Is Sergio Perez deserving of the number two seat? | Was Lando Norris’ behaviour ‘unsportsmanlike’?

Matt Baker is joined this week by Ted Kravitz and Claire Cottingham to discuss a weekend of records for Red Bull as they reach 100 wins in F1, (15’30) Sergio Perez’s performance thus far and his support as Red Bull’s number two driver to reigning World Champion Max Verstappen and (34’40) a trip down memory lane to Kravitz meeting Christian Horner before claiming his Red Bull team principal title.

(43’00) The panel also discuss Lando Norris’ behaviour after he was handed a five-second penalty in Montreal for ‘unsportsmanlike behaviour’ and (50’00) the news of W Series entering administration after failing funding to continue.

**Race Review**

- Claire Cottingham: Promising
- Matthew Baker: Quality
- Ted Kravitz: Records


**One Word Review Discussion**

- Ted highlights the significance of Red Bull's 100 wins, Max Verstappen's 41 wins equaling Ayrton Senna's tally, and Adrian Newey's 200 wins as chief technical officer.
- They discuss the validity of comparing drivers from different eras, acknowledging the changes in reliability and safety standards.
- Matthew emphasizes the quality of the podium finishers, particularly the presence of Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton, and Max Verstappen.


**Podium Discussion**

- Ted expresses his excitement at seeing Adrian Newey on the podium, spanning generations of Formula One history.
- They note the rarity of having Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso, and Max Verstappen on the same podium, highlighting the potential for a captivating championship battle.
- The question of whether these drivers could ever compete in equal machinery is raised, acknowledging the unlikelihood but expressing hope for a more competitive field in the future.


**Max Verstappen's Performance**

- Ted praises Max Verstappen's ability to navigate challenging conditions and maintain his lead throughout the race.
- They discuss Sergio Perez's struggles, attributing his poor qualifying performance to a lack of confidence and the changing weather conditions.
- Claire emphasizes the importance of Perez finding a track that will boost his confidence, recognizing the need for a strong second driver to support Max Verstappen's championship bid.


**Sergio Perez's Role as Second Driver**

- Ted suggests that Sergio Perez's current form is not causing major problems for Red Bull, as he is still fulfilling the role of a reliable second driver.
- However, they acknowledge the potential for issues if Perez's confidence and performance do not improve, highlighting the possibility of Red Bull seeking a replacement mid-season.
- The potential availability of Daniel Ricciardo and Alex Albon as replacements is mentioned, but the stability of Perez's contract until 2024 is seen as a deterrent to any immediate changes.


**Fernando Alonso vs. Sergio Perez**

- Fernando Alonso's stern response to a question about beating Sergio Perez in the championship is discussed.
- They consider the driver-car dynamic, acknowledging the influence of the car's performance on driver results.
- The example of Zhou Guangyu's comments on the challenges of winning in a less competitive car is mentioned, highlighting the importance of both driver skill and car performance.


**Bird in the Brake Duct**

- Ted brings up the incident of a bird entering Max Verstappen's brake duct during the race.
- They express curiosity about the potential impact of such an occurrence on the car's performance and safety.

## Podcast Episode Summary:

### Red Bull's Record-Breaking Achievements and Sergio Perez's Performance

- Red Bull Racing celebrated a milestone achievement by securing their 100th Formula One victory in Canada, becoming the fourth team to reach this remarkable feat.
- Sergio Perez, Red Bull's second driver, has consistently supported reigning World Champion Max Verstappen, playing a crucial role in the team's success.


### Lando Norris' Unsportsmanlike Behavior and W Series' Financial Struggles

- Lando Norris faced criticism for his actions during the Canadian Grand Prix, resulting in a five-second penalty for unsportsmanlike behavior.
- The W Series, an all-female racing championship, unfortunately entered administration due to financial difficulties, leading to the cancellation of the remaining races in the 2023 season.


### Ted Kravitz's Encounter with Christian Horner

- Ted Kravitz shared an anecdote about meeting Christian Horner, the current Red Bull team principal, before he assumed this role.
- Kravitz recalled encountering Horner in a passport queue at Milan's Linate Airport in 2004, where Horner mentioned his aspirations of becoming a Formula One team boss.


### Key Points and Insights:

- Red Bull's Landmark Achievements:
- Celebrated 100 Formula One Wins, a remarkable milestone in the sport's history.
- Sergio Perez's Contribution:
- Recognized for his consistent performance as Red Bull's number two driver.
- His unwavering support for reigning World Champion Max Verstappen has been crucial to the team's success.
- A Look Back: Ted Kravitz's Encounter with Christian Horner:
- Kravitz shared a memorable anecdote about meeting Christian Horner before he became Red Bull's team principal.
- The meeting highlighted Horner's passion and determination, which have been instrumental in Red Bull's achievements.
- Lando Norris' Unsportsmanlike Behavior:
- Norris faced a five-second penalty in Montreal for unsportsmanlike behavior.
- The incident sparked discussions about sportsmanship and the need for respectful conduct among drivers.
- W Series Enters Administration:
- The W Series, a groundbreaking all-female racing championship,残念ながら資金難のため、管理下に置かれました。
- The news raised concerns about the challenges faced by women in motorsport and the need for continued support.
- Changing Language and Mindsets:
- Emphasized the importance of inclusive language in Formula One regulations and commentary.
- The use of gender-neutral terms can create a more welcoming environment for women in the sport.
- W Series' Impact and Legacy:
- The W Series played a pivotal role in raising awareness and providing opportunities for female drivers.
- Its legacy extends beyond racing, inspiring young girls to pursue careers in motorsport.
- The Need for More Female Representation:
- The panel highlighted the lack of female journalists and commentators in Formula One.
- Encouraging more women to join the industry is crucial for creating a diverse and inclusive environment.
- Sky Sports' Commitment to Diversity:
- Sky Sports was praised for its all-female presenting and pundit lineup in Spain, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity.

**Overall Message:**

The podcast delved into Red Bull's remarkable achievements, Sergio Perez's crucial role, and the challenges faced by women in motorsport. It emphasized the need for inclusive language, increased female representation, and continued support for initiatives like the W Series. The discussion highlighted the progress made in promoting diversity and equality in Formula One while acknowledging the work still needed to create a truly inclusive environment in the sport.