All the Sainz for Mission 33 for Alonso - 2023 Spanish GP Preview

The Circuit de Catalunya-Barcelona has 14 corners. The circuit will also host it's 33rd race this weekend - the 2023 Spanish Grand Prix.

Are all the signs hinting towards a home win for the ever-popular Fernando Alonso? Btw, he did miss out on a win in Monaco last week, as the data now confirms.

In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru aka Sundaram and Kunal Shah preview the upcoming 2023 Spanish Grand Prix. The key buzz will be around Fernando Alonso, obviously, but has the buzz around Carlos Sainz faded a wee bit after he joined Ferrari?

Also, full focus on upgrades at a circuit that's best-suited to test them. Will the change in layout aid better racing or will it be another factor for all to blame in case the race is a snoozefest? Also, look out for tyre management - the heat and the circuit are tyre busters! It's no surprise that Pirelli has brought their hardest compounds for this race. And of course, that's another blame factor, should we need it! 😉

Tune in!

(Season 2023, Episode 26)

Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora, Kunal Shah

Image courtesy: Aston Martin Formula One Team

**Pre-Race Analysis:**

* The Circuit de Catalunya-Barcelona will host its 33rd race this weekend, the 2023 Spanish Grand Prix.
* Attention will be on Fernando Alonso, the beloved Spanish driver, but has the buzz around Carlos Sainz faded after joining Ferrari?
* Teams will focus on upgrades at a circuit best suited for testing them.
* The change in layout aims to improve racing, but it could also become a scapegoat if the race is uneventful.
* Tire management is crucial, as the heat and circuit are tough on tires. Pirelli has brought their hardest compounds for this race.

**Race Expectations and Controversies:**

* The Inside Line F1 podcast crew discusses their excitement for the upcoming race and shares their thoughts on various aspects.
* They debate whether the Spanish Grand Prix is a traditional European race or if Imola should hold that title.
* The hosts anticipate upgrades from various teams, especially Mercedes, and speculate on potential excuses they might offer if the upgrades don't perform as expected.
* They discuss the possibility of a snooze fest and consider what factors could be blamed, such as the tires, cars, or circuit configuration.

**Defining a Good Race:**

* The hosts engage in a thought-provoking discussion about what constitutes a good Formula One race.
* They explore different perspectives, emphasizing the importance of exciting battles, strategic masterclasses, and unpredictable outcomes.

**Predictions:**

* The hosts make their bold predictions for the Spanish Grand Prix:
* Soumil Arora: Fernando Alonso to win, inspired by his home crowd and the improving Aston Martin.
* Kunal Shah: A wet race could favor Fernando Alonso, given his exceptional skills in wet conditions.
* Sundaram: The leader of FP2 will likely take pole position, which is a strong indicator of winning the race. **Inside Line F1 Podcast: Preview of the 2023 Spanish Grand Prix**

**Introduction:**

* The Circuit de Catalunya-Barcelona, hosting its 33rd race this weekend, sets the stage for the 2023 Spanish Grand Prix.
* Excitement surrounds the potential for a home win for Fernando Alonso, following his near-miss in Monaco.

**Focus on Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz:**

* Fernando Alonso's popularity and home advantage generate anticipation for a strong performance.
* Carlos Sainz's buzz may have diminished slightly since joining Ferrari.

**Circuit Upgrades and Layout Changes:**

* Teams bring upgrades to the circuit, providing an opportunity to test their effectiveness.
* Layout changes aim to improve racing, but could potentially lead to criticism if the race lacks excitement.

**Tire Management and Pirelli's Compound Selection:**

* Tire management is crucial due to the heat and circuit characteristics.
* Pirelli brings their hardest compounds to address the demanding conditions.

**Conclusion:**

* The upcoming Spanish Grand Prix promises intrigue with Alonso's home advantage, upgraded cars, and the challenge of managing tires on a demanding circuit.

