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.
Notes
Why, Max Verstappen, why? The two-time World Champion let go of the 'cheapest' way to secure Sergio Perez's loyalty at the 2022 Sao Paulo GP or the 2022 Brazilian GP (whatever you want to call it!).
And then of course, we had a Verstappen vs. Lewis Hamilton on-track, that cost both teams a bit of body work. Fernando Alonso's fightback, Ferrari's inters for Charles Leclerc and refusal to swap places with Carlos Sainz, the team-mate battles, Yuki Tsunoda being 'forgotten' by Race Control, Lando Norris' illness, Mclaren's double DNF, Kevin Magnussen's pole and more.
# InsideLineF1 Podcast Episode 69: "Why, Max Verstappen, Why?"
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## Episode Overview:
* The episode begins by addressing the controversial decision made by Max Verstappen during the Sao Paulo Grand Prix (also known as the Brazilian GP). Verstappen's choice to use medium tires during the sprint race sparked a heated debate among experts and fans alike. * The hosts, Soumil Arora, Sundaram Ramaswami, and Kunal Shah, delve into the potential reasons behind Verstappen's decision, considering various factors such as religious beliefs, teammate dynamics, and personal rivalry. * The discussion shifts to Sergio Perez's reaction to the incident and the potential impact it may have on the team's harmony and championship aspirations. * The hosts then analyze other notable moments from the race, including Fernando Alonso's impressive comeback drive, Ferrari's strategic choices, and the numerous teammate battles that unfolded throughout the event. * They also highlight the unfortunate incidents involving Lando Norris' illness, McLaren's double DNF, Kevin Magnussen's pole position, and Yuki Tsunoda's confusion regarding his lap count. * The episode concludes with a reflection on the overall excitement and unpredictability of the Brazilian GP, which featured a maiden pole sitter, a first-time race winner, and an array of captivating storylines.
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## Key Points and Insights:
* Verstappen's decision to use medium tires during the sprint race remains a mystery, with the hosts proposing several possible explanations, including religious beliefs, dissatisfaction with Sergio Perez's performance, and a desire to create controversy. * The incident has raised concerns about the dynamic within the Red Bull Racing team, particularly in light of Verstappen's previous actions and comments. * Sergio Perez's reaction to the incident suggests that he may harbor resentment towards Verstappen, potentially affecting the team's unity and championship goals. * Fernando Alonso's remarkable comeback drive from 17th to 5th position is celebrated as a testament to his skill and determination. * Ferrari's strategic decisions, such as putting Charles Leclerc on intermediate tires and refusing to swap positions with Carlos Sainz, are scrutinized, highlighting the team's ongoing struggles with strategy. * The numerous teammate battles throughout the race add to the excitement and unpredictability of the event, showcasing the intense competition within several teams. * The unfortunate incidents involving Lando Norris' illness, McLaren's double DNF, Kevin Magnussen's pole position, and Yuki Tsunoda's confusion regarding his lap count serve as reminders of the unpredictable nature of Formula One racing. * The Brazilian GP is hailed as an exceptional race weekend, offering a wide range of storylines, including a maiden pole sitter, a first-time race winner, an underdog story, rain, teammate battles, and controversy.
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## Controversial Moments and Insights:
* Verstappen's decision to use medium tires during the sprint race is widely criticized as a baffling and potentially detrimental move. * The hosts speculate on the reasons behind Verstappen's decision, suggesting that it may have been influenced by personal rivalry, religious beliefs, or a desire to create controversy. * The incident highlights the growing tension within the Red Bull Racing team, particularly between Verstappen and Perez, and raises concerns about the team's ability to maintain harmony and achieve their championship goals. * Ferrari's strategic choices, particularly their decision to put Leclerc on intermediate tires and refuse to swap positions with Sainz, are questioned by the hosts, who suggest that the team needs to improve its strategic decision-making.
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## Conclusion:
The InsideLineF1 Podcast Episode 69 delves into the controversies and highlights of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, offering insightful analysis and engaging discussions on the key moments and talking points of the race. The episode celebrates the unpredictable nature of Formula One racing while also shedding light on the challenges and complexities faced by teams and drivers.
# Podcast Summary: "Why, Max Verstappen, Why?"
The podcast delves into the controversial incident at the 2022 Sao Paulo Grand Prix, where Max Verstappen refused to yield his position to teammate Sergio Perez, despite team orders. This act sparked discussions about Verstappen's maturity and sportsmanship.
The hosts analyze the situation, drawing parallels to past instances of teammate loyalty in Formula One, such as Michael Schumacher's decision to let Rubens Barrichello win at the 2002 Indianapolis Grand Prix. They suggest that Verstappen may need time to mature and develop the mindset to prioritize team success over personal glory.
The conversation shifts to Sebastian Vettel's impending retirement and the impact it will have on the sport. The hosts express their admiration for Vettel's achievements and his influence on Formula One. They anticipate an emotional farewell race for the four-time world champion in Abu Dhabi.
The podcast also touches on other notable moments from the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, including the on-track collision between Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso's impressive fightback, and the team-mate battles between Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, as well as Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
The hosts conclude the episode by discussing the upcoming Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the final race of the 2022 season. They express their mixed feelings about the end of the season, as they are both eager to see the championship come to a close but also reluctant to say goodbye to the excitement and drama of the sport.
