Will Buxton is getting a Valtteri Bottas Tattoo

In today's episode of the Pitstop Podcast, we’re joined by the one and only Will Buxton. We speak all about the new Drive to Survive, How he got into F1 & Will makes a bold statement that could lead to a Valtteri Bottas Tattoo! Join us every Monday & Thursday for more guests, Q&A’s, race predictions, and a whole load of laughter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

**Introduction of the Podcast and Guest**

* Hosts Jake Boys and Fabio Bocca welcome listeners to the fourth episode of the Pit Stop podcast.
* They express excitement about being ranked fourth in the Spotify UK charts and introduce their special guest, Will Buxton.

**Will Buxton's Journey into Formula One**

* Buxton shares his passion for Formula One, which began at a young age watching races with his father.
* He initially aspired to write about Formula One to help others understand the sport, particularly after the tragic death of Ayrton Senna.
* Buxton's perseverance led him to secure work experience at Formula One magazine, eventually landing a full-time job.

**Experiences in Formula One**

* Buxton discusses his involvement in the F1 2021 game, where he was motion-captured to create realistic interactions in the virtual paddock.
* He highlights the physical demands faced by Formula One drivers, emphasizing the intense training required for the sport.
* Buxton shares his experience driving two Formula One cars, describing the challenges of braking and the immense physicality involved.

**Differences Between IndyCar and Formula One**

* Buxton compares IndyCar and Formula One, noting that IndyCar cars are slower but have higher speeds at the Indianapolis 500.
* He explains that IndyCar cars lack power steering and have a more standardized setup, while Formula One cars are bespoke and unique to each team.

**Pre-Season Testing and Car Smells**

* Buxton discusses his decision to miss pre-season testing in favor of attending the IndyCar race in St. Petersburg, Florida.
* He reveals that each Formula One car has a distinct smell due to different fuels and oils used, creating a unique sensory experience in the pit lane.

**Conclusion of the 2021 Season**

* Buxton reflects on the dramatic conclusion of the 2021 season, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the championship result until the stewards' decision.
* He mentions that he and his colleagues worked late into the night creating wrap-up videos after the race.
* Buxton reveals that he did not attend any parties that night, but there was a large celebration at the Red Bull party downstairs at the hotel. # Formula One Podcast Episode Transcript Summary

## Introduction

* The podcast hosts, Jake Boys and Fabio Bocca, discuss the controversial ending of the 2021 Formula One season and the impact it had on new fans.
* They highlight the excitement generated by the final few laps of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, particularly the decision to allow only some lapped cars to unlap themselves.
* The hosts express their admiration for Max Verstappen's victory and acknowledge the disappointment felt by Lewis Hamilton's fans.

## Drive to Survive

* The hosts discuss the Netflix series "Drive to Survive" and its role in attracting new fans to Formula One.
* They praise the show's ability to showcase the human element of the sport and make it more relatable to viewers.
* The hosts credit "Drive to Survive" for helping to create a new generation of Formula One fans who are excited about the sport's storylines and personalities.

## The 2022 Season

* The hosts preview the upcoming 2022 Formula One season and discuss some of the key storylines to watch.
* They highlight the new regulations that are expected to shake up the grid and create more competitive racing.
* The hosts also discuss the driver lineup changes, including the arrival of George Russell at Mercedes and the departure of Valtteri Bottas.

## Predictions for the Season

* The hosts make their predictions for the 2022 Formula One season, including who they think will win the championship and which teams will be the most competitive.
* They acknowledge the difficulty of making predictions due to the extensive changes in the regulations and the uncertainty surrounding the new cars.
* The hosts highlight the importance of Mercedes finding a balance between supporting Lewis Hamilton's pursuit of an eighth world championship and developing George Russell as their future star driver.

## Personal Reflections

* The hosts share their personal experiences as new fans of Formula One and express their excitement for the upcoming season.
* They discuss their favorite drivers and teams and share some of the moments that made them fall in love with the sport.
* The hosts also reflect on the challenges of maintaining a professional detachment from the drivers while still asking them difficult questions when necessary.