[00:00.000 -> 00:29.280] It's time for Spain, which means that if you're a Ferrari fan once again it's time for more pain because this one is going to be our Spanish GP preview on the
[00:29.280 -> 00:33.740] Insideline F1 podcast and everyone in the world is gonna be talking about this
[00:33.740 -> 00:37.900] being a home race for Fernando Alonso but don't forget ladies and gentlemen
[00:37.900 -> 00:43.300] this is also home race for Carlos Sainz. We almost forgot him didn't we Sundaram?
[00:43.300 -> 00:45.120] This is a little absurd.
[00:49.280 -> 00:54.160] That's always the case. You always tend to forget Carlos Sainz amidst all of the talk about Fernando Alonso and even Ferrari is largely being spoken only about Sherlock Lloch, but
[00:54.160 -> 00:57.040] hey everyone, it's great to be back on the podcast.
[01:02.560 -> 01:03.760] This is why we missed you.
[01:03.760 -> 01:09.760] It's great to be back and do another live episode with my favorite F1 buddies.
[01:09.760 -> 01:10.760] But yeah.
[01:10.760 -> 01:11.760] Yeah, this is more like it.
[01:11.760 -> 01:15.320] This is why we so love recording all together, the three of us, isn't it Kunal?
[01:15.320 -> 01:18.040] We can just banter the life out of everything.
[01:18.040 -> 01:22.040] And I know this weekend, we're going to banter the life out of Carlos Sainz for making a
[01:22.040 -> 01:23.280] trip into the gravel trap.
[01:23.280 -> 01:26.160] But let's not forget, he's just trying to...
[01:26.160 -> 01:27.560] Actually, he's not doing anything wrong.
[01:27.560 -> 01:29.440] It's just basic human instinct.
[01:29.440 -> 01:31.120] His father was a world rally champion.
[01:31.120 -> 01:32.600] So it's in the blood.
[01:32.600 -> 01:36.880] So if he makes a mistake this time off and goes wide round to the gravel trap
[01:36.880 -> 01:37.920] across the new...
[01:37.920 -> 01:41.880] The lack of chicane, the new final turn, basically, because we don't have the chicane.
[01:41.880 -> 01:42.600] Don't blame him.
[01:42.600 -> 01:46.000] Yeah, I mean mean firstly, great to
[01:46.000 -> 01:52.240] have F1 Stats crew here. You know, we normally try and sync between all our calendars and
[01:52.240 -> 01:57.760] time zones. So great to have you here and you know do this with the three of us. Talking of
[01:57.760 -> 02:05.760] Carlos Sainz, literally, I mean let's look at it a little seriously. Fernando Alonso was supposed to hand over the mantle
[02:05.760 -> 02:10.560] to Carlos Sainz. He was the next great hope of Spain in Formula One, especially after he joined
[02:10.560 -> 02:18.720] Ferrari, Fernando left and all of that. And guess what? Fernando is back because of Aston Martin,
[02:18.720 -> 02:26.600] of course. But imagine, Fernando still remains the primary driver for Spain and the Spanish fans this
[02:26.600 -> 02:27.600] weekend.
[02:27.600 -> 02:33.320] And by the way, if you are listening in from Spain, leave us a message or tag us on social
[02:33.320 -> 02:36.160] media or if you're on Spotify, leave a comment there.
[02:36.160 -> 02:38.320] We'd love to say hello to you.
[02:38.320 -> 02:41.120] Although I wish I knew what was, como esta?
[02:41.120 -> 02:42.120] That's what I can say.
[02:42.120 -> 02:43.120] That's the long and short of my Spanish.
[02:43.120 -> 02:44.120] Hola, como estas?
[02:44.120 -> 02:47.440] And I've heard from a few of my friends who actually went to Spain to study Spanish,
[02:47.440 -> 02:50.680] that it's such a fun language to learn, especially when you're over there.
[02:51.000 -> 02:52.960] And the fact is the people are so endearing.
[02:52.960 -> 02:56.640] They, whenever someone comes up to you, they really look after them very,
[02:56.640 -> 02:57.480] very well.
[02:57.480 -> 03:00.520] And the same can be said about the fans for their heroes as well,
[03:00.520 -> 03:04.200] because they've been treating Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz with such respect
[03:04.200 -> 03:08.040] and so much care for so many years. But it's still strange that he mentioned that
[03:08.040 -> 03:13.200] Fernando Alonso is the top driver in the country so far. And so on this episode, let's actually
[03:13.200 -> 03:18.040] start off by talking about his prospects. But before I do that, let's also introduce
[03:18.040 -> 03:23.200] who all of us are. Firstly, my name is Somal Arora. I'm the host of the Indian Racing League
[03:23.200 -> 03:27.200] broadcast on Starsports. Joining me as always is Kunal Shah,
[03:27.200 -> 03:29.600] the former marketing head of the Force India F1 team,
[03:29.600 -> 03:32.760] and also an FIA accredited Formula One journalist
[03:32.760 -> 03:34.120] for the Viaplay Network.
[03:34.120 -> 03:35.480] And as Kunal mentioned,
[03:35.480 -> 03:37.600] back again recording with us this time,
[03:37.600 -> 03:39.080] F1 Stats Guru,
[03:39.080 -> 03:40.360] whose stats have now been read out
[03:40.360 -> 03:43.000] on so many different Formula One broadcasts,
[03:43.000 -> 03:44.880] and also on so many top websites
[03:44.880 -> 03:50.680] like autosport and motorsport.com. But that's us. This is the Inside Line F1 podcast. What
[03:50.680 -> 03:57.880] I want to talk about now is Fernando Alonso because in Monaco, we barely barely saw Fernando
[03:57.880 -> 04:04.240] Alonso missing his chance for the win by just one minor misjudgment. And now Sundaram, at
[04:04.240 -> 04:06.400] a track that's sort of in characteristics,
[04:06.400 -> 04:08.400] at least in terms of downforce nature and all that,
[04:08.400 -> 04:10.560] we could get to see Aston Martin back in the hunt.
[04:10.560 -> 04:14.560] And if that's the case, apart from a Fernando Alonso win fight,
[04:14.560 -> 04:16.560] we could also get to see an amazing qualifying
