49: 8 Drivers Who Wouldn't Be Champ Even With Mercedes

Max Verstappen has made a fresh claim on how easy it would be to become a World Champion with Mercedes. 60% of the current grid could win the title if they raced Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes, claimed Verstappen. In this week's episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast (http://bit.ly/ilf1ponkf1b) , we discuss the other 40%! Basically, we guess the list of 'Drivers Who Wouldn't Be World Champion Even In A Mercedes'. Is your favourite driver on the list? 

Also in this episode, Liberty Media are finally following Bernie Ecclestone's talent policy. They're busy scouting a seat for Fernando Alonso. Ferrari are already making noise about their 2020 Formula 1 season while Red Bull Racing are 14 days ahead of schedule. Helmut Marko has targeted 5 wins in 2020 too. But this time he's also added a World Championship to the team's target. When last did a driver be crowned a World Champion after winning only 5 races in the season? Tune in! 

(Season 2019, Episode 49)

Here's what's in store for you in this episode:

0:00-3:00: You can actually celebrate a Formula 1-themed Valentine's Day in 2020

3:00-6:00: Ferrari's 2020 car to have more drag, more downforce, more top-speed and hence, attract more controversies too? Did Sebastian Vettel get influenced by the vegan documentary (The Game Changers) on Netflix?

6:00-9:00: Liberty Media finally following Bernie Ecclestone's footsteps to have the best talent racing in Formula 1. They're scouting for a seat for Fernando Alonso

9:00-12:00: Will Red Bull Racing bring their Bahrain-spec car to the 2020 Australian Grand Prix? Helmut Marko's targets for Red Bull Racing in 2020 - 5 wins & a World Championship! When last did a driver win 5 races and go on to win the World Championship? Any guesses?

12:00-15:00: Max Verstappen's claim - 60% of the grid can be World Champion in Mercedes. We name 8 drivers (the balance 40%) who would be on the 'Drivers Who Couldn't Be World Champion In Mercedes'

15:00-18:00: We reveal Formula 1's plans to keep us engaged and hooked onto the sport till the start of the 2020 Formula 1 season.

18:00-end: What Chase Carey Said This Week - it was mostly about Formula E being a street party and not a threat to Formula 1. You think so, too?

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Image courtesy: Formula 1