Inside F1 with Joe Saward: October 25th 2023 - Episode Summary and Transcript

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.

Summary

**Summary of the Podcast Episode Transcript**

**Inside F1 with Joe Saward**

* **Host:** Richard Ready (Spanners)
* **Guest:** Joe Saward, veteran F1 journalist

**Key Points:**

* **Scrutinizing the Scrutineering Process:**
* Scrutineering is a process to check if any teams have violated the rules.
* Scrutineering can be random or targeted based on suspicions or observations.
* Scrutineering can cause delays in race results and magazine production.
* The plank violation in Austin was due to excessive wear, possibly caused by the sprint format.
* There is a tendency to scrutinize faster cars more often.

* **Sprint Race Format:**
* Sprint races were introduced to increase viewership and bring in more revenue.
* They create two opportunities for exciting moments and different race strategies.
* However, sprint races can dilute the overall quality of the race weekend.
* Drivers may be less willing to take risks in sprint races to avoid compromising their position in the main race.
* Sprint races can lead to more safety car periods due to increased incidents.
* The FIA is experimenting with different sprint race formats and tracks.

* **Keeping Secrets in Formula One:**
* There are always secrets and confidential information in Formula One.
* Keeping secrets is challenging due to the interconnected nature of the paddock.
* Journalists and insiders often rely on hints and educated guesses to uncover stories.
* Teams have become more cautious in sharing information to maintain secrecy.
* Social media and mobile phones make it harder to keep information confidential.

* **Helmut Marko's Future at Red Bull:**
* Helmut Marko is a colorful and experienced figure in Formula One.
* He is known for his outspoken comments and controversial remarks.
* Marko's contract with Red Bull runs until the end of 2023.
* There are rumors that he may leave Red Bull earlier than expected.
* Marko's departure could impact the team's dynamics and public image.
* His relationship with Dietrich Mateschitz, the co-founder of Red Bull, is a factor in his position.

* **Lance Stroll's Career Prospects:**
* Lance Stroll's performance in 2022 has been disappointing.
* There is speculation that he may leave Aston Martin at the end of 2023.
* Stroll's lack of enthusiasm and motivation have been questioned.
* He has been outperformed by his teammate, Fernando Alonso.
* Stroll's position in the team is supported by his father, Lawrence Stroll, the team owner.
* However, his continued presence may be untenable given his poor results.

* **Fan Behavior and Booing in Formula One:**
* There have been instances of booing directed at Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen.
* Some fans engage in friendly booing as a form of pantomime or playful banter.
* However, some booing can be excessive, disrespectful, and带有种族主义色彩。
* Booing can create a hostile and unpleasant atmosphere for drivers and fans.
* It is important to maintain a respectful and sportsmanlike environment in Formula One.

**Overall Message:**

The podcast episode delves into various aspects of Formula One, including the intricacies of scrutineering, the pros and cons of the sprint race format, the challenges of keeping secrets in the paddock, the uncertain future of Helmut Marko at Red Bull, Lance Stroll's struggles and potential departure from Aston Martin, and the issue of fan behavior and booing in Formula One. The discussion provides insights and perspectives from experienced F1 journalist Joe Saward, offering a deeper understanding of the sport's dynamics and controversies. **Summary of the Podcast Episode Transcript:**

1. **Introduction:**

- Joe Saward, a veteran F1 journalist, joins the podcast.

2. **The Booing Controversy in Austin:**

- During the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Sergio Perez was booed by some fans during the podium ceremony.
- Joe believes the booing was disrespectful towards Perez, especially considering his outstanding performance in the race.
- The booing may have been influenced by the ongoing controversy surrounding Perez's comments about Max Verstappen and his relationship with Red Bull.
- Joe fears that the booing could set a negative precedent for future Mexican Grand Prix events.

3. **Las Vegas Grand Prix:**

- Joe discusses the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix, scheduled for November 2023.
- He mentions that ticket prices have come down, making it more affordable for fans to attend.
- Joe predicts that Las Vegas will be a "zoo" during the race weekend due to the high level of excitement and the presence of celebrities.
- He suggests that fans consider staying near a monorail line to avoid traffic congestion.