[04:16.560 -> 04:18.720] because hopefully this time Sergio won't bottle it.
[04:19.520 -> 04:20.240] Oh, absolutely.
[04:20.240 -> 04:24.560] I think Monaco was probably the best chance for Aston Martin
[04:24.560 -> 04:25.540] to grab a win
[04:25.540 -> 04:26.620] this year.
[04:26.620 -> 04:28.840] And they almost had that.
[04:28.840 -> 04:32.760] I know the team was pretty adamant that they made the right decision when it came to tie
[04:32.760 -> 04:34.600] choice.
[04:34.600 -> 04:40.000] But if things went slightly in a different way, if he had picked inters instead of mediums,
[04:40.000 -> 04:42.960] there would have been a possibility that he would have come out ahead of Verstappen.
[04:42.960 -> 04:45.960] But yes, the biggest talking point about Spain
[04:45.960 -> 04:48.120] is going to be Fernando Alonso.
[04:48.120 -> 04:50.760] And like you mentioned, although he
[04:50.760 -> 04:53.680] was supposed to hand over the mantle to science,
[04:53.680 -> 04:56.320] everyone's really looking forward to what Alonso can do.
[04:56.320 -> 04:58.840] I don't think so this is going to be the most preferable.
[04:58.840 -> 05:00.720] I mean, I don't think it's going to be a preferable track
[05:00.720 -> 05:01.240] for them.
[05:01.240 -> 05:02.880] But there is one thing that I'm actually
[05:02.880 -> 05:06.880] very keen on seeing, Samuel. I actually asked you to pull out the Wikipedia
[05:06.880 -> 05:08.120] page of the Spanish group.
[05:08.120 -> 05:09.160] Oh, it's ready, my friend.
[05:09.160 -> 05:10.240] Oh, it's ready.
[05:10.240 -> 05:11.480] Before recording this.
[05:11.480 -> 05:15.720] Yes, because I really wanted to look at one particular thing.
[05:15.720 -> 05:17.120] Two, in fact, sorry.
[05:17.120 -> 05:20.200] So we know this year there's going to be a new track layout.
[05:20.200 -> 05:22.560] And last year, there were 16 corners
[05:22.560 -> 05:23.760] at this particular circuit.
[05:23.760 -> 05:25.600] How many corners are there at this point of time?
[05:25.600 -> 05:26.600] 14.
[05:28.400 -> 05:29.400] Fernando Alonso.
[05:29.400 -> 05:31.800] Whose racing number?
[05:32.400 -> 05:33.800] Wait, wait, that's not done.
[05:33.800 -> 05:35.600] So whose racing number is 14?
[05:35.600 -> 05:36.400] Fernando Alonso.
[05:36.400 -> 05:39.800] Now I need to test your mathematics a little.
[05:39.800 -> 05:45.000] If you can go slightly lower on that page to former race winners by year.
[05:45.360 -> 05:47.680] I want you to, I want you to tell me one of the first,
[05:48.040 -> 05:50.400] I want you to tell me one of the first race at Catalonia.
[05:50.400 -> 05:51.400] No, 1913.
[05:52.960 -> 05:54.280] Oh, at Catalonia. Okay. Okay.
[05:54.640 -> 05:56.200] No, first for Catalonia. Yes. 91.
[05:56.200 -> 05:58.360] No, 19, 1991. The first.
[05:59.280 -> 06:02.800] So how many races has that been? How many races have we seen in Barcelona?
[06:02.800 -> 06:07.000] One second. 2001, 2011, 2013, 2013.
[06:07.000 -> 06:10.000] 33.
[06:10.000 -> 06:11.600] Oh, come on.
[06:13.720 -> 06:16.160] 32 so far.
[06:16.160 -> 06:18.760] This is the 33rd race at Barcelona.
[06:19.240 -> 06:21.080] So the signs are very much there.
[06:21.080 -> 06:23.160] And there's also a Akalo's signs as well.
[06:25.680 -> 06:28.120] Is he really there? My goodness.
[06:29.720 -> 06:33.480] But really, is he really there? Because, you know,
[06:34.680 -> 06:38.840] ever since he's come to Ferrari has been Ferrari-ed, if we may put it that way,
[06:38.840 -> 06:42.480] you know, we all were like, we all were like, Oh my God, Carlos Sainz,
[06:42.480 -> 06:49.080] such a great talent, McLaren. And he is a great talent talent but just imagine even a driver like him with all the you know
[06:49.080 -> 06:55.080] motorsport genes etc he comes with is just you sort of can feel the pressure
[06:55.080 -> 06:58.880] that the drivers go through at Ferrari when you see people like Charles and
[06:58.880 -> 07:03.880] Carlos who can emote so much I would say I mean he's coming to his home race and
[07:03.880 -> 07:05.120] suddenly he's like, oh my God,
[07:05.120 -> 07:07.600] that one driver I took an autograph off
[07:07.600 -> 07:09.520] when I was eight years old,
[07:09.520 -> 07:13.800] is still that one driver to follow when I'm 28 years old.
[07:13.800 -> 07:16.360] Is he ever going to go?
[07:16.360 -> 07:17.680] Never, never.
[07:17.680 -> 07:19.480] Oh, wait, what do you mean, the same driver?
[07:19.480 -> 07:21.360] Fernando Alonso has gone,
[07:21.360 -> 07:23.120] and this is a new Fernando Alonso.
[07:23.120 -> 07:25.760] I mean, there was one Fernando Alonso who retired in 2018.
[07:25.760 -> 07:26.920] This is a completely different one.
[07:26.920 -> 07:28.640] So let's not forget that point as well.
[07:28.640 -> 07:30.600] But I so agree to that point.
[07:30.600 -> 07:35.480] And I'm just so intrigued to see if Ferrari have the capabilities of competing with Mercedes
[07:35.480 -> 07:38.320] and not Mercedes actually, but okay, the green Mercedes.
[07:38.320 -> 07:39.960] No, wait, that used to be 2019.
[07:39.960 -> 07:40.960] Holy hell.
[07:40.960 -> 07:41.960] Well, time has flown.
[07:41.960 -> 07:45.600] But if they have the capability of competing with Aston Martin this time, because everyone
[07:45.600 -> 07:47.560] Kunal is bringing upgrades.
[07:47.560 -> 07:48.560] That's the big chatter, right?
[07:48.560 -> 07:49.560] Finally, first...
[07:49.560 -> 07:50.560] No, wait.
[07:50.560 -> 07:53.760] Guys, let's just take a quick debate.
[07:53.760 -> 07:55.520] What's the first proper European race?
[07:55.520 -> 07:56.520] Is it Emula?
[07:56.520 -> 07:57.520] Is it Spain?
[07:57.520 -> 07:59.760] Because traditionally, it's been Spain, Sundaram.
