Checo Checks-in - 2022 Singapore GP Review

Tune in to our 2022 Singapore Grand Prix review episode.

Could Ferrari or Mercedes have won this race? Could the FIA have started the race earlier than they eventually did? And of course, 'jewellery gate' & now 'budget cap-gate' coming up. 

(Season 2022, Episode 59)

**Inside Line F1 Podcast - Singapore Grand Prix Review**

**Summary**

- The Singapore Grand Prix was a chaotic race with several incidents, driver errors, and penalties.
- The race started an hour late due to heavy rain, and the FIA was criticized for their handling of the situation.
- Sergio Perez won the race, leading from start to finish, and extending Red Bull's winning streak to 13 races.
- Ferrari and Mercedes were also in contention for the win, but both teams made strategic errors.
- Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen both made uncharacteristic mistakes, highlighting the challenging conditions.
- Nicholas Latifi caused a safety car period after crashing into the barriers, and George Russell was involved in a controversial incident with Mick Schumacher.
- Fernando Alonso's McLaren retired from the race, marking a disappointing end to his 350th Grand Prix.

**Detailed Summary**

The Singapore Grand Prix was a highly anticipated race, but it turned out to be a chaotic and unpredictable event. The race was delayed by an hour due to heavy rain, and the FIA was criticized for their handling of the situation. Some drivers felt that the race should have been started earlier, while others felt that the FIA made the right decision to wait until the conditions improved.

Once the race finally got underway, it was Sergio Perez who emerged victorious. Perez started from pole position and led the race from start to finish, becoming the first driver to lead every lap of a Singapore Grand Prix. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc finished in second place, and Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton completed the podium.

Ferrari and Mercedes were both in contention for the win, but both teams made strategic errors. Ferrari pitted Leclerc for new tires too early, which allowed Perez to build a significant lead. Mercedes made a similar mistake with Hamilton, who lost time behind Leclerc after his pit stop.

Hamilton and Verstappen, two of the most dominant drivers in Formula One, both made uncharacteristic mistakes during the race. Hamilton spun off the track on lap 33, while Verstappen made a mistake on lap 42 that allowed Leclerc to close the gap.

Nicholas Latifi caused a safety car period after crashing into the barriers on lap 40. The safety car bunched up the field, and it allowed McLaren's Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo to move up the order.

George Russell was involved in a controversial incident with Mick Schumacher on lap 46. Russell attempted to overtake Schumacher on the inside, but he made contact with Schumacher's car, causing Schumacher to spin off the track. The stewards investigated the incident but decided not to take any action against Russell.

Fernando Alonso's McLaren retired from the race on lap 34 due to a mechanical issue. It was a disappointing end to Alonso's 350th Grand Prix, and it marked the first time that he had retired from a race this season.

**Overall, the Singapore Grand Prix was a chaotic and unpredictable race that was full of surprises. Sergio Perez's victory was a well-deserved one, and it extended Red Bull's winning streak to 13 races. Ferrari and Mercedes will be disappointed with their performances, but they will be hoping to bounce back at the next race in Japan.**

# InsideLine F1 Podcast - Episode 59: 2022 Singapore Grand Prix Review

In this episode of the InsideLine F1 podcast, the hosts delve into the 2022 Singapore Grand Prix and discuss various aspects of the race, including potential race outcomes and controversies surrounding the FIA's handling of the event.

**Key Points:**

- **Hypothetical Race Outcomes:**
- The hosts speculate on how the race might have turned out if Ferrari or Mercedes had better strategies or if the FIA had started the race earlier.

- **'Jewellery Gate' and 'Budget Cap-Gate':**
- They discuss the ongoing controversies surrounding jewelry regulations and potential breaches of the budget cap by certain teams.

- **Fernando Alonso's Impressive Start:**
- The hosts praise Fernando Alonso's aggressive start, which saw him overtake five cars on the opening lap, and Lance Stroll's strong performance, resulting in a sixth-place finish.

- **Potential Impact of Budget Cap Breach Allegations:**
- The hosts debate the potential consequences of Red Bull Racing's alleged breach of the cost cap, including the possibility of a championship swing in Lewis Hamilton's favor.

- **FIA's Handling of Financial Regulations:**
- They highlight the challenges of policing the budget cap and financial regulations, given the complex nature of the rules and the time lag in reviewing team finances.

- **Engineers as Currency:**
- The hosts discuss the significance of engineering talent in Formula One and how teams are using the number of engineers they have had to lay off as a measure of their compliance with the budget cap.

- **FIA's Penalty System:**
- They criticize the FIA's seemingly inconsistent approach to penalties, citing examples of varying fines for different offenses.

- **Sergio Perez's Victory:**
- The hosts celebrate Sergio Perez's second win of the season and his fourth career Formula One victory, emphasizing the significance of these wins for a driver who has had fewer victories compared to his peers.

- **Upcoming Japan Grand Prix:**
- They tease their upcoming preview episode for the Japan Grand Prix, promising engaging discussions and analysis.

**Overall Message:**
The episode provides a comprehensive review of the 2022 Singapore Grand Prix, highlighting key moments, controversies, and potential implications for the championship standings. The hosts engage in insightful discussions, offering their perspectives on various aspects of the race and the sport as a whole.