F1 Testing Analysis and Guessing

Spanners and Trumpets are joined by   the voice of the London ePrix, PR meister Chris Stevens and Chris ‘Catman’ Turner as they turn the tables on testing laptimes. From spicing up the testing show to sandbags at dawn, from donut drivers to huge helpings of hopium, no glory run goes unnoticed in this, the latest episode of Missed Apex Podcast. 

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Sure, here is a detailed summary of the podcast episode transcript:

# Missed Apex F1 Podcast Episode Summary:

**Title:** Spanners, Trumpets, and Chris Stevens Analyze F1 Testing

**Hosts:**
- Spanners (Richard Ready)
- Matt Trumpets
- Chris Stevens (PR Specialist)
- Chris ‘Catman’ Turner

**Main Discussion Points:**

1. **Testing Expectations:**
- Spanners emphasizes that testing is not a race and should be absorbed and speculated on, rather than expecting exciting action.
- The hosts agree that testing should not be spiced up with gimmicks like sprint testing or reverse grids.

2. **Lap Times and Sandbagging:**
- The hosts discuss how lap times in testing can be misleading due to factors like fuel loads, different wing configurations, driver strategies, and teams deliberately hiding their true pace.
- Teams may also run non-legal cars or exceed track limits to gain an advantage.

3. **Alpine's Strategy:**
- Alpine is mentioned as a team that often hides its true pace in testing and may have been doing so during the Bahrain tests.

4. **Mercedes' Approach:**
- Mercedes is known for playing games and hiding lap times in testing, with a focus on developing the car throughout the season.

5. **Red Bull's Consistency:**
- Red Bull tends to be less secretive in testing and has a history of developing the car well throughout the season.

6. **Ferrari's Tendency:**
- Ferrari often shows strength in testing but tends to fall away from the top positions by the first Grand Prix.

7. **McLaren's Problems:**
- McLaren faced issues during testing due to a mistake in their development path, which they discovered too late to fix before the season.

8. **Key Takeaway:**
- The hosts conclude that while testing lap times can be misleading, it's essential to observe teams' strategies, behaviors, and any problems they encounter to gain insights into their potential performance during the season.

**Additional Points:**
- The hosts discuss the impressive coverage of testing by the Sky team, highlighting interviews with personnel that provide valuable insights.
- Chris Stevens suggests that testing could be made more entertaining by incorporating obstacle courses and competitions between drivers.
- The hosts mention the excitement surrounding Mercedes' attempts to cover their car when it broke down during testing.
- Catman Turner jokingly suggests that testing should be an open track day where anyone can join, including everyday drivers.
- The hosts acknowledge that some teams may be running with ulterior motives, such as attracting sponsors or testing experimental components.

**Overall Message:**
The hosts emphasize the importance of analyzing testing data with caution and considering the context and strategies employed by the teams. They also highlight the need to observe teams' behaviors and problems to make informed predictions about their performance during the upcoming season. **Summary**

- Red Bull:
- Maintained their position at the front of the field, showcasing effortless speed and cleanliness.
- Verstappen and Perez displayed consistent performance, indicating a well-evolved car.
- They still had to make progress despite the car's similar appearance, highlighting the need for continuous improvement.


- Mercedes:
- Showed potential for catching up to Red Bull, but their testing performance was not a true representation of their capabilities.
- They aimed to validate their development direction rather than focus on absolute lap times.
- There is reason to believe they will be closer to Red Bull in the early stages of the season.


- Ferrari:
- Posed the biggest threat to Red Bull, but testing was not entirely representative for them.
- They faced structural issues with the wheel brows, which limited their running time.
- Aerodynamically sensitive updates are expected for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, aiming to solve their problems.


- Alpine:
- Showed inconsistent behavior on track, but the team remained confident.
- Matt's reassurances suggest they have a solid foundation, despite the struggles in testing.
- They aim to solidify fourth place in the Constructors' Championship.


- McLaren:
- Faced significant issues, including unreliable wheel brows and aerodynamic inefficiencies.
- Team boss Zak Brown admitted they missed their development targets.
- Lando Norris expressed frustration and concern, hinting at fundamental problems with the car.
- They plan to introduce significant updates for the Baku Grand Prix, but it remains to be seen if they can solve their problems.