[07:59.760 -> 08:05.000] But again, Emula doesn't feel like the first traditional European race.
[08:05.000 -> 08:07.920] So this still feels like the one race where they will be bringing in all the upgrades,
[08:07.920 -> 08:10.280] but there have been a couple of races before when they've done that.
[08:10.960 -> 08:14.600] I mean, yeah, for the longest time, I mean, because this year, I think it was Monaco.
[08:14.680 -> 08:18.560] Since we did not have the Emula race this time, it was Monaco for a very long time.
[08:18.560 -> 08:19.280] Oh shit, yes.
[08:22.160 -> 08:27.800] Monaco got to be the first European race without actually paying to be the first European race.
[08:27.800 -> 08:30.740] You know, usually when there's a first for something, Formula 1 is like, yeah, put an
[08:30.740 -> 08:32.560] extra zero at the end and let's go.
[08:32.560 -> 08:38.200] But upgrades will be the talk of the town after the Spanish drivers and the circuit
[08:38.200 -> 08:40.520] configuration changes.
[08:40.520 -> 08:44.260] And you know, teams that didn't bring upgrades in Monaco will bring upgrades in Spain.
[08:44.260 -> 08:49.500] Teams that brought upgrades in Monaco will actually validate those upgrades again in Spain.
[08:49.500 -> 08:51.700] Not really again for the first time in Spain.
[08:51.700 -> 08:58.900] You know, and every team and every driver has done thousands and thousands of kilometers here.
[08:58.900 -> 09:01.600] So they don't have an excuse to make a mistake.
[09:01.600 -> 09:05.000] In fact, if anything, for the first time, they'll
[09:05.000 -> 09:09.840] literally be able to dial in more efficiency in their setups because
[09:09.840 -> 09:14.480] they have so much history, so much data, etc. But also for the first time, the new
[09:14.480 -> 09:20.780] cars, new tires, etc., new changes will be driven in Spain this weekend. So lots to
[09:20.780 -> 09:25.120] look forward to, lots of upgrade validations etc will happen.
[09:29.200 -> 09:33.200] Some people will go away, you know, smiling, some people will have excuses. I think I know Samuel is going to point out who might just have an excuse and what that
[09:33.200 -> 09:38.080] excuse might be if the team is Mercedes, but upgrades will definitely be a talk of the town.
[09:38.800 -> 09:44.480] Oh, big time, big time. Mercedes, that is going to be so much fun to watch because
[09:46.180 -> 09:49.260] let's be honest, we all know that these new upgrades aren't going to work.
[09:49.260 -> 09:51.100] They just can't be that good.
[09:51.100 -> 09:52.500] They can't catch up to Red Bull Racing.
[09:52.500 -> 09:55.420] They might be, for instance, Aston Martin, right?
[09:55.420 -> 09:56.980] That's as high as things can go.
[09:56.980 -> 10:01.980] So I wonder, it doesn't work out this weekend, which I don't know.
[10:01.980 -> 10:06.880] I just feel it might not really be there as a Monaco weren't that great and
[10:06.880 -> 10:12.000] he is circuit with many particular characteristics but nevertheless Hamilton was complaining
[10:12.000 -> 10:14.760] of that car not being very very confident.
[10:14.760 -> 10:19.720] That happens once Mercedes are, I am just thinking about what excuse they're going to
[10:19.720 -> 10:21.440] give us of them.
[10:21.440 -> 10:26.160] This time I am just so intrigued, is it go bear with us these new upgrades we need to learn
[10:26.160 -> 10:30.400] we need to understand we need to comprehend the upgrades need to talk to us we need to feed them
[10:30.400 -> 10:33.760] some food and then they'll get comfortable with us. What sort of rubbish is going to come out from
[10:33.760 -> 10:39.600] their camp this time because they always find a really fun excuse and by the way it's always the
[10:39.600 -> 10:49.360] most dramatic excuse the most perfect for PR the best TV, always. I'm pretty sure they've already begun writing their letter, their next edition for Letter
[10:49.360 -> 10:57.240] to our fans, because I mean, quite obviously, it's like you mentioned, it's right that the
[10:57.240 -> 11:01.100] updates are not going to work straight away. I mean, they have gone back to more conventional
[11:01.100 -> 11:05.800] side pod concept, but sure, they're bringing a new floor, they're
[11:05.800 -> 11:09.980] bringing new suspension parts and trying and testing them out and correlating
[11:09.980 -> 11:13.800] them with the simulations is going to take a little bit of time. So I'm really
[11:13.800 -> 11:18.520] hoping that these upgrades are positive from Mercedes' side and somewhere around
[11:18.520 -> 11:22.920] the mid-season part of the calendar, they are a little bit more competitive
[11:22.920 -> 11:30.000] and I can at least challenge Aston Martin. You know the excuse that they could come up with in Spain and get away with saying,
[11:30.000 -> 11:35.520] you know, we didn't have Fernando in our car, look at that El Matador, he is driving like an animal
[11:35.520 -> 11:40.320] and we need somebody to wring that thing out of a car. But yeah, seriously, I think Mercedes's
[11:40.320 -> 11:45.000] upgrades are a step in a direction they don't want to take or rather a step in
[11:45.000 -> 11:48.240] the direction they should have taken last year but didn't take etc.
[11:48.240 -> 11:52.560] But the most exciting thing about upgrades for me are two things actually.
[11:52.560 -> 11:57.320] Alpine's updates have actually done so well that they are getting into that top four,
[11:57.320 -> 11:59.120] you know, fight somewhere or the other.
[11:59.120 -> 12:02.320] Ocon got a podium, Alpine really great result.
[12:02.320 -> 12:04.880] Can the momentum take them further?
[12:04.880 -> 12:07.040] And interestingly interestingly Red Bull
[12:07.040 -> 12:12.560] are bringing upgrades right and I would love to see them come up with a zero part concept and make
