Inside F1 with Uncle Joe; June 27th - 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

**Navigating the World of Formula One with Joe Saward**

1. **Inside F1 with Joe Saward:**

- Joe Saward, an esteemed journalist with an extensive career in Formula One, shares his unique insights and perspectives on the sport.

2. **Gridwalks and Media Presence:**

- Saward discusses his experiences on gridwalks, sharing anecdotes about his interactions with Martin Brundle and the challenges of navigating media attention.

3. **The Significance of Formula One Cars:**

- Saward emphasizes the remarkable engineering and technological advancements showcased in Formula One cars, acknowledging the awe they inspire among enthusiasts.

- He dismisses the notion that journalists can accurately assess the impact of minute aerodynamic adjustments on car performance, suggesting that such claims are often exaggerated.

4. **The Value of Formula One Teams:**

- Saward highlights the growing financial value of Formula One teams, citing the recent Alpine deal as an example.

- He attributes this surge in value to the limited availability of equity and the global appeal of the sport, which attracts significant investment.

5. **Alpine's Financial Boost:**

- The Alpine deal, valued at $900 million, provides a substantial financial injection for the team.

- Saward explains that this investment will allow Alpine to upgrade its facilities, hire new personnel, and enhance its competitiveness.

6. **Ryan Reynolds' Involvement in Alpine:**

- Saward clarifies that Ryan Reynolds is part of an American investment group involved in the Alpine deal.

- He suggests that Reynolds' involvement may generate positive publicity for Alpine, but its impact on the team's value is uncertain.

7. **Formula One's Global Expansion and Value:**

- Saward emphasizes the global reach of Formula One, contrasting it with the limited market of the NFL in the United States.

- He believes that Formula One's global presence contributes to its increasing value and investment potential.

8. **Anti-Dilution Clauses and New Team Entries:**

- Saward discusses the potential implications of high anti-dilution clauses in the next Formula One commercial contract.

- He cautions against excessive anti-competitive measures, as they could discourage new team entries and hinder the sport's growth.

- The viability of new teams, such as Andretti and Hitech, is contingent on meeting financial and regulatory requirements, including securing a manufacturer partnership.

9. **The Future of McLaren and Middle Eastern Investment:**

- Saward dismisses the notion of a McLaren takeover by Middle Eastern investors, suggesting that such a move would be impractical and unlikely.

- He emphasizes the challenges of establishing a rival championship due to the FIA's exclusive control over World Championships.

10. **Driver Market Speculation:**

- Saward analyzes the rumors surrounding Daniel Ricciardo's future, acknowledging the possibility of a move to Red Bull if Sergio Perez's performance continues to falter.

- He also discusses the potential for Liam Lawson to earn a seat at Alpha Tauri if he secures the Super Formula title in Japan.

- Saward acknowledges Yuki Tsunoda's inconsistent performances and suggests that Red Bull may consider promoting Daniel Ricciardo to the senior team.

11. **Perez's Struggles and Potential Replacement:**

- Saward expresses concerns about Sergio Perez's recent performances, suggesting that he may not be delivering the results expected of a driver in the top team.

- He acknowledges the possibility of Red Bull replacing Perez with Ricciardo or another driver if his struggles persist.

12. **The Importance of Consistency and Team Dynamics:**

- Saward emphasizes the value of consistency and strong team dynamics in Formula One, highlighting the need for a reliable second driver to support Max Verstappen's title challenge.

- He suggests that Red Bull may maintain its current driver lineup for the 2024 season, but the decision could depend on Perez's performance in the remaining races. # Formula One Podcast Transcript Summary

## Introduction

* Joe Saward and Spanners discuss Formula One racing, providing insights and perspectives on various aspects of the sport.

## Driver Rumors

* Lewis Hamilton's contract negotiations with Mercedes are ongoing, leading to speculation about his future in the sport.
* Daniel Ricciardo is rumored to be a potential candidate for a seat at McLaren, replacing Oscar Piastri.
* Yuki Tsunoda's performance at AlphaTauri is being evaluated, with speculation about his future with the team.

