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Clark Rodgers
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  1. 6D AGO

    F1Weekly Podcast # 1132

    …ON TODAYS PROGRAM… TRUMP SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER DESIGNATING INDY CAR RACE THRU THE STREETS OF WASHINGTON DC! CELEBRATING THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE USA!! WITH BARCELONA TESTING BEHIND US…WHO IS AHEAD? MERCEDES and FORD! FERNANDO SAYS…WE LEARN SOMETHING FROM ADRIAN NEWEY EVERYDAY! THIS WEEK’S NASIR HAMEED CORNER…MORE VINTAGE BANTER BETWEEN THE HOST AND NASIR…THIS WEEKS SPECIAL GUEST: JOHN WATSON!!! John Watson’s Formula 1 debut at 1973 British Grand Prix Watson’s first F1 car was a March-Cosworth 721 which he drove on the non-championship Victory Race at Brands Hatch. A year after, he was ready to move up to F1, making his debut in the British GP where he drove a Brabham BT37, and after that competed in the US Grand Prix with Brabham BT42. He retired in both races. In 1974, he drove for Goldie Hexagon Racing team with a Brabham BT42 and BT44, scoring his first world championship point with a sixth place at Monaco. He scored a total of six points that season. He failed to score points in the following year when he drove for Team Surtees before switching to the American Penske squad. First Formula 1 victory with Penske at Austrian Grand Prix He secured his first podium with the third place at the 1976 French Grand Prix. Later that season came his first victory, driving for Penske in the Austrian Grand Prix. After the race, he shaved off his beard, the result of a bet with the team owner Roger Penske. In 1977 and 1978, Watson raced with Brabham-Alfa Romeo machinery, in the first year for Martini Racing and in the second for Parmalat Racing Team. In 1977, problems with the car, accidents and a disqualification resulted with Watson racing the full distance in only five of the 17 races. In 1978, he reached three podiums and notched up 25 points to earn sixth place in the championship. In McLaren Team since 1979 For the season of 1979, Watson moved to Marlboro McLaren Team. The next two seasons were without any victories, and finally in 1981, at British Grand Prix at Silverstone, Watson secured his second F1 win. It was a maiden victory for the trend-setting carbon fibre composite monocoque McLaren MP4 car, designed by John Barnard, and managed by the team’s new boss, Ron Dennis. New monococque saved his life. Later in the season, the strength of the carbon fibre monocoque was demonstrated when John had a fiery crash at Monza during the Italian Grand Prix. He started seventh on the grid and raced for 19 laps. Watson lost control of the car, coming out of the high speed Lesmo bends and crashed backwards into the barriers. The car was halved but Watson walked away unhurt. Similar accidents had previously proven fatal, but Watson was uninjured, and that lucky break proved the strength of the new carbon fiber construction. Third place in the 1982 F1 championship His most successful year was 1982, when he finished third in the drivers’ championship, winning two Grands Prix (Zolder and Detroit). Most impressive was his victory at the first ever Detroit Grand, on a tight and twisty track that was difficult to pass through. Watson worked his way from the 17th starting position on the grid and charged through the field scoring a victory. Master-class victory at Long Beach Watson made a similar master-class victory the following year at the final Formula One race in Long Beach (USA). On the street circuit, he started from 22nd on the grid and succeeded to win the race. Watson’s final victory also included a fight for the position with his teammate Niki Lauda, who had started the race at the 23rd spot, but Watson ultimately finished 27 seconds ahead of his famous teammate. ASTON MARTIN ARAMCO COMPLETE BARCELONA SHAKEDOWN    Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Spain, 30 January 2026: The Aston Martin Aramco Formula One™ Team continued its Shakedown programme at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya today, with Fernando Alonso getting behind the wheel of the AMR26 for the first time. Fernando headed out on track at approximately 09:30 and completed running across both the morning and afternoon sessions, with the team focused on mileage accumulation and initial reliability checks. He completed a total of 61 laps across the day. Across the two days of running in Barcelona, both Fernando and Lance Stroll have now driven the AMR26, allowing the team to build an early baseline understanding of the car. The team now concludes its Shakedown programme and looks ahead to the season launch and livery reveal on 9 February, followed by pre-season testing in Bahrain in a couple of weeks, before final preparations begin for the opening round of the 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship in Melbourne on 6-8 March. Fernando Alonso: “It’s always a special moment driving a new car for the first time, especially at the start of a new regulation cycle. Over the years I’ve experienced many changes in Formula One, and you quickly get a sense of the direction the car is taking. We completed a solid programme with strong mileage, which is the main priority at this stage. It’s still very early days and we have a lot of work still to do before we head to Melbourne in March.” Lance Stroll: “It was a huge effort across the team to get the car ready, so I really appreciate all the hard work that went into getting us on track. My running was limited, but it was good to get behind the wheel for the first time and start to get a feel for the car. I look forward to getting to Bahrain and driving the car again.” Mike Krack, Chief Trackside Officer, Aston Martin Aramco Formula One™ Team: “Getting a new car on track for the first time is always an important step. Bringing the AMR26 to life here in Barcelona has taken a big effort, both back at the AMR Technology Campus and from the team working trackside. I want to thank everyone across the team for the work that’s gone into getting us to this point. Having both drivers in the car and providing valuable feedback and data is an important part of our pre-season preparations. It’s also been helpful as we continue building our working relationships with new works partners, including Honda. We’ll now take what we’ve learned and keep developing the AMR26 ahead of Bahrain testing.” Presidential Announcement of Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C. INDIANAPOLIS (Friday, Jan. 30, 2026) – An executive order signed today by President Donald J. Trump directed the White House Task Force on Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday to designate a race route through Washington, D.C. and the National Mall for the purposes of conducting an NTT INDYCAR SERIES race on August 21-23, 2026. The event will recognize the historic milestone of America’s independence in addition to celebrating the unparalleled tradition and legacy of America’s motorsports industry. “INDYCAR racing is a source of pride and entertainment for our Nation, which is why I am pleased to announce the Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C.” said President Trump via the executive order. “This race, the first motor race ever to be held in our Nation’s capital near the National Mall, will showcase the majesty of our great city as drivers navigate a track around our iconic national monuments in celebration of America’s 250th birthday.” The full executive order can be viewed here: Executive Orders – The White House. The event will be administered by INDYCAR in coordination with the taskforce, U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Department of the Interior, and Washington, D.C.’s Executive Office of the Mayor. “For over one hundred years, American INDYCAR racing has set the pace for motorsports,” President Trump continued. “With speeds topping over 200 miles per hour, the cars and drivers inspire awe and respect in all who watch this quintessentially American sport.” For more than a century, INDYCAR has hosted the iconic Indianapolis 500 Mile Race on the Sunday before Memorial Day, annually the world’s largest single-day spectator sporting event. “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” serves as a singular and powerful tribute to the United States Armed Forces, with a crowd of more than 350,000 people gathering to show respect and gratitude for the service and sacrifice of our military heroes. Legends of INDYCAR span multiple generations from racing greats like Mario Andretti and A.J. Foyt to the stars of today like four-time SERIES champion Alex Palou and two-time Indy 500 winner Josef Newgarden. “President Trump has bestowed an incredible distinction upon our sport, and we’re grateful for his trust and support as INDYCAR prepares to honor our country with a tremendous racing spectacle,” said Roger Penske. “This will be a truly memorable event that celebrates our country’s independence and the legacy of patriotism, innovation, and excellence that powers motorsports across America.” “Freedom doesn’t ring, it revs! INDYCAR is about competition and pushing limits — the same things that have always defined America,” said United States Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy. “There’s no better place to celebrate our 250th anniversary than bringing that energy to the nation’s capital and showcasing Washington, D.C. to the world.” "The Department of the Interior is proud to help bring the historic Freedom 250 Grand Prix to Washington, D.C. to showcase our treasured public spaces through a monumental event that captures the America spirit in the heart of our nation's capital," said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. "Like the sport of racing itself, this administration, under President Donald J. Trump, is moving at record speed to make life better for all Americans and ensure that the United States marks its 250th birthday with the celebration that it deserves. Start your engines, America!" “Soon-to-be the home of every major sports franchise, Washington, D.C. is the undisputed Sports Capital,” said Mayor Muriel