[12:12.560 -> 12:17.280] it work and be like hey guess what we made it work we can give you wings and we can take away
[12:17.280 -> 12:23.120] your side parts. That'll be just rubbing it in their face big time but hey now that you've pulled
[12:23.120 -> 12:29.760] up the topic of Red Bull Racing that's once your mind back to a year ago. This was the exact race when Sergio Perez saw his
[12:29.760 -> 12:35.120] campaign sort of put down into the dirt. After this, of course, he won Monaco and Baku. But
[12:35.120 -> 12:40.320] the way things went was that at this particular race, Red Bull Racing let Max Verstappen go past
[12:40.320 -> 12:44.640] because they felt it was important for the championship. And that is even when he had
[12:44.640 -> 12:47.280] a flappy DRS that wasn't working perfectly.
[12:47.280 -> 12:51.080] Bad memories when he comes back in, but also crucial point Kunal,
[12:51.080 -> 12:55.600] because at this very time of the year, when we come to Spain, it's a similar story.
[12:55.600 -> 12:57.520] Sergio Perez is on the back foot.
[12:57.520 -> 13:00.160] And yes, he's had a couple of good performances so far,
[13:00.160 -> 13:02.000] but the story still remains the same.
[13:02.000 -> 13:04.160] Perform now or get to the back.
[13:04.160 -> 13:05.560] No, wait, that didn't sound very good, did it? far but the story still remains the same. Perform now or get to the back. No wait
[13:05.560 -> 13:13.720] that didn't sound very good did it? And we no longer have street circuits our way or
[13:13.720 -> 13:17.560] almost I mean Canada is a semi street circuit but after what five street
[13:17.560 -> 13:22.560] circuits we are now coming to a regular circuit so to say and you know depending
[13:22.560 -> 13:29.100] on how you read the data or irrespective of how you read the data it seems like the Spanish GP the circuit de
[13:29.100 -> 13:33.600] Cataluña Barcelona and that's probably the two municipalities saying we want
[13:33.600 -> 13:38.120] both our names there but anyway yeah circuit de Cataluña Barcelona is you
[13:38.120 -> 13:42.280] know it's like custom-built for the Red Bull to go on rails and you know prove
[13:42.280 -> 13:45.320] how aerodynamically efficient their car is.
[13:45.320 -> 13:49.600] Because aero efficiency is what everybody is going to talk about, optimization, etc.
[13:49.600 -> 13:50.600] That's going to be the focus.
[13:50.600 -> 13:58.080] And you spoke of Perez, 39 points down, but just Alonso being 12 points away in the Drivers
[13:58.080 -> 13:59.080] Championship.
[13:59.080 -> 14:01.560] And I don't know, all these numbers keep playing up.
[14:01.560 -> 14:08.320] I have a feeling Checo will be there in the fight. But, you know, at circuits like these, I think maybe Max is always able to pull out something more.
[14:09.040 -> 14:15.440] And, you know, but talking of the circuit, why don't we just switch? You know, Spanish GP usually
[14:15.440 -> 14:20.320] ends up being a snooze fest. Monaco wasn't. There was rain. There could be rain this Sunday as well.
[14:20.320 -> 14:25.840] Very high chances as we record this on a Wednesday, yeah, a Wednesday evening. And
[14:27.360 -> 14:32.880] if we have a snooze fest, and there have been snooze fests out here as well, right? If we have
[14:32.880 -> 14:36.160] a snooze fest, what are we going to blame? Are we going to blame the tires? Because Pirelli is
[14:36.160 -> 14:40.560] bringing the hardest compounds. Are we going to blame the cars again? Because it's the easiest,
[14:40.560 -> 14:46.160] the widest, heaviest cars, etc cetera. Are we gonna blame the circuit configuration?
[14:46.160 -> 14:48.080] You know, that the change in the last chicane
[14:48.080 -> 14:51.800] that's changed into a double high-speed right-hander.
[14:51.800 -> 14:53.800] I mean, that's also an excuse somewhere
[14:53.800 -> 14:55.080] somebody's gonna end up fighting
[14:55.080 -> 14:57.360] as to why we had a snooze fest.
[14:57.360 -> 14:58.480] Oh, correct, correct.
[14:58.480 -> 15:00.320] And it is going to happen eventually.
[15:00.320 -> 15:03.400] And isn't it funny how we always find a way
[15:03.400 -> 15:04.800] to loop back to talk about,
[15:04.800 -> 15:06.440] hey, why is this not a good race?
[15:06.440 -> 15:08.360] For Miami, it was the lack of an interruption.
[15:08.720 -> 15:11.720] For Baku, it was the lack of overtaking.
[15:11.720 -> 15:12.960] Apparently that was the problem.
[15:12.960 -> 15:19.120] So at this point in time, what I'm so genuinely intrigued about is to answer
[15:19.120 -> 15:21.640] the question, just what makes a good race?
[15:21.680 -> 15:23.920] Because if you ask different people, they have different answers.
[15:23.920 -> 15:27.040] So let's actually do that here on the podcast. For me, what makes a good race because if you ask different people they have different answers so let's actually do that here on the podcast. For me what
[15:27.040 -> 15:31.760] makes a good race is again good racing it doesn't have to be an overtake just
[15:31.760 -> 15:35.760] the fact that you can compete and it may not be for everyone's liking that
[15:35.760 -> 15:39.240] the race is spread out over a long period of time because for instance if
[15:39.240 -> 15:43.960] we look at a strategic masterclass like Miami that wasn't quite full of
[15:43.960 -> 15:45.840] everyone's taste because we saw the strategy bit
[15:45.840 -> 15:50.640] of strategy bit apply to the entirety of the hour and a half. This one I feel is also going to be
[15:50.640 -> 15:55.440] something similar. I like it, we do need some action here and there. But the common thread for
[15:55.440 -> 16:00.880] what classifies as a good race on these days, seems to be more and more interruptions, and a