## Sprint Races

* Joe expresses his dislike for sprint races, arguing that they dilute the excitement of traditional race weekends.
* He highlights the potential impact on team preparation and the unpredictability it introduces, which can be seen as a form of manipulation.

## Fernando Alonso's Performance

* Joe discusses Fernando Alonso's performance at Aston Martin, acknowledging his age and the challenges he faces.
* He emphasizes that engineers may question whether Alonso is maximizing the potential of the car, considering his age and the availability of younger drivers.
* Joe points out that Alonso's statistics, such as points scored, may not fully reflect his abilities, leading to differing opinions among fans and experts.

## Track Preference for Sprint Races

* Joe reiterates his dislike for sprint races, stating that he prefers traditional race weekends.
* He acknowledges that sprint races may attract more viewers and generate revenue, but he believes they diminish the significance of Grand Prix events.

## Preferred Interview Subject

* When asked which F1 driver or personality he would like to interview after a truth serum, Joe chooses Michael Schumacher.
* He explains that Schumacher was known for his guarded nature and that he would be interested in uncovering the balance between his good and bad qualities.

## 2026 Engine Development

* Joe mentions rumors about the progress of various engine manufacturers in developing power units for the 2026 season.
* He highlights the challenges faced by Honda, which is starting from a blank slate and has lost key engineers.
* Joe emphasizes the uncertainty surrounding the development process, with no clear indication of who is ahead or behind at this stage.

## Ferrari's Future

* Joe discusses the possibility of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz leaving Ferrari in 2024 due to the team's struggles.
* He acknowledges that both drivers may be frustrated by the lack of success and could be tempted by lucrative offers from other teams.
* Joe expresses skepticism about Ferrari's ability to turn things around, given their recent history of underperformance.

## Conclusion

* The podcast concludes with Joe and Spanners wrapping up the discussion and thanking the listeners for joining them. # Podcast Summary: "Missed Apex Podcast - Joe Saward"

In this episode of the Missed Apex Podcast, Joe Saward, an esteemed Formula One journalist, joins the discussion to offer his expert insights on various aspects of the sport.

**Ferrari's Performance:**

- Saward acknowledges that Ferrari fans tend to be overly optimistic about their team's chances at the start of each season, often leading to disappointment as the season unfolds.

- He suggests that Ferrari's struggles may stem from a lack of stability within the organization, particularly in the higher echelons of management.

- Saward emphasizes the importance of stability and a clear hierarchy in order for a team to succeed, citing the example of Jean Todt's leadership during Ferrari's successful era.

- He highlights the influence of external factors, such as interference from top management, as potential obstacles to Ferrari's progress.

**Customer Engines in Formula One:**

- Saward asserts that it is challenging for teams using customer engines to achieve top positions in Formula One.

- He explains that, historically, only a handful of customer-engine-powered teams have won races, emphasizing the dominance of manufacturer teams.

- Saward believes that McLaren's struggles cannot be solely attributed to their Mercedes engine, as they have been underperforming for a significant portion of the last decade.

- He suggests that McLaren may benefit from securing a manufacturer engine deal, but acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding such a move.

**Lando Norris' Future:**

- Saward acknowledges that Lando Norris is a talented driver, but questions whether McLaren can provide him with the necessary car and engine package to compete for race wins and championships.

- He suggests that Norris may consider exploring opportunities with other teams if they offer a more competitive environment.

**Bridgestone vs. Pirelli Tires:**

- Saward speculates that Bridgestone, a former Formula One tire supplier, might be interested in returning to the sport under its Firestone brand, which has a strong presence in North America.

- He believes that Formula One would welcome an American tire company, aligning with the sport's focus on expanding its reach in the United States.

- Saward emphasizes that the decision ultimately depends on financial considerations and the technical capabilities of the tire companies involved.

**Other Notable Points:**

- Saward promotes his Substack newsletter, "JSBM," and his blog, "The Green Notebook," as sources of in-depth Formula One analysis and commentary.

- He encourages listeners to follow him on Twitter for updates and insights on the sport.

- The podcast concludes with a brief mention of an upcoming karting event organized by the hosts.

Overall, this podcast episode provides valuable insights from Joe Saward on various topics related to Formula One, including team dynamics, engine choices, driver prospects, and tire suppliers.