- Aston Martin:
- Showed progress and could potentially challenge for podiums.
- However, it's a remarkable development for them to gain a significant amount of time in one season.
- They are more likely to fight at the front of the midfield for fourth place.


- McLaren's struggles have opened the door for Aston Martin to rise in the midfield.


- Lando Norris's frustration and the team's lack of reassurance raise concerns about McLaren's ability to address their fundamental issues.


- Red Bull's dominance is expected to continue in the early stages of the season, with Ferrari and Mercedes vying for second place.


- Alpine's performance remains a mystery, with their on-track behavior contradicting the team's confident statements.


- Aston Martin's rise is impressive, but it's more realistic to expect them to fight for fourth place rather than challenging for podiums. * **Testing Lap Times:**

* Mercedes: Sandbagging or genuine performance?
* Chris Stevens: Mercedes is known for spicing up the testing show, but their lap times suggest they may have a genuine improvement over last year.
* Matt Trumpets: Mercedes looked happy with their car, which is a good sign.
* Chris Stevens: Mercedes ran with a high downforce wing, which may have contributed to their slower lap times.
* They also have a significant improvement planned for the Bahrain Grand Prix.

* **Mercedes Concept Model:**

* Mercedes brought a concept model to testing to verify their design and address last year's porpoising issues.
* Mike Elliott, Mercedes' Technical Director, has indicated that they already have a significant improvement planned.
* They will also have a different wing available for Bahrain.

* **Aston Martin:**

* Aston Martin came out of the blocks to impress in testing, leading to speculation that they could challenge for the top three.
* Matt Trumpets is skeptical of Aston Martin's sudden rise, citing the difficulty of making such a significant improvement mid-regulation.
* Chris Stevens believes Aston Martin could be the team closest to the top three, but they are still likely behind Mercedes and Ferrari.
* The team's investment in infrastructure and resources could be a factor in their improved performance.

* **Alpine:**

* Alpine has been tight-lipped about their performance in testing, but Matt Trumpets has heard positive noises from the team.
* Alpine has been developing their own unique design, rather than copying Red Bull or Ferrari.
* They have made significant weight reductions and improvements to cooling and power.
* Alpine's Technical Director, Matt Harmon, is particularly proud of the rebuild of the rear suspension, which should allow them to run lower to the ground and generate more downforce. * **Introduction:**

* The podcast begins with a discussion about the significance of lap times during testing and the varying strategies teams employ to optimize their performance.
* It is highlighted that teams may prioritize testing different setups and components over achieving fast lap times, leading to potentially misleading results.

* **Alpine:**

* The panel analyzes Alpine's testing performance and suggests that the team may have been focused on testing extreme suspension settings to gather data for future development.
* The team's emphasis on reliability is also discussed, as they faced issues in the previous season that cost them valuable points.
* The upcoming updates expected for the Bahrain Grand Prix are mentioned as a potential game-changer for Alpine's performance.

* **Ferrari:**

* The discussion shifts to Ferrari's testing, with the panel expressing uncertainty about the team's true pace due to their refusal to participate in the traditional fast-lap runs.
* The team's decision to run a low downforce wing, which compromises straight-line speed but improves cornering, is analyzed.
* It is suggested that Ferrari may have encountered issues with their new DRS wing, preventing them from showcasing their true potential.
* The panel predicts that Ferrari might face difficulties in maintaining tire life during races due to their current setup.

* **Predictions for the Season:**

* The panel members share their predictions for the upcoming season, with varying opinions on the top teams and drivers.
* Red Bull and Max Verstappen are widely favored for the championship, followed by Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton.
* Ferrari is placed third, with the expectation of a tight battle between their two drivers.
* Alpine and Aston Martin are considered potential contenders for the midfield battle, with Aston Martin showing signs of improvement.

* **Other Teams and Developments:**

* The panel briefly discusses other teams, including Haas and Alfa Romeo, acknowledging their potential for occasional strong results.
* Alpha Tauri's uncertain position is mentioned, with the possibility of significant changes in the team's structure and ownership.

* **Conclusion:**

* The podcast concludes with a call to action for listeners to recommend the show to friends who enjoy Formula One.
* The upcoming race review and live streaming plans are mentioned, encouraging listeners to tune in for further analysis and insights.