Overall, the podcast provides an insightful and engaging analysis of the key talking points from the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, while also looking ahead to the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Raw Transcript with Timestamps
[00:00.000 -> 00:22.640] Welcome and welcome to the InsideLineF1 podcast. [00:22.640 -> 00:23.720] That's two welcomes in a row. [00:23.720 -> 00:24.720] That just made it three. [00:24.720 -> 00:29.040] The point is, we have to talk about George Russell. We will do that in a second. But [00:29.040 -> 00:34.320] we firstly have to go to the elephant in the room. The decision that's been creating all [00:34.320 -> 00:38.000] the headlines and stirring up the pot of controversy. The moment that could change [00:38.000 -> 00:42.560] the course of Max Verstappen's Formula One legacy. The moment that could absolutely [00:42.560 -> 00:45.560] mark the beginning of the end of a peaceful environment [00:45.560 -> 00:46.880] at Red Bull Racing. [00:46.880 -> 00:51.040] Of course Kunal, we're talking about why Max Verstappen went for mediums in the sprint. [00:51.040 -> 00:52.040] Why did he do that? [00:52.040 -> 00:53.040] What were his reasons? [00:53.040 -> 00:54.040] I can't understand. [00:54.040 -> 00:55.880] It's been causing all the controversy in the world. [00:55.880 -> 00:59.360] Yeah, there's this one little thing with Sergio Perez that also might have happened at the [00:59.360 -> 01:00.360] end. [01:00.360 -> 01:03.600] We'll get to it, but I just can't figure out why he went for the mediums at the end. [01:03.600 -> 01:05.480] I'm still scratching my head about it. [01:05.480 -> 01:07.320] Well, you're scratching your beard, firstly, [01:07.320 -> 01:08.080] as I can see it. [01:08.080 -> 01:12.160] But I mean, for me, are we recording? [01:12.160 -> 01:12.880] Are we racing? [01:12.880 -> 01:14.840] Or are we taking the one, two, three, to me? [01:14.840 -> 01:18.840] That was also a very controversial message, right? [01:18.840 -> 01:21.640] George Russell being like, guys, let's protect the one, two. [01:21.640 -> 01:27.440] Let me not race Lewis Hamilton. Let me not race the greatest of all time [01:27.440 -> 01:31.280] Lewis Hamilton, you know he says that several times especially when he sort of finished ahead [01:31.280 -> 01:38.960] of Lewis but oh my goodness there was Max Verstappen on one end, there was George Russell on the other [01:38.960 -> 01:45.840] then there was Charles Leclerc at you know one place and then there was Fernando Alonso in another. [01:45.840 -> 01:48.080] And Lance was taking a stroll or making [01:48.080 -> 01:53.360] others take a stroll on the green side of the tarmac. [01:53.360 -> 01:55.240] And I don't even know. [01:55.240 -> 01:56.800] I mean, and wait a minute. [01:56.800 -> 02:00.440] Suddenly, what happens in Monaco doesn't stay in Monaco. [02:00.440 -> 02:03.520] It actually comes back to bite you in Brazil [02:03.520 -> 02:05.760] of all the places. Right. So. [02:06.880 -> 02:12.160] This is going to be a three hour long episode on the Inside Line F1 podcast, [02:12.160 -> 02:16.800] and, you know, I know F1 stats guru Sundaram is waiting out there, giving us some of [02:16.800 -> 02:22.000] his best stats, but this is the time to have our best [02:22.120 -> 02:30.400] banter. I mean, Max Verstappen had the cheapest way to win or to invest more [02:30.400 -> 02:36.000] in Checo Perez's loyalty towards his world championships, right? P6 in a random race [02:36.000 -> 02:48.400] after everything has been sealed. But Max said, no way, we need to have banter on the inside line F1 podcast so I'm not gonna let Checo Perez through [02:48.400 -> 02:55.200] and that's what happened. I can't believe it but actually let's get to working on this I just can't [02:55.200 -> 03:00.640] figure out I've been thinking for the last day I think at this stage right now just what could [03:00.640 -> 03:07.600] his reasons possibly be I've come up with a potential list of ideas and sometimes I want to know what you have in mind for this as well. [03:07.600 -> 03:12.880] But maybe his religion of racing's dogmas claim that on days when the sun rises on the east, [03:12.880 -> 03:17.120] a true practitioner of the Verstappen religion of racing just does not let a car go fast. [03:17.120 -> 03:18.160] That could be one. [03:18.160 -> 03:23.360] The other could be the fact that he thinks that Sergio Perez hasn't been a good enough teammate. [03:23.360 -> 03:26.720] Maybe he was expecting Sergio Perez to just go cannonball all the way in, [03:26.720 -> 03:30.960] do what Valtteri Bottas did in Hungary last year and take every car out in the sprint so that Max [03:30.960 -> 03:36.080] Verstappen could win and start on pole once again. So what do you reckon Sundar? Just why [03:36.080 -> 03:39.280] could he have not let him pass? What could it have possibly been? [03:39.280 -> 03:44.080] You know, it's been 18 hours after the race and I've really been trying to wrap my head around [03:44.080 -> 03:45.800] this and to be honest [03:45.800 -> 03:48.320] Okay, you've you've come up with a very interesting, you know [03:48.320 -> 03:53.200] Suggestions are the reasons as to why he could have done that but I have absolutely zero [03:54.280 -> 03:55.800] zero [03:55.800 -> 04:00.640] Thoughts as to why I mean on what is a justifiable reason that that he's done it [04:00.640 -> 04:06.160] I'm absolutely blank and and and if if you're bringing back Monaco, then yeah, [04:06.160 -> 04:10.660] I think that there was what, 10, 12 races ago, and I think it should have been done [04:10.660 -> 04:15.680] and dusted. He should have been really past it. So I really have really zero justifiable [04:15.680 -> 04:17.480] reasons for that. [04:17.480 -> 04:25.000] I'm going to bring back Mexico 2021. The Mercedeses on the front row, Max Verstappen starting P3. [04:25.000 -> 04:27.000] I think Bottas was on pole position. [04:27.000 -> 04:31.000] All Bottas had to do was hold off Max and let Lewis by. [04:31.000 -> 04:33.000] But guess what Bottas did? [04:33.000 -> 04:35.000] He actually blocked Lewis and let Max by. [04:35.000 -> 04:39.000] Of course, depends how you see it, but Max got that super long slingshot [04:39.000 -> 04:44.000] and