Did you know F1 Teams did THIS at Monaco?! 😳 ft Matt MD

Welcome back to the Pitstop Podcast! WHAT A RACE THAT WAS.. Monaco brought us all the surprises this year with an interesting Quali session, followed by an amazing race which saw tight overtakes, last minute strategies.. and the weather really threw a spanner in the works. In this episode we're joined by our friend and former F2 performance coach, Matt Murray Downing! Matts here to shed some light and perspective on the race from a different point of view, so tune in to this episode and let us know your thoughts by DMing us on Insta - @Pitstop!
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**Navigating the Monaco Grand Prix: A Post-Race Analysis**

*Introduction:*

- Jake Boys and Fabio Bocca welcome listeners to a special audio-only episode of The Pit Stop Podcast, recorded after the Monaco Grand Prix.
- Matt Murray-Downing, a former physiotherapist for Formula 2 driver Oscar Piastri and current consultant for McLaren and British Superbikes, joins the discussion.

**Matt's Career and Expertise:**

- Matt shares his background in motorsports, including working for Kawasaki and his current involvement with Catty, PBM Motorsport in British Superbikes.
- He also mentions his work with McLaren on the Trophy Cup Series.

**Isle of Man TT Discussion:**

- The hosts express their admiration for the Isle of Man TT race and acknowledge its dangers.
- Matt, who has a rider competing in the TT, provides insights into the risks and challenges of the event.

**Monaco Grand Prix Observations:**

- The hosts discuss the unique characteristics of the Monaco Grand Prix, including its narrow streets, lack of overtaking opportunities, and history.
- They praise the improved broadcasting quality of the race, particularly the use of helicopter shots.
- The impact of weather conditions, including rain and sunshine, is highlighted.

**F1 Movie Discussion:**

- The hosts discuss the upcoming F1 movie, which will feature Brad Pitt and Damson Idris as fictional drivers for a team called Apex Racing.
- Lewis Hamilton's involvement as a producer is mentioned, with the expectation that his presence will add realism to the film.
- The challenge of incorporating real race footage and fictional elements is acknowledged.

**Driver Emotions and Incidents:**

- The hosts highlight the importance of capturing raw emotions and interactions among drivers, citing examples from recent races.
- They emphasize the need for authenticity and transparency in F1 media coverage.
- The incident involving Jack Doohan's frustration and his father's intervention is mentioned as an example of the desired level of transparency.

**Formula 2 Race Controversy:**

- Matt shares an incident from the Formula 2 race, where several drivers were significantly disadvantaged due to a restart issue.
- The lack of media coverage for this incident is criticized, highlighting the need for comprehensive reporting.

**F2 Driver Predictions:**

- The hosts discuss potential contenders for the Formula 2 championship, including Olli Caldwell, Logan Sargeant, and Frederik Vesti.
- Matt emphasizes the variability in driver performance due to setup differences and the importance of mental preparation for Monaco.

**Physical and Mental Preparation for Monaco:**

- Matt explains that the Monaco Grand Prix is not physically demanding but requires significant mental preparation.
- He highlights the need for drivers to remain focused and avoid mistakes due to the high stakes and narrow track layout.

**Max Verstappen's Pole Position Lap:**

- The hosts praise Max Verstappen's remarkable pole position lap, achieved by pushing the limits and risking a crash.
- They discuss the significance of the bump in the road after Casino and its impact on driver performance.

**Checo Perez's Struggles:**

- The hosts analyze Sergio Perez's challenging weekend, including his Q1 crash and subsequent experiments with different strategies during the race.
- They speculate on the number of spare front wings available to teams and the potential impact of cost caps on part availability.

**Conclusion:**

- The hosts summarize their key takeaways from the Monaco Grand Prix, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, transparency, and mental preparation in Formula 1.
- They express their excitement for the upcoming races and thank Matt for his insights. # Monaco Grand Prix Debrief: Controversies, Insights, and Driver Performances

## Introduction

The Monaco Grand Prix, a historic and iconic race in the Formula One calendar, took place amidst much anticipation and excitement. In this comprehensive summary, we delve into the key moments, controversies, and insights that shaped the race weekend, providing an informative and engaging analysis for Formula One enthusiasts.

## Controversies and Technical Discussions

### Mercedes' Side Pods and Tyre Management

* Mercedes introduced a significant change to their car's side pods, drawing inspiration from Red Bull's successful design.
* Max Verstappen's remarkable tyre management skills were highlighted, as he managed to extract exceptional longevity from his medium compound tyres, even during the rain.
* Technical experts discussed the impact of brake bias, suspension setup, and driving style on tyre degradation, emphasizing the complexities of optimizing tyre performance.

