A Test For F1 2022 Regulations - 2022 Spanish GP Preview

A BIG test coming up for the F1 2022 regulations at this weekend's 2022 Spanish Grand Prix. Why? Because the Circuit de Catalunya-Barcelona has traditionally been a very tough one to overtake at. Will the drivers be able to follow each other better? Will they be able to pull off overtakes with the newly revamped regulations?

Here's the 2022 Spanish GP Preview on the Inside Line F1 Podcast with Soumil and Kunal.

The Inside Line F1 Podcast is brought to you by Eight Sleep, the most-trusted name in high-performance sleep. Here's an exclusive offer for our listeners.

Save $150 at checkout on the Eight Sleep Pod Pro Cover. Go get yours today: https://www.eightsleep.com/insideline

Spain marks the start of the 'European leg' of the Formula 1 calendar; although Formula 1 raced in Imola a few races ago. Traditionally, the teams line up big upgrade packages for this race - we tell you two easy ways to keep a track.

As for the teams, this race will offer them a good view of the progress they've made with their cars; given that one of the two pre-season tests were held here earlier in the year. We suspect that 'overtaking' and maybe even 'tyre management' could be the buzzwords this weekend.

Would Ferrari's upgrades bring Charles Leclerc back in the fight with Red Bull Racing's Max Verstappen? Can the Spaniards - Carlos Sainz & Fernando Alonso use the power of the Spanish fans to race themselves to better results in 2022? Will the upgrades change the pecking order?

There's a lot packed into our near-30 mins long episode. Happy listening!

(Season 2022, Episode 27)

Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah

Image courtesy: tilke.de

**Overview**

The Inside Line F1 Podcast discusses the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix, which is expected to be a significant race for several reasons. Circuit de Catalunya has historically been a challenging track for overtaking, but the new 2022 regulations may change that. Additionally, the race marks the start of the European leg of the Formula 1 calendar, and teams often bring significant upgrades to their cars for this race.

**Key Points**

* Circuit de Catalunya has been a difficult track for overtaking in the past, but the new regulations may make it easier for drivers to follow and pass each other.
* Teams are expected to bring major upgrades to their cars for the Spanish Grand Prix, which could shake up the pecking order.
* Ferrari is bringing a significant upgrade package to the race, which could help Charles Leclerc challenge Red Bull's Max Verstappen for the championship lead.
* Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso, the two Spanish drivers on the grid, will be looking to perform well in front of their home crowd.
* Mercedes has struggled with the new regulations so far this season, but they are hoping that the upgrades they bring to Spain will help them close the gap to Red Bull and Ferrari.
* The Spanish Grand Prix is often a race of strategy and tire management, as drivers need to find the right balance between pushing hard and conserving their tires.
* Lewis Hamilton has won the Spanish Grand Prix a record six times, but he will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing start to the season.
* George Russell has been impressive for Mercedes so far this season, and he will be looking to continue his strong form in Spain.
* Daniel Ricciardo and Mick Schumacher are two drivers who need to improve their performances, and the Spanish Grand Prix could be a good opportunity for them to do so.
* Fernando Alonso has been outperformed by his teammate Esteban Ocon so far this season, but he will be hoping to turn things around in Spain.
* Nick de Vries will drive for Williams in FP1, marking the first time a reigning Formula E champion has participated in a Formula 1 session.
* The battle between Leclerc and Verstappen is expected to continue in Spain, with both drivers pushing each other to the limit.
* Sergio Perez has been consistent for Red Bull so far this season, and he will be looking to challenge for the win in Spain.
* Carlos Sainz and Sergio Perez are both capable of winning the Spanish Grand Prix, but Max Verstappen is the favorite.

**Conclusion**

The Spanish Grand Prix is shaping up to be an exciting race with several storylines to follow. The new regulations, the team upgrades, and the battle between the top drivers are all factors that could make this race one to remember.

# Inside Line F1 Podcast Episode 27: 2022 Spanish Grand Prix Preview

## Introduction:

- The 2022 Spanish Grand Prix marks the start of the 'European leg' of the Formula 1 calendar.
- Traditionally, teams bring significant upgrade packages for this race.
- The Circuit de Catalunya-Barcelona has been traditionally difficult for overtaking.
- The race will provide teams a clear view of their progress since pre-season testing was held here earlier in the year.

## Key Points:

### Overtaking and Tire Management:

- Overtaking and tire management are expected to be crucial factors in the Spanish Grand Prix.
- The new regulations aim to improve overtaking opportunities and reduce the impact of dirty air.
- Teams will be keen to see if these changes have the desired effect at the Circuit de Catalunya-Barcelona.

### Ferrari's Upgrades:

- Ferrari is expected to bring upgrades to their car for the Spanish Grand Prix.
- The team hopes these upgrades will help Charles Leclerc challenge Red Bull Racing's Max Verstappen for the championship lead.
- Leclerc has been in impressive form this season, winning two of the first six races.

### Home Advantage for Spanish Drivers:

- Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso will be looking to use the support of the Spanish fans to their advantage.
- Sainz is a local driver who has never finished on the podium at his home Grand Prix.
- Alonso is a two-time world champion who has won the Spanish Grand Prix twice.

### Pecking Order Changes:

- The upgrades brought by teams for the Spanish Grand Prix could potentially shake up the pecking order.
- Teams that have struggled in the early part of the season may find improvements with their new developments.
- It will be interesting to see if the midfield battle becomes even closer as a result.

