There has been an Australian driver on the grid every year since the year 2000 and so we come yet again to the Australian GP with a home driver but you don't quite feel the same buzz as having someone like Mark Webber or Daniel Ricciardo but I totally get it, it will build up over time." - Soumil Arora


- "But again, it's all about that hoping game with Ferrari at this stage, isn't it, Kunal, where we're all just waiting for that performance to come." - Soumil Arora


- "And then, will we see yet another podium without a Ferrari or Mercedes on it? And I think, again, F1 stats guru had a brilliant stat around this. We've seen the first two races without a Ferrari or a Mercedes on the podium. Will it be a third? And will there be a new stat around that?" - Kunal Shah


**Overall Message:**

The podcast provides an engaging preview of the Australian Grand Prix, highlighting key storylines, potential race outcomes, and intriguing statistics. The hosts offer their expert insights and analysis while maintaining a light-hearted and conversational tone.