    1h 30m

  2. JAN 26

    F1Weekly Podcast # 1131

    A NUMBER OF TEAMS NOT SHOWING UP FOR DAY ONE OF TESTING! WILLIAMS TO MISS THE FIRST TEST ENTIRELY! MCLAREN WIN A $12 MILLION DOLLAR JUDGEMENT AGAINST ALEX PALOU FOR BREACH OF CONTRACT. SOME TEAMS STILL NOT HAPPY WITH ENGINE LOOP HOLE AND THE FIA’S ANSWER TO THE PROBLEM! DIFFUSER ARE BACK IN THE LIME LIGHT… AND…FERNANDO SEEN GIGGLING AND ANXIOUS TO GET HIS HANDS ON THE ASTON MARTIN! THIS WEEK’S NASIR HAMEED CORNER…MORE VINTAGE BANTER BETWEEN THE HOST AND NASIR…PERFECT FOR MEDITATION WE HAVE EDDIE CHEEVER!! Eddie Cheever Jr. carved out a unique place in Formula 1 history as one of the most tenacious American drivers to compete at motorsport’s highest level. Born in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1958, Cheever spent nine seasons racing in Formula 1 between 1978 and 1989, becoming a familiar face on circuits from Monaco to Silverstone. His career spanned multiple decades and continents, transitioning from European Formula 1 circuits to American IndyCar ovals with remarkable adaptability. Cheever’s journey represents the classic American racing dream made reality through determination, skill, and an unwavering commitment to speed. This comprehensive examination explores Cheever’s complete racing story, from his early Formula 1 breakthrough to his IndyCar triumph at the Indianapolis 500, revealing how one driver successfully navigated two distinctly different racing cultures. Early Life and Racing Genesis Edward McKay Cheever Jr. was born on 10 January 1958 in Phoenix, Arizona, into a family that understood the value of pursuing ambitious goals. His father, Eddie Cheever Sr., recognised his son’s potential early and made the crucial decision to relocate the family to Europe when Eddie was just a teenager. This move proved instrumental in shaping Cheever’s racing destiny. The Cheever family settled in Rome, Italy, where Eddie began his formal motorsport education. This European base provided access to the junior formula series that served as a stepping stone to Formula 1. Unlike many American drivers who remained focused on domestic racing series, Cheever immersed himself completely in European racing culture from the beginning. His early racing experiences in Italy taught him the fundamental skills required for road course racing. The technical precision demanded by European circuits contrasted sharply with the oval racing that dominated American motorsport. Cheever adapted quickly to this environment, developing the car control and racecraft that would serve him throughout his career. Professional Development and Character Cheever’s personality combined American determination with European sophistication. Colleagues remember him as intensely focused yet approachable, possessing the communication skills necessary to work effectively with international teams. His bilingual abilities proved advantageous when working with Italian and French teams later in his Formula 1 career. His physical conditioning reflected the professional standards expected in Formula 1. Standing at medium height with a lean build, Cheever maintained the fitness levels required for the physical demands of racing at circuits like Monaco and Spa-Francorchamps. His consistency in qualifying and race performances demonstrated the mental toughness developed through years of European competition. Theodor Racing and Formula 1 Debut Cheever’s Formula 1 journey began with Theodor Racing in 1978, a Swiss team that provided opportunities for emerging drivers. The team operated with modest resources but maintained professional standards that prepared Cheever for the demands of Grand Prix racing. His debut came at a time when Formula 1 was becoming increasingly competitive and technologically sophisticated. Working with Theodor Racing taught Cheever essential lessons about Formula 1 operations. The team’s limited budget meant every component had to be used efficiently, and drivers were expected to provide detailed technical feedback to help optimise performance. These early experiences developed his engineering communication skills, which have proved valuable throughout his career. The Swiss team environment exposed Cheever to the international nature of Formula 1. Team members came from various European countries, requiring him to navigate different working styles and cultural approaches to racing. This multicultural exposure prepared him for future partnerships with larger, more diverse teams. Osella Partnership and Italian Racing Culture Cheever’s move to Osella in 1979 marked his introduction to Italian racing passion and technical innovation. The Italian team, based in Volpiano near Turin, represented the traditional approach to motorsport that characterised many European constructors. Working with Osella provided insights into Italian engineering philosophy and racing culture. The partnership with Osella lasted multiple seasons, allowing Cheever to develop long-term relationships with team personnel. Italian teams traditionally emphasised driver input in car development, and Cheever’s technical feedback became increasingly valuable as he gained experience with different circuits and racing conditions. Osella’s financial limitations meant Cheever often competed with older chassis and engines, requiring him to maximise performance through driving skill rather than technological advantages. These challenging circumstances developed his ability to extract speed from any available equipment, a skill that served him well throughout his career. Tyrrell Racing and Professional Growth The transition to Tyrrell Racing represented a significant step forward in Cheever’s Formula 1 career. Ken Tyrrell’s team maintained higher professional standards and provided access to more competitive machinery. The partnership offered opportunities to compete regularly for points and occasional podium positions. Tyrrell’s organisation reflected traditional British racing values, emphasising technical excellence and professional conduct. Working with experienced team members taught Cheever advanced car setup techniques and race strategy development. The team’s systematic approach to Grand Prix weekends provided a template for professional racing operations. The British team environment required Cheever to adapt to different communication styles and working methods. Tyrrell’s emphasis on driver development aligned well with Cheever’s commitment to continuous improvement, creating a productive partnership that advanced his Formula 1 career significantly. Renault Factory Team Experience Joining Renault marked the pinnacle of Cheever’s Formula 1 team affiliations. The French manufacturer’s factory team provided access to cutting-edge technology and unlimited resources, representing a dramatic change from his previous partnerships. Renault’s turbo engines offered competitive power levels that enabled regular points scoring and podium contention. The factory team environment exposed Cheever to advanced engineering methods and sophisticated data analysis techniques. Renault’s technical departments employed hundreds of specialists working on aerodynamics, engine development, and electronics systems. This exposure to high-level motorsport technology broadened his understanding of Formula 1’s technical complexity. Working alongside experienced teammates provided valuable learning opportunities. The collaborative environment at Renault encouraged information sharing between drivers, helping Cheever refine his car setup techniques and race strategy approaches. These partnerships demonstrated the importance of teamwork in achieving consistent Formula 1 success.