### Lando Norris' Lap Count Discrepancy

* A curious observation arose from the race results, as Lando Norris was recorded to have completed 77 laps, while the race winner, Max Verstappen, finished in 78 laps.
* The discussion centered around the rules governing lapped drivers and whether they are required to complete the full race distance or can be classified as finished once they cross the checkered flag.

### Aston Martin's Rain Strategy Conundrum

* Aston Martin's strategic decision to keep Fernando Alonso on medium tyres during the rain drew attention and raised questions about the team's communication and decision-making processes.
* Alonso reportedly questioned the team's choice, highlighting the complexities of making split-second decisions in rapidly changing weather conditions.

## Driver Performances and Team Dynamics

### Max Verstappen's Dominance

* Max Verstappen's commanding victory in Monaco further solidified his position as a top contender for the championship.
* His ability to deliver a flawless performance under pressure and maintain composure throughout the race was widely praised.

### Esteban Ocon's Resurgence

* Esteban Ocon's impressive podium finish, securing third place, marked a significant moment for the French driver.
* His consistent performance and ability to challenge for higher positions were recognized as signs of his growing confidence and potential.

### McLaren's Consistent Pace

* McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri demonstrated solid performances, securing points finishes in ninth and tenth positions, respectively.
* Their consistent pace throughout the race showcased their ability to adapt to the challenging Monaco circuit.

## Speculation and Rumors

### Lewis Hamilton's Potential Move to Ferrari

* Rumors and speculation emerged regarding Lewis Hamilton's possible move to Ferrari in the future.
* The discussion highlighted the potential impact of such a move on both teams and the implications for the championship battle.

## Insights into Monaco's Unique Characteristics

### Consequences of Mistakes

* The unforgiving nature of the Monaco circuit was emphasized, with drivers facing severe consequences for even minor errors due to the lack of runoff areas and tight corners.
* The importance of precision and calculated risk-taking was highlighted as crucial factors for success in Monaco.

### Cameramen's Skill and Dedication

* The cameramen's exceptional skills and dedication were acknowledged, as they captured stunning footage of the race despite the challenging and dangerous conditions.
* Their ability to follow the cars closely and provide immersive shots was praised as an integral part of the race experience.

### Esteban Ocon's Helmet Change

* Esteban Ocon's decision to change his helmet during the race, switching from a plain red design to his usual lively helmet, sparked curiosity and speculation.
* The incident highlighted the attention to detail and personal preferences of drivers, even in the midst of a competitive race.

## Conclusion

The Monaco Grand Prix delivered an exciting and unpredictable race, characterized by strategic decisions, driver performances, and technical intricacies. The controversies and insights discussed in this summary offer a deeper understanding of the complexities of Formula One racing and provide valuable takeaways for fans and enthusiasts alike. **Race Recap and Analysis:**

The episode begins with a discussion of the recent Monaco Grand Prix, with the hosts expressing their surprise at the exciting and unpredictable race. They highlight Esteban Ocon's impressive performance, considering the limitations of the Alpine car, and recognize him as the 'driver of the weekend.' The hosts also discuss the impact of pit stops on the race, noting several instances of mishaps and delays, including a four-and-a-half-second pit stop for Ocon.

**Monaco Grand Prix Track Characteristics:**

The conversation shifts to the unique challenges of the Monaco circuit, particularly the tight and narrow nature of the track. The hosts emphasize the importance of driver skill and precision in navigating the circuit's demanding corners and limited overtaking opportunities. They also discuss the impact of the track layout on pit stops, acknowledging the difficulties faced by mechanics in executing quick and efficient tire changes.

**F2 Pit Stop Incidents:**

The hosts recount some memorable pit stop incidents from the Formula 2 race, including wheels coming off cars and a dropped car. They express sympathy for the mechanics involved, recognizing the pressure and disappointment associated with such mishaps.

**Monaco Grand Prix Recovery Methods:**

The hosts discuss the use of a large individual to physically lift and move a car during a practice session, highlighting the ingenuity and strength required for such a task. They contrast this with the more traditional methods of using cranes or tractors for car recovery, noting the efficiency and practicality of the manual approach in certain situations.

**Upcoming Races and Predictions:**

The hosts preview the upcoming races in Barcelona and Canada, expressing their anticipation for the challenges and excitement each circuit presents. They make predictions for the Spanish Grand Prix, with Matt Murray-Downing suggesting that Red Bull, Mercedes, and Aston Martin will perform well, potentially leading to a mixed grid and podium. The hosts also acknowledge their limited knowledge of the Canadian Grand Prix and plan to conduct a quiz on the circuit in a future episode.

**Conclusion:**

The episode concludes with the hosts thanking Matt Murray-Downing for his insights and contributions to the discussion. They encourage listeners to rate and follow the podcast, and announce their intention to reconvene on Thursday for a pre-Spain Grand Prix discussion.