The 2021 Formula 1 season got off to a blockbuster start with the opening round in Bahrain. It delivered to the pre-season hype - a Red Bull-Verstappen vs. Mercedes-Hamilton battle. Yes, Hamilton won - but had to fight for it every inch of the way. From what we saw, we expect this to be the rivalry that will headline through the season. 
However, the post-race focus shifted from the battle of the two generations to the FIA's inconsistent policing of track limits at Turn 4 - the very spot where Verstappen overtook Hamilton only to be forced to relinquish it later. We explain this controversy, of course. 
The 2021 Bahrain Grand Prix also delivered at least one positive story for every Formula 1 team. Now that's rare for an opening race - but that's exactly what Soumil and Kunal discuss in this week's Pits to Podium segment of the Inside Line F1 Podcast. 
Fernando Alonso's Alonso-esque performance, Sebastian Vettel's continued embarrassment, Charles Leclerc's superlative drives, Nikita Mazespin, Lando Norris' lonely race to P4 and the crucial overtake of Daniel Ricciardo on the opening lap, Sergio Perez converting his bad luck and qualifying misery into sublime race form, Yuki Tsunoda's points on debut and more. Tune in! 
(Season 2021, Episode 19)
Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah
Music courtesy: Lucien Byfieldt
Image courtesy: Mercedes 

Blockbuster & Controversy Headline For F1: 2021 Bahrain Grand Prix

Hosted by FIA-accredited print-TV journalists and popular Motorsport commentators, the Inside Line F1 Podcast is a weekly show that offers an alternative view on the sport, business and politics of Formula 1.
You probably know us from our famous Helmut Marko interview!

We are hosting an Inside Line Pitstop with Kush Maini in Bengaluru (Koramangala) on 7th January (Sunday) and everyone is invited. Limited tickets available on Paytm Insider.

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On our channel, along with lots of Formula 1 banter, you will find race reviews, previews, interviews and features through the Formula 1 season...and in the summer/winter breaks.
Our show hosts: Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru, Mithila Mehta &amp; Kunal Shah.
Formula 1 drivers on our show: Mika Hakkinen, Nico Rosberg, Charles Leclerc, David Coulthard, Karun Chandhok, Romain Grosjean, Valtteri Bottas, Lando Norris among others.
Broadcasters on the Inside Line F1 Podcast: Peter Windsor, Steve Slater, Ben Edwards, Bob Varsha, Atle Gulbrandsen, Matthew Marsh among others. 
We are an independent Formula 1 podcast available everywhere on the Internet - search 'Inside Line F1 Podcast' on your favourite audio streaming app. 
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Hosts: Soumil Arora, Mithila Mehta &amp; Kunal Shah
Stats: Sundaram Ramaswami (aka @f1statsguru)
Data: Nithyanand Ram
Music courtesy: Lucien Byfieldt
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5 years and 105 races later, the Chinese Grand Prix is back to host Formula 1. The BIGGEST talking point of the weekend will be the Sprint format - and the sole 60 mins-long practice session for the team-drivers to dial their setup in. 
A lot has changed in Formula 1 since the sport last raced in China. For starters, Mercedes aren't dominating, Max Verstappen is now a World Champion along with Red Bull Racing, Fernando Alonso is back...and Ferrari, well, they're still Ferrari - happy to be in the / lead the chasing pack instead of being chased themselves.
Tyres will be another key talking point at the Shanghai International Circuit. The last time Formula 1 raced in China, it wasn't just the tyres that were different, but the wheel rims, too. Yes, Formula 1 raced the 13" rims back then (and currently use the 18" ones).
The SIC is expected to be front-limited and heavy on tyre wear - will that bring Ferrari closer to Red Bull Racing? If the conditions are cooler, it will aid Mercedes and McLaren. A lot of stats and facts are packed in this episode, happy listening!
Tune in!
(Season 2024, Episode 16)

Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah
Image courtesy: Red Bull Content Pool
 

Hi, Shang-hai - 2024 Chinese GP Preview

Is Ferrari really on the mend? They only scored a 3-4 finish in the 2024 Japanese Grand Prix BUT that finish came at the back of very good tyre degradation...and race strategy. 
Now whether you've been following Formula 1 recently or for the past many years, you would know that these are two factors that have usually held Ferrari back on the Sundays. Helmets off to Frederic Vasseur and all of Ferrari for having turned these variables around in their favour.
You know what made Ferrari's race strategy and tyre degradation even more impressive? The track was at its hottest on Sunday - and that impacts tyre wear and usage directly.
Elsewhere, Max Verstappen won his 57th race in Formula 1; after scoring his 36th career pole on Saturday. Verstappen has been unbeaten in Qualifying in the first 4 races of the season. Is this a new streak building up?
Sergio Perez is doing what's expected of him, but how has he turned things around? Who has picked up the pieces in the top-10 each time they were available? Also, why did Lewis Hamilton ask to swap position with George Russell? Why was McLaren unable to challenge Ferrari at Suzuka. 
Lots of race discussions...insights, stats and banter with Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah in this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast.
Tune in!
(Season 2024, Episode 15)