    1h 35m

  3. JAN 19

    F1Weekly Podcast # 1130

    RED BULL UNVEILS THEIR 2026 LIVERY….BORING NASSER AL ATTIYAH WINS HIS SIXTH DAKAR TITLE BENAVIDAS WINS THE BIKE CLASS BY ONLY 2 SECONDS FORD AND CADILLAC ALREADY EXCHANGING INSULTS AND FERNANDO…SHOWING OFF HIS CAR COLLECTION IN. MONACO! THIS WEEK’S NASIR HAMEED CORNER…MORE VINTAGE BANTER BETWEEN THE HOST AND NASIR…PERFECT FOR RELAXATION!  NEXT WEEK WE HAVE EDDIE CHEEVER!! Benavides Hits Back For Historic 2026 Dakar Rally Title As Al-Attiyah Wins Again! Argentine wins maiden Bike title by just two seconds while Baciuška dominates Stock category for glory. Argentina's Luciano Benavides hit back from a 3m20s deficit at the start of the final Stage 13 to win the 2026 Dakar Rally Bike title in thrilling fashion by just two seconds - the smallest margin in Dakar history - for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing as Lithuanian Rokas Baciuška also claimed a maiden title in the Stock class and Nasser Al-Attiyah held his nerve to wrap up a sixth Ultimate class title. Here is all you need to know: - Benavides looked to have blown his chance on Friday as Honda rival Ricky Brabec overtook him in the overall standings, however the 30-year-old was in no mood to back down and rode superbly on Saturday in the final sprint to the Yanbu finish and pip the American - who made a late navigational error - to glory by just two seconds. - It is the smallest margin of title victory in Dakar history, the Salta native joining his older brother Kevin as Dakar champions on two wheels after his title wins in 2021 and then 2023 for KTM. Making Benavides' victory even more incredible in Saudi Arabia were the knee and shoulder injuries that he sustained just three months ago. - Luciano admitted: "I cannot believe it! I never stopped dreaming. To win by just two seconds is unreal. I woke up today full of motivation and energy, trusting myself to do what I can. That's the key to success at the Dakar. My brother Kevin won by 43 seconds in 2023 and that was the closest finish ever. Now I've won by two seconds. Two seconds after two weeks and over 8,000km is hard to believe." - With Spaniard Tosha Schareina rounding out the podium, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing teammates Daniel Sanders and Edgar Canet also finished after experiencing a rollercoaster two weeks in the desert. Reigning Bike champion Sanders suffered a broken collarbone on Wednesday, but dug deep to end up in fifth just over an hour behind while Spaniard Canet, 20, won three stages including the final one. - Sanders, 31, said: "At the finish I was in so much pain I just wanted to lie down. Then they told me Luciano had won, so I rushed over to congratulate him. That's the Dakar, it's never over until it's over. I'm just happy to make it to the finish line." Canet added: "I'm happy for all the KTM family. We show all the time that we have the fastest bike." - Baciuška already had three overall Dakar podium finishes in his locker - two in the SSV class and one in Challenger - however he went one better with a dominant Stock class performance over the two weeks that saw him bank seven stage victories en route to a 3hr58m victory from Defender Dakar D7X‑R teammate Sara Price with 14-time Dakar champion Stéphane Peterhansel finishing back in fourth. - Baciuška, 26, declared: "It's amazing for Defender to win in their first year. This is my fifth Dakar and I'm bringing home my first win. The team did a big job and missed out on a lot of sleep." - The Ultimate class did not go right down to the wire like many thought heading into the second week as Qatari Al-Attiyah drew on all his rally-raid experience to keep a comfortable cushion in his Dacia Sandrider from the challengers behind to win his sixth Dakar title. The Ford Raptor T1+ of Spaniard Nani Roma was second and his Swedish teammate Mattias Ekström third - just like his 2025 result. - Al-Attiyah, 55, revealed: "From the start we believed we could win this race. We started from zero with this Dacia project and we've developed the car so much. Now we've won the Dakar. Thank you to my co-driver Fabian and thank you to the team. I'm so happy to win the Dakar for the sixth time." - Frenchman Sébastien Loeb was frustrated again in his title quest finishing fourth with Spanish legend Carlos Sainz fifth, Brazilian Lucas Moraes seventh, former two-time Bike champion Toby Price of Australia eighth and young American Seth Quintero also earning a top-10 Ultimate finish in ninth. 2 / 3 - Spaniard Cristina Gutiérrez, American Mitch Guthrie Jr, Spain's Laia Sanz, South African Henk Lategan and Belgian Guillaume De Mévius can also be pleased with their efforts over the gruelling, tricky terrain especially the latter whose French co-driver Mathieu Baumel sported a new prosthetic leg. The Challenger class was packed full of encouraging daily performances from both Argentine Kevin Benavides - who finished seventh on the back of an excellent second week - and local Saudi driver Dania Akeel, who was consistently on the podium to cheer the home fans out supporting her in eighth. - Benavides, 37, said: "It's an historic day for our family and an historic day for the Dakar. I'm so proud of my brother Luciano. It was a tough start to life on four wheels in the first week, but we didn’t give up." Akeel, 37, added: "We made it to the finish line, which is the most important thing you can do at the Dakar. I had one too many punctures on Stage 3 and that put me back." - Finally in the SSV class, Swedish debutant Johan Kristoffersson can be proud of his first Dakar tilt after he overcame going upside down in the opening Prologue to bounce back for stage podium finishes and an eighthplace finish while three-time Dakar champion Francisco 'Chaleco' López won one stage in ending sixth overall. - Kristoffersson, 37, said: "It's been two very eventful weeks. It started off really tough and from there we got up to a better road position. Then it started getting really enjoyable."

