Open Wheel FM

Open Wheel FM

A weekly podcast covering all things open wheel racing, from Formula 1 and Formula E all the way to Indycar and Super Formula. This podcast highlights recaps of race weekends in addition to weekly deep dives into the biggest narrative stories going around the world of open wheel racing in a digestible and conversational manner. New Episodes every Monday and Thursday at 10 am Eastern Standard Time (EST) so make sure to follow to never miss a lap! openwheelfm.substack.com

Episodes

  1. Jul 9

    🤿 OWFM Deep Dive: Arrow McLaren - Did They Self-Sabotage or Brilliant Move?

    Episode Timestamps 0:00 — McLaren drops a bombshell: Dixon & Rosenqvist in, Lundgaard out 2:28 — The real question: win now, or mortgage the future? 4:44 — Devil's advocate: is McLaren playing 5D chess? 7:06 — Pato gets the keys — and a shot at the title 7:48 — Building an Indy 500 super-team 12:54 — Scott Dixon's big gamble 18:40 — Getting dropped mid-season: the mental side 23:50 — Where does Lundgaard land? Ganassi calling 29:38 — The verdict: McLaren is all-in on now This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit openwheelfm.substack.com

    🤿 OWFM Deep Dive: Arrow McLaren - Did They Self-Sabotage or Brilliant Move?

  2. Jun 9

    OWFM #6 - ADUO Info + Monaco GP Recap + IndyCar St. Louis Recap

    Episode Description: On this weeks episode, Nicholas breaks down all the late race drama in the Monaco Grand Prix in addition to discussing the winners and losers at Gateway in St. Louis. Key Topics: Monaco Grand Prix: Qualifying drama, race outcomes, and team performancesIndyCar Gateway Race: Josef Newgarden’s continued dominance at St. Louis, qualifying highlights, and standout performances.F1 Technical Regulations: ADUO development, engine benchmarks, and their impact on competitiveness. Time Stamps: 00:00 - Monaco Grand Prix overview and race importance 02:19 - Kimi's qualifying significance and driver from Monaco 03:50 - Leclerc’s contract extension & team performance 05:24 - Ferrari’s chassis strengths and power issues 07:18 - Breakdown of ADUO regulations and impact on teams 09:03 - Mercedes' engine advantage and testing resources 12:26 - Explanation of engine benchmarks and regulation details 15:24 - Monaco qualifying surprises and pole position moves 17:55 - Monaco race recap & key incidents 20:19 - Max Verstappen’s early race DNF and other technical issues 22:44 - Ferrari’s form and Antonelli’s rising star 23:40 - Lewis Hamilton’s consistent results 26:30 - Race strategies & safety cars in Monaco 28:26 - IndyCar Gateway race recap with Josef Newgarden’s victory 32:33 - Driver penalties and race controversies 36:07 - Cadillac’s missed opportunity and team performances 38:26 - IndyCar race classifications & driver standings 41:17 - Race strategies and driver performances on the oval 44:19 - McLaren’s new sporting director & driver updates 46:06 - Gateway short oval dominance of Josef Newgarden 50:24 - Rookie performances & surprising podium finishes 55:44 - Final race classifications & upcoming race predictions 56:07 - Motorsport season outlook & next races in Barcelona Find more Open Wheel FM Content: YouTube: @openwheelfmInstagram: @openwheelfmTikTok: @openwheelfmLinktree: linktr.ee/openwheelfm Connect with Nicholas Clay: X: @clykaincPersonal Website: clykainc.net This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit openwheelfm.substack.com

    OWFM #6 - ADUO Info + Monaco GP Recap + IndyCar St. Louis Recap

  3. Jun 1

    OWFM #5 - Gucci Alpine Deal + Detroit GP Recap

    Episode Description:On this weeks Episode, Nicholas Clay dives into the implications of the Gucci-Alpine partnership, the chaotic - yet unchaotic, Detroit GP, and the FIA new changes to the Active Aero for F1's upcoming Monaco's Grand Prix. Key Topics:Alpine's strategic partnership with Gucci and its implications for their F1 futureThe withdrawal of Mercedes from Otro Capital's stake in AlpineValuations and potential buyers for the 24% stake in AlpineThe Detroit IndyCar race: Honda's dominance and recent safety controversiesAnalysis of IndyCar's yellow flag protocol and its race impactThe FIA's decision to exclude Active Arrow from Monaco qualifying and racePredictions for upcoming F1 performance based on circuit-specific dynamicsTime Stamps:0:01 — Introduction & episode overview Nicholas previews the three main topics.2:57— Gucci confirmed as Alpine's title sponsor.6:57— Mercedes pulls out of the Otro Capital stake.9:41— What happens next with Alpine's ownership Renault.11:59— Detroit IndyCar race recap: Honda engines dominate on Chevy's home turf — Chevy cars plagued by engine cover issues, failures, and a bad optics weekend for GM.14:23— Alex Palou wins; three consecutive poles on three different track types A standout achievement that Nicholas calls a real testament to Palou's all-around ability.18:22— The yellow flag controversy, Background on the Alexander Rossi near-miss at IMS and how it triggered IndyCar's new, more aggressive caution rules.22:00— Race results rundown Palou P1, Kirkwood P2, Rahal P3 (his third podium of the season). Plus Newgarden's remarkable drive from P21 while recovering from injury.27:18— Nicholas's opinion on IndyCar officiating He argues the closed pit lane rule goes too far and proposes a double-yellow system as a better middle ground.32:40— IndyCar's hybrid system problems Multiple drivers, including Rossi and Power, have criticized the hybrid for completely sidelining cars when it fails — no workaround exists.35:09— Active Arrow banned at Monaco Grand Prix FIA says Monaco's straights are too short and the tires are too close to the limit of grip to safely deploy the system.37:41— Nicholas's take on the Active Arrow situation He argues it raises a fundamental question about the technology's real-world usefulness, and predicts it won't meaningfully improve Monaco racing.40:29— Monaco weekend predictions Alpine flagged as a potential dark horse; Aston Martin (with Adrian Newey's aero work) could surprise on a power-unit-neutral circuit.Find more Open Wheel FM Content:YouTube: @openwheelfmInstagram: @openwheelfmTikTok: @openwheelfmLinktree: linktr.ee/openwheelfmConnect with Nicholas Clay:X: @clykaincPersonal Website: clykainc.net This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit openwheelfm.substack.com

