Podcast: Inside Line F1
Published Date:
Mon, 20 Mar 2023 13:08:19 +0000
Duration:
1601
Explicit:
False
Guests:
Please note that the summary is generated based on the transcript and may not capture all the nuances or details discussed in the podcast episode.
The FIA always manages to find a way to grab the limelight every other Grand Prix. As for Fernando Alonso, he's managed to score a podium at every Grand Prix in 2023. But the one at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit wasn't without controversy.
Should the FIA install a pit lane timer for all teams serving a time penalty? Will the start grid boxes be redesigned to aid driver visibility? Will the wording for 'working on the car' (or not!) be re-written?
In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil and Kunal review the talking points from the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Max Verstappen's solid recovery from P15 to 2nd - and why he's right in being disappointed. Sergio 'Checo' Perez's solid drive from pole to flag! Mercedes' PR overdrive, Ferrari's setup problems...and Aston Martin's preparations (for the FIA penalty review).
Tune in!
(Season 2023, Epsiode 11)
Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah
Image courtesy: Aston Martin Formula One Team
# **Inside Line F1 Podcast: Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Review**
## **Key Points:**
* **FIA's Controversial Penalties:**
* The FIA has come under fire for its inconsistent and confusing penalty decisions.
* Aston Martin successfully challenged a penalty for touching the car during a pit stop, leading to a potential rule change.
* A driver was penalized for being out of position at the start grid, highlighting the difficulty of finding the correct grid box.
* The FIA is urged to clarify and simplify the regulations to avoid further controversies.
* **Sergio Perez's Dominant Victory:**
* Sergio Perez secured a dominant victory in Saudi Arabia, leading from pole to flag.
* His teammate, Max Verstappen, recovered from a P15 start to finish second, securing the fastest lap and maintaining his championship lead.
* Red Bull Racing showcased their dominance, finishing 20 seconds ahead of the third-place finisher.
* **Intra-Team Dynamics at Red Bull Racing:**
* There was tension between Perez and Verstappen during the race, with Verstappen pushing Perez to give up the lead.
* Verstappen ultimately backed off and settled for second place, securing the fastest lap for an additional point.
* The incident raises questions about Red Bull Racing's team dynamics and how they will manage the intra-team rivalry going forward.
* **Mercedes' PR Overdrive:**
* Mercedes has been engaging in extensive PR efforts, releasing a letter to fans and discussing the potential of a new car concept.
* However, the team's performance has not matched their PR efforts, leading to criticism of their over-management of tire strategy.
* **Ferrari's Setup Problems and Leclerc's Frustration:**
* Ferrari struggled with setup issues, resulting in tire degradation and a lack of pace.
* Charles Leclerc expressed frustration with his team's strategy, particularly regarding communication during the safety car period.
* Ferrari's reliability concerns continue, with Leclerc experiencing a control unit failure.
* **Aston Martin's Preparation and Podium Finish:**
* Aston Martin's thorough preparation allowed them to successfully challenge the FIA's penalty decision, resulting in Fernando Alonso's podium finish.
* Alonso praised his team's performance and highlighted their ability to control the race against Ferrari and Mercedes.
* **Alonso's Resurgence and Podium Streak:**
* Fernando Alonso secured his 100th podium finish, becoming the sixth driver to achieve this milestone.
* He is the oldest driver to achieve a podium finish, at the age of 41, and is enjoying a resurgence in his third season with Aston Martin.
* **Mercedes' Need for Positivity and Concept Car Speculation:**
* Mercedes driver George Russell has been a positive force for the team, showcasing his potential and readiness to win.
* The team's PR efforts have focused on positivity and the potential of a new concept car, but there is uncertainty about when this concept will be introduced.
* **Verstappen's Disappointment Despite Strong Performance:**
* Max Verstappen expressed disappointment despite securing second place and the fastest lap.
* He emphasized the importance of clean weekends and maximizing points, considering the potential of Mercedes' improved performance in the future.
* **FIA's Need for Clarity and Consistency:**
* The FIA is urged to provide clear and consistent regulations to avoid further controversies and confusion.
* **Aston Martin's Preparation and Podium Finish:**
* Aston Martin's thorough preparation allowed them to successfully challenge the FIA's penalty decision, resulting in Fernando Alonso's podium finish.
* Alonso praised his team's performance and highlighted their ability to control the race against Ferrari and Mercedes.
* **Mercedes' Need for Positivity and Concept Car Speculation:**
* Mercedes driver George Russell has been a positive force for the team, showcasing his potential and readiness to win.
* The team's PR efforts have focused on positivity and the potential of a new concept car, but there is uncertainty about when this concept will be introduced.
* **Verstappen's Disappointment Despite Strong Performance:**
* Max Verstappen expressed disappointment despite securing second place and the fastest lap.
* He emphasized the importance of clean weekends and maximizing points, considering the potential of Mercedes' improved performance in the future.
* **FIA's Need for Clarity and Consistency:**
* The FIA is urged to provide clear and consistent regulations to avoid further controversies and confusion.