## Conclusion:

- The Spanish Grand Prix is a crucial race for teams as they assess their progress and make adjustments for the rest of the season.
- The race will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of the new regulations and the competitiveness of the teams.
- Fans can expect an exciting race with plenty of action and drama.

[00:00.000 -> 00:23.280] Well, let's talk about Barcelona for a second.
[00:23.280 -> 00:25.280] Now, in the year 2021 the football
[00:25.280 -> 00:29.060] club had a terrible year right, it was going through a lot of financial issues
[00:29.060 -> 00:33.180] but in 2022 it seems like a new light has emerged and the club is on the way
[00:33.180 -> 00:36.680] to its recovery. Can that be the same case with the circuit Barcelona
[00:36.680 -> 00:40.120] Catalunya with these new Formula One cars? Every single year we've come to
[00:40.120 -> 00:43.520] Barcelona and said well it could be a dull race but there is an air of
[00:43.520 -> 00:47.200] excitement this time around with the exciting battle between Red Bull and
[00:47.200 -> 00:51.680] Ferrari, Leclerc and Verstappen and also the prospect of a good race here at the
[00:51.680 -> 00:54.940] Circuit de Barcelona Catalonia but there's also other things to be excited
[00:54.940 -> 00:58.480] for which is exactly what we're going to discuss right here on the Inside Line F1
[00:58.480 -> 01:03.200] podcast and pitch the podium. So without any further ado let's begin.
[01:03.200 -> 01:05.300] Hey folks welcome back in.
[01:05.300 -> 01:06.500] My name is Somal Arora.
[01:06.500 -> 01:09.100] I'm the host of the Driving Force on Disney Plus Hotstar,
[01:09.100 -> 01:12.800] joined by Kunal Shah, the former marketing head of the Force India F1 team.
[01:12.800 -> 01:18.200] And Kunal, finally, this could potentially be a muy bien Barcelona GP at last,
[01:18.200 -> 01:21.300] because there are a few things to get excited about,
[01:21.300 -> 01:23.300] especially on the front of the circuit,
[01:23.300 -> 01:28.960] because now that we have better cars, perhaps this could be the year that finally the Spanish GP becomes a good race.
[01:31.440 -> 01:37.840] Absolutely, you know, Formula 1's always been testing at Catalunya, the venue of the Spanish
[01:37.840 -> 01:51.020] Grand Prix has always been a great testing venue, but this time it's also going to be a test for the 2022 regulations. So you know we've seen historically overtaking is extremely difficult you know at the
[01:51.020 -> 01:56.220] Circuit de Catalunya and the question that will be asked is and you know the
[01:56.220 -> 02:01.060] 2022 regulations will be challenged. Can the drivers follow? Can they overtake?
[02:01.060 -> 02:05.520] There are two DRS zones so that's's of course, one of the many stories
[02:05.520 -> 02:09.540] that will be the talking point of the season some, right?
[02:09.540 -> 02:12.340] And, you know, we've had a break,
[02:12.340 -> 02:15.720] but year on we have two double header races.
[02:15.720 -> 02:17.060] So it's gonna be Spain and Monaco,
[02:17.060 -> 02:19.100] then a break and then something else.
[02:19.100 -> 02:21.420] I don't remember the races at the top of my head.
[02:21.420 -> 02:24.000] I just know that I'm gonna be working.
[02:24.000 -> 02:25.840] And, but you know, Spain, it be working and but you know Spain it's
[02:25.840 -> 02:31.680] like going you know it's always touted to be like hey this is where the season actually starts in
[02:31.680 -> 02:36.720] Formula One isn't it? Yeah exactly new upgrades it's probably it's properly the first race of
[02:36.720 -> 02:41.840] the European leg. Now we have raced in Imola before that is correct but this is the circuit where the
[02:41.840 -> 02:46.780] teams properly bring their upgrades for the first time and wow Econal there's so many of them Mercedes are
[02:46.780 -> 02:50.160] apparently tauted to bring an upgrade there the same can be set for Alfa
[02:50.160 -> 02:54.240] Romeo Aston Martin apparently have a whole new car and Ferrari for the first
[02:54.240 -> 02:59.480] time this year also are going to have a big upgrade coming up it's it's like as
[02:59.480 -> 03:02.400] you rightly mentioned a whole new year all together and the pecking order could
[03:02.400 -> 03:05.440] be completely different to what we saw previously.
[03:07.440 -> 03:15.040] Absolutely, and you know, the key part here for everybody listening in is teams constantly will be bringing testing upgrades this weekend,
[03:15.040 -> 03:19.040] much as they've been doing it before, but the bigger upgrades are expected.
[03:19.040 -> 03:23.040] And, you know, they'll say this is a start of the European leg of the season,
[03:23.040 -> 03:27.960] but the irony is that we actually raced in Imola a couple of races ago as well.
[03:27.960 -> 03:32.040] But the truth is that Spain is where they will bring in all
[03:32.040 -> 03:34.700] the upgrades because it's also further into the season
[03:34.700 -> 03:36.880] than, say, Imola was, Sommel, right?
[03:36.880 -> 03:40.400] And the best way to keep a track of all the upgrades,
[03:40.400 -> 03:43.240] in my view, of course, is the Friday and Saturday
[03:43.240 -> 03:46.160] show and tell sessions that Formula One has now started and
[03:46.480 -> 03:50.800] then following somebody like an Albert Fabrega on Twitter who is
