Cut To The Race: FormulaNerds F1 Podcast

F1’s inaugural Sprint Saturday calls for an impromptu Cut to the Race podcast. In the special episode, host Oli is joined by the usual trio of Sam, Abby and James M as they discuss the first foray into the new weekend format, which F1 will trial six times during the 2023 season.

The panel ask each other – and answer – questions like, did it work, is it a gimmick, and what changes need to be made?

In between that, all the action from Saturday in Azerbaijan is discussed and dissected. But don’t worry, the quad will be back soon to discuss the rest of the weekend in Baku.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on News from the Nerds, host James M is back like Baku. He’s joined by Abby and Sam as they run through all the major talking points before a weekend in Azerbaijan for F1 and F2, and a maiden round for F1 Academy at the Red Bull Ring.

A toast to Tost at AlphaTauri:

News broke this week about changes within personnel at AlphaTauri, putting the rumours of the team being sold to rest. Franz Tost is stepping down at the conclusion of 2023, after being at the helm since the team was taken over from Minardi in 2005. In his place will be Ferrari Sporting Director, Laurent Mekies. Good appointment? The trio break down the changes and what it means for the team.

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/breaking-alphatauri-bring-in-new-team-principal-and-ceo/

Sprint Saturday is confirmed:

Sprint Saturday is signed, sealed and to be delivered at the six designated weekends across the rest of the 2023 season. As well as the new format there are some rules changes from the FIA regarding the Sprint Saturday format. But what do the panel make of the new format and Sprint Saturday concept?

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/f1-approves-new-sprint-weekend-format-for-baku/

FIA is back on the defensive:

The FIA has come under fire again after allegations of sexism and bullying were made against President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. The trio talk about the trouble the FIA has faced this season, the statement the governing body released and their thoughts on the topic.

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/fia-release-statement-on-ben-sulayem-sexism-row/

Ferrari in transition:

Laurent Mekies is leaving the team, meaning the role of Sporting Director is available, but rumours suggest Charles Leclerc could be looking at a move to Mercedes. The panel discuss the likelihood of Leclerc joining Russell and Mercedes and what it could mean.

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/charles-leclerc-engaging-in-open-secret-talks-with-mercedes/

F1 Academy hits the track:

This weekend is the first round of the 2023 F1 Academy season in Spielberg Austria. The panel talk about the series, their hopes for it and the excitement surrounding the all-new female feeder series.

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/f1-academy-reveals-key-details-for-all-women-series/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this week’s Cut to the Race podcast, Oli is joined by Abby and Sam for a chat about the season so far after the first three races and another round of the FormulaNerds quiz.

The trio discuss the big talking point of the season, which is Red Bull’s dominance. With a Red Bull win on every race so far, the panel talk about their thoughts on the team’s dominance and how long it’ll last as well as whether Sergio Perez will remain with the team.

The panel also discuss the likes of Aston Martin and whether their strong start to the season will last. Mercedes are trailing behind Aston Martin and the trio dissect whether the W14 is as bad as the team have said or if their true potential is hidden.

With Ferrari underperforming, the panel talk about the Scuderia’s performance and whether or not they can turn it around this year to try and score a podium. As well as the top teams, the trio focus on the new rookies to F1 and how their first few races have gone.

Keep listening for the trio’s hot-takes about the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix and see whether you agree with their picks.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on News from the Nerds, host James takes a well-deserved break. Sam deputises in his place with Abby and Cut to the Race host Oli joining him.

We’re into week three of the F1 spring break and whilst news is slightly slower than usual, the panel wouldn’t have you believe that. Up for discussion this week is:

Ferrari’s protest dismissed and ‘stick by us’ says Carlos Sainz

The verdict is in on the Australian Grand Prix penalty appeal, and it’s not good news for Ferrari. The panel take a look and discuss whether the FIA were right in their decision.

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/breaking-news-the-fia-deny-ferraris-australian-grand-prix-protest/

To make matters worse at Maranello, the Italian team have come under intense scrutiny for their less than impressive start to the season. Carlos Sainz has hit back at some of the criticism, but is that the right approach?