[16:00.880 -> 16:08.340] mixed up grid because that is essentially what allows surprises to happen and that's what allows let's say fun battles like Magnus and Mrs. Leclerc
[16:08.340 -> 16:13.500] to take place as well. So in your head what really counts as a good race?
[16:13.500 -> 16:17.500] Oh that's a very good question because I think everyone has a different
[16:17.500 -> 16:21.660] definition when it comes to what comprises of a good race. For me honestly
[16:21.660 -> 16:26.440] it is like you mentioned seeing some very interesting battles. It may not have enough overtakes,
[16:26.440 -> 16:29.000] but seeing some very good battles between the race leaders,
[16:29.000 -> 16:30.280] I think that's very, very important
[16:30.280 -> 16:32.380] that in a successful race,
[16:32.380 -> 16:34.720] you also see the leaders battling it out,
[16:34.720 -> 16:36.400] the front runners battling it out.
[16:36.400 -> 16:39.480] And I also love strategic masterclasses.
[16:39.480 -> 16:41.400] And talking about Spain in specific,
[16:41.400 -> 16:43.200] we've seen that happen a couple of times,
[16:43.200 -> 16:45.200] which I've personally enjoyed
[16:45.200 -> 16:49.280] the ones between Hamilton and Verstappen when they go for a two stopper that could possibly
[16:49.280 -> 16:54.800] happen this time out as well you would probably see teams going for mediums and hards and how they
[16:54.800 -> 16:59.680] kind of time that pit stops is also going to be very interesting to see because tire deg around
[16:59.680 -> 17:05.120] this track is is extremely high and now that we don't have those slow chicanes
[17:05.120 -> 17:08.360] in the final sector, it's going to make it even more
[17:08.360 -> 17:08.880] interesting.
[17:08.880 -> 17:12.520] I just hope teams aren't overly conservative of their tires
[17:12.520 -> 17:13.160] this week.
[17:13.160 -> 17:14.960] And I hope it's a two-stopper and we
[17:14.960 -> 17:17.960] have quite a few interesting strategies in play.
[17:17.960 -> 17:19.480] That's a very interesting question.
[17:19.480 -> 17:20.480] What makes a good race?
[17:20.480 -> 17:24.080] And I normally dig into data of our podcast,
[17:24.080 -> 17:29.160] so I know there are lots of adults, 18 to 24, 34 years so lots of older people listening
[17:29.160 -> 17:34.280] in so I can explain I can explain it in a slightly more adult way for me a good
[17:34.280 -> 17:40.400] race is like foreplay you know you want battles etc etc coming in and and not
[17:40.400 -> 17:46.440] what comes at the end of foreplay. One second. For all the kids listening, Kunal,
[17:46.920 -> 17:48.480] for all the kids listening in,
[17:48.520 -> 17:50.440] you've just basically confused them.
[17:50.440 -> 17:52.080] Now they're going to Google and search for things.
[17:52.080 -> 17:52.960] He's got nothing to do.
[17:52.960 -> 17:53.760] No, I thought he meant,
[17:54.440 -> 17:56.040] I thought there was some wordplay there.
[17:56.080 -> 17:57.520] I thought there was some wordplay there,
[17:57.520 -> 17:59.760] but then I realized there was absolutely no wordplay at all.
[17:59.880 -> 18:02.040] Foreplay has got nothing to do with Formula One.
[18:02.160 -> 18:02.520] Okay.
[18:03.040 -> 18:07.200] But either way, that's, that's what, you know, and strategic masterclass, actually,
[18:08.000 -> 18:10.720] we will see a variety of strategies this weekend.
[18:11.440 -> 18:15.600] And the variety of strategies is what will dictate overtakes this weekend,
[18:15.600 -> 18:19.520] because strategy-induced overtakes is what we could see on Sunday.
[18:20.080 -> 18:21.520] Different drivers, different strategies.
[18:21.520 -> 18:23.840] So that could be the saving grace for everybody who thinks,
[18:23.840 -> 18:31.520] oh, we need to just have overtakes everywhere all the time. And the unknown factor going into this
[18:31.520 -> 18:37.920] weekend is how the circuit change actually impacts the tyre wear because the slowest two corners have
[18:37.920 -> 18:46.800] been taken away and now it's the two faster corners. So the need for slow speed traction corners has gone away with
[18:46.800 -> 18:51.360] that chicane going away. So let's see how that impacts tyre wear, that impacts setup
[18:51.360 -> 18:57.160] choices for people as well. And typically, I'm actually interested to see what comes
[18:57.160 -> 19:08.800] up on the Saturday because we saw the closest qualifying session between P1 and P19 in Monaco, which is 1.138 of a second. Could Spain actually
[19:08.800 -> 19:14.260] bring them even closer given that it's a real circuit with runoff areas, more abilities
[19:14.260 -> 19:20.760] to push, get onto the limit, etc. And that's something I would love to see. And again,
[19:20.760 -> 19:44.240] in qualifying, we've traditionally seen that you run out of tires at the end of a lap, given the heat, given just the circuit characteristics. So you will see drivers actually go quicker in sector one and two and suddenly slowing down or not having grip to last in sector three. Whereas some of the better drivers actually take it slower in sector one and then start firing it up in two and three. So qualifying definitely is going to entertain us this weekend.
[19:44.160 -> 19:45.280] in two and three. So qualifying definitely is going to entertain us this weekend.
[19:49.680 -> 19:55.120] And the gaps, the gaps in qualifying, as you rightly mentioned, especially as Sundaram mentioned early on, it could well be that this track just suits Red Bull Racing perfectly and they could
[19:55.120 -> 20:00.080] run away with it. But even behind then, remember, because we are seeing so many interesting gaps at