[03:51.280 -> 03:58.000] extremely good in sort of, you know, explaining what the upgrades are, who's brought in what, even the AMUS, the German
[03:58.480 -> 04:02.320] you know, Formula One publication that they have, that's pretty good as well.
[04:02.320 -> 04:05.480] And, you know, last year, Checo Perez said,
[04:05.480 -> 04:06.640] you know, I'm new to Red Bull,
[04:06.640 -> 04:10.700] it'll take me five races before actually I can go and win.
[04:10.700 -> 04:13.360] And he actually won at the sixth one, right?
[04:14.240 -> 04:16.480] Spain is the sixth round of the season.
[04:16.480 -> 04:18.120] So of course, for Checo Perez,
[04:18.120 -> 04:19.600] it could be one of those, you know,
[04:19.600 -> 04:21.720] sixth time lucky kind of thing.
[04:21.720 -> 04:24.960] But he's not the reason why I'm stating this.
[04:24.960 -> 04:26.600] Talking of thing, but he's not the reason why I'm stating this. Talking of upgrades, Ferrari said,
[04:26.600 -> 04:30.900] we are not bringing upgrades to our car
[04:30.900 -> 04:32.880] for the first five races.
[04:32.880 -> 04:35.240] And Spain is where their big upgrades
[04:35.240 -> 04:37.280] are expected to come in.
[04:37.280 -> 04:38.600] They've done a filming test.
[04:38.600 -> 04:40.820] There's been controversies each time
[04:40.820 -> 04:42.920] Ferrari's done a filming test, right?
[04:42.920 -> 04:49.320] So lots to sort of look forward to with regards to every team that's bringing in upgrades in in
[04:49.320 -> 04:53.480] this the season and I am definitely sure the pecking order is going to change
[04:53.480 -> 04:57.560] because eventually it's fine margins that are separating all the teams
[04:57.560 -> 05:01.720] whether at the front or in the midfield somewhere yeah absolutely and it's going
[05:01.720 -> 05:08.440] to be a big big test for Formula One in general as well because let's look at it this way. All the teams will be bringing in upgrades, all the
[05:08.440 -> 05:12.800] teams will be trying to elevate their cars into a better level. But Formula One has done
[05:12.800 -> 05:17.520] that at a grander scale with the new regulations, and they desperately want races like Spain
[05:17.520 -> 05:22.960] and like Monaco to be better races in terms of a spectacle. So on that front, I suppose
[05:22.960 -> 05:27.740] it's going to be a big challenge for the new, what do we call them, ground effect cars. I forgot for a
[05:27.740 -> 05:31.100] second, the racing has been so exciting, I forgot the name of the technology in
[05:31.100 -> 05:35.100] the first place. But in general Kunal, I just want to ask the question, can we
[05:35.100 -> 05:39.080] learn anything from the testing at all? Because we've mentioned consistently
[05:39.080 -> 05:42.060] that it's almost like the start of a new year, the cars will be completely
[05:42.060 -> 05:45.280] different. I suppose only track specific conditions,
[05:45.280 -> 05:47.720] specific base knowledge can be carried forward, no?
[05:49.760 -> 05:50.600] That's correct.
[05:50.600 -> 05:53.200] It's gonna be exciting because teams will actually
[05:53.200 -> 05:56.040] be able to see how much progress they've made
[05:56.040 -> 05:58.720] with their upgrades and with their cars.
[05:58.720 -> 05:59.920] Even if they've not upgraded,
[05:59.920 -> 06:01.600] there are setup related changes they make
[06:01.600 -> 06:03.060] as they learn more about the cars,
[06:03.060 -> 06:05.040] case in point, say, being Ferrari, right?
[06:10.720 -> 06:15.520] So they would know how much they have gained or lost and in which areas of their package. That's crucial. And the one thing to remember is the conditions will be far hotter
[06:16.240 -> 06:23.360] this weekend than when we went testing. So that sort of brings an additional set of challenges all together, Somu, right?
[06:23.760 -> 06:26.840] And one must remember the Circuit de Catalunya
[06:26.840 -> 06:29.080] is actually a very, very interesting circuit.
[06:29.080 -> 06:32.480] It's got a beautiful mix of low speed, medium speed,
[06:32.480 -> 06:34.300] and high speed corners, right?
[06:35.640 -> 06:37.600] There's this whole talk about overtaking
[06:37.600 -> 06:40.920] that's going to be the main talking point,
[06:40.920 -> 06:44.440] the buzzword for the weekend, will we see overtakes?
[06:44.440 -> 06:49.280] But I pretty much love the circuit for what it is and you know we're
[06:49.280 -> 06:54.760] gonna have two DRS zones you know one hack which for all the viewers when
[06:54.760 -> 06:59.680] you're watching it on TV if a corner is turning left it's more often than not a
[06:59.680 -> 07:04.160] low-speed corner and if a corner is going right it's more often than not a
[07:04.160 -> 07:09.300] high-speed corner so depending how you see it on television and also Mercedes's
[07:09.300 -> 07:13.560] simulation has released some interesting numbers which I'm happy to share is they
[07:13.560 -> 07:19.960] said that you know 2021 May so say 12 months ago was last when we ran Formula
[07:19.960 -> 07:26.960] One cars out here right the long turn three which you know was normally taken at 240 kilometers per hour
[07:26.960 -> 07:34.640] last year will probably be close to 225 kilometers per hour and similarly the fast turn nine at the
[07:34.640 -> 07:41.280] back of the circuit is a 250 kilometers per hour right-hander whereas last year was taken at you