then from the outside he overtook both the Mercedeses. [04:44.000 -> 04:48.020] And then, you know, Max was in the lead of the race. [04:48.020 -> 04:58.020] Imagine if Checo Perez at such a crucial moment in 23 or in 24 decides to not let Max get [04:58.020 -> 05:01.580] priority or not let Max get by. [05:01.580 -> 05:02.840] What will happen? [05:02.840 -> 05:03.900] But guess what? [05:03.900 -> 05:04.900] That's Max Verstappen. [05:04.900 -> 05:07.560] Maybe he believes he can win these titles all by himself. [05:07.560 -> 05:10.120] And cheeky statement from Checo Perez. [05:10.120 -> 05:13.280] He said, Max has won these two titles because of me. [05:13.280 -> 05:16.000] I mean, there is some gravitas to this. [05:16.000 -> 05:18.640] Of course, it's Max's talent, superiority, et cetera. [05:18.640 -> 05:20.780] But last year, several moments. [05:20.780 -> 05:22.320] I mean, Abu Dhabi, we remember he [05:22.320 -> 05:25.320] was driving at Formula 3 pace, you know, when Lewis Hamilton [05:25.320 -> 05:27.840] came up to try and overtake him. [05:27.840 -> 05:32.520] I think he was even in Turkey last year, and ESPN has come up with this full list of things, [05:32.520 -> 05:35.680] you know, Baku last year, including this year. [05:35.680 -> 05:40.480] I mean, yes, it's been a walk in the park, but let's remember every time Max has not [05:40.480 -> 05:44.600] been capable of taking a win for whatever reason, Checo has gone and taken the win and [05:44.600 -> 05:48.240] not let, you know, Leclerc or Ferrari claim wins. [05:48.240 -> 05:52.680] So it is teamwork that has got Verstappen his wins. [05:52.680 -> 05:57.040] It is teamwork that Red Bull are right in expecting as well. [05:57.040 -> 06:00.320] But like I said, what happens in Monaco [06:00.320 -> 06:03.780] comes up to bite Checo Perez in Brazil [06:03.780 -> 06:05.840] because there was these rumors about, you know, [06:05.840 -> 06:08.640] the after party and him having some misbehavior there, [06:08.640 -> 06:11.200] which probably has cost him some peace at home. [06:11.200 -> 06:13.800] And now his misbehavior in qualifying on Saturday [06:13.800 -> 06:16.760] has cost him some peace in Red Bull Racing. [06:16.760 -> 06:20.000] But, you know, it's not that I'm trying to paint [06:20.000 -> 06:22.560] Checo Perez differently, but let's remember this. [06:23.400 -> 06:25.480] In Japan was when Max Verstappen won [06:25.480 -> 06:26.640] the driver's championship. [06:26.640 -> 06:31.160] The next race in Austin, we saw Red Bull Racing [06:31.160 -> 06:33.720] win the constructors championship. [06:33.720 -> 06:36.400] What has happened in the two races after that? [06:36.400 -> 06:38.880] Out of the blue, at least for me out of the blue, [06:38.880 -> 06:43.640] in Mexico, Max said, I'm not talking to Sky Sports. [06:43.640 -> 06:44.480] That's it. [06:45.480 -> 06:47.960] There's been one person disrespectful, whatever. [06:47.960 -> 06:53.120] So there was one thing off track controversy in Mexico. [06:53.120 -> 06:55.240] What happened in Brazil? [06:55.240 -> 06:56.960] I will not support Checo Perez. [06:56.960 -> 06:58.880] So he's basically used these two weekends [06:58.880 -> 07:01.440] to get even with people who he thinks [07:01.440 -> 07:03.160] he needs to get even with. [07:03.160 -> 07:05.840] I don't know who he's going to get even with in Abu Dhabi. [07:05.840 -> 07:06.680] Could it be us? [07:06.680 -> 07:08.840] Could it be Michael Masi? [07:08.840 -> 07:11.960] Could it be Daniel Ricciardo? [07:11.960 -> 07:12.680] I don't know. [07:12.680 -> 07:15.440] I mean, that's just what maxes out within agenda. [07:15.440 -> 07:18.840] I mean, as fantastic a talent he is. [07:18.840 -> 07:22.680] You know, it's like corporate PR suicide, as you would call it. [07:22.680 -> 07:24.280] He's done personal PR suicide. [07:24.280 -> 07:25.680] But maybe he doesn't need the PR. [07:25.680 -> 07:27.920] Maybe he just wants to win everything he can. [07:27.920 -> 07:31.240] Just go home and say, I won everything I could. [07:31.240 -> 07:31.880] I don't know. [07:31.880 -> 07:34.600] SIDDHARTHA SRINIVASAVAMBHAMBHAM [07:34.600 -> 07:38.080] Oh, Sundaram, that's petty, isn't it? [07:38.080 -> 07:40.120] You know, if you remember, Verstappen [07:40.120 -> 07:42.560] had this little incident with Charles Leclerc [07:42.560 -> 07:43.520] from his junior days. [07:43.520 -> 07:51.120] And I wonder if he's really gotten back to Charles Leclerc or was it already done in 2019 Austria. If it's not been done then I think [07:51.120 -> 07:57.760] Leclerc should really be worried about that in the next race or in the coming races. Because I don't [07:57.760 -> 08:02.640] know, Verstappen has a little notebook and he keeps note of all the little incidents that other drivers [08:02.640 -> 08:05.500] have done against him. There's an Esteban Ocon as well. [08:05.500 -> 08:08.800] So I don't even know if he has a little notebook. [08:08.800 -> 08:10.300] And he keeps note of all those things. [08:10.300 -> 08:11.800] The hit list of something, Kunal. [08:11.800 -> 08:12.800] Yes. [08:12.800 -> 08:14.300] It is. And can you imagine? [08:14.300 -> 08:17.000] It's Ted's notebook that he has a problem with. [08:17.000 -> 08:23.000] But here is Verstappen's notebook that everybody sort of seems to not want to get onto. [08:23.000 -> 08:27.160] And I know the Netherlands is a massive market for us, [08:27.160 -> 08:29.120] top three list of markets, guys. [08:29.120 -> 08:31.280] We love Max's talent for what it is, [08:31.280 -> 08:34.200] absolutely phenomenal, once in a lifetime, [08:34.200 -> 08:35.880] generational talent. [08:35.880 -> 08:39.400] But yesterday was a very cheap shot in our view, [08:39.400 -> 08:41.400] we are just calling it as that. [08:41.400 -> 08:44.720] So if you like us or you don't, leave us a good rating, [08:44.720 -> 08:46.800] because that's what you know these [08:46.800 -> 08:53.280] these apps and you know podcasting platforms you know and their algorithms like. I mean it's the [08:53.280 -> 08:58.400] same thing right you don't like what Max Verstappen did to Perez yesterday but you'll still go out and [08:58.400 -> 09:04.800] support him so go out and support us on all these platforms. Oh my goodness this is quite