[20:00.080 -> 20:12.400] the top that we're forgetting about those at the bottom and Oscar Piastri last time out in Monaco just barely, barely missed out on Q3 by point one of a second, some silly margin like
[20:12.400 -> 20:17.840] that. So I find it very interesting about all that's happening over here. And just the point
[20:17.840 -> 20:22.720] that we're able to see these close battles all the way through the field makes me wonder, why are we
[20:22.720 -> 20:27.140] complaining because Formula One right now is turning out to be so much fun we just need a
[20:27.140 -> 20:32.160] little bit more on track on the Sundays and hopefully Catalunya provides that
[20:32.160 -> 20:36.180] but yeah I think if we are running short on entertainment in terms of on-track
[20:36.180 -> 20:41.280] racing Ferrari can surely provide. Well I hope so they've already, Frederic
[20:41.280 -> 20:44.480] Vasseur has already provided what I would say one of his most controversial
[20:44.480 -> 20:45.680] statements into joining as Ferrari's team principal and it's only been a few They've already, Frederick Vassour has already provided what I would say one of his most controversial statements
[20:45.680 -> 20:51.600] into joining as Ferrari's team principal and it's only been a few months, it's come much earlier than I expected.
[20:51.600 -> 20:56.800] In Monaco, he actually said and I'm going to quote him so that people don't think it's an opinion.
[20:56.800 -> 21:06.240] He said, if the Ferrari was so difficult to drive, I can't imagine that we would be a tenth off Max Verstappen in qualifying.
[21:06.240 -> 21:09.120] Basically he was saying the drivers are just complaining a little too much. Of
[21:09.120 -> 21:13.960] course he went on to explain why etc etc but he quote-unquote said that and
[21:13.960 -> 21:18.120] could this be one of those early signs of he's also feeling the pressure, Ferrari
[21:18.120 -> 21:30.000] need to deliver etc etc and yeah that's just Ferrari, I would say. Amazing, amazing. I just love how Ferrari are always finding a way.
[21:30.000 -> 21:32.000] Last weekend, it was the whole strategic gamble.
[21:32.000 -> 21:36.000] And hey, we've gone so far into the episode without talking about Charles Leclerc as well.
[21:36.000 -> 21:38.000] And the disappointment of last week.
[21:38.000 -> 21:40.000] Just how is he going to perform this time out?
[21:40.000 -> 21:45.160] But now that we're at this point, let's actually ask about the other things that we're so intrigued about.
[21:45.160 -> 21:52.240] For me, one more thing that I'm going to be very excited to see is how McLaren perform eventually as well.
[21:52.240 -> 21:55.480] Because they have been making a lot of noise about the new upgrades.
[21:55.480 -> 21:59.720] But even in Monaco, Landon Norris was somewhere around the bottom half of the field.
[21:59.720 -> 22:06.720] And we couldn't properly see what McLaren was all about. But according to their team principal,
[22:06.720 -> 22:11.920] Andre Estela, Monaco is the worst sort of circuit for McLaren anyway. And the fact that they were
[22:11.920 -> 22:17.120] this good over there shows great signs of progress. But for me, that entity battle between
[22:18.560 -> 22:22.880] and Norris as well, turns out to be something very interesting to follow. But for you, Sundaram,
[22:22.880 -> 22:28.000] what is one thing that you're really excited to see so far this weekend? Anything else that comes up to your mind?
[22:28.000 -> 22:34.000] I am really excited about Free Practice 2. Now it's not for any other reason about...
[22:34.000 -> 22:35.000] FP2.
[22:35.000 -> 22:38.800] Yeah, it's not for the reasons like you'd probably hear it being a very representative
[22:38.800 -> 22:42.920] session in terms of track temperatures and all those sort of things. I am particularly
[22:42.920 -> 22:49.400] interested to see who is the leader of FP2 because since 2017, the free practice to leader has always taken
[22:49.400 -> 22:55.360] pole position. And we know how important pole is at this circuit. 72% of all pole sitters
[22:55.360 -> 23:02.380] have gone on to win the race. And 29 of 32 races have been won from the front row. So
[23:02.380 -> 23:07.920] if I'm only looking forward towards FP2, and I would probably bet a few hundred dollars
[23:07.920 -> 23:11.400] into who's going to win the race based on FP2 itself.
[23:11.400 -> 23:14.520] And for Friday free practice, the teams.
[23:14.520 -> 23:15.240] Call of science.
[23:15.240 -> 23:21.160] And for Friday free practice, the drivers are,
[23:21.160 -> 23:23.680] every driver is going to get two extra compounds
[23:23.680 -> 23:27.980] to actually test, because Pirelli is trying to introduce a new tire at the Silverstone Grand Prix
[23:27.980 -> 23:32.720] at British Grand Prix so they are gonna do some testing I mean that's just you
[23:32.720 -> 23:38.000] know Barcelona is one of the favorite tracks to go testing cars and tires and
[23:38.000 -> 23:46.200] everything on and it's gonna be exciting to see how people, how everybody's going to sort of build efficiency
[23:46.200 -> 23:47.980] and fine tune their cars.
[23:48.880 -> 23:52.480] It's like, this is the closest the cars will be actually
[23:52.480 -> 23:55.000] able to get to that performance levels
[23:55.000 -> 23:57.280] based on what the teams know historically
[23:57.280 -> 23:59.800] and based on the circuit characteristics.
[23:59.800 -> 24:01.800] And I'm pretty excited to see that.
[24:01.800 -> 24:03.880] I was saying, I think even Mik Schumacher
[24:03.880 -> 24:08.240] and Daniel Ricciardo get a go in the post race test
[24:08.240 -> 24:09.080] this weekend.
[24:09.080 -> 24:09.960] Correct, correct.
[24:09.960 -> 24:14.960] And amazing to watch, to finally see Daniel Ricciardo
[24:15.160 -> 24:16.520] in a race car once again.