    1h 1m

  4. JAN 11

    F1Weekly Podcast # 1129

    AUDI FIRST TO TEST THEIR 2026 CAR IN BARCELONA! ANOTHER MEETING SCHEDULED OVER THE ENGINE LOOP HOLE ISSUE! TOTO WOLF CONFIDENT MERCEDES HAS DONE IT AGAIN! DAKAR RALLY FIRST WEEK HAS BEEN AN EXCITING FIGHT BETWEEN FORD, DACIA AND TOYOTA…AND FERNANDO SAYS… THIS WEEK’S NASIR HAMEED CORNER…MORE VINTAGE BANTER BETWEEN THE HOST AND NASIR…THIS WEEK WE HAVE PETER WINDSOR OF USF1 FAME…AND OUR BONUS…VENEZUELA’S OWN MILKA DUNO…BRAVO! Smiles for miles as Benavides brothers score historic multi-discipline double! We didn’t have to wait long for the 2026 Dakar Rally to serve up a slice of history in its second week. The fastest biker on Stage 7 was Luciano Benavides and the winner of the Challenger stage was his older brother Kevin! The siblings from Salta, Argentina were unbeatable on the 462 kilometres of dunes and fast tracks that stretched between Riyadh and Wadi Ad-Dawasir. A new chapter of the Dakar’s near 50-year history has been written, the first time a pair of brothers have won the same stage in different categories! Red Bull KTM Factory Racing biker Luciano Benavides got his second week of the Dakar off to the best possible start. Luciano is riding under his lucky number 77 and this victory on Stage 7 was the seventh stage win of his Dakar career. Things are really starting to add up for the Argentinian biker.   “It’s the first time in history that two brothers win in two categories on the same day. This is something incredible!” – Luciano Benavides Luciano was waiting at the Wadi Ad-Dawasir bivouac to congratulate his brother Kevin Benavides on the family’s second victory of the day. Kevin is debuting in the Challenger class after switching from two wheels to four. The elder Benavides brother won the Dakar bike race twice. Now he’s got his first Dakar stage victory behind a steering wheel. “I never dreamed something like this could happen, I’m so happy for this moment. It was tough to get this victory. When I finished the stage they told me that Luciano had also won! It’s a proud day for our family.” – Kevin Benavides Luciano Benavides is currently third overall in the bike race, but just 15 seconds behind Honda rider Ricky Brabec in second. Top of the pile is Benavides’s KTM team-mate Daniel Sanders who is over four minutes in front of his nearest rivals. The Australian refused to get sucked into any tactical battle on Stage 7. The day’s big mover in the Ultimate class was Mattias Ekström and his Ford Raptor T1+. A stage win for the Swede saw him climb from fourth overall at the Rest Day to hold second place tonight. Ekström scored his maiden podium finish 12 months ago and his sights are firmly fixed on the Dakar's biggest prize of all this time around. “When I got to the end the gaps were bigger than I expected, but still smaller than I wished. Now we’re second in the overall and there’s a lot of racing left.” – Mattias Ekström   Ultimate class leader Nasser Al-Attiyah goes into tomorrow’s 481-kilometre loop stage around the Wadi Ad-Dawasir bivouac with an advantage of 4m47s over Ekström. Al-Attiyah picked up some superficial damage to his Dacia Sandrider on Stage 7 that will need to be repaired before the next jumbo day of racing. “We hit a tree and that completely removed the left corner of our car. That will get fixed tonight.” – Nasser Al-Attiyah The most dramatic moment in the Ultimate class on Stage 7 was provided by Henk Lategan of Toyota Gazoo Racing. The South African had done enough on the way to Wadi Ad-Dawasir to take the overall lead from Al-Attiyah. Then a mechanical issue stopped Lategan in his tracks just shy of the finish line. The Toyota Hilux driver will start Stage 8 sitting fourth overall, now 7m21s behind his Dacia rival. “We were going so well today until we came to a bump and a dip. When we hit the dip it broke the damper. We had to stop to take the old one out and put the new one in.” – Henk Lategan A superb opening week for the Defender Rally Team rolled into the second week with another stage win in the Stock category. It was the Defender Dakar D7X‑R of Stéphane Peterhansel that set the pace giving Monsieur Dakar his third stage win of this Dakar. Peterhansel’s team-mate Rokas Baciuška was just 21 seconds off the Frenchman’s time and it’s the Lithuanian who maintains the overall lead of the Stock class. “For most of the stage the average speed was very high, but there was also a section of open dunes. It was a pleasure to drive this stage, it was perfect for the Defender.” – Stéphane Peterhansel In the SSV class there’s still everything to play for in fight for those podium spots. Portugal’s Gonçalo Guerreiro is laser-focused on recovering time lost in the first week and promoting himself from fifth overall to the podium on the remaining six stages. “This stage was completely flat out, I think it was the fastest stage until now. At one waypoint we lost two minutes and this put us behind some drivers. Overall, I’m happy with the stage we did. We were just one minute and a half down from the stage winner in the end.” – Gonçalo Guerreiro Also in the SSV class there was a much brighter start to the second week than the first week for Johan Kristoffersson. The eight-time World Rallycross champion is making his Dakar debut and the dune sections of the route are proving to be a highlight for the Swede.   “One puncture very early. We got the tyre changed quicker than before, but there’s still room for improvement. Today I really enjoyed the dunes. The rest of the stage was flat out on the limiter.” – Johan Kristoffersson The Dakar Rally has returned to Wadi Ad-Dawasir for the first time since 2022 and the comeback is looking epic. Tomorrow is the longest timed special stage of the 48th edition of the Dakar Rally. The 481-kilometre loop around the Wadi Ad-Dawasir bivouac encompasses a wide variety of terrain. Stage 8 is like a mini Dakar Rally raced over one single day with dunes, fast piste and a host of navigational challenges on the menu plus much else besides! Italian F4 Champion Kean Nakamura-Berta joins the Williams F1 Team Driver Academy Atlassian Williams F1 Team is pleased to welcome reigning Italian F4 Champion Kean Nakamura-Berta to the Williams F1 Team Driver Academy. The Japanese-Slovak driver has already demonstrated consistency and speed throughout his early career, with multiple karting titles to his name. Kean made his karting debut at seven years old, quickly going on to compete in international karting and securing both the 2021 CIK-FIA OKJ World Championship and the 2022 CIK-FIA OK European Championship. Graduating to single seaters at the end of 2023 in the F4 South East Asia Championship, Kean had an impressive debut campaign securing two pole positions and a podium, further adding to this with two race wins and six further podiums in the 2024 Formula UAE Championship. 2025 was a breakout year for Kean as he secured the Italian F4 Championship with nine wins and multiple podiums across the season. The rising star will challenge for the Formula Regional Middle East and Formula Regional European championships in 2026. As part of the Academy, Kean will have the team’s full support and guidance in nurturing his talent and developing his skills throughout his progression in the junior categories of motorsport.  The Academy supports drivers on every rung of the motorsport ladder, working with them on and off the track to develop the skills necessary to race at the top level. The Academy has a proud tradition of supporting young talent, which has most recently seen Academy alumnus Franco Colapinto graduate to an F1 race seat.  Kean Nakamura-Berta: “I’m very excited to be joining the Williams F1 Team Driver Academy this year. It’s a team that has achieved so much and has a vast history, and I’m proud to be part of it. Racing in Formula Regional will be a new challenge but one that I’m especially looking forward to. Thank you to everyone at Williams for believing in me, and I can’t wait to start this new chapter!” Sven Smeets, Sporting Director, Atlassian Williams F1 Team: “We’re thrilled to have Kean join the Williams F1 Team Driver Academy at this key moment in his career. He has shown a lot of promise, proving that he is capable of learning, adapting and ultimately winning championships. We look forward to working with him this year and will watch keenly as he hits the track.”