    OWFM #5 - Gucci Alpine Deal + Detroit GP Recap

  4. May 26

    OWFM #4 (Audio Only) - Indy 500 + Canada GP Recap

    Episode Description:On this week's episode Nicholas Clay goes through the nail-biting finish to the Indy 500, and covering the F1 Canadian Grand Prix. This is an episode you don't want to miss! Find more Open Wheel FM Content:YouTube: @openwheelfmInstagram: @openwheelfmTikTok: @openwheelfmLinktree: linktr.ee/openwheelfmConnect with Nicholas Clay:X: @clykaincPersonal Website: clykainc.net This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit openwheelfm.substack.com

    OWFM #4 (Audio Only) - Indy 500 + Canada GP Recap

  5. May 22

    OWFM #3 (Audio Only) - Indy 500 Qualifying + Monaco E-Prix

    Episode Description:This past weekend the 2026 starting grid for the Indy 500 was established with Alex Palou leading the field to begin the race this upcoming weekend. With the opportunity to claim his second victory on the famed oval will the number 10 Penske car be the one to claim the checkered flag or will another opportunist driver be the one to immortalize themselves in motorsport history forever. This weekend also saw the Monaco E-Prix for rounds 10-11 in Monaco. With changing of the championship standing after two rounds around Monte Carlo, the second half of the season is really anyone's game. In this weeks episode Nicholas Clay goes over all the action between the Indy 500 chaotic qualifying and recapping all the moments in the Monaco E-Prix. You don't want to miss out! Timestamps:00:00 - Indy 500 qualifying chaos and Alex Palou's pole 02:18 - Strategies and weather impacts on IndyCar qualifying 04:40 - Top drivers' performances and surprises during Indy 500 qualifying 09:26 - Highlights of Alexander Rossi and David Malukas’ efforts 11:52 - Rookie Caio Collet and Santino Ferrucci’s impressive runs 16:11 - Monaco Formula E race highlights and driver strategies 20:37 - Oliver Rowland’s race win and championship outlook 24:10 - Monte Carlo Formula E race recap and notable incidents 29:36 - Race strategies, penalties, and dramatic finishes in Monaco 33:43 - Formula E's unique energy management and driver tactics 37:48 - Predictions and prospects for the Montreal F1 Grand Prix 50:37 - Drivers to watch in Formula One—Hamilton, Russell, Verstappen 52:00 - Closing thoughts and upcoming race coverage Find more Open Wheel FM Content:YouTube: @openwheelfmInstagram: @openwheelfmTikTok: @openwheelfmLinktree: linktr.ee/openwheelfmConnect with Nicholas Clay:X: @clykaincPersonal Website: clykainc.net This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit openwheelfm.substack.com

    OWFM #3 (Audio Only) - Indy 500 Qualifying + Monaco E-Prix

  6. May 15

    OWFM #2 - IMS Road Race Recap + F1 moves away from 50/50 in 2027.