[07:41.280 -> 07:47.580] know 265 kilometers per hour. So a lot of this attribution is just to how the formula works,
[07:47.580 -> 07:50.720] to how the cars are now heavier, and basically
[07:50.720 -> 07:53.240] the different two formulas that we are comparing
[07:53.240 -> 07:55.000] between this year and last year's Samul.
[07:55.000 -> 07:57.260] Yeah, but I suppose the speed differences,
[07:57.260 -> 08:00.240] they don't matter as much as the show would eventually.
[08:00.240 -> 08:01.620] And I so, so hope that it's going
[08:01.620 -> 08:03.320] to be better, because in testing,
[08:03.320 -> 08:06.680] we heard signs that drivers were optimistic about the cars
[08:06.680 -> 08:09.740] It's not perfect. Yes, but yeah things are
[08:10.360 -> 08:14.540] Potentially going to be better. Can they follow can they overtake that's gonna be the major question
[08:14.540 -> 08:17.780] But I suppose there is that chance right with a new car
[08:17.780 -> 08:23.060] So let's wait and watch but I want to know your favorite Spanish GP memory canal because we may not realize this
[08:23.060 -> 08:28.480] but this race has been on for such a long time literally and it always ends up going under the radar
[08:28.480 -> 08:32.160] because of its entertainment spectacle but I have to come up with the 2012
[08:32.160 -> 08:36.280] Spanish GP first up because being a Fernando Alonso fan that is one race
[08:36.280 -> 08:40.160] that always ends up coming into mind and the way he started the way he dotted up
[08:40.160 -> 08:43.600] the field that's just proper Alonso stuff and also 2013 which was
[08:43.600 -> 08:46.720] unfortunately his last race win to date.
[08:46.720 -> 08:49.040] Do you reckon another one is going to come any time soon?
[08:52.040 -> 08:53.720] Well, Fernando Alonso believes it's
[08:53.720 -> 08:57.440] a lot of bad luck that cost him a chunk of points
[08:57.440 -> 09:00.960] and performance in 2022, which seems to be the case,
[09:00.960 -> 09:02.720] much like Lewis Hamilton.
[09:02.720 -> 09:07.800] But it depends if you're an Alonso fan whether you believe in the luck or you just think O'Connor
[09:07.800 -> 09:13.680] outperformed him but yes my favorite Spanish crown tree memory I think I have
[09:13.680 -> 09:19.800] three first of course was you know Pastor Maldonado's last win for Williams
[09:19.800 -> 09:25.040] the most unexpected winner ever in the history books of Formula One at least
[09:25.040 -> 09:28.640] till my mind goes you know maybe Sebastian remembers all of them I
[09:28.640 -> 09:36.360] remember some of them. Then of course we had you know the famous 2016 race
[09:36.360 -> 09:42.160] Nico Rosberg, Lewis Hamilton taking each other out I think it's still not you
[09:42.160 -> 09:45.600] know fans still haven't decided who took who out, but that doesn't matter.
[09:45.600 -> 09:54.400] You know, Max Verstappen scored his Made in Formula One win while making a debut for Red Bull Racing.
[09:54.400 -> 09:58.800] And Sommel, back then, the Inside Line F1 podcast was very much around.
[09:58.800 -> 10:07.600] And Mithila and I had predicted that Max Verstappen would win that weekend and he actually won. We were shocked.
[10:07.600 -> 10:12.560] Now how much of a realistic prediction was that, Kunal? Because I get a feeling it might be a bit
[10:12.560 -> 10:17.600] of a parody one, no? That first race for Max and just to rub it in on Danny Kiffiad, he ended up
[10:17.600 -> 10:21.680] winning. But that's eventually what ended up happening in the first place. So it's not like
[10:21.680 -> 10:25.120] Spain has always had bad memories and I also remember 2017
[10:25.120 -> 10:30.400] when we had the little young kid Nicholas, if I'm not mistaken, the big Kimi Räikkönen fan and
[10:30.400 -> 10:34.240] eventually Formula 1 did a really good job of putting a smile on his face. But
[10:34.240 -> 10:38.480] smiles on faces, well, I suppose that's going to be tougher for Mercedes this time out because
[10:39.120 -> 10:43.920] for the last nine years, they've been on pole right here in Spain. That's a stat courtesy of
[10:43.920 -> 10:49.120] F1 Statguru and it may so happen that they might not end up doing so this time out
[10:49.120 -> 10:52.760] Kunal once again that that's a bit of a tricky point even though they do have
[10:52.760 -> 10:55.680] new upgrades coming in how do you see that working out for Mercedes
[10:55.680 -> 10:59.240] eventually because Soto Wolf says that they're expecting a bit of a step up
[10:59.240 -> 11:09.000] this weekend. Well you know Mercedes is the big mystery for all of us, including Mercedes themselves, right?
[11:09.000 -> 11:15.000] For them, it's going to be, you know, comparing two different specs of cars at the same Grand Prix,
[11:15.000 -> 11:21.000] which I think is fantastic for them to see because, you know, there's this talk of should they ditch the zero part concept,
[11:21.000 -> 11:25.760] go back to the traditional part set up that they, the traditional part
[11:25.760 -> 11:31.920] concept they had in Barcelona earlier in the season, right? So very, very interesting to
[11:31.920 -> 11:36.560] see how it goes. And since you mentioned that Mercedes, you know, have had pole position for
[11:36.560 -> 11:48.720] the last nine years, here's another stat. 23 out of 31 races at the Circuit de Catalunya have been won from pole position.
[11:49.040 -> 11:53.880] Right. Just shows how crucial qualifying is going to be on Saturday.
