Inside F1 with Joe Saward: September 12th 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

## **Missed Apex Podcast Episode Transcript Summary**

### **Introduction**

* Joe Saward, veteran F1 journalist, joins Spanners for a virtual audience Q&A session.
* Tickets for the next virtual live audience are available on the Missed Apex Podcast website.
* Joe's publications can be found at www.flatoutpublishing.com.

### **Historical Context of Formula One**

* The first Grand Prix was held in 1906 at Le Mans, France, and was won by Ferenc Ziz on a Renault.
* The first World Championship Grand Prix was held in 1950, with many Grand Prix races preceding it.
* Joe Saward has attended every Grand Prix since 1949, making him a highly respected and knowledgeable historian of the sport.

### **Challenges of Flyaway Races**

* Flyaway races, held in distant countries, pose challenges for teams and personnel due to time zone changes, disrupted sleep patterns, and limited access to local cuisine.
* Joe Saward shares his experiences with the demanding travel and work schedule during these races.

### **Insights into the Formula One World**

* Kimi Raikkonen's famous quote, "I've seen airports and racetracks," reflects the limited exposure to local culture that drivers often experience.
* Joe Saward emphasizes the importance of building relationships and gathering information behind the scenes to gain a deeper understanding of the sport.
* The JSBM newsletter provides exclusive insights into Formula One news and developments, including recent driver and team changes.

### **Alpine's Uncertain Future**

* Following the departure of Otmar Szafnauer, Alpine has undergone significant changes in leadership and team structure.
* Joe Saward expresses concerns about the lack of a clear direction and leadership within the team.
* Alpine's engine issues and tensions between the French and British divisions are seen as obstacles to the team's success.
* The appointment of Luca de Meo as Renault's CEO has led to a series of changes within Alpine, including the departure of key personnel.
* Joe Saward emphasizes the challenges of running a Formula One team, particularly for manufacturers who often struggle to adapt to the unique demands of the sport.

### **Sustainable Fuels in Formula One**

* Formula One's goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030 includes the use of sustainable fuels from 2026 onwards.
* Joe Saward expresses skepticism about the scalability of sustainable fuels for the entire road network.
* The idea behind sustainable fuels is to recycle carbon rather than releasing new carbon into the atmosphere.
* Joe Saward acknowledges the complexity of the issue and the challenges in measuring the true carbon footprint of Formula One events.

### **James Vowles' Impact on Williams' Success**

* Mark Greenhowl asks about the role of James Vowles in Williams' recent resurgence.
* Joe Saward acknowledges Vowles' positive impact on the team, but cautions against attributing all of Williams' success to him.
* The team's overall improvement, including infrastructure upgrades and driver development, has contributed to their recent performances.

### **Conclusion**

* The podcast concludes with a reminder to send feedback and questions to mistapex.net or [email protected].
* Joe Saward's passion for Formula One and his extensive knowledge make him a valuable resource for insights into the sport. **Summary of the Podcast Episode Transcript**

The podcast episode begins with the hosts discussing the recent improvements at Williams Racing under the leadership of James Vowles. They attribute the team's success to Vowles' ability to reinvigorate the team, implement better procedures, and attract talented personnel. They also highlight the exceptional performance of Alex Albon as a contributing factor to Williams' resurgence.

The conversation shifts to the topic of Sergio Perez's future at Red Bull Racing. The hosts discuss the public backlash Red Bull faced for their handling of the situation and speculate on the possibility of Perez leaving the team. They consider Lando Norris as a potential replacement for Perez, acknowledging Red Bull's interest in the McLaren driver. However, they also recognize the contractual challenges that Norris would face if he were to make such a move.

The hosts engage in a lively debate about Max Verstappen's dominance in Formula One and whether he has a clear advantage over other drivers. They discuss the idea of pairing Verstappen with a more competitive teammate, such as Norris, to create a more exciting and competitive dynamic within the team. They also delve into the psychological aspects of racing and the importance of maintaining confidence and composure under pressure.

The episode concludes with a discussion about Andretti Cadillac's potential entry into Formula One. The hosts express skepticism about the team's ability to succeed, citing their lack of experience in the sport and the challenges of building a competitive car and engine. They argue that Formula One needs to protect itself from the risk of an American team failing and suggest that Andretti Cadillac would be better served by partnering with an established team rather than starting their own.

Overall, the podcast episode provides insightful analysis and commentary on various topics related to Formula One, including team dynamics, driver performance, and the challenges facing new entrants to the sport. In this episode of Missed Apex, Spanners is joined by veteran F1 journalist Joe Saward for an insightful discussion on the current state of Formula One.

The conversation begins with the recent news of Michael Andretti's intention to enter Formula One as a team owner. Saward expresses skepticism about this endeavor, emphasizing the difficulties in establishing a new team in the sport. He suggests that buying an existing team might be a more viable option, citing the high costs and time required to build a team from scratch.

Saward also addresses the issue of Cadillac's involvement with Andretti's potential team. He clarifies that Cadillac will initially rebadge Alpine engines before eventually developing their own. However, he questions the logic behind this approach, considering the lead time required for engine development and the restrictions imposed by the regulations.

The discussion shifts to the possibility of other teams becoming available for purchase. Saward mentions McLaren, Williams, Alfa Tauri, and Aston Martin as potential candidates, highlighting the uncertainties surrounding their current situations. He emphasizes the importance of patience and waiting for the right opportunity to arise.

Saward also touches upon the Aston Martin situation, expressing doubt about Lawrence Stroll's genuine passion for the team and suggesting that it might be more about financial considerations. He raises questions about Lance Stroll's ability to perform in a top team.

The conversation concludes with Saward promoting his publications, including his post-race travel log, GP Plus magazine, and TSPM newsletter. He invites listeners to join a virtual live audience session with him and Spanners, where they can ask questions and engage in discussions about Formula One.

Overall, the podcast offers valuable insights into the complexities of team ownership in Formula One, highlighting the challenges faced by newcomers and the potential pitfalls to avoid. Saward's extensive knowledge and experience in the sport make this episode an informative and engaging listen for Formula One enthusiasts.