something [09:02.000 -> 09:05.000] support us on all these platforms. Oh my goodness, this was quite something. [09:05.000 -> 09:08.000] But the way I can look at it this way [09:08.000 -> 09:10.000] is that he's the fastest kid in the world. [09:10.000 -> 09:12.000] I don't want to elaborate on that statement, [09:12.000 -> 09:14.000] I think it speaks for itself. [09:14.000 -> 09:16.000] But I'm just confused about this whole thing. [09:16.000 -> 09:18.000] I think we're at that stage of the episode [09:18.000 -> 09:21.000] where we should talk about George Russell and how good he was. [09:21.000 -> 09:27.200] Poor George gets on me ignored all the time once again. But for a second, who controls [09:27.200 -> 09:32.000] the management over here? Is it the drivers? Is it the management at Red Bull Racing? Do the inmates [09:32.000 -> 09:36.640] run the asylum now? That's a weird way of managing a team, right? Of course, it works because there's [09:36.640 -> 09:40.720] only one number one Max Verstappen over there, but I want to see how this dynamic plays out [09:40.720 -> 09:44.880] eventually. But to George Russell, 11 minutes into the episode, we haven't spoken about him. [09:44.200 -> 09:49.360] dynamic plays out eventually. But to George Russell, 11 minutes into the episode, we haven't spoken about him. It's just that sort of weekend, I suppose, right? Whenever something really [09:49.360 -> 09:53.040] exciting happens to George Russell, there's something even more exciting happening in [09:53.040 -> 09:57.000] the race weekend. Let's say Spah, say, Hungary last year as well, when he scored his points [09:57.000 -> 10:01.480] with Williams, something crazy tends to happen all the time. But when you think about all [10:01.480 -> 10:09.560] that's gone on over the course of the last four years, Sundaram, it feels like a great moment to see the circle come close, especially after Sakhir 2020. [10:09.560 -> 10:13.880] Yes, the emotions might have been sapped away by the whole controversy, but when you come [10:13.880 -> 10:16.880] to think of it, what a moment this has to be at the end of the day. [10:16.880 -> 10:17.880] Oh, absolutely. [10:17.880 -> 10:22.920] It's a huge moment for Formula One and it's a huge moment for George Russell personally. [10:22.920 -> 10:25.120] And I always think that whenever we have a [10:25.120 -> 10:30.000] new poll sitter, whenever we have a new race winner, I think they should be the people [10:30.000 -> 10:34.400] who should really be hogging the limelight because in this generation, you don't really [10:34.400 -> 10:39.120] see a lot of different race winners or poll sitters. And you finally do have one, I think [10:39.120 -> 10:45.640] they should be at the very front of it. And Max Verstappen's controversy has literally [10:45.640 -> 10:46.960] stolen Russell's thunder. [10:46.960 -> 10:50.040] And on all over the internet, Instagram, Twitter, [10:50.040 -> 10:52.360] there's only talk about what Verstappen did [10:52.360 -> 10:54.680] and what Sergio Perez responded to that. [10:54.680 -> 10:57.560] So that's a bit unfortunate for George Russell. [10:57.560 -> 10:59.400] And you could literally see the emotions [10:59.400 -> 11:01.400] that he had after winning the race. [11:01.400 -> 11:04.640] If you remember, I think it was 2021 Hungary [11:04.640 -> 11:07.920] where he was literally in tears after taking his first points [11:07.920 -> 11:08.600] with Williams. [11:08.600 -> 11:10.180] And that's what it really meant to him, [11:10.180 -> 11:12.240] taking those first points with Williams, [11:12.240 -> 11:14.640] because for the previous two years, [11:14.640 -> 11:16.440] they were literally struggling at the back. [11:16.440 -> 11:20.240] So he really has spent three years at Williams, [11:20.240 -> 11:21.880] and then he's moved to Mercedes. [11:21.880 -> 11:24.320] And these little things really, really matter to him, [11:24.320 -> 11:25.600] when he started from the front row, when he started moved to Mercedes. And these little things really, really matter to him. When he started from the front row, [11:25.600 -> 11:27.360] when he started from pole position. [11:27.360 -> 11:30.280] And you could also see it in the Drive to Survive episodes [11:30.280 -> 11:32.520] when Toto Wolf announces that Russell [11:32.520 -> 11:33.840] is gonna be a part of Mercedes, [11:33.840 -> 11:36.200] that little smile on his face, [11:36.200 -> 11:39.420] that when a little kid gets a little piece of candy, [11:39.420 -> 11:43.200] how jovial and how happy he gets. [11:43.200 -> 11:44.720] That's very, very, very nice to see. [11:44.720 -> 11:48.200] And what we saw yesterday was a very wholesome thing [11:48.200 -> 11:49.720] at the end of the race that we saw. [11:49.720 -> 11:52.360] Guys, I promise you, that's the maximum airtime [11:52.360 -> 11:54.280] we are giving George Russell for what he did. [11:54.280 -> 11:59.000] Because, you know, yes, Epic Drive, Mercedes' first win. [11:59.000 -> 12:01.320] It's been long coming since Austin. [12:01.320 -> 12:02.760] You know, last year we'll remember them [12:02.760 -> 12:04.740] for their Silverstone upgrades. [12:04.740 -> 12:09.600] This year it's the Austin upgrade that's, you know, put them in contention for the last [12:09.600 -> 12:10.600] three races. [12:10.600 -> 12:14.600] It took them two races of being in serious contention and winning the third one. [12:14.600 -> 12:17.400] And that's a really good strike rate if you were to ask me. [12:17.400 -> 12:23.200] But one insight which Andrew Shovlin gave before I sort of move on to some of the other [12:23.200 -> 12:26.840] points that I've written down, I'm still sticking on to banter. Okay. Andrew Shovlin gave before I sort of move on to some of the other points that I've written down. I'm still sticking on to banter. [12:26.840 -> 12:28.720] Andrew Shovlin made a very interesting point. [12:28.720 -> 12:34.720] He said there was a very narrow window to get our setup right for the weekend because [12:34.720 -> 12:40.360] remember there was just FP1 qualifying, FP2 where it was actually not free practice because [12:40.360 -> 12:46.160] your setup was still fixed, your cars were not allowed to be changed. Then there was sprint [12:46.160 -> 12:51.280] and then