In this episode of the Downshift podcast, the hosts discuss the recent livery reveals of McLaren and Aston Martin, share insights from the first official testing in Bahrain, and make predictions for the upcoming 2026 season.

They delve into the performance of various teams and drivers, the implications of engine regulations, and the dynamics within teams as they prepare for the Australian GP.

The DownShift team discuss the recent Barcelona shakedown, team preparations for the upcoming Bahrain test days, and the significance of Cadillac's entry into Formula 1.

They also delve into the livery reveals from Cadillac, Mercedes, and Williams.

Share insights on driver signings and predictions for the season.

Highlighting the competitive nature of the grid and the excitement surrounding the new driver lineups, particularly with Audi's entry.

As the team start to place their predictions as which team mate will will out over the other.

With the start of the season fast approaching, the hosts express their anticipation for the upcoming races and the potential for thrilling battles on the track.

As most teams wrap up their first on-track testing for 2026, one thing is crystal clear: reliability is king this season.

The Barcelona Shakedown revealed astonishing stability across most entries— except for Williams, who weren't able to attend Shakedown. Why does this matter? Because with the biggest change to the technical regulations, consistent laps and data matter more than speed — at least for now.

In this episode, we break down what last week’s testing means for the season ahead. Ferrari’s impressive pace, Aston Martin’s innovative aerodynamics and Mercedes and Red Bull engine innovation for performance gains.

Teams are embracing cutting-edge manufacturing—3D printing engine parts and iterating design faster than ever.

The season’s real story isn’t just about outright speed but about pushing boundaries and solving complex engineering puzzles to give teams the edge while ensuring reliability.

Whether you're a hardcore enthusiast or new to the sport, this episode starts to break down F1’s most revolutionary season yet as we approach Bahrain testing and beyond.

In this episode, the DownShift Team discuss the recent livery reveals from the last week from Toyota Gazoo Racing Haas, Audi, Mercedes, Ferrari, Alpine and McLaren.

Exploring the designs, reactions, and implications of these liveries as teams prepare for the upcoming season.

The episode closes with a recap of the first day of private shakedown testing, performance insights, and the excitement surrounding the new regulations for 2026.

Welcome back to The DownShift!

As we gear up for an exhilarating 2026 Formula One season, join us as we delve into the latest developments, team changes, and livery reveals that are sure to shape the year ahead.

With fresh faces on the grid and exciting innovations in the pipeline, this season promises to be one for the books.

The F1 buzz is back with the 2026 season kicking off! In our latest episode, we discuss the Red Bull livery reveal and the excitement surrounding it.

What’s your prediction for this season?

We want to hear from you!

As the lights go out on the 2025 Formula One season, the hosts of The Downshift podcast come together to reflect on an exhilarating year of racing, predictions, and camaraderie.

In this final episode of the season, they not only crown their own champion in the Downshift Predictions Battle but also review the standout rookies and look ahead to the 2026 season.

Thank you to all our listeners and viewers, support means a great deal. "It's been a great season," as the podcast began as a casual conversation among friends following the Singapore Grand Prix.

The Inaugural Downshift Predictions Battle crowns our champion.

Looking Ahead to 2026 the team speculate on potential changes, rookies, and the future of teams like Aston Martin.

The thrilling conclusion of the 2025 Formula One season, highlighting the final race in Abu Dhabi where Lando Norris was crowned World Drivers Champion.

Reflecting on the key hihlights and lowlights that brought Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen to the first 3 way drivers battle since 2012 with all three putting in a valiant effort where there can be only one with the win seperated by only 2 points.

With Huppy missing from this episode tune in next week as the team celebrate or commiserate The DownShift Predictions Championship.

The DownShift team preview the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, discussing the track dynamics, overtaking opportunities, and reflecting on the chaotic events of the previous year's race.

They delve into the current championship standings, the implications of driver changes, and the weather conditions expected for the race.

With the unvieling of the Perpetual DownShift Predictions Trophy the conversation culminates in final predictions for the race outcome, highlighting the competitive nature of the championship between Lando Norris, Max Verstappen and, while highly unlikely, Oscar Piastri.

Who will be crowned World Drivers Champion?

The DownShift team review the Qatar Grand Prix that saw Oscar Piastri return to form, almost dominating the entire weekend if it wasn't for a major strategic blunder from McLaren that disabled both drivers as they fight for the World Drivers Championship with only one race to go.

The second last race of the season that leaves Lando Norris with a 12 point lead over Max Verstappen and 14 points over teammate Oscar Piastri.

Leading us into a three-way nail bitter for Abu Dhabi next weekend.

The DownShift team preview the Qatar Grand Prix, with the newly added Cockpit Driver Through discussing the unique challenges of the track, tire strategies mandated by Pirelli, and the implications of weather conditions on race performance.

Analyzing team and driver performances, particularly focusing on McLaren and Red Bull, and delve into the championship standings as they make their predictions for the race outcome.

With Lando Norris now the hunted, the pressure is on with both Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen only 24 points away from challenging the title for World Champion. This is Lando's race to loose.