Host Tim Silvey is joined by Sean ‘Virtual Statman’ Kelly and our resident racing driver Alex Brundle to bring you fresh perspectives, performance insights and statistical surprises to enhance your enjoyment of Grand Prix racing.
On this episode, after the sad cancellation of the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix due to terrible floods in the area, Sean takes a statistical look at other occasions when forces of nature have caused races to be called off or halted, either before or during the weekend - and you'll be surprised by what he reveals.
After that, following Max Verstappen's recent comments that seemed to suggest he could walk away from F1 earlier than expected, Alex goes deep on why drivers who appear to have it all, such as the Dutchman, can become disillusioned or suffer from burnout. Alex also discusses the unique pressure that drivers are under from a young age and why some drivers struggle to cope more than others.
Get in touch with the show! Use the hashtag #AramcoF1Focus on social media or email podcasts@the-race.com
Brought to you by Aramco.
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FOCUS ON: Pressure-related burnout & Weather-disrupted events

Journalist Edd Straw and former F1 technical director and car designer Gary Anderson are here to guide listeners through the wonderful world of Formula 1 technology. With the help of special guests they’ll discuss and explain everything from how F1 cars are engineered to go faster, to the science behind cutting-edge aerodynamics and the complexities of engine development. They’ll also discuss the latest design trends shaping the grid, speak to some of the famous names behind classic F1 innovations, and answer fans’ burning F1 tech questions.

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F1 is heading for major rule changes on both the power unit and chassis sides in 2026, but with the battle at the front getting closer and performance in general converging, are these technical tweaks that the sport could do without? That's one of the questions debated by host Edd Straw and former F1 technical director Gary Anderson on this episode.
Before that, Gary gives his thoughts on Red Bull's struggles in Monaco, and why its car isn't fond of kerbs and bumps. And to round off the show, we have a bumper crop of questions from listeners, including ones on data-gathering, aero regulations and hearing protection.
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Why F1's 2026 rule changes could backfire

On this episode, host Edd Straw and former F1 technical director Gary Anderson look back on Imola and ahead to Monaco, as they discuss the latest phase in F1’s increasingly intriguing development war. 
First, Edd and Gary discuss Red Bull’s difficult weekend in Imola, and whether that, combined with other teams’ gains, hints at the world champion team nearing the development potential of their current concept.
Next, they look at the contrasting development fortunes of Aston Martin, McLaren, Mercedes and Ferrari, all of whom have added significant new parts to their cars of late, before asking that all important question of whether it's genuinely getting closer at the front.
And finally, Edd dives into the electronic postbag and pulls out four questions from listeners for Gary, which this time are on Williams being overweight, F1 simulator use, the challenges of Monaco, closed rear wheels and tyre compound balance shifts.
To join The Race Members' Club, click here to sign up, or you can sign up for all of The Race's bonus audio content (but not the other perks of membership) directly in the Apple Podcasts app.

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Inside F1’s development war - and why it's getting closer at the front

On this episode, host Edd Straw and former F1 technical director Gary Anderson discuss the upgrade package that helped Lando Norris and McLaren snap Max Verstappen and Red Bull's stranglehold on the Miami Grand Prix. They look at what McLaren changed, how it has helped the team, and whether this means McLaren will be able to fight at every kind of track going forward.
After that, Edd and Gary switch gears to discuss the other big technical talking point of the moment: What Adrian Newey will do next, with his Red Bull exit now confirmed. Gary explains how a 'big picture' thinker like Newey could fit into a team, without disrupting the apple cart, and gives his view on where he'd like to see the 65-year-old design genius end up.
And to round off the show, Gary answers three more questions from listeners, which this time are on simulators, boundary-layer control and power steering.

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McLaren's race-winning upgrades + What should Newey do next?

On this episode, host Edd Straw and former F1 technical director Gary Anderson look back on the Chinese Grand Prix, and in particular how the teams responded to the new-for-2024 sprint weekend format and revised parc ferme rules.
After that, Gary answers a bumper selection of questions from listeners, including ones on the real impact of front wing endplate damage, how teams deal with ride height fluctuations over a race weekend, what leads teams towards a particular design philosophy, and even a multi-part question on paint!

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Analysing how the teams responded to the new sprint race rules

On a special bonus episode of the pod, host Edd Straw and former F1 technical director Gary Anderson chat to Dr Tom McCarthy, executive director of ASPIRE and a key figure behind the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League aka A2RL.
This pioneering autonomous racing series is new for 2024 and pitches eight teams against one another in modified Super Formula SF23 cars chasing a $2.25million prize fund.
This new annual race, aiming to stress-test technology for the future of transport, features teams from the UAE, China, Singapore, Germany, Hungary, Italy and the USA.
Listen to the chat and then mark your calendar for 27 April 2024, when you can stream the first event live on The Race’s YouTube channel. 
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FOCUS ON: Pressure-related burnout & Weather-disrupted events

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