[11:53.960 -> 12:02.600] Right. And in fact, in Miami was the first time in nine races that the pole sitter failed to win the race.
[12:02.640 -> 12:05.200] Of course, this stat is also courtesy F1 stats
[12:05.200 -> 12:10.920] Guru Sundaram is pretty fantastic and its stats are even more fantastic.
[12:10.920 -> 12:15.180] But let's let's stick to these stats right because qualifying is going to be
[12:15.180 -> 12:19.960] so crucial out here and and so is you know we've heard this whole tyre
[12:19.960 -> 12:23.400] management thing which sort of pisses people off when when you talk about it
[12:23.400 -> 12:30.480] drivers sitting and waiting for others to make a mistake. But even in qualifying at Barcelona as one of the circuits
[12:30.480 -> 12:36.560] where you have to manage tires because sector three which is the last sector, lots of slow
[12:36.560 -> 12:42.480] corners, drivers can make up a lot of time there. Which means that if you attack sector one
[12:42.480 -> 12:45.280] in qualifying as you should, as you should,
[12:45.280 -> 12:46.820] then your tires might overheat
[12:46.820 -> 12:48.760] by the time you get to sector three.
[12:48.760 -> 12:51.000] So drivers will be looking to, you know,
[12:51.000 -> 12:53.080] sort of make that compromise as well,
[12:53.080 -> 12:55.400] that let sector one go a little bit.
[12:55.400 -> 12:58.560] So you are able to maximize your car's performance
[12:58.560 -> 12:59.400] in sector three.
[12:59.400 -> 13:01.520] So yes, the bottom line is,
[13:01.520 -> 13:03.680] qualifying is gonna be extremely crucial.
[13:03.680 -> 13:09.800] And I love this about Barcelona because it's been labeled as a technical circuit and this is exactly why it is so technical.
[13:09.800 -> 13:15.300] You've got to manage these aspects about tyre management, about passing, about the slow corners.
[13:15.300 -> 13:21.300] And it just makes it such a driver challenge as well, Kunal, the third sector, because it is frustrating.
[13:21.300 -> 13:24.000] It's almost annoying to drive that part of the circuit,
[13:24.000 -> 13:27.580] but that's where you kind of differentiate between the good drivers and the great
[13:27.580 -> 13:31.540] ones don't you and that's what we saw in Miami as well that that notorious
[13:31.540 -> 13:34.980] little Formula E sector that we mentioned it might be frustrating but
[13:34.980 -> 13:38.100] seriously that that's a big point of discussion all the way through but I
[13:38.100 -> 13:42.740] want to talk about Lewis Hamilton here for a second because over here Hamilton
[13:42.740 -> 13:45.360] has the joint record with Michael Schumacher
[13:45.360 -> 13:50.400] for six wins the most for any driver at this particular circuit. He's won here
[13:50.400 -> 13:54.240] for five years in a row. This is just gonna be a crash back down to earth
[13:54.240 -> 13:57.540] especially when you consider that his teammate George Russell he's been on a
[13:57.540 -> 14:02.100] streak of five top five finishers in a row. Will that streak continue Kunal and
[14:02.100 -> 14:05.280] will he rub it in Hamilton's face once again? I suppose
[14:05.280 -> 14:09.920] it's possible because the way he's been going about, he seems like the one who's mastered this car and Lewis hasn't.
[14:12.400 -> 14:25.520] You know, this is the same discussion we had when Leclerc and Fettel happened, where we said Leclerc is just loving the fact that he's racing for Ferrari and he's thinking race by race, whereas Vettel was thinking more on a championship level.
[14:25.520 -> 14:28.300] It's probably the same thing at Mercedes as well.
[14:28.300 -> 14:29.720] Russell's just loving the fact
[14:29.720 -> 14:31.880] that he's a Mercedes driver finally.
[14:31.880 -> 14:33.240] And Lewis is like, oh my God,
[14:33.240 -> 14:36.000] but this is not the Mercedes I know.
[14:36.000 -> 14:39.920] Mercedes is always technically the most comfortable team
[14:39.920 -> 14:41.560] at the front, et cetera, et cetera, right?
[14:41.560 -> 14:49.440] But what you mentioned about Lewis winning five years in a row actually is an interesting memory as well because we
[14:49.440 -> 14:54.880] spoke of your Stappans win on Red Bull Racing debut right and that was 2016
[14:54.880 -> 15:01.720] basically 2017 onwards it's only been Lewis Hamilton winning at Circuit de
[15:01.720 -> 15:08.120] Catalunya right so but this probably should take us to the eight sleep,
[15:09.560 -> 15:11.680] you know, list of, you know, list of drivers
[15:11.680 -> 15:15.160] who need to join the eight sleep performers on Sunday.
[15:15.160 -> 15:16.320] Well, yes, absolutely.
[15:16.320 -> 15:17.920] Lewis Hamilton has to be one of them
[15:17.920 -> 15:19.960] because the pressure really is on him.
[15:19.960 -> 15:21.400] Russell is delivering all the points
[15:21.400 -> 15:22.400] for Mercedes right now.
[15:22.400 -> 15:24.920] And for him to join in would be pretty superb
[15:24.920 -> 15:27.880] in this midfield battle. And they might be clear in the Constructors Championship
[15:27.880 -> 15:30.560] but it certainly helps out to do the same.
[15:30.560 -> 15:35.840] But apart from Lewis Hamilton Kunal, I'm going to actually go for two Spanish home heroes.
[15:35.840 -> 15:40.600] I'm going to go for Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso and the timing has nothing to do with