there was a race, right? So Mercedes believed that it was their hard work and their [12:51.280 -> 12:57.680] homework leading into FP1 that allowed them to get a setup which gave them better tire degradation [12:58.240 -> 13:08.080] than Red Bull and Ferrari. That's probably why they were so good. Yes, the temperature was cooler and so on. [13:08.080 -> 13:09.480] But it's not just one thing. [13:09.480 -> 13:11.440] There's certain smaller factors that sort of [13:11.440 -> 13:12.880] fell into place out here. [13:12.880 -> 13:15.240] So that was about George Russell and Mercedes, [13:15.240 -> 13:18.000] very interesting insight there. [13:18.000 -> 13:21.720] But this whole controversy has also [13:21.720 -> 13:24.560] sort of put a few things away, like Ferrari [13:24.560 -> 13:25.320] putting Charles [13:25.320 -> 13:30.020] Leclerc on inters in Q3 and then praying for the rain. [13:30.020 -> 13:33.860] And then when he says, but guys, there's no rain, pop comes a reply saying, but it's raining [13:33.860 -> 13:34.860] at turn 12. [13:34.860 -> 13:39.180] You know, often forgetting that there are 15 corners on the circuit, right, where the [13:39.180 -> 13:42.300] inters need to work and not just turn 12. [13:42.300 -> 13:46.320] And then there were so many teammate battles this weekend. I mean, [13:46.320 -> 13:53.360] the Alpines had an issue. Aston Martins had an issue. Ferrari had an issue. Red Bull had an issue. [13:54.160 -> 14:01.840] I mean, just so many teammates just battling each other out there. Lando Norris, he had ill health. [14:01.840 -> 14:05.220] You know, he was almost going to give Nick DeVries the chance to drive [14:05.220 -> 14:08.180] for another team, but that didn't happen. [14:08.180 -> 14:14.300] Eventually McLaren had a double DNF, but Norris and Leclerc came together very, you know, [14:14.300 -> 14:18.700] not, I mean, it's usually a very clean racing pair that we know, right? [14:18.700 -> 14:23.580] And promptly Norris came to wire play after the accident or after the race and he says, [14:23.580 -> 14:30.400] Leclerc was on the outside, he was taking all the risk, I don't know why I end up getting the penalty, right? And then [14:30.400 -> 14:35.040] last of all, the best of all, and I know this is what will get F1 stats guru charged up, [14:35.040 -> 14:47.600] Fernando Alonso's charge through the field in the Grand Prix from, what is it, P17, P16 to P5. So it's like you know the Brazilian Grand Prix was like [14:47.600 -> 14:53.600] it was like a treat to us saying here you go content creators yes the titles have been wrapped [14:53.600 -> 15:00.080] up here we give you one race with so many talking points that you will struggle to pick that one big [15:00.640 -> 15:29.560] talking point from the weekend. Can I say something? If you consider the weekend as a whole, this was the ideal race weekend for a Formula One fan because you had literally everything there. You had a maiden pole sitter, a maiden race winner, an underdog story, you had rain, you had teammates battling it out, you had champions battling it out and there's a lot of controversy as well. So I think this was the ideal race weekend for a Formula One fan. Can we race [15:29.560 -> 15:34.560] in Brazil more often? Maybe sprint races, reverse races, something? [15:34.560 -> 15:39.720] Seriously, seriously. And plus, we also need to take that idea of having a former world [15:39.720 -> 15:48.920] champions giant head placed near the circuit as well. Because the day Fernando Alonso retires, again, I want to see a giant Fernando Alonso bust [15:48.920 -> 15:49.920] at the Catalunya circuit. [15:49.920 -> 15:51.520] Maybe atop the hill behind the Parra. [15:51.520 -> 15:53.080] That'll be amazing to watch, right? [15:53.080 -> 15:56.440] Whenever you're making a move and you're thinking, wow, that was a good one, there's a giant [15:56.440 -> 16:00.260] Fernando Alonso smiling at you and saying, no, silly boys, that's not good enough. [16:00.260 -> 16:01.260] Something like that. [16:01.260 -> 16:03.200] It's amazing, though, how they decorated the circuit. [16:03.200 -> 16:09.360] They had this giant statue. the murals were amazing. It felt amazing with the atmosphere too because [16:09.360 -> 16:13.380] there were so many fans. And speaking of more randomness, Kevin Magnussen apparently was [16:13.380 -> 16:17.560] stranded in the middle of the circuit as well, Kunal. And that just adds to the crazier things [16:17.560 -> 16:21.520] that we also saw this weekend because after his crash with Riccardo, apparently he was [16:21.520 -> 16:25.200] stranded at the wrong side of the infield and so he had to wait for a long time. [16:25.200 -> 16:29.280] So he watched the race in the third best seat of the house essentially. [16:29.280 -> 16:33.160] Not the PTM inside a live watch along with Peter Winstead that we had yesterday, but [16:33.160 -> 16:36.720] in the infield watching the cars go past, which is still pretty fun, but not so much [16:36.720 -> 16:38.560] when you could be participating in it. [16:38.560 -> 16:40.520] What a crazy weekend for him even though. [16:40.520 -> 16:43.680] But that pole position was magic. [16:43.680 -> 16:49.240] You know, this race, I love characters like Kevin McNicholson, you know, including Max Verstappen. [16:49.240 -> 16:53.680] I mean, usually you'll have drivers like corporate PR robots, you know, they're told what to say. [16:53.680 -> 17:01.040] But Kevin making faces at the camera on the world feed, showing all that excitement for his first pole position. [17:01.040 -> 17:06.720] And remember, this is his second comeback to Formula One literally and he's relishing it, [17:06.720 -> 17:12.080] he's grateful about it. It was unfortunate the whole story ended the way it did on lap one but [17:12.080 -> 17:17.600] that's just the harsh story. It's always full of so many ups and downs that you somehow believe [17:17.600 -> 17:27.600] that they have no baseline so to say. But you know there are two more things. I mean, Leclerc literally begging for that place [17:27.600 -> 17:33.280] on the podium. I felt really bad for him, not because he was made to beg, because apparently [17:33.280 -> 17:38.240] the Ferrari team had agreed in the debrief that they would swap around and