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

Ferrari Aces Strategy, Really!? 2024 Japanese GP Review

Former Williams and Ferrari team member and renowned Formula 1 broadcaster, Peter Windsor joins as a guest on the Inside Line F1 Podcast to preview the 2024 Japanese Grand Prix.
He is hosted by the show regulars, Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah.

We are hosting an Inside Line F1 Pitstop at Khar SOCIAL in Mumbai for the 2024 Japanese Grand Prix. This is your chance to meet-interact with like-minded Formula 1 fans in the city and win merchandise via quizzes and conversations. 
Limited early-bird tickets available on Paytm Insider. 
The event will be hosted by Soumil Arora and @f1statsguru (aka Sundaram).

In this episoide, the trio discuss a variety of topics -

the legendary Suzuka Circuit, the earnest and passionate Japanese fans
the importance of Adrian Newey at Red Bull Racing over Max Verstappen
Ferrari's puzzling choice of Lewis Hamilton over Carlos Sainz
Daniel Ricciardo's struggles against Yuki Tsunoda and since leaving Red Bull Racing and much more.

This episode is packed with banter, references from history (given Peter's illustrious experiences), insights and facts. 
Tune in!
(Season 2024, Episode 14)

Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah
Image courtesy: Mercedes

Peter Windsor on Suzuka, Red Bull-Newey-Verstappen, Ferrari-Hamilton & Lots More

Fernando Alonso brake-testing George Russell OR was he fair?
Williams Racing issuing a brutal team order - Alexander Albon replacing Logan Sargeant for the 2024 Australian Grand Prix.
Mercedes' double DNF, Red Bull Racing - could they have won with Max Verstappen or was Ferrari genuinely quick to get pole, which they failed, and win the race by scoring a 1-2. In fact, why was Charles Leclerc comprehensively beaten by Carlos Sainz?
Haas' double score, Yuki Tsunoda's points, Daniel Ricciardo's struggles and Sauber's slow stops - a lot of stories from this weekend's 2024 Australian Grand Prix. 
Are you also convinced that Sainz's win wasn't the biggest story? For us, it wasn't because Max Verstappen retired and we'd have loved to see if the win was on merit. Sometimes, Formula 1 celebrates a non-Red Bull Racing win...just because.
Tune in!
(Season 2024, Episode 13)

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

Carlos Sainz winning is NOT the biggest story! 2024 Australian GP Review

Courtesy of the Doohans, Australia's Motorsport royalty, Formula 1 fans will be treated to Formula 1 + MotoGP demo runs through the weekend of the 2024 Australian Grand Prix.
Jack Doohan will drive the Benetton Formula 1 car from 2000 to commemorate his father Mick's successes in MotoGP. Mick (Doohan) will be on a production Honda MotoGP bike (2016).
Also, the 2024 Australian Grand Prix marks the start of Inside Line Club's race screening events in India. Soumil and @f1statsguru will host an event in Mumbai (Khar) while other cities of India will have race screenings. Yes, breakfast tastes best  when served with Formula 1 action!
(Tickets out soon on Paytm Insider; check out our social media handles)
At this weekend's 2024 Australian Grand Prix, will the chaos from last year continue? We had three SCs and three Red Flag periods while eight drivers retired. As Soumil mentioned it, this is the only "park" Formula 1 goes racing at.
Could Max Verstappen equal his race winning streak of 10 races? Is it really that easy for him and Red Bull Racing? Also, will this two week break have helped Red Bull Racing negotiate truce between all the warring factions? OR will Jos Verstappen's possible return to the Formula 1 paddock (he skipped Saudi Arabia, remember?) cause more news and controversy for the reigning World Champion team?
In Bahrain, it was Christian Horner under attack. In Saudi Arabia, it was Helmut Marko. Who's turn might it be in Australia? On-track, Aston Martin, McLaren and Mercedes have to chase Ferrari first - before they set their sights on Red Bull Racing. Will Carlos Sainz return OR will Oliver Bearman get a second shot for Ferrari? 
The narrative has expanded to - who will finish P3 in the race AND who will be the non-top-5 team driver to break into Q3? Lots of facts and stats packed into this preview episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast with Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah.
Tune in!
(Season 2024, Episode 12)

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

Blockbuster & Controversy Headline For F1: 2021 Bahrain Grand Prix

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