## Conclusion

* The hosts wrap up the podcast by expressing their anticipation for the 2022 Formula One season and encouraging listeners to tune in to their coverage of the sport.
* They emphasize the importance of bringing new fans into the sport and creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone. # Formula One Podcast Episode Summary:

**Social Media and Fan Engagement in Formula One:**

- Social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok have revolutionized the way Formula One engages with fans.
- The accessibility and immediacy of social media have allowed F1 to grow its fan base and create new avenues for fan interaction.
- Content creators and influencers play a significant role in shaping fan perception and generating excitement around the sport.
- The rise of TikTok has presented a unique opportunity for F1 to connect with a younger audience and create engaging content.

**The Challenge of Gatekeeping and Tribalism:**

- The growth of social media in Formula One has also brought challenges, particularly in the form of gatekeeping and tribalism.
- Some fans feel that newcomers to the sport are not true enthusiasts and try to exclude them from online communities.
- This gatekeeping behavior can create a hostile environment for new fans and discourage them from engaging with the sport.

**The Importance of Authenticity and Inclusivity:**

- Formula One recognizes the importance of authenticity and inclusivity in engaging with fans on social media.
- Content creators and influencers are encouraged to be themselves and share their genuine passion for the sport.
- F1 aims to create a welcoming environment where all fans feel respected and valued, regardless of their level of knowledge or experience.

**The Balancing Act of Catering to Different Fan Groups:**

- Formula One faces the challenge of catering to fans with varying levels of knowledge and interests.
- The sport's complex technical and strategic aspects can be daunting for new fans, while experienced fans may crave more in-depth analysis.
- F1 strives to create content that appeals to both casual and hardcore fans, ensuring that everyone can find something they enjoy.

**The Future of Fan Engagement in Formula One:**

- Formula One is continuously exploring new ways to engage with fans and enhance their experience.
- The use of augmented reality and virtual reality technologies holds great potential for creating immersive and interactive experiences.
- F1 is also looking at ways to leverage data and analytics to tailor content and experiences to individual fans' preferences.

**Overall Message:**

Formula One recognizes the power of social media and digital platforms in connecting with fans and growing the sport. However, it also acknowledges the challenges of gatekeeping and tribalism that can arise in online communities. By embracing authenticity, inclusivity, and a diverse range of content, F1 aims to create a welcoming environment where all fans feel valued and engaged. The future of fan engagement in Formula One is bright, with new technologies and innovative approaches promising to enhance the fan experience in exciting ways. **Podcast Episode Summary: A Chat with Will Buxton**

The podcast episode features a lively conversation between the hosts, Jake Boys and Fabio Bocca, and their special guest, Will Buxton, a renowned Formula One journalist and commentator. The discussion revolves around various aspects of Formula One, including predictions for the upcoming season, driver and team performances, and the overall excitement surrounding the sport.

**Key Points:**

* **Predictions for the Upcoming Season:**
* Will Buxton shares his bold predictions for the 2023 Formula One season.
* He believes Ferrari will secure both the Driver's and Constructor's Championships, with Charles Leclerc as the Driver's Champion and Carlos Sainz finishing fifth.
* Buxton also predicts that Lewis Hamilton and George Russell of Mercedes will have a combined Constructors' Championship score of 11, while Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez of Red Bull will have a score of 10.
* Lando Norris of McLaren is predicted to finish fourth, while Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin and Pierre Gasly of Alpine round out the top six.

* **Mick Schumacher's Potential:**
* Buxton expresses his belief that Mick Schumacher, the son of legendary Formula One driver Michael Schumacher, has the potential to race for Ferrari and even win a race during the upcoming season.
* He acknowledges that this prediction is somewhat optimistic, but he believes Schumacher's talent and the possibility of a Ferrari driver contracting COVID-19 could create an opportunity for him to shine.

* **Valtteri Bottas' Chances:**
* The hosts discuss the possibility of Valtteri Bottas, now driving for Alfa Romeo, winning a race in the upcoming season.
* Buxton is skeptical about this prediction, despite his admiration for Bottas as a driver.
* He jokingly offers to get a tattoo of Valtteri Buss, a play on Bottas' name, if Bottas manages to win a race.

* **Enthusiasm for Formula One:**
* Will Buxton expresses his excitement for the upcoming Formula One season, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of the sport and the thrill of following the races.
* He encourages listeners to join him on this journey and delve deeper into the world of Formula One.

**Overall Message:**
The podcast episode captures the excitement and anticipation surrounding the upcoming Formula One season. Will Buxton's predictions and insights provide a unique perspective on the sport, while the hosts' enthusiasm is infectious. The episode serves as an excellent introduction to Formula One for newcomers and a captivating discussion for seasoned fans.