4. **Andretti's Entry into Formula One:**

- A listener asks Joe about the possibility of Andretti Autosport entering Formula One.
- Joe explains that Formula One is not a closed sport, and teams can join by purchasing an existing team or creating a new one.
- However, new teams face significant challenges in terms of competitiveness and financial stability.
- Joe believes that Andretti could have purchased Sauber but the deal fell through.
- He also discusses the involvement of Audi in Sauber and their plans to eventually take over the team.
- Joe expresses skepticism about new teams being able to develop competitive engines, citing the difficulties faced by teams like Renault and Honda.
- He highlights Red Bull's significant investment in their powertrain division and their efforts to develop a competitive engine for 2026.

5. **FIA's Authority and Liberty Media's Role:**

- Joe clarifies that the FIA and Liberty Media (FOM) must agree on new team entries into Formula One.
- While the FIA has the authority to approve entries, FOM has the commercial rights and can block entries if they deem them not beneficial to the sport.
- Joe emphasizes that FOM's approval is essential for new teams to compete in Formula One.
- He explains that the FIA relies heavily on Formula One revenue and cannot survive without it.
- Joe suggests that if the FIA were to fall out with Formula One, it would face financial difficulties and would likely come back to the negotiating table. **Summary of the Podcast Episode Transcript:**

The podcast episode features veteran F1 journalist Joe Saward in conversation with the host. They discuss various topics related to Formula One, including:

1. **FIA Statements and Patronage:**
- Joe Saward highlights that statements made by the FIA president often reflect their personal views rather than the collective opinion of the organization.
- Federations, like the FIA, are often characterized by patronage systems, where individuals owe their positions to the president.
- This can lead to a lack of transparency and accountability within the organization.

2. **Voting Power in the FIA:**
- Saward criticizes the current voting system in the FIA, where small countries with minimal motorsport activity have the same voting power as larger countries with significant involvement in the sport.
- He suggests that this system is illogical and leads to unfair representation.

3. **McLaren's Resurgence:**
- Saward cautions against getting carried away with McLaren's recent resurgence.
- He believes that while McLaren has made progress, the gaps between teams are still significant, and it is too early to predict if they can consistently challenge for the top positions.
- He emphasizes the importance of Red Bull's continued dominance and the need for other teams to improve their performance to close the gap.

4. **Impact of Wind Tunnel Testing Regulations:**
- Saward discusses the aerodynamic testing regulations that restrict the wind tunnel time for the top teams.
- He explains that this is intended to level the playing field and allow smaller teams to catch up.
- However, he acknowledges that this can also lead to less exciting racing, as teams may be less inclined to take risks and push the boundaries of innovation.

5. **The Importance of Grip in Racing:**
- Saward argues that reducing grip levels in Formula One would lead to closer racing and more overtaking opportunities.
- He believes that the current high levels of grip make it difficult for drivers to follow closely and make overtaking maneuvers.
- He suggests that reducing grip would make the cars more challenging to drive and create more exciting racing.

6. **The Future of Formula One:**
- Saward expresses his belief that Formula One is moving towards a more level playing field, with teams becoming closer in terms of performance.
- He attributes this to the aerodynamic testing regulations and the budget cap, which are designed to reduce the financial advantage of the top teams.
- He predicts that this will lead to more competitive racing and make it more difficult for any one team to dominate the sport.

7. **The Potential Resurgence of Williams:**
- Saward acknowledges that Williams has shown signs of improvement in the 2022 season.
- He highlights the arrival of talented personnel at Williams, such as James Vowles and other experienced individuals, as a positive sign for the team's future.
- He believes that Williams has the potential to move up the grid and become a competitive midfield team in the coming years.

8. **The Debate Surrounding Pay Drivers:**
- Saward addresses the ongoing debate about pay drivers in Formula One.
- He argues that there are no true pay drivers in the current grid, as teams do not directly benefit financially from having a driver who brings sponsorship.
- He emphasizes that drivers like Logan Sargeant are selected based on merit and potential, rather than their financial backing.