[24:16.520 -> 24:19.760] I mean, is it just Ricciardo, just the car
[24:19.760 -> 24:22.640] that was actually creating so much of problems?
[24:22.640 -> 24:25.560] That's again, for after the race.
[24:25.560 -> 24:29.400] For the race itself, I so desperate another test
[24:29.400 -> 24:31.040] because again, these teams and drivers,
[24:31.040 -> 24:32.280] whenever they roll up to Barcelona,
[24:32.280 -> 24:34.200] they just treat it like a test all the time.
[24:34.200 -> 24:37.520] Be it a GP, be it a test, they make it so efficient
[24:37.520 -> 24:38.520] and that's a problem.
[24:38.520 -> 24:40.560] We need a little bit more of inefficiency.
[24:40.560 -> 24:42.640] I think that's what makes for a really good race.
[24:42.640 -> 24:44.240] And with that, ladies and gentlemen,
[24:44.240 -> 24:46.840] I think it's time we go for our predictions and really
[24:46.840 -> 24:48.320] see what's on our mind.
[24:48.320 -> 24:53.520] And I'm going to start off by going for a very left-field one for our bold performer
[24:53.520 -> 24:54.600] for this weekend.
[24:54.600 -> 24:55.600] Not the win.
[24:55.600 -> 24:57.160] I think it's out of the question.
[24:57.160 -> 24:58.560] We all know it's going to be Max Verstappen.
[24:58.560 -> 25:02.720] Deep down, even if we want our hearts to say Fernando Alonso, I don't think at this stage
[25:02.720 -> 25:05.880] anyone can admit to it, right? Right?
[25:05.880 -> 25:07.720] Or can you?
[25:07.720 -> 25:09.720] I see a wry smile from you Kunal.
[25:09.840 -> 25:13.400] It's probably gonna be a wet race as well.
[25:13.400 -> 25:17.080] And if it's a wet race, you can never count out Fernando Alonso.
[25:17.080 -> 25:19.800] I'm predicting that I'm gonna get the Spanish national anthem after that.
[25:19.800 -> 25:21.000] What happened last week?
[25:21.000 -> 25:23.000] Exactly, he's made his mistake.
[25:23.000 -> 25:24.000] We counted him.
[25:24.000 -> 25:26.040] He's made his mistake in Monaco.
[25:26.040 -> 25:30.840] The team has made their mistake in Monaco, their strategy mistake. They had to make one mistake.
[25:31.000 -> 25:38.640] They've made the mistake. I get a feeling Fernando Alonso, I would go for Fernando Alonso, not just because it's great for our
[25:38.680 -> 25:46.160] you know, episode title and it'll get thousands of listeners in from Spain or whatever, but I just get a feeling he's onto something.
[25:46.520 -> 25:50.400] The Aston Martin is just getting better and better and quicker and quicker.
[25:50.800 -> 25:55.720] And it has to happen at some race this season and somehow
[25:55.880 -> 25:59.920] going into Spain, I think Fernando Alonso is closer to winning than Checo Perez.
[26:03.640 -> 26:05.320] I know this year I also turned 33. This year I also turned 33.
[26:05.320 -> 26:07.240] This year I turned 33.
[26:07.240 -> 26:11.880] So I'm manifesting that 33rd win for Fernando Alonso.
[26:11.880 -> 26:14.160] It's definitely going to happen this year.
[26:14.160 -> 26:17.440] Hey, don't manifest 33 way too much, man.
[26:17.440 -> 26:18.440] Don't manifest it way too much.
[26:18.440 -> 26:21.440] We've seen so many wins from that club.
[26:21.440 -> 26:26.440] And can I tell you that I turned 33 on the very same day Alonzo's...
[26:26.440 -> 26:28.440] I mean, I share birthdays with Fernando Alonzo.
[26:28.920 -> 26:29.680] You do?
[26:33.400 -> 26:34.200] Oh, man.
[26:34.680 -> 26:37.800] Have you manifested the number 33 way too much, dude?
[26:37.800 -> 26:41.200] Because Max has been winning so much these days.
[26:41.200 -> 26:43.360] We just need some degree of change, something.
[26:43.920 -> 26:45.080] Or someone to win on merit. Because every time Sergio has also won, it's also been due need some degree of change something so or someone to win
[26:45.080 -> 26:48.800] on merit because every time Sergio is also one it's also been due to some sort
[26:48.800 -> 26:54.800] of problem. Let me remind you Max's original driver number is 33 so either way
[26:54.800 -> 27:01.360] there's a driver 33 or something to do with 33 who's winning. Oh wait wait did we
[27:01.360 -> 27:07.120] assume that people forgot that already? Well, number one is for merchandising reasons as he said.
[27:07.120 -> 27:11.440] At some point it might.
[27:11.440 -> 27:13.240] At some point I think it's also going to happen, right?
[27:13.240 -> 27:17.400] When you're world champion for five consecutive years and the only number all the new fans
[27:17.400 -> 27:18.400] see is one.
[27:18.400 -> 27:20.000] Yeah, that's going to happen.
[27:20.000 -> 27:25.760] Let's hope we don't consider, we don't get to see more and more of those dominant boring wins.
[27:25.760 -> 27:29.000] Let's hope we get to see some sort of fight and Fernando wins at the end.
[27:29.000 -> 27:30.720] That's all that we're looking forward for.
[27:30.720 -> 27:34.600] But ladies and gentlemen, if you enjoyed listening to this episode, please, please feel free
[27:34.600 -> 27:38.080] to share this episode with all your friends and family members and anyone who would love
[27:38.080 -> 27:39.640] Formula One as well.
[27:39.640 -> 27:41.080] Make sure you leave a good rating.
[27:41.080 -> 27:45.600] And if you're in Mumbai this Sunday, join us for our Spanish GP watch along
[27:45.600 -> 27:50.480] at the other social with a special guest also joining us over there. There's going to be a quiz,
[27:50.480 -> 27:56.560] a pre-race discussion, a postal and so much more including a simulator as well for you
[27:56.560 -> 28:05.240] at the weekend. So you can register now by clicking on the link in the description of this episode. But thank you so much for listening everyone, and we should see you rather soon.
[28:05.240 -> 28:06.080] Bye-bye.
[28:20.300 -> 28:22.360] you