help Leclerc take more [17:38.240 -> 17:43.840] points away from Checo Perez, right? But the fact that he needed to keep going and keep going, and [17:43.840 -> 17:45.000] then he was told there were many reasons [17:45.000 -> 17:46.000] that we didn't let you go. [17:46.000 -> 17:48.000] And he's like, I don't understand those reasons, [17:48.000 -> 17:50.000] but anyway, thank you, whatever. [17:50.000 -> 17:52.000] This was his post-race radio, right? [17:52.000 -> 17:55.000] But this is where I remembered somebody like a Kimi Raikkonen [17:55.000 -> 17:57.000] where Kimi used to walk around and say, [17:57.000 -> 17:59.000] instead of finishing third in the championship, [17:59.000 -> 18:02.000] I'd rather finish fourth so that I can skip attending [18:02.000 -> 18:06.080] the FIA Prize Gala in Paris in December. [18:06.080 -> 18:08.040] I can just be at home with the family, right? [18:08.280 -> 18:12.360] So there's Raikkonen on one side and then there is Leclerc and the likes on the other [18:12.360 -> 18:18.520] side. But here's an interesting thing with the whole situation with Stappen not letting [18:18.520 -> 18:23.160] Perez through and Schaal not being given position by Carlos Sainz. [18:23.560 -> 18:27.680] They go equal on points into Abu Dhabi, [18:27.680 -> 18:29.680] which is great for the business of Formula One [18:29.680 -> 18:31.680] because Abu Dhabi pays more money [18:31.680 -> 18:33.520] to be the last race of the season, [18:33.520 -> 18:38.200] hoping that it gets a title decider every year [18:38.200 -> 18:39.800] or as many years as possible. [18:39.800 -> 18:42.200] So instead of getting a title decider this year, [18:42.200 -> 18:48.080] they will now have a P2 deciding race in a few days time. So [18:48.080 -> 18:54.080] some words for their money and you know if you don't get battle for P1 you at least will witness [18:54.080 -> 19:00.720] an epic battle for P2 where the drivers are now you know being told yes your teammates will assist [19:00.720 -> 19:05.200] you in getting P2 in the championship. And maybe even P2 in the World Constructors [19:05.200 -> 19:09.680] Championship because that's getting awfully close as well Sundaram because Mercedes after this [19:09.680 -> 19:15.360] weekend have got into what a really good range what is it 14 points behind that that could really [19:15.360 -> 19:20.960] change right very quickly. Yeah I think it's 19 points they're just 19 points behind behind [19:20.960 -> 19:26.660] Ferrari right now and that literally means means a couple of podiums could literally [19:26.660 -> 19:30.420] catapult them into second and that's something that Ferrari really, really don't want to [19:30.420 -> 19:36.000] see at this point. So, it's going to be very, very spicy I would say and also on the point [19:36.000 -> 19:40.740] of Sergio Perez. Perez and Leclerc are equal on points but if both of them retire from [19:40.740 -> 19:48.000] the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, it'll actually be Leclerc who gets second because he has, by virtue of having more wins this season than Perez. [19:48.000 -> 19:52.460] So Perez literally has to get more points than Leclerc at Abu Dhabi. [19:52.460 -> 19:59.920] And that'll be fun to watch and hopefully watching Max Verstappen assist him will also be very very interesting at the end of the day as well. [19:59.920 -> 20:01.600] I'm actually keen to see how that happened. [20:01.600 -> 20:10.560] But what I want to talk about also folks is Yuki Sonora's weird little crazy incident where he got lost in the middle of the pack and then [20:10.560 -> 20:16.720] there was confusion about whether is he lapped or is he unlapped. Is it Abu Dhabi 2021 all over again? [20:16.720 -> 20:22.000] Sonora, I suspect that you're the only one of us three who actually figured out what actually [20:22.000 -> 20:30.640] happened. I said actually a lot. I need to keep that in mind, I won't do that again, sorry. But Yuki Sonora weirdly was, correct me if I'm wrong over here, [20:31.280 -> 20:35.600] unlapped according to the systems, but not actually lapped. So the system said, [20:35.600 -> 20:40.480] okay, you can go ahead. But actually, he was not in terms of the real playing field ahead. [20:40.480 -> 20:43.760] So he got caught up in the middle of all the faster cars. So he had to move to the left and [20:43.760 -> 20:48.640] abandon everyone, let them go past. Was that what happened? This is a very confusing [20:48.640 -> 20:52.480] thing because even after reading a couple of articles, I still couldn't understand it. But [20:52.480 -> 20:58.400] I think I know what it is and it's down to how the configuration of the Interlago circuit is. [20:58.960 -> 21:05.840] So the fact is, Sonoda was behind Russell when the safety car was deployed and Sonoda then [21:05.840 -> 21:10.160] decided to go into the pits and because of that he actually crossed the control [21:10.160 -> 21:14.640] line before the safety car and George Russell actually in the pit lane and [21:14.640 -> 21:19.800] the automated FIA system it actually indicated that Sonoda has actually [21:19.800 -> 21:25.840] unlapped himself on that lap and by the time Sunoda was back on the track after exiting it, [21:25.840 -> 21:28.760] he was once again into the hole back once again. [21:28.760 -> 21:30.520] So there was a little bit of confusion [21:30.520 -> 21:32.560] on how the system was implemented. [21:32.560 -> 21:34.880] And I think every few races this year, [21:34.880 -> 21:37.760] we're getting to know that the regulations are there, [21:37.760 -> 21:39.360] but they're probably not foolproof. [21:39.360 -> 21:40.960] And it's a little bit more difficult. [21:40.960 -> 21:43.720] And probably they should have tested this out much better [21:43.720 -> 21:45.480] than they actually have. [21:45.480 -> 21:50.440] I'll tell you what's foolproof, getting a box office performance each time Max and [21:50.440 -> 21:52.360] Lewis go up next to each other. [21:52.360 -> 21:53.360] Oh yes. [21:53.360 -> 21:57.760] Because that's what happened, you know, turn one too complex, the set IS's, Max said [21:57.760 -> 22:01.880] hey there are multiple lines through this corner, I will try and go on the outside, [22:01.880 -> 22:28.080] Lewis gives me more space