9. **The Development of Young Drivers:**
- Saward discusses the importance of developing young drivers and providing them with opportunities to gain experience and improve their skills.
- He cites the example of Alex Albon, who was dropped by Red Bull but has since proven himself as a capable driver with Williams.
- He emphasizes the need for teams to invest in young talent and give them the chance to succeed.

10. **The Importance of Mental Toughness:**
- Saward stresses the significance of mental toughness for racing drivers.
- He believes that mental resilience is crucial for drivers to overcome challenges, handle pressure, and perform consistently.
- He acknowledges that Alex Albon's experiences, including being dropped by Red Bull, have contributed to his mental toughness and made him a stronger driver.

Overall, the podcast episode provides insightful perspectives on various aspects of Formula One, including the challenges faced by teams, the impact of regulations, the development of young drivers, and the importance of mental toughness in the sport. # Inside F1 with Joe Saward: An In-Depth Conversation on the World of Formula One Racing

## Introduction

In this episode of the Missed Apex podcast, host Spanners is joined by veteran Formula One journalist Joe Saward for an insightful discussion on the world of Formula One racing. The podcast delves into various aspects of the sport, including controversies, key moments, and the latest developments.

## Joe Saward's Expertise and Insights

Joe Saward, with his extensive experience in Formula One journalism, provides valuable insights throughout the podcast. He shares his observations and opinions on a range of topics, including:

- The controversies surrounding the sport, such as the recent incidents involving Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.
- The key moments that have shaped the current landscape of Formula One, including the rise of Red Bull and the dominance of Mercedes in recent years.
- The latest developments in the sport, such as the introduction of new regulations and the impact of technology on Formula One racing.

## Controversies and Notable Moments

The podcast highlights several controversies and notable moments that have occurred in Formula One history. Joe Saward offers his perspective on these incidents, providing a deeper understanding of the context and significance of each event.

- **The Verstappen-Hamilton Rivalry:** Joe Saward discusses the intense rivalry between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, analyzing their on-track battles and the controversies that have arisen from their competitive spirit.

- **The Rise of Red Bull:** Joe Saward examines the rise of Red Bull Racing, tracing their journey from a midfield team to one of the most dominant forces in Formula One. He discusses the key factors behind their success and the impact they have had on the sport.

- **The Dominance of Mercedes:** Joe Saward analyzes the dominance of Mercedes in recent years, highlighting their technological prowess and the role of Lewis Hamilton in their success. He explores the challenges faced by other teams in competing with Mercedes and the potential for a shift in the balance of power in the future.

## The Impact of Technology on Formula One

The podcast also explores the significant impact of technology on Formula One racing. Joe Saward discusses the advancements in car design, engine performance, and data analysis that have transformed the sport.

- **Car Design and Aerodynamics:** Joe Saward explains the intricate details of car design and aerodynamics in Formula One, emphasizing their importance in achieving speed and efficiency. He highlights the continuous evolution of car designs and the role of wind tunnels in developing cutting-edge technology.

- **Engine Performance:** Joe Saward delves into the complexities of engine performance in Formula One, discussing the different types of engines used, the role of fuel efficiency, and the impact of engine regulations on the sport. He also touches on the transition to hybrid engines and the challenges faced by teams in adapting to these new technologies.

- **Data Analysis and Telemetry:** Joe Saward sheds light on the extensive use of data analysis and telemetry in Formula One. He explains how teams collect and analyze vast amounts of data to gain insights into car performance, driver performance, and race strategy. He emphasizes the importance of data interpretation and the role of data engineers in making informed decisions during races.

## Conclusion

The podcast concludes with a brief summary of the key points discussed, emphasizing the significance of Formula One as a global sport and the ongoing evolution of the sport. Joe Saward's expertise and insights provide a comprehensive overview of the world of Formula One racing, making this episode a valuable resource for fans and enthusiasts of the sport.