Peter Windsor on USF1 Team, Drivers Shootouts & More

As we look forward to the 2022 United States Grand Prix, here is the first of our two special episodes.

Legendary broadcaster, award-winning Formula 1 journalist & former F1 team manager Peter Windsor joins Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah in this special episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast.

Peter was one of two figureheads involved in the much-hyped US F1 Team - we dig deeper into the story of the team: the plans, the expectations and the anti-climax of not lining up on the start grid despite being granted an entry licence. 

In addition, Peter discusses 'driver academies' in Formula 1, why driver shootouts aren't a wise solution, his current engagements & proposals to Formula 1-Stefano Domenicali & more. 

Tune in!

(Season 2022, Episode 62)

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

Image courtesy: US F1 Team / Wikipedia

**Navigating the World of Formula One: A Conversation with Peter Windsor**

In this special episode of the Inside Line F1 podcast, Peter Windsor, a renowned Formula One journalist, team manager, and broadcaster, joins hosts Sundaram Ramaswami, Soumil Arora, and Kunal Shah for an insightful discussion on various aspects of the sport.

**Key Points:**

1. **US F1 Team Saga:**
- Peter Windsor sheds light on the ambitious US F1 Team project, which aimed to bring an American team to the Formula One grid.
- The team had a solid plan for gradual growth, starting with a modest approach in the first year and gradually ramping up their efforts over time.
- However, the project faced challenges in securing funding and support from potential sponsors and investors.
- Despite the team's best efforts, they were unable to overcome the financial hurdles and ultimately had to abandon the project.

2. **Driver Academies and Shootouts:**
- Peter Windsor expresses his skepticism towards driver shootouts as a method for selecting drivers, arguing that they can be artificial and may not accurately assess a driver's true potential.
- He emphasizes the importance of observing drivers in real-world racing conditions and evaluating their overall technique and feel for the car.
- Peter shares an anecdote about Nigel Mansell's early testing days at Lotus, highlighting how his natural talent and ability to connect with the car were evident even in limited track time.

3. **Alpine's Driver Dilemma:**
- Peter discusses Alpine's current predicament in choosing between Oscar Piastri and Esteban Ocon for the 2023 season.
- He commends Alpine for identifying and nurturing Piastri's talent early on, but questions the team's handling of the contract situation.
- Peter believes that Alpine should have done a better job of securing Piastri's commitment, especially considering the significant investment they made in his development.

4. **Flawed Driver Academy System:**
- Peter criticizes the current driver academy system in Formula One, stating that it is often based on financial considerations rather than genuine talent identification.
- He proposes a more equitable system where Formula One takes a proactive role in identifying and supporting young drivers from diverse regions around the world.
- Peter emphasizes the need for a comprehensive program that provides young drivers with access to resources, training, and opportunities to showcase their skills.

5. **Liberty Media's Role:**
- Peter urges Liberty Media, the current owners of Formula One, to take a more active role in promoting the sport and fostering its growth globally.
- He suggests that Liberty Media should invest in young driver development programs and explore innovative ways to engage fans and attract new audiences.
- Peter believes that Liberty Media has the potential to revolutionize Formula One and make it a truly global sport.

6. **US Grand Prix and American Market:**
- Peter expresses his enthusiasm for the upcoming United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, and the growing popularity of Formula One in the United States.
- He acknowledges the challenges of establishing a lasting presence in the American market but remains optimistic about the sport's potential for growth in the region.
- Peter emphasizes the importance of engaging with American fans and creating a compelling narrative around the sport to attract a wider audience.

**Overall Message:**

Peter Windsor's insights provide a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing Formula One. He advocates for a more equitable and sustainable approach to driver development, emphasizes the importance of engaging with fans and expanding the sport's global reach, and encourages Liberty Media to take a more proactive role in shaping the future of Formula One.

# Inside Line F1 Podcast Episode 62 Summary: USF1 Team and Driver Academies

**USF1 Team Discussion:**

- Peter Windsor, a legendary broadcaster and former F1 team manager, joins the podcast to discuss the USF1 Team, an American F1 team that never made it to the starting grid.
- Windsor and his team initially received positive responses and backing from potential investors and sponsors, with a budget of approximately $30-50 million per year.
- The team had agreements with Toyota North America for engines and Ferrari for technical support, but these deals fell through due to Bernie Ecclestone's sudden introduction of a new "Budget Cap Championship."
- The Budget Cap Championship required teams to use Cosworth engines and had a strict four-month timeframe for team and car preparation, which was unrealistic for a new team like USF1.
- Despite USF1 being one of the three teams selected for the Budget Cap Championship, Windsor and his team recognized the impracticality of the situation and the lack of time to build a competitive car.
- The USF1 project ultimately failed due to the unrealistic expectations and tight timeframe imposed by the FIA and F1 management.

**Driver Academies:**

- Windsor discusses the concept of driver academies in Formula 1, where teams invest in young drivers and provide them with training and support to develop their skills.
- He believes that driver academies are essential for nurturing talent and preparing drivers for the rigors of Formula 1.
- However, Windsor criticizes the current system of driver academies, arguing that they often focus on short-term results and neglect the long-term development of drivers.
- He proposes a more holistic approach to driver development, emphasizing the importance of education, life skills, and mental health support for young drivers.

**Other Topics:**

- Windsor shares his thoughts on driver shootouts, suggesting that they are not a wise solution for selecting drivers and can lead to unfair outcomes.
- He discusses his current engagements and proposals to Formula 1, including his work with the FIA Driver Commission and his advocacy for changes to the driver academy system.

**Overall Message:**

The episode highlights the challenges faced by new teams trying to enter Formula 1, particularly the unrealistic expectations and short-term focus that can hinder their success. It also emphasizes the importance of long-term driver development and a more holistic approach to nurturing young talent in the sport.