[15:40.600 -> 15:42.000] the fact that it's their home race.
[15:42.000 -> 15:48.160] It just helps out that it's this one but for Carlos Sainz there is no better race than this one to come
[15:48.160 -> 15:51.880] up with this first ever Grand Prix win but Ferrari coming up with new upgrades
[15:51.880 -> 15:55.800] things seem like it could be going in Ferrari's direction again it's all
[15:55.800 -> 15:59.720] optimistic this one but for Sainz really it's a big challenge to overcome
[15:59.720 -> 16:03.320] firstly his own teammate and for Fernando Alonso I suppose I'll get to
[16:03.320 -> 16:08.780] him later but who would you pick for your 8 sleep drivers who should get to become the
[16:08.780 -> 16:11.660] performer of the race? Oh that's that's a complicated name for a segment that I've
[16:11.660 -> 16:15.700] just made up it's it's supposed to be simple but yeah I've butchered it up
[16:15.700 -> 16:22.620] haven't I? I'm just gonna say it again drivers who need to join the list of
[16:22.620 -> 16:28.400] 8 sleep performers on this Sunday. My pick Samuel,
[16:28.400 -> 16:33.280] two drivers in no order but they better be higher up in the order. First is Daniel Ricciardo.
[16:33.920 -> 16:40.240] God knows what's happening to his season at McLaren. You know 2022 was supposed to be a reboot,
[16:40.240 -> 16:45.400] new car, new concept, supposed to be, you know, mastering everything that he's
[16:45.400 -> 16:50.160] known to be a master of, but that's not been happening, right? Of course, also
[16:50.160 -> 16:54.000] challenges at McLaren, you know, first race horribly off the pace, last race
[16:54.000 -> 16:58.600] issues all the way from qualifying, etc, right? But hey, at the end of the day,
[16:58.600 -> 17:02.880] Lando's the one who's been scoring all the points when, you know, one has to. And
[17:02.880 -> 17:06.580] I have an interesting Lando Norris stat here, right?
[17:06.580 -> 17:08.580] and this is for all those who love Formula One and
[17:09.200 -> 17:11.200] love maths.
[17:11.360 -> 17:15.560] Lando's last three finishes have been seventh,
[17:16.360 -> 17:17.960] fifth and
[17:17.960 -> 17:19.240] third.
[17:19.240 -> 17:23.200] Okay, so if you're the one who knows how to count down in odd numbers
[17:23.200 -> 17:28.820] you probably know who could be on the top step of the podium this Sunday, especially if math
[17:28.820 -> 17:34.400] trends sort of remain, right. And then of course the second driver who
[17:34.400 -> 17:38.800] you know, you know, who's on my list is Mick Schumacher and Mick Schumacher, as
[17:38.800 -> 17:46.200] odd as it may sound, has finished only in odd positions in races he's actually finished at. So he
[17:46.200 -> 17:53.280] was 11th in Bahrain, he was 13th in Australia, he was 17th in Imola and 15th
[17:53.280 -> 17:58.800] in the USA. I love the wordplay Kunal, I really do. So what will it take for
[17:58.800 -> 18:04.720] Bhikshu Marga to finish in first perhaps? Because someday right? I suppose if
[18:04.720 -> 18:07.680] there's one circuit where he can do it, maybe Barcelona, because that's
[18:07.680 -> 18:10.480] where his dad holds the record for the most amount of wins.
[18:10.480 -> 18:11.480] Again, I'm just speculating.
[18:11.480 -> 18:13.360] I'm just dreaming about that.
[18:13.360 -> 18:14.960] It's too much of a long shot right now.
[18:14.960 -> 18:18.280] But well, that's a fun little stat that's just popped up.
[18:18.280 -> 18:22.200] But speaking of Schumacher and that battle in the midfield, I mentioned a second ago
[18:22.200 -> 18:27.000] that I will talk about Fernando Alonso, but I'll come to that after a quick break. We're back right here.
[18:27.000 -> 18:32.280] Hello, it's me Sommel and you're listening to the Inside Line F1 Podcast. We release
[18:32.280 -> 18:37.200] a new episode every week or sometimes even twice a week. If you're a new listener, I
[18:37.200 -> 18:41.440] would absolutely recommend you tuning into our Voices of F1 series, where we've spoken
[18:41.440 -> 18:45.200] to legendary Formula 1 accommodators like Bob Varsha from the USA,
[18:45.200 -> 18:50.560] Steve Slater from Asia, Artlegel Brunson from Norway and many others. If you liked this episode,
[18:50.560 -> 18:55.440] hit subscribe, leave us a good rating and a good review. And before this episode resumes,
[18:55.440 -> 19:06.920] a quick word of thanks for choosing to listen to the the Inside Lion F1 podcast. Thanks for waiting for that small little break right there.
[19:06.920 -> 19:11.120] And we've got to talk about Fernando Alonso because I mentioned that he's going to be
[19:11.120 -> 19:15.300] a part of the list of eight sleep performers who need to become the top drivers of this
[19:15.300 -> 19:20.980] weekend and for Alonso, he's been absolutely decimated by Esteban Ocon this year.
[19:20.980 -> 19:24.420] And Kunal, I think you mentioned that Alonso might claim it to be bad luck.
[19:24.420 -> 19:29.400] Some might claim it to be Ocon not performing him. But coming into Spain, there's no better time
[19:29.400 -> 19:34.160] for him to go out there and have a good weekend. And we discussed recently on the Miami GP
[19:34.160 -> 19:38.480] review which teased later that perhaps the time could be coming to an end for Fernando
[19:38.480 -> 19:43.580] Alonso. So, if there's something that kickstarts his season, I think it has to be a couple
