The Team Radio Special

On this edition of Talking Bull - It's a Team Radio special! We hear from Max Verstappen and his race engineer GP as they dive into the complicated and often confusing world of F1 team radio. From brake bias to box, box, box we decode some of the messages you are likely to hear between drivers and race engineers over an F1 weekend. We also have exclusive chats with Alex Albon, Red Bull athlete and legendary surfer Mick Fanning PLUS we end with the brand-new song from Albert Hammond Jr.

# Aston Martin Red Bull Racing Podcast: Decoding Team Radio

**Decoding Team Radio with Max Verstappen and GP:**

- **Car is Green:** The number one mechanic informs the driver that the car is ready for the driver to start the engine.
- **Radio Latched:** The driver has forgotten to depress the radio button, resulting in an open mic.
- **Track is Green:** The track is safe for racing at full speed after a yellow flag, VSC, or safety car.
- **Avoid the Sausage Kerb:** Large, brightly colored kerbs that should be avoided to prevent suspension damage.
- **Four Clicks on the Front Wing:** Adjust the front wing to increase or decrease front downforce, affecting understeering.
- **Check Your Drink:** The driver is reminded to use the hydration system in the helmet.
- **Recommend Bebell 6 Max:** The race engineer suggests a brake balance adjustment to optimize braking performance.
- **Cool the Brakes:** The driver is instructed to cool the brakes to prevent overheating.
- **Option Tire:** The softest tire compound available for the race weekend.
- **Box, Box, Box:** The driver is instructed to return to the pits immediately.
- **Mode 1 and Recharge Off:** Switch to a specific engine mode and turn off the battery recharge system.
- **Flat Spots:** Areas on the tire that have lost grip due to a prolonged lockup, causing vibrations.
- **Blue Flags:** A driver must allow a faster car to overtake when shown blue flags.

**Interview with Alex Albon:**

- Albon expresses his excitement about being confirmed as a Red Bull driver for the 2020 season.
- He reflects on his journey from Toro Rosso to Red Bull, acknowledging the pressure but feeling prepared.
- Albon emphasizes the importance of staying motivated and disciplined to maintain peak performance.

**Interview with Mick Fanning:**

- Fanning shares his experience as a world champion surfer and the mindset required for success.
- He highlights the significance of self-belief and the drive to constantly improve.
- Fanning recalls jumping in the back of a Formula One car and expresses his admiration for the sport.

**Decoding More Team Radio Messages:**

- **DRS Enabled:** The driver is reminded to activate the Drag Reduction System (DRS) for increased top speed.
- **Understeer:** When the front tires lose grip, causing the car to slide forward.
- **Outlap:** A lap taken to prepare for a fast lap, including tire preparation, engine modes, and driver preparation.
- **What's Your Delta?:** The driver is informed of the time difference to a reference time, such as a safety car limit or the end of a qualifying session.
- **Launch:** The driver is instructed to start the car from a standstill, optimizing wheel slip for maximum acceleration.
- **10 Second Margin:** The driver is informed of a 10-second time limit, typically related to a regulated lap time or the end of a qualifying session.
- **Safety Car in This Lap:** The safety car will be entering the track on the current lap, prompting the driver to prepare for a restart.
- **Good, Your Turn:** The driver is instructed to take their turn during a pit stop.
- **Hit Your Marks:** The driver is reminded to stop at the correct position in the pit box for a faster pit stop.
- **Watch for Debris:** The driver is alerted to debris on the track, specifying the corner and location.
- **We're in Phase:** Informs the driver that another car is on a similar lap, providing a reference for mirror usage.
- **Rubber the Box:** The driver is instructed to perform burnouts in the pit lane to improve grip for the pit stop.
- **Two Burnouts:** The driver is instructed to perform two burnouts before the race start to warm up the tires.
- **Look Out for the Weighbridge:** The driver is reminded to pay attention to the lights at the weighbridge to avoid penalties.
- **Last Cars Approaching the Grid:** The driver is informed that the last cars are approaching the grid, signaling the imminent start of the race.

**Conclusion:**

The podcast provides an in-depth exploration of team radio communication in Formula One, offering insights into the language and strategies used by drivers and race engineers. It also features interviews with Alex Albon and Mick Fanning, providing perspectives from different corners of the racing world.