Is Formula 1 playing "reverse psychology"? After years of complaining that "24 races are too much", we're in another break period where one might feel that Formula 1 could've well slotted in a Grand Prix between Singapore and Austin - the 25th Grand Prix of the season.

Also, the much-anticipated 10-car "rookie" race post-season was given a no-go by the FIA. After the Andretti-fiasco, that would've seen Formula 1 teams lose money to the 11th team, the FIA has taken yet another decision that would've cost the teams extra revenue...in the off-season. Make no mistake, the "rookie race" is to give rookies a chance, yes, but above all else, it is about making more money...that too in the off-season. Either way, a 10-car race seems just very odd!

The break also means that Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah have brought upgrades to the Inside Line F1 Podcast. We're trialing them in audio-video from this episode onward; your feedback will be helpful. YOU, our dear listener & viewer, are our best sensor! 😉

Tune in as we bid farewell to Daniel Ricciardo and the others, discuss Alpine-Mercedes, and how we will remember Renault's contribution to Formula 1, and yes, including why there's an odd "autumn break" in the 2024 Formula 1 calendar.

(Season 2024, Episode 50)

Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah

Image courtesy: Getty Images via Google

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