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/f1latestnews/sainz-were-the-ones-who-arent-happy-as-he-calls-on-the-tifosi-to-stick-by-them/

Audi continue to make strides into F1

The German manufacturer is set to join the F1 grid in 2026. In the meantime, they’ve been working behind the scenes to get everything in place. It’s a project that will be close to four years old by the time it hits the track, so how do the panel reckon they’re do come 2026?

https://t.co/OUSkKcoCOm

Hamilton dismisses rumours

Will he, won’t he? The Lewis Hamilton retirement rumours have been around since the end of the 2021 season, but now they have to coexist with suggestions that he won’t end his career with Mercedes. Is there anything to those whispers? Not according to the man himself, but are the panel buying what he’s selling?

https://t.co/kztrTuHtw6

Historic tracks to leave the calendar?

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has said that historic tracks don’t have a guaranteed place on the F1 calendar. Bold words, but evidently from a place of commercial interest. Is that negatively impacting F1, and should certain venues have a protected status?

In a year which could see Spa fall from the calendar, what does our trio think about the direction F1 is headed in?

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/domenicali-historic-f1-tracks-dont-have-guaranteed-future/

Domination ruining the ‘spectacle’?

Finally, and sticking with Domenicali, much has been made of Red Bull’s dominant start to the 2023 season. Is it a natural by-product of the sport or is domination getting worse? Some are fans of it, some hate it, but whatever your view, the panel break down a nuanced and multi-faceted debate.

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/is-f1-worried-by-red-bull-domination/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

[Classic Episode Originally Aired May 2022]

In this exciting episode, Oli & Sam sit down with renowned F1 Race Strategist, Mike Caulfield, to gain insights into the intense world of Formula 1 race strategy. Mike shares his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a key player in some of the most memorable races in F1 history.

Join us as we delve into the intricacies of F1 race strategy and discover the many challenges that come with the role of a strategist. Mike shares his personal experiences and provides valuable tips and tricks on how to make the right decisions when it comes to tyre management, pit stops, and more.

We also explore the importance of teamwork and communication in achieving success in F1 racing, as Mike gives us an inside look at the collaboration between drivers, engineers, and strategists during a race.

Whether you're a die-hard F1 fan or simply curious about what goes on behind the scenes of this thrilling motorsport, this episode is a must-listen. So sit back, relax, and join us for a fascinating conversation with one of the most respected figures in the world of Formula 1 racing. Don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review to help us spread the word!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on News from the Nerds, host James M is joined by his regular panellists, Abby and Sam. Now into the second week of F1’s impromptu early season sabbatical, the trio get stuck into the F1 news cycle (which never takes a break). Up for discussion this week is:

Silverstone under fire again

Having already dealt with negative PR over the cost for fans to attend the 2023 British Grand Prix, it has been confirmed that to guarantee entry to the all-new Thursday launch party, it will set you back £129. Is this approach fair, is it necessary, and should F1 be focusing a little less on the commercialisation of the sport?

https://twitter.com/Formula_Nerds/status/1645746931610664961?s=20

Substance over show

Guenther Steiner has come out in defence of Red Bull’s current domination of the sport, arguing that F1 shouldn’t look to minimise their superiority over the chasing pack. Meanwhile, fellow team principals Toto Wolff and Christian Horner have had their sights set on the upcoming sprint race in Baku…

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/steiner-prefers-red-bull-dominance-over-a-good-show/

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/hamilton-is-excited-for-baku-sprint-whilst-wolff-remains-conservative/

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/f1-teams-agreed-to-standalone-sprint/

Calendar changes – is less more?

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has again openly flirted with the idea of extending the length of the F1 season. Already set for 24 races in ’24, might be manage to push that to 25? With Spa likely to drop off and South Africa and China rumoured to return, the sport might also be graced with a long-awaited debut race…

But what other calendar changes might be in store for 2024?

