Leclerc vs. Ferrari & 5 Things To Watch For - 2022 Austrian GP Preview

Charles Leclerc needs to win. He needs to win against Max Verstappen, yes, but before that, he needs to win against Ferrari (as ironic as it sounds!).

In the last 5 races, he's either had reliability or strategy - but never both. If we are to have a title battle in the 2022 Formula 1 season, we need Leclerc to score big in the races in July.

Can Ferrari finally win in Austria? Their last win was back in 2003!

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In our 2022 Austrian GP preview episode, Soumil and Kunal look forward to the race this weekend - a different race format, Red Bull's 'home' race, the possibility of a six-car battle for the race win (c'mon, Mercedes!) & more.

Look out for the kerbs, traffic & cooling issues thanks to the short lap around the Red Bull Ring. @f1statsguru (aka Sundaram) shares some mind-boggling stats in the build-up to the race while also looking back the 2022 British GP - why did Carlos Sainz receive two trophies on the podium?

(Season 2022, Episode 40)

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

Image courtesy: Red Bull Content Pool

**Summary of the Inside Line F1 Podcast Episode:**

- The upcoming Austrian Grand Prix promises to be an exciting race with the possibility of a six-car battle for the win.

- Ferrari has not won in Austria since 2003, and Charles Leclerc needs a victory to challenge Max Verstappen for the championship.

- The Red Bull Ring is a short lap, which could lead to close qualifying and increased overtaking opportunities.

- The kerbs, traffic, and cooling issues pose challenges for the drivers.

- Mercedes has historically struggled with vibrations and cooling at the Red Bull Ring.

- Six drivers could potentially fight for the win, including Leclerc, Verstappen, Carlos Sainz, Lewis Hamilton, George Russell, and Sergio Perez.

- Lando Norris has a strong record at the Red Bull Ring, but he has retired from the 11th race of every season he has competed in Formula 1.

- Valtteri Bottas has traditionally performed well in Austria, and he will be looking to bounce back after a poor outing at Silverstone.

- Daniel Ricciardo and Lance Stroll are drivers to watch for potential improvement this weekend.

- Carlos Sainz received two trophies at the British Grand Prix: one from the event sponsor and the other, the Royal Automobile Club trophy, which is returned to the Royal Automobile Club after the race.

# Inside Line F1 Podcast: A Comprehensive Summary

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### Introduction:

- Charles Leclerc's recent struggles with reliability and strategy have hindered his title chances.
- The upcoming races in July are crucial for Leclerc to score big and keep the title fight alive.
- The Austrian Grand Prix presents a unique challenge with its short lap, kerbs, traffic, and cooling issues.

### Race Preview:

- Red Bull's home race could see a six-car battle for the win, including Mercedes.
- The sprint format adds an extra layer of excitement and points to the weekend.
- Carlos Sainz's double trophy ceremony at the British GP is explained.

### Stats and Trivia:

- Sundaram Ramaswami (@f1statsguru) shares intriguing statistics related to the Austrian Grand Prix.
- The British Grand Prix trophy is a unique and historic artifact with an uncertain origin.

### Driver Predictions:

- Soumil Arora predicts a Leclerc victory in both the sprint and the main race.
- Kunal Shah believes Sainz will win the main race, while Verstappen will dominate the sprint.

### Excitement for the Upcoming Races:

- July and October are considered the best months for Formula One fans and drivers.
- Four races in July provide ample opportunities for thrilling action.
- Mick Schumacher's recent performance against Verstappen has raised expectations for his future.

### Conclusion:

The Austrian Grand Prix promises a captivating weekend of Formula One racing with a potential six-car battle for the win, unique challenges presented by the circuit, and the added excitement of the sprint format. The upcoming races in July offer a packed schedule of high-stakes competition, with drivers like Leclerc, Sainz, Verstappen, and Schumacher eager to make their mark.