    1h 9m

  5. JAN 5

    F1Weekly Podcast # 1128

    HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE!… HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MICHAEL SCHUMACHER…57 EVERYBODY GOING TO WANT TO KNOW WHAT MAX THINKS OF THE NEW CARS!…FOR SURE. LOGAN SARGENT BACK IN THE DRIVERS SEAT FOR THE 24 HOURS OF DAYTONA… FLAVIO BRIATORE EXPLAINS TO THE UNIVERSE WHY FERNANDO’S 2005 CHAMPIONSHIP WAS MORE THAN SPECIAL….HE BEAT SCHUMACHER TWO YEARS IN A ROW…IT WAS BIG!! THIS WEEK’S NASIR HAMEED CORNER…MORE VINTAGE BANTER BETWEEN THE HOST AND NASIR…THIS WEEK WE HAVE GIANCARLO FISICHELLA! BONUS INTERVIEW...MARIO ANDRETTI AT LAGUNA SECA. Flavio Briatore, the former boss of F1 legend Fernando Alonso, has explained the wider importance of the Spaniard's 2005 world championship win. Alonso is a two-time world champion, having claimed back-to-back titles in 2005 and 2006 with the Renault team, beating seven-time champion Michael Schumacher in both of those years. He has since gone on to compete for another 20 years - barring two seasons off for 'retirement' - and has now raced in more grands prix than any other driver in F1 history. Alonso is still going strong at the age of 44, and is hoping to once more challenge for podiums and race wins in the near future with Aston Martin. But now, his former boss has taken us all back to 2005, when Alonso became the youngest champion in F1 history at a time after a seven-win season. "He replaced a world champion and many criticised him for being young and inexperienced, but I believed in him," Briatore said in a new DAZN documentary titled Bravissimo. "I was sure he was special. Over time you realise that he wasn't just special, he was something more than that. "In 2005 we not only won a world championship, we also introduced Formula 1 to Spain. It was the moment when everyone truly got to know Fernando Alonso. Not just because he won the world championship, but because of how he won it; we did it with authority." Can Alonso win another race? Now 44 years old, Alonso's hopes of claiming a third world championship title may be fading away, but he could still claim a 33rd career grand prix victory. Alonso has not won a race since the 2013 Spanish Grand Prix, but does have a contract that runs until the end of next season, and may even go on beyond that. The Spaniard has said that, if Aston Martin provide him with a car that's fighting for race wins in 2026, he'll be happy to retire, but if they're still struggling for top 10 finishes, he may well carry on beyond that. Alonso's driving ability is still there compared to his rivals, out-qualifiying his much younger team-mate Lance Stroll ahead of a grand prix on all 24 occasions in 2025. Sharp rocks cut deep into the convoy during frantic first stage of the 2026 Dakar Rally. The 2026 Dakar Rally began to stretch it’s legs on Stage 1 with over 300km of racing over the rock fields surrounding Yanbu. Perilous terrain was waiting to take a big bite out of the convoy as they were plunged into the deep end at the world’s toughest rally. Let’s see who managed to keep their heads above water… It was Guillaume de Mévius and Mathieu Baumel who put the hammer down hardest on Stage 1 of the Ultimate class battle. The duo dodged all obstacles in their path, bringing their MINI JCW Rally 3.0i back to the Yanbu Start Camp Bivouac in first place overall. It’s an incredible achievement considering their participation at this Dakar was thrown into serious doubt when Baumel was forced to have his right leg amputated last year. 'Winning a stage always feels good, but it wasn't really our strategy for the day. Tomorrow, Mathieu and I will be opening and I'm very happy about that. With Mathieu on my right, I'm not worried about opening a special.” – Guillaume de Mévius Nasser Al-Attiyah got his Dacia within 40 seconds of De Mévius’s front-running vehicle. The Qatari gave us an insight into his tactics for tomorrow’s 400-kilometre special stage that will bring the convoy to Al-Ula. “We were pushing, but then we saw Seb with two flat tyres so tried to take it easy. Then Guillaume passed us and we stayed behind him all the way. Tomorrow I will start three minutes behind Guillaume and we can push.” – Nasser Al-Attiyah Also finding themselves in a strong position to attack on the mountainous tracks that await tomorrow are the four Ford Raptor T1+ crews. Mattias Ekström, Carlos Sainz, Nani Roma and Mitch Guthrie Jr. all find themselves in the Top 10 and will be out to turn the screw on Stage 2. “There’s 25 really fast drivers and 14 days of racing so you have to take care of your own business while keeping an eye on everybody else.” – Mattias Ekström Rally organisers placed a pitstop midway through the stage for four-wheel competitors due to the sheer amount of sharp rocks on the route. Top drivers including Sébastien Loeb, Toby Price, Cristina Gutiérrez, Laia Sanz, Henk Lategan and Seth Quintero all