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/f1-planning-a-massive-overhaul-of-its-calendar-reports-say/

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/chinese-grand-prix-ready-to-return-in-2024/

F1 Academy hit the track

The all-woman racing series debuts at the end of April. This week, the five teams have made their way to Barcelona for a closed test. With the stopwatch less of an immediate concern, will the fifteen drivers manage to clock up some serious milage in their new cars?

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/f1-academy-confirms-final-driver-completing-its-2023-line-up/

https://twitter.com/f1academy/status/1628681427251339265?s=20

Ricciardo opens up

The past couple of seasons having been easy for everyone’s favourite easy-going Aussie. But now back in familiar surroundings at Red Bull, the former Renault and McLaren driver has opened up about his stint with the latter team. A year out of the spotlight might be exactly what Ricciardo needs. Will we see him again on the F1 front lines?

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/ricciardo-on-his-mental-health-since-leaving-mclaren/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

WE HAVE BEEN SHORTLISTED FOR BEST MOTORSPORTS PODCAST AT THE SPORTS PODCAST AWARDS 2023 - VOTE @ https://www.sportspodcastgroup.com/sports_category/best-motorsports-podcast/

This week, James M, Sam, Abby and James P Cover:

MASSA AND CRASHGATE

With the news that Felipe Massa is investigating legal action regarding the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, the panel discuss the revelations surrounding when the FIA become aware, the potential implications for the sport and the precedent it could set.

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/felipe-massa-considering-legal-action-over-crashgate/

TYRES / WHEELS IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Drivers criticised the Pirelli tyres in Australia, with Alex Albon and Lando Norris calling out issues. With wheel rim injuring a fan after penetrating the catch fencing, the trio analyse the comments and have their say on what Pirelli can do next.

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/albon-disappointed-after-race-stopping-f1-australian-gp-crash-reason-being-revealed/

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/norris-calls-out-terrible-pirelli-tyres-for-red-flag-chaos-in-melbourne/

FERRARI STILL POSITIVE

Despite Ferrari's challenging start to 2023, new Team Principal Fred Vasseur has been highlighting positives to the media. The panel debate where Ferrari truly is in the pecking order and what could come from the Scuderia as the season progresses:

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/vasseur-stewards-should-have-taken-more-time-deciding-sainzs-penalty/

QUALY CHANGES FOR BAKU...

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix will see a new sprint weekend format trialled. We discuss the impact of sprints on the spectacle and our ideal solution as F1 continues experimenting with new formats.

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/new-f1-weekend-format-could-be-tested-in-baku/

NEWS OF NEW TEAM 'BUILDING

As Audi continues its 2026 preparations the panel analyses its latest recruits, whilst also giving its verdict on Hitech's ambitions to join the F1 grid, and Carlin's very unique F1 movie project

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

WE HAVE BEEN SHORTLISTED FOR BEST MOTORSPORTS PODCAST AT THE SPORTS PODCAST AWARDS 2023 - VOTE @ https://www.sportspodcastgroup.com/sports_category/best-motorsports-podcast/

On this week’s Cut to the Race, Oli is joined by the full panel of Abby, James M and Sam as they review the rather chaotic Australian Grand Prix and complete another FormulaNerds quiz.

Round three of the season saw the F1 drivers take to the circuit at Albert Park for the Australian Grand Prix, which saw Max Verstappen once again take pole position.

The panel dissect the opening the laps, which saw Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc suffer an early retirement. Next came Alex Albon’s retirement and the first red flag, which the panel discuss as a lot of controversy and confusion arose from the incident.

The quartet touch on the progress of the race including George Russell’s DNF up to the next red flag brought out Kevin Magnussen’s crash.

From there chaos ensued and the panel try to make sense of it all, talking about Sainz’s penalty, Alpine’s double DNF, the crash between Sargeant and de Vries and the rules surrounding a red flag.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

WE HAVE BEEN SHORTLISTED FOR BEST MOTORSPORTS PODCAST AT THE SPORTS PODCAST AWARDS 2023 - VOTE @ https://www.sportspodcastgroup.com/sports_category/best-motorsports-podcast/

This week on News from the Nerds James, Oli and Sam discuss the latest news circling the world of Formula 1:

WHO KNEW FREE PRACTICE WAS SO POPULAR?

