Ted's Podbook | Austria awaits

Naomi Schiff joins Ted for her debut on the Podbook as they preview the Austria GP. We discuss whether Checo Perez can compete with Max Verstappen despite being unwell, Lewis Hamilton's impromptu trip to Glastonbury, Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney's investment in Alpine and Lance Stroll's mysterious secrets.

Ted Kravitz and Naomi Schiff join forces to provide an in-depth preview of the Austrian Grand Prix, offering insights, predictions, and expert analysis.

**Checo Perez's Health Concerns**

Checo Perez, Red Bull's second driver, has been battling an illness, initially thought to be a stomach bug but later revealed to be a fever. Despite his condition, Perez is determined to race, relying on adrenaline to manage his pain during the race.

**Max Verstappen's Rivalry with Lewis Hamilton**

Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton have been engaged in a heated rivalry, with Verstappen criticizing Hamilton's comments about introducing a not-before date for teams to start developing the next year's car. Verstappen believes that Hamilton's perspective is biased due to Mercedes' current dominance.

**Mercedes' Development Plans**

Mercedes is set to introduce upgrades to their car at the Silverstone Grand Prix, aiming to improve their performance and close the gap to Red Bull. George Russell believes that the upgrades will be a significant step in the right direction.

**Ferrari's Struggles**

Ferrari has faced challenges this season, with Carlos Sainz expressing disappointment about the team's lack of progress compared to last year. Sainz aims to secure good points positions, while Charles Leclerc seeks to break his one-year victory drought.

**Alpine's Investment**

Alpine has made headlines with its recent investment deal, with Renault selling 24% of the team to a group of investors including Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. The move is seen as a strategic decision to secure funding and support Alpine's ambitious goals.

**McLaren's Upgrades**

McLaren is introducing the first of its three-race upgrades at the Austrian Grand Prix, with the majority of the upgrades scheduled for Silverstone and Budapest. Lando Norris, who has a successful history at the track, is optimistic about the team's chances.

**Alfa Romeo Sauber's Performance**

Alfa Romeo Sauber faces the threat of being overtaken by Williams in the constructors' standings. Valtteri Bottas, the team's experienced driver, has struggled to match the performance of his teammate, Zhou Guanyu.

**Lance Stroll's Qualifying Secrets**

Lance Stroll, Aston Martin's driver, has been tight-lipped about the specific issues affecting his qualifying performance. He acknowledges that there are "little things" that need to be addressed, but he declines to reveal details, hinting at potential communication errors or disagreements within the team.

**Artificial Intelligence in Formula One**

George Russell highlights the growing influence of artificial intelligence and machine learning in Formula One. He expresses concern about the potential impact of AI on the sport, particularly in terms of data access and usage.

**Conclusion**

The Austrian Grand Prix promises excitement and intrigue, with Red Bull aiming to deliver a special victory in honor of their late founder, Dietrich Mateschitz. The sprint weekend format adds an extra layer of intensity, with qualifying and the sprint race taking place on Friday and Saturday, leading up to the main event on Sunday.