[19:43.580 -> 19:47.120] of good results. And right now, Ocon is having the better run of the grass.
[19:47.120 -> 19:54.800] I can't remember a teammate who has so comprehensively outclassed Fernando
[19:54.800 -> 20:00.480] Alonso in his Formula One career. And you know Ocon is of course standout
[20:00.480 -> 20:05.940] especially the last race in Miami, you know, he went from starting dead last
[20:05.940 -> 20:10.900] and he went from not in fact qualifying to, you know, finishing in the points.
[20:10.900 -> 20:17.900] Interestingly, Ocon has finished in the top eight in every race he's actually finished,
[20:17.900 -> 20:20.000] as has Valtteri Bottas, right?
[20:20.000 -> 20:26.080] So very interesting stats out there as well but yes home you know El Matador,
[20:26.080 -> 20:31.400] home race, Spanish fans, Fernando is the original poster boy of Formula One in
[20:31.400 -> 20:38.480] Barcelona. Could that trigger first good luck and then of course the
[20:38.480 -> 20:43.000] continued good performances for him and Alpine. Wow that's actually got me
[20:43.000 -> 20:48.000] wondering Kunal, will the Spanish fans be out here in blue or red this time out?
[20:48.000 -> 20:51.000] Because now Carlos Sainz is in a properly good car,
[20:51.000 -> 20:53.000] but the love of Fernando Alonso never dies,
[20:53.000 -> 20:55.000] so what color are they going to be wearing this weekend?
[20:55.000 -> 20:57.000] Even that's one big thing to watch out for.
[20:59.000 -> 21:01.000] Well, I'm wearing blue and I'm wearing red,
[21:01.000 -> 21:07.580] so my heart, I would go with blue if I was to be at
[21:07.580 -> 21:11.800] Barcelona. So in fact Barcelona was also one of my first races that I
[21:11.800 -> 21:16.440] reported from as an accredited media journalist several years ago yes but
[21:16.440 -> 21:22.320] lots of lovely memories of you know staying in Granoirs and eating at the
[21:22.320 -> 21:26.240] circuit and you know loving all the media facilities etc.
[21:26.240 -> 21:30.400] I suppose the weather also reminds you quite a fair bit of Mumbai but that's a topic for later
[21:30.400 -> 21:35.840] on. We have to speak about some other new entrants into this field right now and Nick de Vries Canal
[21:35.840 -> 21:41.360] is going to be driving for Williams in FP1 and we've been talking consistently of this podcast
[21:41.360 -> 21:46.740] on Williams perhaps looking for options other than Latifi because obviously they're not getting any returns over there
[21:46.800 -> 21:51.620] But to my mind this just looks like the first proper Formula E to Formula 1 crossover
[21:51.620 -> 21:56.820] We've seen the latter quite a fair bit if anything one might say that's the whole basis of Formula E in the first place
[21:56.820 -> 21:59.900] But I think that's a bit too harsh, but first time properly because
[22:00.500 -> 22:05.120] I'm saying properly because Alex Albon also crossed over, but he only did one test for Nissan.
[22:05.120 -> 22:08.320] So I don't think that really counts in there. But yeah, good to see Nick DeVries coming in here.
[22:10.360 -> 22:13.280] Especially the fact that Nick DeVries is a reigning Formula E
[22:13.800 -> 22:18.160] World Champion ever since Formula E became a world championship from this season as well.
[22:18.160 -> 22:23.000] So I think it's fantastic to see Nick get a break in Formula One.
[22:23.000 -> 22:26.080] Yes, it's a part of a mandatory rule
[22:26.080 -> 22:28.240] that's from this season, one out of two.
[22:28.240 -> 22:32.480] One, yeah, you have to have at least two
[22:32.480 -> 22:36.480] rookie driver outings in FP sessions in 2022,
[22:36.480 -> 22:38.040] and this is for every team, right?
[22:38.040 -> 22:41.120] So Nick is gonna be one of the two,
[22:41.120 -> 22:43.280] or at least one right now for Williams.
[22:43.280 -> 22:49.840] But keeping all the rules and stuff aside aside just the fact that Williams will be able to gauge Nick
[22:49.840 -> 22:55.580] DeVries versus Nicolas Latifi in pretty much the same car, same track, same
[22:55.580 -> 22:59.780] session, all of that and that's going to be very good comparative data for them
[22:59.780 -> 23:03.460] and remember these two drivers actually fought for the Formula 2 championship a
[23:03.460 -> 23:07.220] few years ago where DeVries actually ended up beating Latifi
[23:07.760 -> 23:11.600] To the title Samuel. So I am very excited to see De Vries out there
[23:11.600 -> 23:15.280] Yeah, indeed and who knows what might happen a few years down the line
[23:15.280 -> 23:19.280] But De Vries doing so well having won the Formula 2 championship before Formula E
[23:19.280 -> 23:23.600] It seems like he would be a good candidate for Williams sometimes in the future
[23:23.600 -> 23:26.360] So let's wait and watch to see how that plays out eventually.
[23:26.640 -> 23:31.520] But we have to talk also about the battle at the top, because with Williams, yes, it's
[23:31.520 -> 23:35.480] exciting, but it's at the lower half of the field and the top half of the field, Kunal.
[23:35.920 -> 23:40.600] The exciting part is there's just not much more to add to Leclerc versus Verstappen.
[23:40.600 -> 23:44.040] At this stage, the only thing we can say about them is just sit back and relax and
[23:44.040 -> 23:48.800] watch them fight, which I think is the best recipe for any good Formula 1 season in my opinion.
