Cut To The Race: FormulaNerds F1 Podcast FormulaNerds

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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/
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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/
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Red Bull locked out the top two steps of the F1 podium, making it the Austrian team’s second one-two of the season. Sergio Perez crossed the line in first place to take home his first win of the 2023 Formula 1 season.

Max Verstappen raced his way through the field finishing P2 after starting from P15, winning driver of the day after nicking the fastest lap off of his team-mate Perez on the final lap. Meanwhile, Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso defied the odds seemingly claiming his 100th podium place despite having a five-second time penalty for a starting infringement.
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On this week's News from the Nerds, James M is joined by Abby and Sam to cover the top news from this week:

Remembering Charlie Whiting:
Today marks the fourth anniversary of the passing of former race director Charlie Whiting, who was loved by all involved with Formula One. The trio pay tribute to Charlie and remember his time as a key figure in the sport.
https://twitter.com/Formula_Nerds/status/1635622872310857729?s=20

It's a long road ahead for Williams:
James Vowles has spoken out on the journey that Williams have ahead of them after some difficult years. The panel discuss Vowles' comments, their thoughts on the Williams F1 team and the new member of staff joining the team.
https://www.formulanerds.com/news/vowles-williams-journey-to-the-front-will-take-years/

Alonso's a key factor:
James Vowles has also shared his thoughts on Aston Martin and the team's success, giving praise to Fernando Alonso. The trio talk about Aston Martin's upward trajectory of 2023 and what they think about Vowles' comments.

A London Grand Prix is calling:
LDN Collective and DAR have proposed plans for a Docklands Grand Prix on the streets of East London and have worked out some key figures for the race. The panel dissect the likelihood of a London Grand Prix and the new plans that have surfaced.
https://www.formulanerds.com/news/a-london-grand-prix-is-closer-than-we-think-as-waterfront-development-creates-opportunity/

Marko calls time on Mercedes:
Helmut Marko of Red Bull has spoken about the team's rival, Mercedes. Marko has said that Mercedes should say goodbye to a championship win because of the problems the team have. The trio speak about Marko's comments, Mercedes' issues and what the future looks like.
https://t.co/Z8edSR1V2h
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On this week's News from the Nerds, James M is joined by Abby to cover the top news from this week:

Quick round-up:

International Women's Day

Rodin Carlin complete their F1 Academy line-up

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.megan-gilkes-completes-rodin-carlins-2023-f1-academy-line-up.5UhCpI3f14cBNrZPFpbNYK.html

Silverstone add more tickets for the Grand Prix weekend


Stroll's remarkable comeback:
Lance Stroll has revealed the details of his injuries after his biking incident in Spain that saw him undergo surgery. With his hopes of racing in Bahrain not that high, Stroll gave it his all to perform in the season opener and had a good race result. The panel discuss the injuries Stroll sustained and just how impressive it was to see him in the Aston Martin.
https://twitter.com/lance_stroll/status/1633171354676613125?s=20

Russell looks to 2024 as Hamilton feels the frustration:
George Russell has a lacklustre performance in Bahrain and the Brit has admitted he's ready to sacrifice 2023 to help develop the team for future seasons to come. The duo talk about Russell's comments, the hope for Mercedes but they also discuss Lewis Hamilton's frustration towards Mercedes as he claims the team need to own up and take accountability.
https://www.formulanerds.com/news/russell-braced-to-sacrifice-part-of-f1-2023-season-for-long-term-mercedes-success/
https://www.formulanerds.com/news/mercedes-brings-back-james-allison-after-a-lacklustre-start-to-the-year/
https://www.formulanerds.com/news/hamilton-mercedes-need-to-be-turning-it-around-and-owning-up-to-weaknesses/

Does Lando Norris have to look elsewhere?
McLaren have not met expectations since pre-season testing having a very unfortunate Bahrain Grand Prix with reliability issues and a retirement. Karun Chandhok has now come out and said he could see Lando Norris switching teams to Red Bull or Ferrari. The panel discuss McLaren's woes and the likelihood of Lando moving teams and what that could mean.
https://www.formulanerds.com/news/lando-norris-will-be-thinking-about-leaving-mclaren-says-karun-chandhok/

Alonso's in dreamland...for now:
Fernando Alonso has had an amazing start to the 2023 season after impressing in pre-season testing and achieving a podium in the Bahrain Grand Prix. But the Spaniard has warned Aston Martin that they can't get their hopes too high and have to be wary of the reality. The duo discuss Alonso's comments and whether or not their strong performance will be replicated in races to come.

New qualifying format is not approved:
The new qualifying format is set to be introduced at Imola but for the top three qualifiers of Bahrain, it hasn't gone down very well. Max Verstappen, Sergio Perez and Charles Leclerc have expressed their thoughts on the format, which the panel dissect and also give their thoughts on what the new format could mean.
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On this week’s Cut to the Race, Oli is joined by Abby, James M and Sam as they dissect the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend and have a go at another FormulaNerds Quiz.
Formula One is back and the first round is complete. With the teams in Bahrain, all eyes were on Aston Martin who had high expectations.
The panel discuss the free practice sessions and the, for some anti-climatic, qualifying session, which saw Max Verstappen take pole.
They also talk about the opening lap drama with an inter-team collision, overtakes and a dominant lead. Key points the panel discuss also include the battle between Fernando Alonso and both Mercedes drivers as well as the problems and penalties for McLaren and Alpine’s Esteban Ocon.
With 22 races to go, the panel look at the current championship standings and their thoughts on the next round.
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