El Plan To El Pain - 2022 Canadian GP Review (ft. Abhishek Takle)

We won't lie - we had high expectations from Fernando Alonso who started the 2022 Canadian Grand Prix from the front row. And we know that we were not alone. 

We expected the former World Champion to make life difficult for Max Verstappen at the start and on the opening lap. But what a damp squib that turned out to be!

However, that didn't deter Formula 1 from delivering a nail-biting race at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve in Montreal.

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FIA-accredited Formula 1 journalist Abhishek Takle joins Soumil and Kunal to review the 2022 Canadian Grand Prix. Why was Carlos Sainz unable to overtake Max Verstappen? Could Alpine have had a better strategy for Fernando Alonso? Would on-time pit stops have helped Charles Leclerc & Mclaren's fortunes? 

Did you know: Mclaren have failed to score in the Canadian Grand Prix since 2014! As always, @f1statsguru (aka Sundaram) delivers mind-boggling stats in his segment.

There's a lot more in this near-hour long episode. Tune in & happy listening!

(Season 2022, Episode 36)

Follow our hosts: Sundaram Ramaswami, Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah

Image courtesy: Alpine

**Summary of the Inside Line F1 Podcast Episode on the 2022 Canadian Grand Prix:**

* The episode begins with a discussion about Fernando Alonso's disappointing performance in the race, despite starting from the front row.
* The hosts analyze the reasons behind Alonso's struggles, including Alpine's questionable strategy calls and Alonso's own mistakes.
* The conversation then shifts to the race winner, Max Verstappen, and his impressive performance under pressure.
* The hosts discuss the new regulations and how they have affected overtaking and the overall competitiveness of the field.
* They also highlight the strong performances of Lewis Hamilton, George Russell, and Valtteri Bottas, who all finished in the top six.
* The episode concludes with a discussion about the upcoming British Grand Prix and the title fight between Verstappen and Sergio Perez.

**Key Insights and Perspectives:**

* The new regulations have made it more difficult to overtake, but they have also led to more competitive racing.
* Max Verstappen is the clear favorite for the championship, but Sergio Perez is still in contention.
* Fernando Alonso is still a top driver, but he needs a better car to challenge for wins.
* Lewis Hamilton is back in form and could be a factor in the championship race.
* The midfield battle is heating up, with several teams showing strong pace.

**Controversies and Insightful Moments:**

* There was some debate among the hosts about whether Carlos Sainz could have overtaken Verstappen if he had used a different strategy.
* The hosts also discussed the controversial weaving penalty that was given to Alonso.
* There was a lot of praise for the new regulations and how they have improved the racing.

**Overall Message:**

The 2022 Canadian Grand Prix was a thrilling race that showcased the new regulations and the competitiveness of the field. Max Verstappen is the clear favorite for the championship, but there are several other drivers who could challenge him. The midfield battle is also heating up, and there are several teams who could finish in the top three.

# Inside Line F1 Podcast - Episode 36: Canadian Grand Prix Review

**Key Points:**

- The Inside Line F1 Podcast reviews the 2022 Canadian Grand Prix, analyzing the performances of various teams and drivers.

- The episode discusses why Carlos Sainz was unable to overtake Max Verstappen and explores whether Alpine could have had a better strategy for Fernando Alonso.

- The podcast also examines the impact of pit stops on the fortunes of Charles Leclerc and McLaren, highlighting the significance of timely pit stops in Formula 1.

- The hosts analyze the recent dominance of Red Bull on street circuits, noting their impressive record of winning 7 out of the 9 street races since 2021.

- The episode features insights from FIA-accredited Formula 1 journalist Abhishek Takle, who provides expert analysis and commentary on the Canadian Grand Prix.

- The podcast acknowledges the achievement of Mercedes-powered cars securing a podium finish in every Canadian Grand Prix since 2010.

- The hosts discuss Fernando Alonso's performance, his post-race time penalty, and his eventual points finish, marking his first points in Montreal since 2014.

- The episode highlights the intriguing statistic that Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz both reached their 150th race entries in Formula 1 during the Canadian Grand Prix, a milestone also achieved by Lewis Hamilton in his 150th race.

- The podcast reviews the Canadian Grand Prix stats, including McLaren's failure to score points since 2014 and the remarkable consistency of Mercedes-powered cars on the podium.

- The hosts engage in a detailed discussion about Mercedes' recent performances, questioning whether their progress is genuine or conditional, given their fluctuating results throughout the season.

- The episode addresses the reliability issues faced by teams, particularly Ferrari and Red Bull, and explores the potential consequences of these problems on the championship standings.

- The podcast analyzes the contrasting performances of Aston Martin and McLaren, highlighting Aston Martin's disappointing season and McLaren's struggles with pace and pit stops.

- The hosts anticipate the upcoming British Grand Prix at Silverstone, expressing excitement about potential upgrades and improvements from various teams, especially Mercedes.

- The episode concludes with a discussion about the thrilling opening lap camera angles at Silverstone, particularly the iconic shot around the old pit straight and Luffield hairpin.