got their tyres sliced on Stage 1 as the Dakar showed its teeth during the first long stage of 2026. “It’s like driving on razor blades out there!” – Seth Quintero Leading the charge for the debutant Defender team in the Stock class on Stage 1 was Rokas Baciuška. The Lithuanian set the Stock category’s fastest time to create a piece of Dakar history. Baciuška is now the only World Rally-Raid Championship driver to win stages in Ultimate, Challenger, SSV and now Stock divisions. “There’s a lot of dust out there because the Stock category starts each day at the back. I’m used to driving in the dust from my days driving SSV so that might help me out this year. Tomorrow will be another tough day so we’ll see how we deal with it.” – Rokas Baciuška First to leave the Start Camp Bivouac this morning were the bikers with the leading contenders hitting the stage at 8am. Prologue victor Edgar Canet of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing maintained his impressive pace to make it back-to-back stage wins. 20-year-old Canet is making his debut in the Dakar’s RallyGP category for elite bikers and it’s so far, so good for the Catalan. “I did a good job with the navigation, I just got lost for a little bit. You need to take care in the rocks not to destroy yourself or destroy your bike.” – Edgar Canet Also taking a spot on the Stage 1 podium was Canet’s KTM team-mate Daniel Sanders. The 2025 Dakar champion kept his head despite being attacked by sandstorms while racing for over three hours. “It was really windy and my helmet was catching a lot of wind so it was hard to focus.” – Daniel Sanders Harith Noah and Mohammed Balooshi both endured tough days on the bike. Indian rider Noah was airlifted to hospital in Riyadh due to back injuries following a crash. We wish Harith a speedy recovery from his injuries. Meanwhile, Balooshi also suffered an accident during the stage, although he was able to bring his Honda CRF 450 to the finish line. “At the refuelling a doctor tried to fix my finger and knuckle. I rode this 300km stage unable to grip since kilometre 20. I just tried to survive. This is Dakar!” – Mohammed Balooshi There was plenty of rock and rolling in the Challenger class with Dania Akeel arriving to the finish of Stage 1 with the driver’s side door ripped off her Taurus T3 Max. Despite some superficial damage to the machine, both Akeel and her BBR team-mate Kevin Benavides stayed within 10 minutes of early category leader David Zille. “I’m not sure what happened with the door because we didn’t hit anything. Maybe there was something loose. We had one puncture so we lost some time changing the tyre. It was also very dusty with so many Ultimate cars around us. But that’s part of the game. Thanks to my co-driver Sébastien for a great stage.” – Dania Akeel After today’s 305-kilometre loop around Yanbu it’s still very tight at the top of the SSV class. Francisco ‘Chaleco’ López won the SSV race at the Dakar in both 2019 and 2021. After Stage 1 in 2026 the Chilean is just four minutes off leader Xavier De Soultrait, with Gonçalo Guerreiro a further 30 seconds behind. “We need to keep working hard to reach the finish of this rally. It was very tough on the rocks today so I’m happy with the time we posted.” – Francisco ‘Chaleco’ López Showing grit and determination worthy of the Dakar was eight-time World Rallycross champion Johan Kristoffersson. The Swede did not get his Dakar debut started as he wanted when his Polaris RZR Pro R ended up on its roof during the Prologue. However, Kristoffersson dusted himself down and took his place on the start line of Stage 1. Despite eating a lot of dust, the rookie recorded the day’s 13th best time in the SSV class. For tomorrow's Stage 2 the convoy depart Yanbu and the shores of the Red Sea, heading inland towards the treasures of Al-Ula. Competitors hoping to establish an early race rhythm will be frustrated by the constantly evolving terrain under their wheels. Every brief section of flat out speed is quickly followed by a technical section over the rocks. As with Stage 1, a midway pitstop has been added for four-wheel competitors to attend to any punctures suffered on the rocks. ULTIMATE – Top 3 plus selected 1. G. De Mévius (BEL) / M. Baumel (FRA) – MINI 03:07:49
 2. N. Al-Attiyah (QAT) / F. Lurquin (BEL) – Dacia +00:40
 3. M. Prokop (CZE) / V. Chytka (CZE) – Ford +01:27 
4. M. Ekström (SWE) / E. Bergvist (SWE) – Ford +01:38
 6. C. Sainz (ESP) / L. Cruz (ESP) – Ford +01:54
 8. N. Roma (ESP) / A. Haro (ESP) – Ford +02:37
 9. M. Guthrie Jr. (USA) / K. Walch (USA) – Ford +02:50 
10. S. Loeb (FRA) / É. Boulanger (FRA) – Dacia +03:01
 11. L. Moraes (BRA) / D. Zenz (GER) – Dacia +03:34
 15. C. Gutiérrez (ESP) / P. Moreno (ESP) – Dacia +05:00
 16. T. Price (AUS) / A. Monleón (ESP) – Toyota +05:17
 17. H. Lategan (ZAF) / B. Cummings (ZAF) – Toyota +06:57
 18. S. Quintero (USA) / A. Short (USA) – Toyota +07:18 
26. L. Sanz