and Max had the audacity to walk out and say had to leave him a little more [22:28.080 -> 22:35.040] space than he did. But isn't this great for television? Isn't this great for Formula One [22:35.040 -> 22:42.000] that come what may, these two going up against each other, you never know what to expect. [22:42.560 -> 22:47.400] And to me, that was great. I mean, Lewis Lewis of course you know finishing P2 very excited for the team [22:47.400 -> 22:55.400] scoring a 1-2 which is where I got a fantastic stat to read out courtesy of Mr. F1 Stats Guru so three teams have scored [22:55.400 -> 23:06.960] a 1-2 race result this year Ferrari, Red Bull and now Mercedes and it's only the first time since 2010 that we've had three teams score a one-two race finish. [23:06.960 -> 23:12.600] And Lewis, of course, was down in sixth place after all of that, and then still, you know, [23:12.600 -> 23:19.000] recovered to finish second, just showing just how much pace Mercedes had through the whole [23:19.000 -> 23:20.000] weekend. [23:20.000 -> 23:24.120] And, you know, there were 62 on-track passes that were made. [23:24.120 -> 23:26.080] This was the most since the 2016 [23:26.720 -> 23:32.720] Brazilian Grand Prix as well I don't remember 2016 because there have been so many epic races [23:32.720 -> 23:40.000] you know after that but another stat courtesy again Stats Guru himself whenever Mercedes has [23:40.000 -> 23:47.040] locked out the front row in Brazil which is 2014, 15, 16 and 22. They have always finished [23:47.040 -> 23:54.960] one two in the race and in the same order. Kunal, do you really not remember 2016 Brazil, [23:54.960 -> 24:01.280] the wet race, Verstappen overtaking Rosberg on the outside after the Senna SS? Do you not remember [24:01.280 -> 24:06.120] that? Really? My memory is so blank that I have already [24:06.120 -> 24:08.680] forgotten what has happened in Miami this year, [24:08.680 -> 24:11.720] for example, apart from the fake swimming pool. [24:11.720 -> 24:12.800] I remember the banter. [24:12.800 -> 24:15.560] Remember, I remember only the banter and the politics [24:15.560 -> 24:17.360] and the rumors and the controversies, [24:17.360 -> 24:20.000] which you guys will apparently see us, not apparently, [24:20.000 -> 24:24.760] you guys will see us relive when we do the post-season [24:24.760 -> 24:28.480] Inside Line F1 Parody awards, which is coming after, [24:28.480 -> 24:30.800] I think 10 days after Abu Dhabi or something, [24:30.800 -> 24:33.240] but we'll put a date out, yes. [24:33.240 -> 24:35.880] Yeah, but it's fine when it's we, you're saying? [24:35.880 -> 24:38.800] Yeah, I was saying, but on the point of Mercedes, [24:38.800 -> 24:40.640] taking yet another one to, [24:40.640 -> 24:41.920] there was actually two things I was actually [24:41.920 -> 24:43.720] looking forward to this weekend. [24:43.720 -> 24:49.840] And that was of course, seeing George Russell win, but not just because of him being in P1. The [24:49.840 -> 24:55.800] other thing is that back in 2019, when England won the World Cup, the one day World Cup, [24:55.800 -> 25:01.240] on that same day, there was yet another British driver who won the British Grand Prix. And [25:01.240 -> 25:09.000] after England won the T20 World Cup yesterday, I was hoping, I was rooting for yet another British diver to win the Brazilian Grand Prix and we did get that. [25:09.000 -> 25:14.000] Lo and behold, it was Ben Stokes who hit the winning runs once again for England. So, interesting enough. [25:14.000 -> 25:26.720] Also, that raises a question in my mind. Technically, even a T20 match is a one-day match. But hey, that's something to talk about on a cricket podcast, not the F1 podcast over here. But just a word on Lewis Hamilton before we end. [25:27.360 -> 25:31.840] It must have been really gutting for him to finish second, but it didn't quite seem like it. [25:31.840 -> 25:36.960] I think if anything, he's really learned how to be very gracious and defeat over the last couple [25:36.960 -> 25:41.280] of years. The old Lewis Hamilton might have been crying about it, might have been a crybaby, [25:41.280 -> 25:49.040] might have been really aggressive in the interviews. but the way he's matured as a person has been interesting to see. And I suppose just on a more [25:49.040 -> 25:52.960] serious note about the whole controversy, I hope that Max can be able to do something similar as [25:52.960 -> 25:57.440] well, because this just does not set a good precedent. I don't know if Max cares or not, [25:57.440 -> 26:01.680] most probably he doesn't really care about it. But yeah, I think being a better person to your [26:01.680 -> 26:05.760] teammates is probably a good prerequisite for being a very good Formula 1 driver in Okinawa. [26:05.760 -> 26:07.440] If nothing, just being a good teammate. [26:07.440 -> 26:08.320] It all depends. [26:08.320 -> 26:10.720] You know, I mean, we love these kind of characters. [26:10.720 -> 26:12.480] We love Max Verstappen. [26:12.480 -> 26:13.920] Honest, straightforward. [26:13.920 -> 26:18.960] You almost know that he is never going to give up track position or swap places. [26:18.960 -> 26:20.960] You know, he's always going to put himself first. [26:20.960 -> 26:22.880] Red Bull are used to such drivers. [26:22.880 -> 26:24.400] They've dealt with Vettel before. [26:25.920 -> 26:35.440] himself first. Red Bull are used to such drivers. They've dealt with Vettel before. And remember, I mean, now we love Sebastian Vettel for who he is, very statesman-like. He was willing to give [26:35.440 -> 26:39.600] up one point to Lance Stroll, which he did. And after the race, he said, the least you could have [26:39.600 -> 26:44.320] done is given me my point back. So of course, there is still that urge in him. But maybe this [26:44.320 -> 26:46.680] is that whole philosophy [26:46.680 -> 26:47.920] and I'm getting all philosophical [26:47.920 -> 26:49.040] without a beer in my hand, [26:49.040 -> 26:51.840] but it's once you have enough money, [26:51.840 -> 26:53.440] at least in your mind, [26:53.440 -> 26:57.240] you are probably more generous with it, [26:57.240 -> 26:58.520] you donate a little more. [26:58.520 -> 27:01.280] So maybe that's what happened in the case of Fettle [27:01.280 -> 27:03.400] because Fettle did this multi 21 thing. [27:03.400 -> 27:05.800] And of course, these two are not comparable in my view, [27:05.800 -> 27:11.300] but Fettel was at his ruthless best at Red Bull as well. [27:11.300 -> 27:13.900] We're seeing Max at his ruthless best. [27:13.900 -> 27:18.100] If Max goes on to win 3, 4, 5, 15, whatever number of titles, [27:18.100 -> 27:19.900] maybe along the way, he'll realize, [27:19.900 -> 27:24.500] I've had enough, and I've had enough with the support of a team and a teammate, [27:24.500 -> 27:25.280] and maybe I can [27:25.280 -> 27:32.160] give up this one point or one win or one whatever for the teammate because we saw if Michael [27:32.160 -> 27:38.400] Schumacher could give up a win at Indianapolis for Rubens Barrichello, this was after a lot of [27:38.400 -> 27:43.760] times he took the win away from Barrichello, case in point being all those races in Austria, [27:45.840 -> 27:52.320] Barrichello, case in point being all those races in Austria, which we've seen. So it's probably just a matter of when Max will grow up and mature enough by himself to feel, yeah, I've won [27:52.320 -> 27:58.160] enough, I have scored enough, I have enough, maybe I can give this one away. That's probably when it's [27:58.160 -> 28:02.480] going to happen. And it's not for us to say when he should do that or if he should do that at all. [28:03.360 -> 28:07.360] But it is for us to keep talking about it and keep the controversy open because, [28:07.360 -> 28:12.800] hey, what are we going to do between Abu Dhabi and preseason testing next year? [28:13.360 -> 28:16.320] Maybe feel sad about Latifi not being there. [28:16.320 -> 28:20.240] But no, on a serious note, Sundaram, it's inconsequential, right? [28:20.240 -> 28:21.760] Because the championship has been won. [28:21.760 -> 28:22.560] Well, of course. [28:22.560 -> 28:30.000] And continuing to Kunal's point over there, where he says that Vettel has reached that place in life where he's a little bit more chill. [28:30.000 -> 28:34.000] I would really like to see Fernando Alonso reach that state of mind. [28:34.000 -> 28:42.000] You know that attaining inner peace where someone crashes into him or overtakes him and he says, you can do that. I'm totally chill with this. [28:42.000 -> 28:46.080] That would be very, very funny to see. But yeah, [28:50.720 -> 28:55.200] I'm really hoping I can get to see that one day. Yeah, I'm really sad though, because this time next week, we'll be talking about Fernando's last race with his best friend Esteban Ocon. [28:56.000 -> 29:02.160] And yeah, among many other things, I really can wait for Abu Dhabi. I wanted to go on for longer. [29:02.160 -> 29:08.240] I don't want the season to end. I want it to end, but I don't want this sort of pander and all the controversy to end as well. But folks, [29:08.240 -> 29:13.600] we'll be back with more of this for the final preview of the final race of the season. So wait, [29:13.600 -> 29:16.320] does that mean we're going to have two previews for the final race of the season? Whatever, [29:16.320 -> 29:19.680] we're going to have the Abu Dhabi GP preview coming in rather soon, this time next week. [29:19.680 -> 29:21.760] But Sundaram, what are you looking forward to the most for it? [29:22.560 -> 29:25.200] I am not actually looking forward to the race in a way. [29:25.200 -> 29:27.560] I would love to see the season end. [29:27.560 -> 29:29.400] I can actually go and relax a little. [29:29.400 -> 29:32.680] But I'm really not ready to see Sebastian Vettel go. [29:32.680 -> 29:34.800] And I wouldn't think people would remember it [29:34.800 -> 29:35.880] as the season finale. [29:35.880 -> 29:39.000] People would probably call it Sebastian Vettel's farewell. [29:39.000 -> 29:43.520] And there's going to be a lot of teary-eyed people next weekend, [29:43.520 -> 29:44.560] definitely. [29:44.560 -> 29:47.680] You please don't forget that there was Mr. Gotifi as well, [29:47.680 -> 29:51.040] who's going to have his last race of the season, which begs. [29:51.040 -> 29:52.280] I have to ask the question. [29:52.280 -> 29:53.920] It's going to blow up on social media. [29:53.920 -> 29:55.760] You guys probably know what the question is. [29:55.760 -> 29:58.080] But who are you going to vote for the driver of the day? [29:58.080 -> 29:59.600] Is it Vettel? [29:59.600 -> 30:01.440] Is it Latifi? [30:01.440 -> 30:03.720] And wait a minute, there is news that Haas [30:03.720 -> 30:09.960] is going to announce Hulkenberg within 24 hours of releasing this episode so are you gonna vote for [30:09.960 -> 30:14.960] Mick Schumacher and maybe we could just have a joint one between Vettel and Schumacher [30:14.960 -> 30:19.720] given their whole bromance. You know this could very well be the farewell race of [30:19.720 -> 30:23.160] four drivers you've probably missed Daniel Ricciardo as well there's no [30:23.160 -> 30:25.200] certainty of where he's going to [30:25.200 -> 30:30.640] be next year if he's going to be back in Formula One as well but it could be Daniel Ricardo as well. [30:30.640 -> 30:34.240] You know what let's actually decide who we're going to vote for in the preview episode that's [30:34.240 -> 30:38.800] going to come up in a couple of days but folks thanks for listening to this particular episode [30:38.800 -> 30:42.400] and what are your thoughts on this entire controversy that we've got right now. [30:42.400 -> 30:48.200] Let us know by reaching out to us on social media by checking out the links on our description, in our description, yeah [30:48.200 -> 30:51.540] still whatever yeah, point is that you can reach out to us by checking out the links [30:51.540 -> 30:55.920] down below. And if you did enjoy us as Kunal has mentioned, give us a good rating, even [30:55.920 -> 30:58.540] if you didn't enjoy us, well just give us a good rating as well, what's the worst that [30:58.540 -> 31:02.440] can possibly happen. And thanks for listening in, we shall be back with the Brazilian GP [31:02.440 -> 31:08.640] preview in a couple of days, but till then, let's just keep on wondering, why did Max Terbody did it? [31:08.640 -> 31:10.360] What a controversy, what a crazy weekend. [31:10.360 -> 31:10.860] Goodbye. [31:24.280 -> 31:26.280] you