[23:50.720 -> 23:55.840] It is and I actually have two things to add. First is some interesting numbers on Latifi as well.
[23:55.840 -> 24:02.880] So each time Latifi has finished a race in 2022, he's either finished 14th or 16th. That's it.
[24:02.880 -> 24:08.100] There are no other numbers. Okay. That is interesting.
[24:08.100 -> 24:12.280] And the second thing that I said I would add is I would probably add a couple of 10s to
[24:12.280 -> 24:17.540] Leclerc's pace if I could, because, you know, after seeing Ferrari start the season as they
[24:17.540 -> 24:22.860] did this, you know, Red Bull sort of become the fastest car we saw. They were not so challenged
[24:22.860 -> 24:30.000] in the last couple of races, but for that battle to continue to be a battle and not like continue to be
[24:30.000 -> 24:34.720] close to a battle there was a difference in the two. I think Leclerc having a
[24:34.720 -> 24:39.880] couple of tents is great you know fine margins that's what separates them so
[24:39.880 -> 24:43.720] what the upgrades would do and you know how the pecking order would change would
[24:43.720 -> 24:45.960] all depend on those fine margins of a couple of tents that the upgrades would do and you know how the pecking order would change would all depend on those fine margins of a couple
[24:45.960 -> 24:49.680] of pens that the drivers would find some and then you know
[24:49.880 -> 24:52.680] You know, I would you you talked about Carlos Sainz
[24:52.680 -> 24:56.960] I would also put Checo Perez out there, you know in all the races Perez has finished
[24:56.960 -> 25:00.720] He's actually finished in the top four. He's you know, he's scored a pole position
[25:01.760 -> 25:05.000] Before Max Verstappen did in 2022.
[25:05.000 -> 25:08.080] Could he go out and get a win if he was allowed to,
[25:08.080 -> 25:09.760] if he could solve it?
[25:09.760 -> 25:12.640] You mentioned a big blue right there, if he was allowed to.
[25:12.640 -> 25:14.080] Come on, five races in Kunal.
[25:14.080 -> 25:15.960] You reckon that he's actually being held back
[25:15.960 -> 25:16.960] at this stage as well?
[25:16.960 -> 25:21.080] Would Red Bull do something like that so early on in the year?
[25:21.080 -> 25:24.680] I would do it if I was Red Bull, if Max Verstappen,
[25:24.680 -> 25:29.000] he's lost two races to reliability issues.
[25:29.000 -> 25:36.000] Everything that needs to be done to sort of get him to score maximum points should be and would be done.
[25:36.000 -> 25:43.000] So I wouldn't be surprised if Red Bull would go back and play the number two card role and why not?
[25:43.000 -> 25:46.040] I mean, they've backed Max to the full.
[25:46.040 -> 25:49.280] Checo knows this, Max knows this, we all know this.
[25:49.280 -> 25:52.000] And it's always been that we need to find a number two
[25:52.000 -> 25:54.600] driver for Red Bull and for Max Verstappen.
[25:54.600 -> 25:57.320] So I wouldn't be surprised if they, you know,
[25:57.320 -> 26:00.480] if team orders were to come in play at some point.
[26:00.480 -> 26:01.560] Not so early on though.
[26:01.560 -> 26:04.520] I mean, it's the sensible decision, but come on Red Bull,
[26:04.520 -> 26:06.040] don't be so boring.
[26:06.040 -> 26:09.120] And you know what, this time I'll not be so boring with the predictions as well.
[26:09.120 -> 26:13.360] I'm actually going to go for Carlos signs for pole and win this time.
[26:13.360 -> 26:15.880] So I'm putting myself out there.
[26:15.880 -> 26:17.320] But what about you, Kunal?
[26:17.320 -> 26:19.360] I suppose you're going to go for Max.
[26:19.360 -> 26:23.040] I know you won't do something different in that case, because everything just kind of
[26:23.040 -> 26:29.280] dictates that he's going to be the one who gets it at the end. Yeah it's it's tough to
[26:29.280 -> 26:35.320] look away from Max you know he's got this momentum going on he's driving like
[26:35.320 -> 26:42.040] he's always driven and I would I think it would be you know a Ferrari on pole
[26:42.040 -> 26:48.420] but Max to win that's my feeling but more than
[26:48.420 -> 26:52.820] anything else I think the battle between the top two drivers or top three drivers
[26:52.820 -> 26:58.320] will be a lot closer and I also think Mercedes would have closed in on the gap
[26:58.320 -> 27:04.080] that they are sort of sitting in between but not enough to go and battle for a
[27:04.080 -> 27:05.480] podium finish unless something goes
[27:05.480 -> 27:09.820] wrong there. So yeah I've given a very convoluted very complicated prediction
[27:09.820 -> 27:14.160] but just doing some reading but hey it's early days in the week and if you guys
[27:14.160 -> 27:17.100] have some predictions you want to share with us you know go ahead and
[27:17.100 -> 27:20.400] tweet it. Tweet at us. Absolutely and let us know what your thoughts are but folks
[27:20.400 -> 27:23.600] thank you so much for watching and listening to this particular episode of
[27:23.600 -> 27:25.280] the Inside Line F1 podcast.
[27:25.280 -> 27:30.400] We'll be back with more for the Spanish GP race review and also other coverage of all the other races.
[27:30.400 -> 27:36.560] So stay right here and in case you want something else to listen to, go check out our Miami GP review with Mr.
[27:36.560 -> None] Steve Slater, the voice of F1 back in Asia. So that's all for now folks. See you soon. have a good time, enjoy the weekend. you