    1h 4m

  6. 12/29/2025

    F1Weekly Podcast # 1127

    TALK OF THE TOWN IS… THE FIGHT IS BETWEEN RED BULL / FORD AND MERCEDES… CAN FERRARI AFFORD TO MISS THE BOAT AGAIN?… BUT WAIT…WITH ADRIAN NEWEY IN CHARGE ISN’T ASTON MARTIN THE FAVORITE? ABSOLUTELY NO FAN FARE FOR RENAULT’S DEPARTURE FROM F1 ...SHAMEFUL…….AND…FERNANDO ALONSO EXPECTS TO SKIP ALL THE CRAP AND GO RIGHT TO THE TOP! THIS WEEK’S NASIR HAMEED CORNER…MORE VINTAGE BANTER BETWEEN THE HOST AND NASIR…THIS WEEK WE HAVE RICHARD DUTTON OF FORTEC MOTORSPORT. For over 30 years Fortec Motorsport have been one of the leading lights in single seater racing, both at home and in Europe, helping develop young drivers such as Charles Leclerc, Daniel Ricciardo and Juan Pablo Montoya into future F1 stars. Under the guidance Richard (and his son Oliver), over the past three decades the team have established a proven track record of success in the junior formulas. It is owned by former racing driver Richard Dutton, who started working for the team in 1993 before buying the outfit two years later. It began racing in Formula 3000 and has grown to become one of the biggest single-seater race teams in Europe. The Daventry-based squad has vast experience in competing in Formula Renault 3.5, plus Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0, FIA European Formula 3 Championship, F4 British Championship, GB3 Championship, and GB4 Championship. Since 2016 it has regularly won races in Britain’s top single-seater categories and challenged for titles, while also propelling Tom Gamble and Johnathan Hoggard to the Aston Martin Autosport BRDC Young Driver of the Year Award. Fortec Motorsports driver profile consists of many strong names and the team prides themselves on maintaining a great relationship with their drivers. The team’s most recent F1 graduates are Oliver Bearman, who made his Scuderia Ferrari debut in the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, and Luke Browning, who is a member of the Williams Driver Academy. With a strong pedigree in motorsport and consistent success in developing talented young racing drivers, Fortec Motorsports remains a top choice for young drivers wishing to further their motorsport career. The team takes great pride in preparing all of its drivers both mentally and physically for the demands of top-level motorsport and, as they grow and develop as part of the team, are able to rise through the ranks with ease.

