Look Forward: 2nd Test, Drive To Survive, Haas' American Driver?

We're nearing the business end of the 2022 Formula 1 season - and there's a lot to look forward to already in the next two weeks. The first Grand Prix of the season, of course, but also - 2nd pre-season test, Drive to Survive, Haas' second driver and more?

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In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil and Kunal list down all that you need to look out for in this week - a replacement for the Russian Grand Prix too, of course. 

And what about porpoising? Will we know the true pecking order in the second test? Tune in!

(Season 2022, Episode 10)

Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah

Image courtesy: Formula 1

**Inside Line F1 Podcast Episode 10 Summary:**

- The 2022 Formula 1 season is almost here, and there are many things to look forward to in the coming weeks.


- The first pre-season test has concluded, and the second test is just days away. This will be a crucial opportunity for teams to assess their cars and make final adjustments before the season begins.


- The Russian Grand Prix has been canceled due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Formula 1 is currently searching for a replacement race.


- Nikita Mazepin has been dropped from the Haas F1 team due to his ties to Russian oligarch Dmitry Mazepin. Pietro Fittipaldi is expected to take his place in the second pre-season test, but it is unclear who will drive for Haas in the long term.


- There is speculation that Haas may hire Nico Hulkenberg or Colton Herta to replace Mazepin. However, the team may also choose to focus on developing Mick Schumacher, who is the son of seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher.


- The Drive to Survive docuseries on Netflix has been a major success in attracting new fans to Formula 1. The fourth season of the show is expected to be released soon and is sure to generate even more excitement for the sport.


- The new Formula 1 cars are significantly different from their predecessors, and it is unclear how the pecking order will shake out in 2022. Some teams, such as McLaren, appear to have avoided the porpoising issue that has plagued other teams.


- Alpine has been making bold claims about the performance of its new car, but the team has also experienced some reliability issues in testing.


- Max Verstappen has signed a new six-year contract with Red Bull, which will keep him with the team until 2028. This is the longest contract in Formula 1 history.

# Inside Line F1 Podcast: Episode 10 Summary

In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah discuss various topics related to the upcoming Formula 1 season.

**Pre-Season Test and Drive to Survive:**
* The podcast begins by highlighting the excitement surrounding the upcoming pre-season test in Bahrain, which is crucial for teams to assess their car's performance and gather valuable data.
* The hosts also mention the anticipation for the release of the new season of the popular Netflix series "Drive to Survive," which offers an immersive look into the world of Formula 1.

**Replacement for Russian Grand Prix:**
* The discussion moves on to the replacement for the Russian Grand Prix, which was canceled due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The hosts speculate on potential alternative venues, including Turkey, Portugal, and Germany, but acknowledge that a final decision is yet to be made.

**Porpoising and True Pecking Order:**
* The podcast delves into the issue of porpoising, a phenomenon where Formula 1 cars bounce violently at high speeds due to the new aerodynamic regulations. The hosts debate whether the second pre-season test will reveal the true pecking order among the teams, given that porpoising could potentially mask the actual performance of the cars.

**Max Verstappen's Contract Extension:**
* The hosts discuss the recent contract extension of Max Verstappen with Red Bull Racing, which will keep him with the team until 2028. They analyze the financial implications of this deal, considering Verstappen's status as one of the highest-paid drivers in Formula 1.

**Salary Cap Debate:**
* Soumil and Kunal engage in a thought-provoking discussion on the ongoing debate about introducing a salary cap for Formula 1 drivers. They explore different perspectives on this issue, weighing the arguments for and against such a measure.

**Benchmarking and Financial Considerations:**
* The podcast concludes with a focus on the financial aspects of Formula 1. The hosts discuss the role of benchmarking in determining driver salaries, using Lewis Hamilton as an example. They also highlight the broader impact that a driver's performance can have on a team's commercial success, beyond their on-track achievements.

Overall, this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast provides insightful commentary and analysis on a range of topics relevant to the upcoming Formula 1 season. The hosts engage in lively discussions, offering their perspectives and engaging listeners in thoughtful conversations about the sport.