    With less than 2 weeks away from the Indianapolis 500, Nicholas covers all the action that transpired during the 2026 road race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway this past weekend, touching on the recent changes IndyCars Push to Pass alterations, F1 moving away from 50/50 power split for their powertrains in 2027, and much more! Timestamps:00:00 - Welcome and episode overview 00:32 - Weather-driven podcast location change and upcoming Indy 500 01:25 - IndyCar at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course overview 02:03 - Alex Palou's recent dominance and race preview 03:01 - Solo podcast challenges and goals for improvement 03:28 - Formula 1’s shift away from the 50-50 power unit split 03:56 - Expectations and implications of 2027 regulation changes 04:55 - Current issues with Formula 1 balance and racing quality 05:23 - FIA’s official statements on engine regulations for 2027 06:20 - The debate between Formula 1’s energy harvesting and identity 07:18 - Public commentary link and discussion on F1’s power unit split 08:22 - Potential consequences of FIA’s technical changes 09:22 - The importance of chassis flexibility and team adaptability 10:20 - The role of the cost cap and development flexibility 11:19 - How current regulation changes could benefit backmarker teams 12:18 - Political landscape and industry reactions on upcoming rule adjustments 13:04 - IndyCar driver panel insights on push-to-pass changes 14:02 - The transparency and changes in IndyCar’s push-to-pass system 15:24 - Rules clarification and driver opinions on usage strategies 16:21 - Race incident analysis: mistakes, penalties, and safety concerns 17:18 - The mishap at Long Beach and IndyCar’s response to system errors 18:44 - Strategic implications of IndyCar’s new push-to-pass rules 19:45 - Critical viewpoints on IndyCar’s safety and officiating decisions 21:24 - The impact of yellow flags and race management on outcomes 22:48 - Qualifying delays and race start issues from weather and timing problems 23:47 - Notable qualifying drivers and tire strategy discussions 28:29 - Race highlights: dominant performances and key overtakes 35:55 - Safety concerns with unsafe pit lane procedures and track debris management 40:02 - Race finish overview and standout performances 44:47 - The potential for IndyCar to grow its US audience against F1 50:08 - Reflection on Rossi’s stalled car incident and yellow flag decisions 55:33 - Officiating inconsistencies and safety critique 56:07 - Upcoming races and series to watch in May 57:39 - Closing thoughts and calls for listener engagement Find more Open Wheel FM Content:YouTube: @openwheelfmInstagram: @openwheelfmTikTok: @openwheelfmLinktree: linktr.ee/openwheelfmConnect with Nicholas Clay:X: @clykaincPersonal Website: clykainc.net This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit openwheelfm.substack.com

    OWFM #2 - IMS Road Race Recap + F1 moves away from 50/50 in 2027.

  7. May 9

    OWFM #1 - Miami GP Recap + Changes to 2026 Regulations

    Episode Description:Most Formula One seasons are defined by moments of brilliance, but this weekend's Miami Grand Prix continues to elevate teenage phenom—Kimi Antonelli, whose stunning 3rd consecutive pole-to-podium performance has everyone talking. After an unplanned five-week hiatus, F1 is finally back, and it returned with significant upgrades and a bold new set of regulation. Nicholas Clay unpacks the explosive Miami weekend, dissecting the mid-break alterations to the MGU-K and energy deployment rules — changes designed to boost racing spectacle — and whether they delivered or just opened a new can of worms. From Red Bull's sweeping car overhaul, McLaren's successful upgrade, to Ferrari's frustrating struggles to keep up with the rest of the front runners, the arms race is heating up fast; in the midfield, Williams and Alpine are quietly making noise. Plus: heated incidents, Leclerc's uncharacteristic final-lap spin, and the gritty strategic calls that decided the final results. All of this and more in the inaugural episode of Open Wheel FM. What's Covered in this Episode:▪ [Topic 1 — Warm introduction to the first episode of OWFM] ▪ [Topic 2 — Debriefing the updates to the 2026 Regulations] ▪ [Topic 3 — Team Upgrade Packages Ahead of Miami] ▪ [Topic 4 — Turkish Grand Prix Returns for 2027] ▪ [Topic 5 — Complete Recap of the 2026 Miami Grand Prix] ▪ [Topic 6 — Opinion: Were the changes successful?] ▪ [Topic 7 — Opinion: The new pecking order. Is Mercedes defeatable?] Timestamps:00:00 - Miami return: upgrades, rule changes, and what it means for racing01:55 - How regulation tweaks aim to improve overtaking and safety17:01 - Major team upgrades: Red Bull, McLaren, Ferrari, and others34:43 - Turkey GP returning in 2027: implications for the future calendar55:21 - Kimi Antonelli’s standout drive and composure at Miami60:06 - The critical final lap: Leclerc’s spin and penalties65:33 - Hot takes: Are current regulations working or needs further adjustments?73:00 - Team performance comparison: Mercedes, McLaren, Red Bull, Ferrari, WilliamsResources & Links:Official FIA Technical Regulations Changes Article Official FIA Team Part Upgradesyelistener's video breakdown of Piastri/LeclercFind more Open Wheel FM Content:YouTube: @openwheelfmInstagram: @openwheelfmTikTok: @openwheelfmLinktree: linktr.ee/openwheelfmConnect with Nicholas Clay:X: @clykaincPersonal Website: clykainc.net This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit openwheelfm.substack.com

    OWFM #1 - Miami GP Recap + Changes to 2026 Regulations
  • 7 Episodes

About

A weekly podcast covering all things open wheel racing, from Formula 1 and Formula E all the way to Indycar and Super Formula. This podcast highlights recaps of race weekends in addition to weekly deep dives into the biggest narrative stories going around the world of open wheel racing in a digestible and conversational manner. New Episodes every Monday and Thursday at 10 am Eastern Standard Time (EST) so make sure to follow to never miss a lap! openwheelfm.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Open Wheel FM
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Open Wheel FM
  • Show Website
    Open Wheel FM