    1h 27m

  7. 12/22/2025

    F1Weekly Podcast # 1126

    HONDA HAS RELEASED THE SOUND OF THEIR 2026 MOTOR GOING THRU ALL EIGHT GEARS WHILST… MERCEDES GAVE US A GLIMPS AT HIGH RPM’S,  I MUST SAY….SOUNDS GOOD!! HE WHO ADAPTS QUICKLY TO THE NEW CAR WILL SUCCEED. RED BULL WITH MERCEDES ARE UNDER SCRUTINY OVER COMPRESSION RATIO’S ... AUTOSPORTS 50 DRIVERS LIST IS BIZARRE TO SAY THE LEAST… THIS WEEK’S NASIR HAMEED CORNER…MORE VINTAGE BANTER BETWEEN THE HOST AND NASIR…THIS WEEK THE GIORGIO PIOLA INTERVIEW PART2. THANK YOU. Celebrating 75 Years of Formula 1 at the Pebble Beach Concours. To celebrate the 75th anniversary of Formula 1, the 2025 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance traced the full history of Formula racing — from cars representing its origins in Grand Prix racing through to cars on the starting grid today. The 1910 Benz 21/80 Prinz Heinrich Renn Wagon makes its way down Highway 1 on the Tour d’Elegance. Origins of Formula 1: Grand Prix 1906–1940 While the cars in this class were exhibited rather than judged, they were not at all static: two out of the seven cars participated in the Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance. These cars included the 1910 Benz 21/80 Prinz Heinrich Renn Wagon and the 1927 Delage Type 15 S8 Grand Prix. This class demonstrated the elegance and attitude that came from these racing greats that played a role in the rise of Formula 1. 75th Anniversary of Formula 1: 1950-1973 class Restored in 2010 to its 1967 Watkins Glen specification, the 1967 Lotus 49 Formula 1 took First in Class for the 75th Anniversary of Formula 1: 1950 to 1973. Its engine, the Ford Cosworth DFV, became the most successful Formula 1 engine in history, winning 155 Grand Prix. This car also drove over the ramp a second time to receive the Tony Hulman Trophy, which is awarded to the most significant open wheel race car. Another standout moment for this class was the first American-built F1 race car, the 1960 Scarab Formula 1, in motion on the Tour d’Elegance.

    1h 11m

  8. 12/15/2025

    F1Weekly Podcast # 1125

    NORRIS HAS PICKED UP HIS TROPHY AND MAX CALLED IN SICK… THIS WEEK’S RUMORS….OSCAR TO FERRARI AND LECLERC TO MCLAREN BUT…I’M SURE THIS IS FAKE NEWS SO…LET’S GET TO… THIS WEEK’S NASIR HAMEED CORNER…MORE VINTAGE BANTER BETWEEN THE HOST AND NASIR HAMEED…THIS WEEK WE HAVE THE GIORGIO PIOLA INTERVIEW PART 0NE THIS WEEK AND PART 2 NEXT WEEK…   FIA, Formula 1 Group and all 11 race teams officially sign the ninth Concorde Agreement, securing strength and stability for the sport in pivotal five-year agreement. - Multi-year Concorde Governance Agreement signed by the FIA, Formula 1 Group and all 11 teams, securing the World Championship through 2030 - Paves the way for a more professionalised sport and represents a new era of collaboration between the FIA and Formula 1 Group - Long-term commitment enhances sporting reliability, global reach and stability for teams, fans and broadcasters. The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, and Formula 1 Group, the Commercial Rights Holder, have today announced the signing of the Concorde Governance Agreement, a crucial contract defining the regulatory framework and governance terms of the FIA Formula One World Championship until 2030. This follows the announcement in March that the 2026 Commercial Concorde Agreement had been signed by all the teams and Formula 1 Group. Together, these agreements constitute the ninth Concorde Agreement, representing a major step forward in the professionalisation and global development of the sport. First introduced in 1981, the Concorde Agreements are designed to promote sporting fairness, technological innovation and operational excellence, and align all key stakeholders around a shared vision for structured governance and continued growth of the sport. Each iteration of the Concorde Agreements has shaped the FIA Formula One World Championship into the global spectacle it is today. The ninth Concorde Agreement announced today marks the beginning of a new era of collaboration between the FIA and Formula 1 Group, who have worked together to write the next chapter in Formula 1 history, demonstrating mutual respect, transparency and shared purpose between the two organisations. It confirms the participation of all FIA Formula One World Championship teams, including the incoming Cadillac Formula 1 team, through the end of the decade, and provides a stable foundation for the sporting and technical evolution of the sport. The Concorde Agreement underscores the commitment of the FIA, Formula 1 Group and all teams to continue growing and developing the sport, and to keep driving the momentous expansion it has seen in recent years. The new contract enables the FIA to invest further in improved race regulation, race direction, stewarding and technical expertise for the benefit of the Championship, and means the sport can continue to evolve, providing exciting technological innovation and sporting action for fans, broadcasters and partners, all within a stable and structured regulatory framework. Combined with record viewership growth, a dynamic race calendar, and increasing engagement from younger audiences, the FIA Formula One World Championship enters this next chapter with unprecedented momentum. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, said: “The ninth Concorde Agreement secures the FIA Formula One World Championship’s long-term future and I am proud of the dedication that has been invested in this process. I would like to thank Stefano Domenicali and his team in what has been a strong collaboration, building a framework grounded in fairness, stability, and shared ambition. This agreement allows us to continue modernising our regulatory, technological, and operational capabilities, including supporting our race directors, officials, and the thousands of volunteers whose expertise underpin every race. We are ensuring that Formula 1 remains at the forefront of technological innovation, setting new standards in global sport.” Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1 Group, said: “Today is an important day for Formula 1. As we celebrate seventy-five years of this incredible sport, we are proud to write the next chapter in our long and amazing history. This agreement ensures that Formula 1 is in the best possible position to continue to grow around the world. I want to thank the President of the FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem and all the teams for the collaboration and determination to achieve the best results for the entire sport in our discussions. We have a huge amount to be proud of, but we also are focussed on the opportunities and exciting potential for Formula 1 in the years ahead.”

    1h 2m
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