Stefano Domenicali, F1 CEO since 2021, has already overseen the introduction of sprint races. Now he's taking aim at teams' ability to prepare during the F1 weekend. Stefano Domenicali has now caused a stir over the weekend by suggesting he’s looking to get rid of free practice. But what did he actually say?

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/is-domenicali-going-to-scrap-f1-free-practice-sessions/

A MASSIVE WEEKEND FOR MCLAREN

McLaren F1 has announced that they’ll be switching their organisational structure to split up the Technical Director role. McLaren’s former Technical Director, James Key, has left the team. Replacing him is Peter Prodromou, whose title will be Technical Director – Aerodynamics, David Sanchez as Technical Director – Car Concept and Performance, and Neil Houldey as Technical Director – Engineering and Design.

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/breaking-mclaren-announces-key-organisational-changes/

A NEW TEAM TO F1 INCOMING?

An equal gender racing team led by former BAR team boss Craig Pollock has revealed plans to join the Formula 1 grid in 2026. The project, named Formula Equal, is planning to split its workforce at 50% between men and women and be based in the Middle East.

https://readmotorsport.com/2023/03/29/ex-bar-boss-pollock-reveals-equal-gender-f1-team-project-for-2026-entry/

WILL AUDI'S F1 TEAM CHALLENGE FOR THE FRONT?

Audi continues to assert itself as a team to be reckoned with as Audi Formula Racing CEO Adam Baker sheds light on the manufacturer’s F1 ambitions.

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/audi-realistic-goal-to-fight-at-front-of-f1-grid/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on News from the Nerds, the host with the most, James M, is back in action after missing the race review for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

Joined by Abby and Sam, the panel dissect the fallout from that race and discuss the rest of the news circling the world of Formula 1. On the docket is:

Unhappiness at the front?

F1’s big three each have their own issues to solve. Ferrari were off the pace in Jeddah, but how, why, and what can they do to arrest their slide? Red Bull reigned dominant again to no surprise, but it isn’t all sunshine in paradise; a storm is brewing. Mercedes continues to be off their A game, but is their B game as bad as they say and what will the coming months offer as they look to regain what once was theirs?

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/vasseur-demands-changes-at-ferrari/

https://www.formulanerds.com/features/can-sergio-perez-emulate-nico-rosbergs-2016-season-in-2023/

An open door for Aston Martin?

So focused on Red Bull ahead, Mercedes and Ferrari appear to have let Aston Martin in through the back door. After his will he-won’t he podium finish, Fernando Alonso has staked his teams’ claim as the second quickest in F1. The two-time champ has also fought back at Red Bull and Mercedes for taking credit for Aston Martin’s success.

https://www.planetf1.com/news/fernando-alonso-red-bull-mercedes-amr23/

Tender open for tyre supplier

The sole rubber supplier to F1 since 2011, Pirelli are up for re-election, if they chose to run. The official tender period has opened to decide the new tyre supplier of F1 from 2025 to potentially 2028. Do Pirelli deserve a new contract, have they done enough? And who else might be in with a shout?

https://twitter.com/Formula_Nerds/status/1637921974348390403?s=20

Alpine call for changes

After ex-driver Fernando Alonso was penalised for the same grid box infringement current driver Esteban Ocon was found guilty of in Bahrain, Alpine have called for a re-think of the rules that given start line procedure. Do they have a point, or is their view a little left field?

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/alpine-calls-for-rethink-over-f1-grid-box-rules/10446813/

Lineup completed for F1 Academy

The inaugural F1 Academy season is a matter of weeks away and the grid is now complete. Former W-Series racer Marta Garcia is joining support paddock titans PREMA. With all 15 seats now filled, we look forward to the maiden voyage in Austria.

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/f1-academy-confirms-final-driver-completing-its-2023-line-up/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices