Pressure to deliver a Blockbuster - 2022 French GP Preview

Oh, the pressure to deliver another blockbuster race this weekend! But of course, a lot of factors will be at play - will reliability continue to play a role in the title battle? Can Mercedes join the fun this weekend? 

Here's the 2022 French GP preview episode on the Inside Line F1 Podcast.

The Inside Line F1 Podcast is brought to you by Eight Sleep, the most-trusted name in high-performance sleep.

Would you like to sleep on a bed-mattress designed by Formula 1 engineers to enhance your sleep quality? 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

Our trio bring to you a bouquet of stories - first, why we believe Mercedes will be in the fight this weekend; as will be track limits. And second, why Circuit Paul Ricard might join a list of venues that will host races on a rotational basis. 

Look out for @f1statsguru aka Sundaram's circuit segment along with the stats preview. 

Did you know? Bernie Ecclestone owned the Circuit Paul Ricard and there's a theory behind the red-blue run-off areas.

Finally, it's Alpine's home race - let's see what livery they turn up with & how Esteban Ocon & Fernando Alonso go. AND if Alonso will bring up his weaving complaints yet again or not! Tune in!

(Season 2022, Episode 43)

Follow our hosts: Sundaram Ramaswami, Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah

Image courtesy: Circuit Paul Ricard (Facebook)

**Title:** Inside Line F1 Podcast: 2022 French Grand Prix Preview

**Hosts:**
- Samal Arora
- Kunal Shah

**Key Insights, Perspectives, and Controversies:**

- The 2022 French Grand Prix (GP) holds high expectations for delivering a blockbuster race, especially after the excitement of the previous races in Silverstone and Austria.

- The reliability issues faced by teams, particularly Ferrari, could play a crucial role in the title battle, with Mercedes potentially joining the fight for the win.

- The Paul Ricard circuit may be included in a rotational system for hosting races, along with other venues, to accommodate the increasing demand for hosting Formula One events.

- The history and anecdotes associated with the French GP, including the rivalry between Villeneuve and Arnoux, are often overlooked and could be highlighted to enhance the narrative of the race.

- The unique features of the Paul Ricard circuit, such as the blue and red abrasive run-off areas and its proximity to an airport, make it a distinctive venue in Formula One.

- Lewis Hamilton's achievement of reaching 300 Formula One race starts is a significant milestone, with no driver having won a race after reaching this mark.

- The upgrades and improvements made by Mercedes, particularly in qualifying, have raised hopes for their potential to challenge Ferrari and Red Bull for the win.

- The ongoing development of cars throughout the season, despite budget cap concerns, adds to the uncertainty and excitement of the title battle.

- Bernie Eccleston's idea of using sprinklers during races to create artificial excitement was rejected, highlighting the debate surrounding artificial methods to enhance entertainment in Formula One.

- The French GP is Alpine's home race, providing an opportunity for the team to activate its brand and engage with fans.

**Quotes and Statements:**

- "We've come off the back of two fantastic, you know, I am running out of adjectives, so I'm just gonna say blockbuster, okay? Races in Silverstone and then at the Red Bull Ring in Austria, right? So it's like so much pressure for the French Grand Prix for the team, so the drivers for Formula One to deliver this weekend." - Samal Arora

- "I think actually the street circuits probably could be alternated equally those classic circuits even we have lost spar off the calendar temporarily usually it's been when the money's run out." - Steve Slater

- "It's a fantastic position for Formula One to be because just a few years ago, circuits did not want to host Formula One, right? And now suddenly everybody wants to host a Formula One Grand Prix." - Kunal Shah

- "I think that's a brilliant point Samuel because yes they can and they should play up this historic part. You know people need to know just how massive France has played a role in the history of Formula One." - Kunal Shah

- "Now, Paul Ricard has seen some of the highest overtakes in Formula 1 since 2017. It has seen on an average of 41 overtakes per race which is just behind the Interlagos circuit and which actually means they're going to be seeing a lot of on-track battles this Sunday as well." - Sundaram Ramaswami

- "No driver in Formula 1 has ever won a race after reaching the 300th race milestone. Will Lewis Hamilton actually win a race? Or will he join that unlucky club?" - Sundaram Ramaswami

- "I mean, you know, after Spain, we were literally waiting every Grand Prix asking the same question, do we really know which car is the quickest?" - Kunal Shah

- "It's good that the FIA is a listening to them, but be coming up with very sensitive, sensible ideas on how to sort of help them recover with that as well." - Kunal Shah

- "With the soar of dominance Mercedes and Red Bull have displayed over the last 12 years, F1 has had to increasingly talk about improving the racing spectacle and unpredictability." - Sundaram Ramaswami

- "Well, I hope you enjoyed this little bite ahead of the French Grand Prix and stay tuned to hear more such stories on the Inside Line F1 podcast." - Sundaram Ramaswami

**Overall Message:**

The 2022 French GP is anticipated to be an exciting race, with Mercedes potentially joining the fight for victory, reliability concerns affecting the title battle, and the unique characteristics of the Paul Ricard circuit adding to the spectacle. The race also marks Alpine's home event, providing an opportunity for the team to engage with fans and showcase its brand.

# Inside Line F1 Podcast: 2022 French Grand Prix Preview

---

## Episode Overview:

The Inside Line F1 Podcast's trio of hosts, Sundaram Ramaswami, Soumil Arora, and Kunal Shah, provide an in-depth analysis and preview of the upcoming 2022 French Grand Prix. They discuss various aspects of the race, including the potential for Mercedes to join the fight for the podium, the challenges of track limits at Circuit Paul Ricard, and the significance of Alpine's home race.

## Key Points:

- **Mercedes' Potential Resurgence:** The hosts believe that Mercedes could be in contention for a podium finish at Circuit Paul Ricard, given the track's similarities to Silverstone, where the team performed well.

- **Track Limits:** With Circuit Paul Ricard's extensive runoff areas, the hosts anticipate that track limits will be a significant factor in the race, leading to potential complaints from drivers and challenges for race stewards.

- **Alpine's Home Race:** The hosts discuss Alpine's opportunity to shine at their home race, with Esteban Ocon and Fernando Alonso looking to deliver strong performances. They also mention the addition of an Esteban Ocon grandstand at the circuit.

- **Pierre Gasly's Form:** The hosts express their surprise at Pierre Gasly's recent struggles, considering his strong performances in the past. They speculate that the AlphaTauri team's overall form may have contributed to Gasly's dip in results.

- **Fernando Alonso's Performance:** The hosts praise Fernando Alonso's consistently impressive performances, highlighting his ability to deliver mind-blowing moments and drive the team forward.

- **Mick Schumacher's Progress:** The hosts acknowledge Mick Schumacher's recent improvement and consistency, noting his tendency to perform better in the second half of seasons. They also mention Haas's target of reaching P6 in the standings.

- **Zhou Guanyu's Development:** The hosts discuss Zhou Guanyu's ups and downs in his rookie season, highlighting his impressive qualifying gaps compared to teammate Valtteri Bottas. They also mention his reliability issues and hope for a strong performance from him this weekend.

- **Heatwave and Tire Degradation:** The hosts address the expected heatwave during the race weekend, which could lead to tire degradation and affect strategies. They also mention Ferrari's potential vulnerability to these conditions based on their struggles last year.

- **Pole Position Advantage:** The hosts emphasize the importance of pole position at Circuit Paul Ricard, as all races since 2018 have been won from the top spot. They anticipate an exciting qualifying session.

- **Predictions:** Kunal Shah predicts a Ferrari victory, citing the team's improved reliability and the track layout's potential suitability for their car. He also suggests that Mercedes could challenge for a podium finish if they can avoid reliability issues.

---

## Conclusion:

The Inside Line F1 Podcast provides an informative and engaging preview of the 2022 French Grand Prix, analyzing key storylines, discussing driver performances, and offering predictions for the race. The hosts' insights and analysis offer valuable perspectives for Formula One enthusiasts looking to stay informed about the upcoming event.

[00:00.000 -> 00:23.360] Bonjour folks, welcome to the InsideLineF1 podcast for this French GP Preview episode.
[00:23.360 -> 00:26.160] For what could actually be the last French GP Preview episode on the podcast for this French GP preview episode for what could actually be the last French GP preview
[00:26.160 -> 00:31.280] episode on the podcast for a long long time but hey let's not start on a somber note let's actually
[00:31.280 -> 00:35.680] talk about all the stuff that we are going to look forward to. So firstly I have to introduce myself
[00:35.680 -> 00:41.040] my name is Samal Arora I'm the host of the Driving Force on Disney Plus Hotstar joined as always by
[00:41.040 -> 00:49.160] Kunal Shah the former marketing head of the Force India F1 team who is also now working at the Via Play Group who broadcast Formula 1 around the world as
[00:49.160 -> 00:51.520] an FIA accredited Formula 1 journalist.
[00:51.520 -> 00:56.940] And the one thing, Kunal, that I can't wait to look forward to, at least I'm lucky that
[00:56.940 -> 01:01.440] I don't have to go to the circuit, it's the traffic jams because Paul Ricard, my word,
[01:01.440 -> 01:06.560] apparently the word that most people use to describe it is medieval. And funnily enough, that's what we
[01:06.560 -> 01:09.360] tend to see in the races as well over here, unfortunately.
[01:09.360 -> 01:10.940] Thanks for that introduction, Samuel.
[01:10.940 -> 01:13.800] Yes, it's the French Grand Prix.
[01:13.800 -> 01:17.600] And I'll tell you the one thing I am looking forward
[01:17.600 -> 01:18.920] to the most.
[01:18.920 -> 01:23.000] And that is the driver's briefing on Friday.
[01:23.000 -> 01:26.480] Will Fernando Alonso continue to be Fernando Alonso?
[01:26.480 -> 01:32.880] You know, still talk about the weaving penalty he got in Canada and the one that Leclerc didn't get,
[01:32.880 -> 01:38.960] was it in Great Britain, if I remember correctly? Yeah, and then, you know, but I can say Sebastian
[01:38.960 -> 01:49.560] Vettel will not be the Sebastian Vettel that we saw in the last race. He will this time be the most gentle manly role model for everyone that you know sort of follows
[01:49.560 -> 01:53.980] Formula One as a fan, as a driver, as a budding driver. So I'm looking forward to
[01:53.980 -> 01:58.100] the drivers briefing because you know we've had just so much drama off-track
[01:58.100 -> 02:03.340] this season. We've had the jewellery ban, we've had missile strikes, I hope that
[02:03.340 -> 02:05.640] never happens again, we've had
[02:05.640 -> 02:08.680] several several things including now the drivers briefing.
[02:08.680 -> 02:13.520] So it's like what more weird things could happen this weekend if not an issue with the
[02:13.520 -> 02:14.840] drivers briefing.
[02:14.840 -> 02:20.600] Yeah, exactly and maybe it could end up being the drivers getting confused with the circuit
[02:20.600 -> 02:29.760] because even though we've come here for the last three years, I suppose, 18, 19, 20, 21, four years, essentially, it's still that labyrinth that that middle section
[02:29.760 -> 02:34.200] on the scene, seen straight where you've got that weird little chicane. And many people
[02:34.200 -> 02:37.760] can, there's this popular buzz on the internet, maybe people say that the Paldrick card circuit
[02:37.760 -> 02:44.400] has 167 configurations, but F1 just ends up using the worst one of the lot. Now, I don't
[02:44.400 -> 02:45.500] think that's the case.
[02:45.500 -> 02:46.980] I think it still works pretty well,
[02:46.980 -> 02:49.380] but what do you reckon about that?
[02:49.380 -> 02:52.060] To my mind, if we were to look at the races,
[02:52.060 -> 02:55.620] 2018, 2019, maybe even 2020,
[02:55.620 -> 02:57.020] they weren't the best races,
[02:57.020 -> 03:00.580] but 2021, I absolutely remember,
[03:00.580 -> 03:03.440] it was a blockbuster, right?
[03:03.440 -> 03:06.040] But let's actually compress that, right?
[03:06.040 -> 03:07.680] Yes, we're comparing it to last season,
[03:07.680 -> 03:11.120] but the French Grand Prix actually has a lot
[03:11.120 -> 03:14.040] of expectations to deliver on, right?
[03:14.040 -> 03:14.880] Why do I say this?
[03:14.880 -> 03:19.720] Because we've come off the back of two fantastic,
[03:19.720 -> 03:22.080] you know, I am running out of adjectives,
[03:22.080 -> 03:24.840] so I'm just gonna say blockbuster, okay?
[03:24.840 -> 03:28.280] Races in Silverstone and then at the Red Bull Ring
[03:28.280 -> 03:29.920] in Austria, right?
[03:29.920 -> 03:33.760] So it's like so much pressure for the French Grand Prix
[03:33.760 -> 03:36.640] for the team, so the drivers for Formula One
[03:36.640 -> 03:38.320] to deliver this weekend.
[03:38.320 -> 03:40.280] Sprint, no sprint, qualifying,
[03:40.280 -> 03:42.240] doesn't matter what format it is,
[03:42.240 -> 03:43.720] we just need entertainment.
[03:43.720 -> 03:49.180] I mean, if we were to just look at some of those stats, you know, yes, we were celebrating the three
[03:49.180 -> 03:54.840] lead changes, the three times Charles Leclerc overtook Max Verstappen at
[03:54.840 -> 03:59.820] Austria, but in total there have been 14 lead changes in the last two Grands Prix
[03:59.820 -> 04:08.240] itself, and I think that is blockbuster. Exactly. But there's another thing that makes it even more blockbuster,
[04:08.260 -> 04:11.560] but I'll tell you what that is after a short break. Be right here.
[04:12.920 -> 04:15.600] Hey folks, welcome back to the Inside Lion F1 podcast.
[04:15.880 -> 04:20.160] We were on the subject of discussing exactly what makes a French GP fun or
[04:20.480 -> 04:24.040] unfortunately in the last few years, lack thereof. But in 2021,
[04:24.320 -> 04:25.080] the interesting part
[04:25.080 -> 04:27.560] that made this race really fun was context,
[04:27.560 -> 04:29.280] the context of a championship battle
[04:29.280 -> 04:31.080] that we are going to see this year as well.
[04:31.080 -> 04:32.960] And as you mentioned, there's the expectation
[04:32.960 -> 04:34.480] and pressure of having a good race
[04:34.480 -> 04:36.740] because the last couple of races were incredible.
[04:36.740 -> 04:39.320] Now Formula One just needs to continue on that chain
[04:39.320 -> 04:41.560] as if Formula One can control the quality of the races.
[04:41.560 -> 04:44.760] But hey, the point is a good show is kind of necessary here,
[04:44.760 -> 04:47.260] not just for the sport in general,
[04:47.260 -> 04:48.400] but also for the organizers,
[04:48.400 -> 04:50.040] because there's this rumor going around
[04:50.040 -> 04:52.520] that Paul Ricard might just end up being dropped
[04:52.520 -> 04:54.200] or alternative with Spa.
[04:54.200 -> 04:55.800] Again, I'm not a big fan of the idea,
[04:55.800 -> 04:58.400] and we'll get a really big expert stake on that
[04:58.400 -> 04:59.220] in just a second.
[04:59.220 -> 05:01.360] But for Paul Ricard as well,
[05:01.360 -> 05:03.840] will a good race here kind of change the equation
[05:03.840 -> 05:04.680] a little bit?
[05:04.680 -> 05:06.160] Maybe it'll make Formula One think twice
[05:06.160 -> 05:07.360] about having a race here every year?
[05:07.360 -> 05:09.100] Because let's be honest,
[05:09.100 -> 05:10.920] it is going to be a big, big hit for them
[05:10.920 -> 05:14.300] because no race in France, it's hard to imagine now.
[05:14.300 -> 05:15.940] It's actually harder to imagine
[05:15.940 -> 05:18.400] given that the term Grand Prix
[05:18.400 -> 05:22.260] is what Formula One has borrowed from the French, right?
[05:22.260 -> 05:24.880] But you know, the way I see it, Somal,
[05:24.880 -> 05:27.680] a blockbuster race or not,
[05:27.680 -> 05:32.560] may or may not necessarily swing a decision on either side
[05:32.560 -> 05:35.600] because I believe that the decision has already been made
[05:35.600 -> 05:38.840] that we will have certain circuits rotate
[05:38.840 -> 05:41.680] rather than host every year.
[05:41.680 -> 05:43.920] And, you know, it's a fantastic position
[05:43.920 -> 05:46.400] for Formula One to be because just a few years ago,
[05:46.400 -> 05:49.120] circuits did not want to host Formula One, right?
[05:49.120 -> 05:50.880] And now suddenly everybody wants to host
[05:50.880 -> 05:52.360] a Formula One Grand Prix.
[05:52.360 -> 05:55.440] But yes, we will have the legendary Steve Slater
[05:55.440 -> 05:58.720] actually explain to us why circuit rotations
[05:58.720 -> 06:01.960] may not really matter to certain legendary
[06:01.960 -> 06:04.280] historic circuits races in Formula One
[06:04.280 -> 06:05.340] as much as it may
[06:05.340 -> 06:09.360] matter to say the likes of Singapore or Japan, not Japan but Singapore or
[06:09.360 -> 06:13.480] Abu Dhabi or Bahrain and the likes but I think it's best that Steve just explains
[06:13.480 -> 06:19.100] that point himself some. Yeah and he's got a point hasn't he Kunal, it's so true
[06:19.100 -> 06:24.140] because if anything the charm of a big race like a Silverstone or like a Spa I
[06:24.140 -> 06:25.520] think it kind of increases if you don'tstone or like a Spa, I think it kind
[06:25.520 -> 06:28.120] of increases if you don't have it for a year.
[06:28.120 -> 06:30.440] So I think I'm on his side for this particular one.
[06:30.440 -> 06:34.200] But I want to touch upon this one fun point that he brought about right before we heard
[06:34.200 -> 06:37.440] Steve about the borrowed term of Grand Prix.
[06:37.440 -> 06:38.440] It's funny, isn't it?
[06:38.440 -> 06:43.040] Whenever we go to any particular Grand Prix, again, that's the whole point Grand Prix,
[06:43.040 -> 06:46.280] but whenever we go to any country that speaks a European language, say, for instance, again, that's the whole point, Grand Prix. But whenever we go to any country that speaks a European language,
[06:46.280 -> 06:47.800] say for instance, Germany,
[06:47.800 -> 06:50.080] we have the Grand Prix von Deutschland,
[06:50.080 -> 06:53.480] we have the Grand Premier d'Espagne when we go to Spain.
[06:53.480 -> 06:55.560] I think it's Grand Premier as well in Brazil
[06:55.560 -> 06:57.520] when we go there, because of course they speak Portuguese.
[06:57.520 -> 07:01.080] But why don't we have the same word for Grand Prix,
[07:01.080 -> 07:03.360] maybe turn it on into an Asian language
[07:03.360 -> 07:04.920] when we go to somewhere in Asia,
[07:04.920 -> 07:09.440] say Arabic when we go to Saudi Arabia perhaps or what else could we possibly have in that case?
[07:10.320 -> 07:14.560] Do you want to give it a try about what they would call the Indian Grand Prix if it was to happen in
[07:14.560 -> 07:21.040] India ever in Somalia? Your Hindi is better than mine, I know that. It would essentially be the
[07:21.040 -> 07:26.340] Vishal or you know what let's I'll stop thinking about it because all
[07:26.340 -> 07:29.660] of our foreign viewers might not understand it as much but essentially
[07:29.660 -> 07:33.300] it sounds silly right but maybe Formula One should give it a try you know for
[07:33.300 -> 07:37.940] the sake of variety. They absolutely should but why don't we now just hear
[07:37.940 -> 07:43.420] what Steve Slater the voice of Formula One in Asia for so many decades actually
[07:43.420 -> 07:47.520] had to say about circuit rotations and how it may or may not
[07:47.520 -> 07:52.640] impact all circuits equally somehow. I think actually the street circuits
[07:54.560 -> 07:59.520] probably could be alternated equally those classic circuits even we have lost spar off
[07:59.520 -> 08:11.600] the calendar temporarily usually it's been when the money's run out. Spa at one point was very dependent on tobacco advertising from Philip Morris and when the tobacco advertising was banned in Europe, Spa
[08:11.600 -> 08:19.440] had to take a sabbatical. The other circus, you know, would have thought that Nürburgring may or
[08:19.440 -> 08:23.440] may not host a Formula One race, particularly given the German ascendancy in the sport,
[08:24.160 -> 08:29.520] but it sometimes happens. I think actually Formula One probably could survive losing Silverson for a year and
[08:29.520 -> 08:33.760] then coming back, or losing Spa for a year and coming back, or Monza for a year and coming back.
[08:35.520 -> 08:42.720] Would a Formula One circuit at, say, Singapore survive not being on the calendar a year and
[08:42.720 -> 08:52.680] then coming back? Would Abu Dhabi be remembered? Would Bahrain be remembered? Would China be remembered? You know, Shanghai,
[08:52.680 -> 08:57.720] if they skipped a year. And some of these circuits have done it already in the past.
[08:57.720 -> 09:02.000] But what I would say is there if there are more people queuing up than there are places
[09:02.000 -> 09:05.120] to do Formula One, or places in the calendar for
[09:05.120 -> 09:09.120] Formula 1. It's the only way you're going to be able to do it. But let's hope it's only
[09:09.120 -> 09:14.120] for a one year sabbatical and then you straight back in again with a big promotion.
[09:14.120 -> 09:17.320] Great to hear Steve Slater once again, and I hope we just have him on the podcast so
[09:17.320 -> 09:23.240] many other times because the anecdotes that he shares are so amazing and about anecdotes,
[09:23.240 -> 09:25.920] it's a part of the history that the French GP has and yes
[09:25.920 -> 09:30.960] we've only been coming here consistently since 2018 now in the modern era but in the past as
[09:30.960 -> 09:36.800] well Kunal the the main image that sticks out for the French Grand Prix it's Villeneuve versus Arnoux
[09:36.800 -> 09:41.360] back in the day and the French GP has had so many other circuits we've had so many great circuits
[09:41.360 -> 09:46.960] like MagniCorp as well like REM I think Formula 1 has raced at Le Mans as well once back in the day, so there's no real
[09:46.960 -> 09:48.120] shortage of history.
[09:48.120 -> 09:53.000] But yeah, I don't think Formula 1 does enough to kind of bring out the French GP's history
[09:53.000 -> 09:56.320] because really, there's been so many great races that we've had, so many great teams
[09:56.320 -> 10:00.040] from France that we've had as well, and so many fun stories like the one with Ligier
[10:00.040 -> 10:04.200] and how the French government actually tried to partly fund that team, and Alain Prost
[10:04.200 -> 10:09.440] also tried to do that, but nothing ended up working at the end. So there's just this great degree of fun
[10:09.440 -> 10:14.800] stories from France, the Formula One kind of forgets at times in a way. I think that's a
[10:14.800 -> 10:21.360] brilliant point Samuel because yes they can and they should play up this historic part. You know
[10:21.360 -> 10:25.920] people need to know just how massive France has played
[10:25.920 -> 10:29.640] a role in the history of Formula One. I mean to think back you know it's been
[10:29.640 -> 10:33.900] what 90 years since the first ever French Grand Prix. I mean the French
[10:33.900 -> 10:37.640] Grand Prix happened even before the first ever Formula One World
[10:37.640 -> 10:42.360] Championship happened right and back in the time guys the races were actually
[10:42.360 -> 10:45.080] between cities they weren't on you know
[10:45.080 -> 10:50.040] circuits like we see them now but they were you know in this they were between
[10:50.040 -> 10:55.300] cities and let's let's hope that Formula One takes cue from what Sommel has just
[10:55.300 -> 11:02.640] said and is able to you know express and share just all that history that the
[11:02.640 -> 11:10.880] sport sort of comes with but you know cut to modern-day Formula One, cut to Paul Ricard and I know I'm saying it in
[11:10.880 -> 11:15.420] English but that's just how I see it right this circuit in itself is just so
[11:15.420 -> 11:21.300] fantastic Samuel I mean you know it was of course opened earlier in the 70s but
[11:21.300 -> 11:27.600] it's sort of like that blueprint for a modern autodromo racetrack if that's the word, you know, it's had it has so many
[11:28.840 -> 11:36.020] Configurations it's been used for testing for so many years and it's just now become a part of Formula One, especially after its return
[11:37.080 -> 11:40.280] Exactly, and there's so many fun little stories about that as well
[11:40.280 -> 11:45.040] There's going to be F1 stats crew coming on to the show in a little bit to explain
[11:45.040 -> 11:49.100] us more on that and there's something to do with what a sprinkler so he's going to tell
[11:49.100 -> 11:53.600] us more about that but also with Paul Ricard as well, there's this enormous runoff that
[11:53.600 -> 11:58.060] we all know about with the green, not the green I'm sorry, the blue zone being the abrasive
[11:58.060 -> 12:01.800] part of the circuit where the drivers are slightly penalised for going off track when
[12:01.800 -> 12:07.540] the red one is the extremely abrasive part where the tyres just literally break off and you can see the chunks coming off them where the drivers
[12:07.540 -> 12:12.920] go there. So it's interesting technology, confusing for the viewers at best. I mean,
[12:12.920 -> 12:17.320] it really can get disorienting in a way if you're watching the race like that. And in
[12:17.320 -> 12:20.880] 2018, I remember lots of people actually complained about headaches when the race came about over
[12:20.880 -> 12:28.040] there. So that was a really absurd thing back in the day. But I think now we've gotten used to it. But apart from the runoff as well, Kunal, did you know
[12:28.040 -> 12:33.920] that I suppose Paldrykart and it's a very educated guess this one because I really haven't
[12:33.920 -> 12:37.960] seen any circuit have something like this. It's the circuit in motorsport that's the
[12:37.960 -> 12:42.520] closest to any airport ever, if you don't count the Berlin Formula E track, which is
[12:42.520 -> 12:45.600] literally on an airport, but this one is just what 100 meters away
[12:45.600 -> 12:49.360] I don't think that's ever been done anywhere else has it
[12:49.980 -> 12:56.180] Unless a circuit like you said has been an airport before or is been at an airport, but that's a fantastic stat
[12:56.180 -> 12:59.820] maybe it's now time to actually cue to
[13:00.340 -> 13:05.440] F1 stats guru aka Sundaram his stats preview for the 2022 French Grand Prix
[13:05.440 -> 13:08.560] sommel. Hey folks it's time to do the stats preview of the French Grand Prix
[13:08.560 -> 13:13.120] my name is Sundaram also known as the F1 stats guru let's talk numbers. Now the
[13:13.120 -> 13:16.480] stats preview is going to be split into two main aspects first of all the
[13:16.480 -> 13:20.160] overtaking opportunities at this particular venue and why the stats
[13:20.160 -> 13:24.080] favor the pole sitter here and secondly the numerous milestones that are going
[13:24.080 -> 13:27.120] to be broken this weekend. Let's get straight into it.
[13:27.120 -> 13:32.080] Now, Paul Ricard has seen some of the highest overtakes in Formula 1 since 2017. It has
[13:32.080 -> 13:39.320] seen on an average of 41 overtakes per race which is just behind the Interlagos circuit
[13:39.320 -> 13:43.400] and which actually means they're going to be seeing a lot of on-track battles this Sunday
[13:43.400 -> 13:45.600] as well. But despite all of the
[13:45.600 -> 13:51.920] opportunities for overtaking, the stats have somewhat favoured the pole sitters. 65% of all
[13:51.920 -> 13:57.280] pole sitters at this venue have won the race and 6 of the last 7 pole sitters have also gone on to
[13:57.280 -> 14:02.560] win the race. So Saturday qualifying may prove to be very, very crucial. Now let's talk about
[14:02.560 -> 14:07.120] the different milestones. First up, Max Verstappen becomes Red Bull's most
[14:07.120 -> 14:10.040] capped driver with 130 race starts.
[14:10.040 -> 14:11.920] He's gone past Mark Webber.
[14:11.920 -> 14:14.240] And also, Fernando Alonso is going to break the record
[14:14.240 -> 14:17.280] for the most laps raced in Formula One
[14:17.280 -> 14:20.000] if he finishes three laps at the French Grand Prix.
[14:20.000 -> 14:22.160] But the most spoken about start this weekend
[14:22.160 -> 14:24.160] is surely going to be Lewis Hamilton
[14:24.160 -> 14:30.320] starting his 300th Formula One race. And's just the 6th driver to do so after Rubens Barrichello,
[14:30.320 -> 14:34.960] Michael Schumacher, Jenson Button, Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen.
[14:34.960 -> 14:40.680] It'll also be Hamilton's 300th race with Mercedes engines he's never really driven
[14:40.680 -> 14:45.600] with any other engine in Formula 1, the most surprising one being Ferrari.
[14:45.600 -> 14:49.520] And lastly, my last stat is always meant to keep you thinking.
[14:49.520 -> 14:54.760] No driver in Formula 1 has ever won a race after reaching the 300th race milestone.
[14:54.760 -> 14:57.040] Will Lewis Hamilton actually win a race?
[14:57.040 -> 14:59.960] Or will he join that unlucky club?
[14:59.960 -> 15:02.320] That was the stats preview of the French Grand Prix.
[15:02.320 -> 15:08.320] You can find more such stats on my Instagram and Twitter under the handle F1StatsGuru. I'll see you guys later.
[15:08.320 -> 15:14.840] Hey folks, welcome back into the Inside Line F1 podcast. The last voice you heard was F1StatsGuru
[15:14.840 -> 15:20.580] Sundaram and there's this one particular stat Kunal that he just pointed out about Lewis
[15:20.580 -> 15:27.120] Hamilton. I'm stunned. Can he kind of become the first one ever to break past the 300
[15:27.120 -> 15:32.720] mark? I'm actually waiting for Crofty to read this stat out given just how awesome this stat is. I
[15:32.720 -> 15:38.640] mean I can't imagine that a driver who's crossed 300 Grand Prix has actually never won a Formula
[15:38.640 -> 15:45.000] One race and we are actually talking about this just when you know we are going to question,
[15:46.320 -> 15:48.800] can Mercedes join the party this weekend?
[15:48.800 -> 15:51.440] I mean, the hype has been higher than ever before.
[15:51.440 -> 15:52.280] Everybody's been saying,
[15:52.280 -> 15:54.080] oh, they're coming up with the biggest upgrades.
[15:54.080 -> 15:55.600] They've now solved their park-pissing
[15:55.600 -> 15:57.020] and car-bottoming issues.
[15:57.020 -> 15:59.920] They're focusing on extracting more performance
[15:59.920 -> 16:03.040] from this whole zero-part concept and blah, blah, blah.
[16:03.040 -> 16:05.920] And can Mercedes really join the fun this weekend
[16:05.920 -> 16:11.840] and if they can would it actually be Lewis Hamilton who even breaks this record that no driver has
[16:12.400 -> 16:20.080] ever won a Grand Prix after having 300 starts to his name in Formula One. Also another Lewis stat
[16:20.080 -> 16:26.320] is we are now at the 12th race of a season and Lewis is yet without a win.
[16:26.320 -> 16:31.160] So this is officially his longest he's gone into a season without actually having scored
[16:31.160 -> 16:33.720] a win in Formula One.
[16:33.720 -> 16:34.880] Yeah, exactly.
[16:34.880 -> 16:40.380] And it's hard to believe, but if the rumors are true, if what people are saying on paper
[16:40.380 -> 16:44.880] is true, you can't say things on paper, but what things people are thinking about that
[16:44.880 -> 16:49.440] Mercedes might be good on paper here in France, if that is true, then there could generally be
[16:49.440 -> 16:53.280] a potential chance of Mercedes coming in there. But I'm not sure, Kunal, there's this air of
[16:53.280 -> 16:58.320] confidence around them for sure. We saw that great pace in qualifying in Austria, but is it for real
[16:58.320 -> 17:02.400] is going to be the major question this time around? And I love what Toto Wulf said about it
[17:02.400 -> 17:05.200] in Austria as well. He said said we're just going to be
[17:05.200 -> 17:09.280] as informed as you are in the stands as well because we too are not aware about how much it's
[17:09.280 -> 17:15.520] going to help our car in the first place so if that possibly is the case maybe just maybe an
[17:15.520 -> 17:19.760] outside chance of Mercedes coming in there maybe that could just spice up the French GP in the
[17:19.760 -> 17:24.080] whole because for for real three teams fighting that's what Ben Edwards said would be the best
[17:24.080 -> 17:25.800] possible gift for all Formula One fans
[17:25.800 -> 17:27.300] before heading into the summer break.
[17:27.300 -> 17:29.600] And then we'll eventually even get the answer,
[17:29.600 -> 17:32.500] you know, is Ferrari the quickest car
[17:32.500 -> 17:34.900] or is it now Red Bull?
[17:34.900 -> 17:36.700] I mean, you know, after Spain,
[17:36.700 -> 17:38.900] we were literally waiting every Grand Prix
[17:38.900 -> 17:39.900] asking the same question,
[17:39.900 -> 17:41.900] do we really know which car is the quickest?
[17:41.900 -> 17:44.000] And my assumption here, Somil,
[17:44.000 -> 17:45.920] is that at this very moment,
[17:45.920 -> 17:50.120] before we hit the racetrack in France,
[17:50.120 -> 17:51.800] Ferrari is actually the quicker car.
[17:51.800 -> 17:55.760] They finally were able to extract performance
[17:55.760 -> 17:57.220] and sort of make it happen.
[17:57.220 -> 17:58.960] And of course, they won in Silverstone,
[17:58.960 -> 18:02.440] but that was also because Max had his issues with his floor,
[18:02.440 -> 18:05.600] the AlphaTauri debris that was caught up there, right?
[18:05.600 -> 18:11.920] But I believe that Austria was a true picture of Ferrari actually working things through.
[18:11.920 -> 18:16.000] And you know, both teams have actually employed very different approaches to the season.
[18:16.000 -> 18:22.080] So Red Bull have literally brought an as good as new car, if one may call it that, through
[18:22.080 -> 18:23.080] the season.
[18:23.080 -> 18:25.600] And this is why Checo Perez, who was closer to Max
[18:25.600 -> 18:28.240] at the start of the season, is now suddenly fallen back off
[18:28.240 -> 18:31.120] because the car development has happened, right?
[18:31.120 -> 18:32.240] But in the case of Ferrari,
[18:32.240 -> 18:35.120] they are still sticking to their original concept
[18:35.120 -> 18:39.360] and bringing bits and pieces that are making incremental gains.
[18:40.080 -> 18:43.120] And two areas where they actually struggled
[18:43.120 -> 18:49.600] through the season at the start of the season was tire wear, which we saw they actually had better in Austria. And the second was the deficit
[18:49.600 -> 18:54.880] that they had in the straight line speeds, which they actually brought a new rear wing, was it in
[18:54.880 -> 19:01.440] Canada that Leclerc actually used it and that's actually helped them sort of come closer in that
[19:01.440 -> 19:09.280] straight line speed deficit they had with Red Bull as well. Exactly, but you never can tell, right, because it ebbs and flows so much in the
[19:09.280 -> 19:13.320] season over the course of the year that it's really hard to tell at
[19:13.320 -> 19:15.960] that particular moment because earlier in the year we thought Red Bull were the
[19:15.960 -> 19:20.360] ones and you never know and the point Kunal that I'm really curious about is
[19:20.360 -> 19:24.960] when do these upgrades stop because the budget cap of course has come in and the
[19:24.960 -> 19:29.760] teams are very vocally complaining about the new, about the inflation actually troubling
[19:29.760 -> 19:33.720] them quite a fair bit. So at what stage do we know that this is the final Ferrari car,
[19:33.720 -> 19:37.240] this is the final Red Bull racing car? Because until then it's all a speculation game about
[19:37.240 -> 19:42.440] who's the faster one. And I suppose that just adds to all the drama because now we don't
[19:42.440 -> 19:45.720] know which two of those four cars will potentially
[19:45.720 -> 19:49.640] be fighting for the win and that's going to be an even spicier thing for the French GP.
[19:49.640 -> 19:52.800] So it's all just lining up together to make a good show this year.
[19:52.800 -> 19:57.720] It's actually lining up and I wouldn't put my money on the fact that teams will not keep
[19:57.720 -> 20:03.080] developing till literally the very last race of the season or as close as it can get to
[20:03.080 -> 20:04.080] that.
[20:04.080 -> 20:07.760] They will keep complaining about the budget cap and inflation and all the likes.
[20:07.760 -> 20:11.800] But it's good that the FIA is a listening to them, but be coming up with very
[20:11.800 -> 20:17.040] sensitive, sensible ideas on how to sort of help them recover with that as well.
[20:17.040 -> 20:23.040] And, you know, one of the reasons why, you know, a Ferrari versus Red Bull and the
[20:23.040 -> 20:27.280] fact that Mercedes might actually be a part of it is exciting is
[20:27.280 -> 20:32.560] because you know both Ferrari and Red Bull who are in the title battle might actually now worry that
[20:32.560 -> 20:39.680] Mercedes being in the mix without any title chances might sort of make them take more risky strategies
[20:39.680 -> 20:49.720] risky approaches like we've seen potentially you know taking points off their lead drivers and that just adds to more unpredictability in the title fight as
[20:49.720 -> 20:54.000] well right like right now despite all the entertainment that we've had you
[20:54.000 -> 20:58.200] know Ferrari have had seven pole positions but only four race wins and
[20:58.200 -> 21:02.080] Red Bull have had the opposite they've had four poles and seven race wins but
[21:02.080 -> 21:06.560] with Mercedes in the mix if they sort of take points off
[21:06.560 -> 21:11.520] Wischthappen or Leclerc which I'm hoping will happen it's just going to you know either
[21:11.520 -> 21:17.600] help closing the standings really quick before we even head to the summer break or just after
[21:17.600 -> 21:23.280] or it could do the opposite which is open up the gaps even wider. Indeed it could and
[21:23.280 -> 21:25.360] I actually want to just come back on one
[21:25.360 -> 21:29.600] thing you said about the title battle. Are Mercedes really out of it? Because if you look
[21:29.600 -> 21:34.320] at the constructors title standings that is, Mercedes are not that far off to Ferrari and
[21:34.320 -> 21:38.880] considering the way Ferrari's reliability is going so far and the fact that they still haven't quite
[21:38.880 -> 21:43.440] found a fix yet, you can't quite rule them out right? Consistency is key at the end of the
[21:43.440 -> 21:46.000] championship and I love what Krofty mentioned early on in the year
[21:46.000 -> 21:48.000] where he said that Mercedes have scored
[21:48.000 -> 21:50.000] the most points, I mean
[21:50.000 -> 21:52.000] they've maximised their potential in a way
[21:52.000 -> 21:54.000] for whatever they could have scored, they have gone out there
[21:54.000 -> 21:56.000] and done that on most weekends. So, it's
[21:56.000 -> 21:58.000] amazing how they could still be
[21:58.000 -> 22:00.000] in it if Ferrari end up
[22:00.000 -> 22:02.000] not finding a fix to their reliability. But speaking
[22:02.000 -> 22:04.000] of Crofty, speaking of people he's
[22:04.000 -> 22:07.680] mentioned, here's F1 stats guru for that aforementioned section I talked about,
[22:07.680 -> 22:11.760] where he speaks about the history of the Paul Ricard circuit and some really crazy ideas that
[22:11.760 -> 22:16.400] were floated about a couple of years ago. So let's listen in. Formula One runs on innovation
[22:16.400 -> 22:22.160] and experimentation, that too on a regular basis. Teams need to innovate constantly during a season
[22:22.160 -> 22:27.720] so that they can shave off a few tenths in a race and gain an upper hand over their competitors.
[22:27.720 -> 22:30.580] But innovation is not just restricted to car development.
[22:30.580 -> 22:35.340] It's also applied in other areas of the sport such as safety systems, circuit characteristics
[22:35.340 -> 22:37.120] and even at times the race format.
[22:37.120 -> 22:41.680] With the soar of dominance Mercedes and Red Bull have displayed over the last 12 years,
[22:41.680 -> 22:45.400] F1 has had to increasingly talk about improving the racing spectacle
[22:45.400 -> 22:50.080] and unpredictability. Many interesting ideas have come to the fore. Sprint races are being
[22:50.080 -> 22:56.480] extensively tested, there was a knockout qualifying format in 2016 which failed miserably, and
[22:56.480 -> 23:00.680] there have also been talks of reverse grid races and reverse direction races.
[23:00.680 -> 23:05.040] But some of the wackiest and most radical ideas for the sport have come from one Bernie
[23:05.040 -> 23:07.680] Eccleston, the former boss of Formula One.
[23:07.680 -> 23:13.080] Let's put the spotlight on one of his most widely discussed ideas, the sprinklers.
[23:13.080 -> 23:17.700] Bernie felt F1 races in the late 2000s were getting quite monotonous due to the difficulties
[23:17.700 -> 23:22.680] in overtaking, and felt leaving the circuit sprinklers on during a race would be a good
[23:22.680 -> 23:25.240] way of keeping the audience entertained.
[23:25.240 -> 23:30.320] He said, why not let it rain in the middle of a race for 20 minutes, or in the last 10
[23:30.320 -> 23:35.200] laps, maybe with a 2 minute warning ahead of it. Suspense would be guaranteed. I'm
[23:35.200 -> 23:40.120] not really sure how suspense or unpredictability works if there's a 2 minute warning in advance,
[23:40.120 -> 23:42.560] but thankfully the idea was rejected.
[23:42.560 -> 23:47.040] Interestingly, Bernie bought an F1 circuit back in 1999,
[23:47.040 -> 23:51.660] the circuit Paul Ricard, with the aim of making it the first track in the world dedicated
[23:51.660 -> 23:56.960] exclusively to testing and communication. The entire circuit was renovated and was renamed
[23:56.960 -> 24:02.940] to Paul Ricard High Tech Test Track. And frankly, this circuit is one of the most innovative
[24:02.940 -> 24:05.000] and futuristic tracks out there. The venue has 167 different layouts, is one of the most innovative and futuristic tracks out there.
[24:05.000 -> 24:10.160] The venue has 167 different layouts, has one of the most unique run-offs in the sport with
[24:10.160 -> 24:15.560] the red and blue abrasive zones to slow down cars, and guess what, it also has a sprinkler
[24:15.560 -> 24:16.560] system.
[24:16.560 -> 24:20.560] Now the sprinklers aren't going to be switched on by the organizers if the race gets boring,
[24:20.560 -> 24:25.640] but in fact, it's used for simulating wet weather conditions during private tests.
[24:25.640 -> 24:30.100] This my friends is one of the most technologically advanced tracks in the world, yet it may not
[24:30.100 -> 24:32.840] feature on the F1 calendar in 2023.
[24:32.840 -> 24:37.180] Well, Bernie isn't involved with the sport anymore and the ownership of Paul Ricard has
[24:37.180 -> 24:42.180] also changed hands in recent years, with Bernie's ex-wife now inheriting the track as part of
[24:42.180 -> 24:43.500] their divorce settlement.
[24:43.500 -> 24:47.960] Well, I hope you enjoyed this little bite ahead of the French Grand Prix and stay tuned
[24:47.960 -> 24:51.480] to hear more such stories on the Inside Line F1 podcast.
[24:51.480 -> 24:55.440] Hey folks, welcome back to the Inside Line F1 podcast.
[24:55.440 -> 24:59.840] And I have only one word to say Kunal, what are sprinklers?
[24:59.840 -> 25:03.760] Is that a more preposterous idea than reverse grids in a way?
[25:03.760 -> 25:07.520] All depends who you ask and which side of the pond you ask the question. I think
[25:07.520 -> 25:11.760] DRS, sprinklers and everything else are just artificial ways of
[25:11.760 -> 25:16.640] making Formula One, you know, seem more like entertainment than a sport
[25:16.640 -> 25:20.320] but that's just my view and it's one of those only things that I
[25:20.320 -> 25:25.160] you know or one of those many things I don't agree with Bernie Eccleston on,
[25:29.160 -> 25:34.760] apart, you know, of course from his, not apart from, along with his recent views on whatever's happening in Europe between Ukraine and Russia as well.
[25:34.760 -> 25:41.480] But yeah, leaving politics aside, you know, I believe that we will have
[25:41.480 -> 25:43.760] an exciting race this weekend.
[25:43.760 -> 25:48.920] We've, you know, before we forget Sommel, by the way, it's the home race for the Alpine
[25:48.920 -> 25:51.960] team or formerly known as Renault as well.
[25:51.960 -> 25:54.080] And you know, we've actually had a string of home races.
[25:54.080 -> 26:00.040] I mean, Silverstone was a home race for pretty much every F1 team, unless you were Alfa Tauri
[26:00.040 -> 26:06.560] or Ferrari, you know, or Sauber. And then we had Austria,
[26:06.560 -> 26:09.800] which was a home race for Red Bull.
[26:09.800 -> 26:11.400] And of course, hence Alfa Tauri
[26:11.400 -> 26:14.280] and sort of a home race for Max Verstappen as well,
[26:14.280 -> 26:16.560] seeing all that orange in the stands.
[26:16.560 -> 26:18.280] And now we are at Alpine's home race.
[26:18.280 -> 26:21.800] So I'm always excited to see how these brands,
[26:21.800 -> 26:23.940] you know, whether it's a team brand or a driver brand,
[26:23.940 -> 26:29.080] actually activate their participation in their home race. I mean Red Bull of course does
[26:29.080 -> 26:35.600] all sorts of daredevilry stuff. Let's see what Renault ends up doing for their
[26:35.600 -> 26:40.840] home race this weekend. Yeah, right, and traditionally I don't remember Renault
[26:40.840 -> 26:46.720] doing much of excitement. Again, many might say that that's just a representation
[26:46.720 -> 26:50.080] of what they stand for as a car brand, but I just hope that they are able to do something
[26:50.080 -> 26:54.720] more because they finally got an Esteban Ocon grandstand over there as well. There's finally
[26:54.720 -> 26:58.560] good results coming in for them and Esteban Ocon too. And of course, Fernando Alonso is
[26:58.560 -> 27:02.440] Fernando Alonso, we'll talk about him in a second, but there's Ocon who's having a good
[27:02.440 -> 27:07.920] run of form and on the other side, there'svir Ghazali also a home race for him and he's
[27:07.920 -> 27:11.680] having a terrible run of form as well unfortunately so it's it's gonna be
[27:11.680 -> 27:14.600] interesting how they actually plug it out this whole weekend what sort of
[27:14.600 -> 27:18.560] interaction they do how they get the drivers involved but yeah Ghazali
[27:18.560 -> 27:21.980] Kunal we should talk about it for a second because if anything this is the
[27:21.980 -> 27:26.720] best time for him to have a home race after a really big slump of sorts, you can call for him and his team.
[27:27.520 -> 27:29.120] Yeah, I don't know if it's really a slump.
[27:29.120 -> 27:35.280] And actually, I now remember it's not just the last two races, even Canada and Monaco are home Grand Prix.
[27:35.280 -> 27:37.720] So it's like a string of home races that have come through and through.
[27:37.720 -> 27:45.200] But Pierre Gasly, Esteban Ocon, you know, holding up the French flag, you know, in Formula One,
[27:45.200 -> 27:49.200] which I think is pretty good, given how, again, you know,
[27:49.200 -> 27:51.080] we borrowed the term Grand Prix out there.
[27:51.080 -> 27:55.000] But no, in all seriousness, Grand Prix, sorry, Pierre Gasly
[27:55.280 -> 27:59.320] is definitely one of the biggest shocks of the season.
[27:59.320 -> 28:02.560] I would say more so AlphaTauri than Gasly himself.
[28:03.600 -> 28:05.360] You know, I remember I'm really bad
[28:05.360 -> 28:06.820] at making predictions, right?
[28:06.820 -> 28:09.020] But every time I used to make a prediction,
[28:09.020 -> 28:11.100] I used to be like, at least one Alpha Tauri
[28:11.100 -> 28:13.180] will definitely be in the top five,
[28:13.180 -> 28:15.620] maybe top seven, depending on the race.
[28:15.620 -> 28:17.940] And that would obviously be Pierre Gasly.
[28:17.940 -> 28:20.340] But the truth is that that sort of form,
[28:20.340 -> 28:24.280] that sort of momentum has definitely been lacking,
[28:24.280 -> 28:26.540] especially at a time, remember when, you know,
[28:26.540 -> 28:30.280] the whole question around Daniel Ricciardo and McLaren
[28:30.280 -> 28:32.640] is being asked each time there's a break
[28:32.640 -> 28:35.640] between two Grand Prix's, longer than, you know,
[28:35.640 -> 28:36.480] a five day break.
[28:36.480 -> 28:38.800] Each time there's a fortnight's gap,
[28:38.800 -> 28:40.880] McLaren makes sure that they do something
[28:40.880 -> 28:42.680] which sort of makes everybody sit up and question,
[28:42.680 -> 28:44.600] ah, what's Daniel Ricciardo gonna do?
[28:44.600 -> 28:47.200] So imagine if Gasly was actually doing so well,
[28:47.200 -> 28:49.760] he would have also remained in the mix.
[28:49.760 -> 28:52.160] He's suddenly fallen off that list of drivers.
[28:52.160 -> 28:55.360] McLaren could have hopefully, maybe at some point signed as well.
[28:55.360 -> 28:58.320] But I'm excited even for Esteban Ocon.
[28:58.320 -> 29:03.760] I mean, you know, Alpine is coming here on the back of two back-to-back top five finishes.
[29:03.760 -> 29:12.100] It was like their best performance since a while. Momentum is on their side. They have actually, they're equal
[29:12.100 -> 29:17.140] on points with McLaren for fourth place. And like Fernando Alonso keeps saying, if luck
[29:17.140 -> 29:21.960] was on their side, they would have probably been, you know, clearer and maybe built a
[29:21.960 -> 29:26.560] gap to McLaren in fourth place but
[29:32.880 -> 29:38.800] let's just see how their home race sort of unfolds and and you know if the if if this circuit and the fans etc that it would bring would actually add some more extra horsepower and maybe even some
[29:38.800 -> 29:44.640] reliability in Alpine's case Samuel. Yeah let's just hope that the car starts up in the first
[29:44.640 -> 29:45.120] place because
[29:45.120 -> 29:49.880] that's gonna be a major thing to watch out for this weekend because it's been
[29:49.880 -> 29:53.320] unfortunate that they haven't quite been able to be there and and with Fernando
[29:53.320 -> 29:58.320] Alonso as well what if he just has the car what if he can just again go to the
[29:58.320 -> 30:02.680] runoff this particular weekend wag a finger to another young driver show him
[30:02.680 -> 30:07.860] that he's the man I am gonna love that and actually speaking of finger wagging and going off the track, track limits Kunal.
[30:07.860 -> 30:09.120] I don't think we have spoken about it yet.
[30:09.120 -> 30:14.280] And we should talk about that for a second before we actually go to speak about Alonso in more depth and also our other
[30:14.280 -> 30:16.280] eight sleep performers of the weekend. But
[30:16.640 -> 30:21.000] now Formula One is clear, finally, that the rules are what they are.
[30:21.000 -> 30:25.520] But we had this discussion at the end of last weekend about are the rules a bit
[30:25.520 -> 30:30.320] too strict. I suppose drivers are going to complain in every single case because when we have a
[30:30.320 -> 30:34.080] consistent rule they're complaining when we don't have a consistent rule they're complaining so
[30:34.080 -> 30:37.440] on this particular side of the weekend if anything it'll be harder to monitor because
[30:37.440 -> 30:41.520] there's just so much of runoff and there's so much of time you can potentially gain by going
[30:41.520 -> 30:49.200] off there so their work is going to be cut out for the Formula 1 stewards. It's really going to be a tough weekend for them, not just monitoring it, but also listening to all
[30:49.200 -> 30:53.760] the complaints as well. You know, it's going to be a tough one and I hope that now when I have the
[30:53.760 -> 30:59.040] race control screen, they say race control messages for track limits and race control messages for
[30:59.040 -> 31:04.000] everything else because literally Austria was a headache. You keep scrolling and it's just, you
[31:04.000 -> 31:08.480] know, noted, noted, some flag, some flag, some flag whatever but yeah track limits will be an issue I
[31:08.480 -> 31:13.520] don't think I remember gravel being a part of the circuit design at Pontfricard
[31:13.520 -> 31:18.680] it's just it's just runoff areas everywhere those confusing blue and and
[31:18.680 -> 31:22.840] red lines that Sundaram mentioned in his circuit segment but I think track
[31:22.840 -> 31:29.960] limits will be an issue so the FIA will actually be my first nominee
[31:29.960 -> 31:32.200] for the eighth sleep performer of the race.
[31:32.200 -> 31:36.500] They will make sure every track limit infringement shows up
[31:36.500 -> 31:40.280] and clogs our race control messages board, Somal.
[31:40.280 -> 31:42.440] Oh, they've got a tough job this weekend.
[31:42.440 -> 31:47.680] And apart from the FIA as well, just on a more serious note, Mik Schumacher can earn
[31:47.680 -> 31:53.280] because the streak has been going on, all of it without any upgrade on the Haas.
[31:53.280 -> 31:55.800] So this weekend, I'm really keen to see is it for real?
[31:55.800 -> 31:56.800] Was it just track specific?
[31:56.800 -> 31:59.680] Just to what extent are Haas really in the game?
[31:59.680 -> 32:03.040] Because now, everyone's suddenly fallen back in love with Mik Schumacher, right?
[32:03.040 -> 32:05.500] I remember around Monaco, we were all just really confused about
[32:05.500 -> 32:08.000] Eh, but is he good enough?
[32:08.000 -> 32:10.000] But that's just been the trend of his career
[32:10.000 -> 32:13.500] I've read this somewhere on Reddit and I actually checked it out throughout this history
[32:13.500 -> 32:18.000] One and a half season, that's when Mick Schumacher actually comes alive in every single category that he's raced in
[32:18.000 -> 32:21.500] So, the time is right, the iron is really hot right now
[32:21.500 -> 32:29.280] For Haas, I think last race before they get their upgrade in as well. So if they continue their streak, it's going to be superb because now they've suddenly moved up
[32:29.280 -> 32:34.800] to seventh in the standings, haven't they? They have moved to seventh and Gunter Steiner has of
[32:34.800 -> 32:40.240] course said P6 is their target, which could be achievable, who knows. But talking of Mick
[32:40.240 -> 32:46.840] Schumacher, it's an interesting point. Yes, you Yes, fan forums are abuzz that Schumacher's a slow starter,
[32:47.440 -> 32:50.840] needs, he comes good in the second season
[32:50.840 -> 32:52.680] of whichever category he's raced in.
[32:52.680 -> 32:55.200] And that's actually, even if that's true,
[32:55.200 -> 32:57.440] I don't think there's anything wrong in that.
[32:57.440 -> 33:00.900] We are unfortunately in such a fast paced environment
[33:00.900 -> 33:03.960] in Formula One that all we give our driver
[33:03.960 -> 33:08.400] is the first 10 or eight races before a summer break to make it or break it.
[33:08.400 -> 33:13.520] And then suddenly, you know, the driver's either demoted or just written off anyway and the like.
[33:13.520 -> 33:18.840] So I hope that it was a Schumacher name that helped him get all the time he needed, because why not?
[33:18.840 -> 33:25.140] You know, sometimes you just start off slow, but when you actually master it, you could just end up being the Schumacher
[33:25.140 -> 33:26.040] as we were talking about.
[33:26.040 -> 33:29.000] So he is definitely a driver to look forward to.
[33:29.000 -> 33:30.920] I love it when teams are still sticking
[33:30.920 -> 33:32.620] to their base concepts
[33:32.620 -> 33:35.180] and are just focusing on extracting potential.
[33:35.180 -> 33:37.500] And I think in the case of Haas,
[33:37.500 -> 33:41.060] it's the story of Haas since their inception, right?
[33:41.060 -> 33:43.340] Suddenly they have a couple of great races,
[33:43.340 -> 33:46.120] maybe two, a maximum three very good races.
[33:46.120 -> 33:48.480] And everybody's like, oh my God, can you imagine
[33:48.480 -> 33:49.880] Haas has gone and done this?
[33:49.880 -> 33:51.520] And then they have a slump.
[33:51.520 -> 33:54.200] So I really hope that the slump is not gonna come.
[33:54.200 -> 33:55.360] It's great to see them fight.
[33:55.360 -> 33:58.480] You know, as many teams are capable of scoring points
[33:58.480 -> 34:03.080] is fantastic for Formula One, fantastic for entertainment.
[34:03.080 -> 34:06.180] And that's what gives us Blockbuster races.
[34:06.180 -> 34:10.280] And I have to talk about, I know Fernando Alonso-Sommel,
[34:10.280 -> 34:12.600] he is our permanent member
[34:12.600 -> 34:15.440] of this 8 Sleep list of performers.
[34:15.440 -> 34:18.740] He's constantly delivering mind-blowing performances,
[34:18.740 -> 34:21.140] some things that even Alpine's computers
[34:21.140 -> 34:22.780] are unable to register.
[34:22.780 -> 34:27.200] And Otmar Sofnauer has made certain statements like,
[34:27.200 -> 34:30.580] oh, I wasn't the one who signed Fernando and so on.
[34:30.580 -> 34:32.880] And he sounds that not too much supportive,
[34:32.880 -> 34:34.520] at least sounds like it,
[34:34.520 -> 34:36.840] in the press briefings that have happened.
[34:36.840 -> 34:38.820] But I get this feeling that,
[34:38.820 -> 34:40.820] given the form that Fernando is in,
[34:40.820 -> 34:45.200] it's so tough to not re-sign him for a couple of years.
[34:45.200 -> 34:46.780] You know, he's in his 40s, yes,
[34:46.780 -> 34:49.480] but he's still driving like he's in his 20s.
[34:49.480 -> 34:50.840] He's still got all that talent.
[34:50.840 -> 34:52.920] And to me, just this morning, we were on a call
[34:52.920 -> 34:54.680] and suddenly he said, but why Fernando Alonso?
[34:54.680 -> 34:59.120] And I said, he is definitely the most complete driver
[34:59.120 -> 35:00.900] that we've seen in Formula One
[35:00.900 -> 35:04.420] since he stepped in a Formula One car, Samuel.
[35:04.420 -> 35:09.040] And there's you making F1 stats, Guru Sundaram's day, in a minute.
[35:09.040 -> 35:10.920] But no, I've got to agree with you.
[35:10.920 -> 35:15.840] In terms of entertainment, in terms of drama, in terms of pure driving ability, bravado,
[35:15.840 -> 35:20.800] strategy, driving the team forward, politics, controversies, yeah he's got it all.
[35:20.800 -> 35:23.360] What's not to like about Fernando Alonso?
[35:23.360 -> 35:28.240] But he potentially could be fighting off with Juanjo Guanu, who's also a driver in our
[35:28.240 -> 35:31.080] 8 Sleep Drivers to Watch for list.
[35:31.080 -> 35:35.080] And he, Kunal, has been having a bit of a topsy-turvy season, much like Fernando Alonso
[35:35.080 -> 35:38.400] in a way, where the momentum has been building up and then it drops.
[35:38.400 -> 35:40.320] And then it builds up and then it drops.
[35:40.320 -> 35:43.640] Now we're in that rough kind of phase where we've got two bad racers.
[35:43.640 -> 35:46.080] Silverstone, of course, thankfully he's okay after that.
[35:46.080 -> 35:49.600] But what happened in Austria also wasn't great for Alfa Romeo in general.
[35:49.600 -> 35:54.720] So what happens here, he's going to be one driver to watch for because just like Mick Schumacher,
[35:54.720 -> 35:57.440] we've all been seeing this development of positivity around him.
[35:57.440 -> 36:00.480] So to continue it this weekend will be interesting to say the least.
[36:01.200 -> 36:09.200] It's good you mentioned Mick Schumacher because Guan Yu Joe seems like a bit of an opposite when I spoke about a slow starter because you
[36:09.200 -> 36:13.680] know he's had now it's his 12th race right and Mark Hughes put up this
[36:13.680 -> 36:18.240] qualifying gaps between teammates and I think Joe Guan Yu was just about a
[36:18.240 -> 36:23.560] couple of tens of Valtteri Bottas you know this year which that I think that
[36:23.560 -> 36:26.000] was in race trim if if I remember correctly.
[36:26.000 -> 36:33.000] Yeah. Joel has actually not crashed in qualifying or has not crashed in a race.
[36:33.000 -> 36:40.680] That's, you know, been his fault. So he's actually showing what it takes to be a rookie in Formula One when you go up with such a talented driver as Valtteri Bottas.
[36:40.680 -> 36:45.200] So I hope that he doesn't have any reliability issues because he's had the worst end of
[36:45.840 -> 36:49.280] Alfa Romeo's reliability in the first half of the season, Samal.
[36:50.480 -> 36:54.560] Yeah, he has. Things have been really tricky for him, but it'll be interesting to see how he draws
[36:54.560 -> 36:59.520] this particular weekend. But Kunal, just one more factor to talk about before we end off this
[36:59.520 -> 37:03.600] particular episode and then of course, before the ending, we also have to take the predictions which
[37:03.600 -> 37:08.400] we'll get to. But is there a heatwave going on there? Is that a major factor this weekend? Because
[37:09.360 -> 37:13.840] it certainly seems like it could affect the tyre deg and I remember Ferrari having major issues
[37:13.840 -> 37:17.360] with it last year. Doesn't mean that they'll have it this year. It's a completely different car,
[37:17.360 -> 37:21.440] completely different concept but it could play a role right eventually with the Paul Ricard and
[37:21.440 -> 37:31.120] it's extremely smooth surface. Could that change things up with the surface a little bit? Oh absolutely, there's a heat wave where it's expected to reach I think
[37:32.880 -> 37:38.960] closer to 40 degrees centigrade this weekend which is going to be pretty crazy for the tires and
[37:40.560 -> 37:45.840] high circuit track temperatures are expected, lots of energy that happens given that,
[37:45.840 -> 37:48.960] you know, Paul Ricard is a bit like Silverstone,
[37:48.960 -> 37:50.600] you know, there are lots of high-speed corners
[37:50.600 -> 37:54.480] and a very smooth track surface as well.
[37:54.480 -> 37:59.160] So what teams will definitely be trying to look out for
[37:59.160 -> 38:01.760] is, you know, if there is gonna be any overheating
[38:01.760 -> 38:03.760] that needs to sort of be managed and, you know,
[38:03.760 -> 38:11.680] tire management is one of the one of the what do you say it's it's something that I absolutely dislike when it
[38:11.680 -> 38:16.240] comes to Formula One but that's what it takes and I think Pirelli are bringing the middle range of
[38:16.240 -> 38:23.840] their compounds and this was I think last used in Miami right and the next two races will also have
[38:23.840 -> 38:26.900] these compounds so the teams will definitely want to get on top
[38:26.900 -> 38:29.720] of these compound ranges that they're bringing in as well.
[38:29.720 -> 38:33.760] But yes, I think the heat will play a major issue on tires.
[38:33.760 -> 38:35.600] Could it play an issue on reliability?
[38:35.600 -> 38:38.040] That's also a question to ask, right?
[38:38.040 -> 38:39.680] We've seen that Red Bull and Ferrari
[38:39.680 -> 38:44.680] both haven't necessarily had reliability on their side
[38:45.000 -> 38:46.120] while Mercedes have, and Mercedes have sort of used haven't necessarily had reliability on their side
[38:47.400 -> 38:49.400] while Mercedes have. And Mercedes have sort of used their reliability
[38:49.400 -> 38:53.200] to end up taking the points if Ferrari and Red Bull
[38:53.200 -> 38:54.020] have dropped them.
[38:54.020 -> 38:58.040] So I believe the heat will be a factor this weekend.
[38:58.040 -> 39:01.320] But most importantly, pole position is key
[39:01.320 -> 39:06.860] because ever since we've you know returned to racing here in since 2018
[39:06.860 -> 39:12.020] all races have been won from pole position somehow. And that's gonna make
[39:12.020 -> 39:16.700] qualifying a whole lot of fun. Wow I can't wait to see what happens in this
[39:16.700 -> 39:19.980] particular weekend in general and not just saying it for the sake of saying it
[39:19.980 -> 39:24.060] but the fact is six teams competing you don't know which one is gonna be the one
[39:24.060 -> 39:27.120] on top what about the midfield there's Fernando Alonso in there.
[39:27.120 -> 39:32.240] And just the general aspect of watching the championship order change up potentially.
[39:32.240 -> 39:33.840] But someone like Haas having a good weekend.
[39:33.840 -> 39:34.920] So, it's all going to be fun stuff.
[39:34.920 -> 39:40.040] But predictions Kunal, I don't think it makes sense to ask me because I'm always going to go for Carlos Sainz.
[39:40.040 -> 39:42.320] But who are you banking on this weekend?
[39:42.320 -> 39:45.280] I get a feeling it's going to be Ferrari winning.
[39:45.280 -> 39:48.720] I just get this that they have sort of managed
[39:48.720 -> 39:51.040] to get on issues, get on top of their issues.
[39:51.040 -> 39:54.160] If the car finishes a race, it'll finish in first.
[39:54.160 -> 39:57.840] I hope that there are no googly's as we use
[39:57.840 -> 39:59.960] in the world of cricket, you know,
[39:59.960 -> 40:03.480] like unexpected circumstances where it needs Ferrari
[40:03.480 -> 40:07.720] to be quick thinking and sort of make certain judgments,
[40:07.720 -> 40:10.680] which I believe the circuit layout
[40:10.680 -> 40:14.520] and the layout of even the runoff areas in Port Ricard
[40:14.520 -> 40:17.400] might actually play to Ferrari's advantage,
[40:17.400 -> 40:18.900] but there have been safety cars
[40:18.900 -> 40:20.820] and virtual safety cars here before as well.
[40:20.820 -> 40:23.520] So in all seriousness, I think it's gonna be a Ferrari.
[40:23.520 -> 40:26.900] And I just mentioned a few minutes ago that it's very similar to
[40:26.900 -> 40:30.640] Silverstone, you know, high speed cornering, smooth track surface and the
[40:30.640 -> 40:36.180] likes. And it might just be that Mercedes will prefer Paul Ricard a little more
[40:36.180 -> 40:37.420] than they did in Austria.
[40:37.420 -> 40:42.300] So could they really be in the mix come, you know, the fight for the podium
[40:42.300 -> 40:44.180] finishes? That's what I'm gunning for.
[40:44.180 -> 40:49.120] It would be it would be incredible story for Formula One, for Mercedes,
[40:49.120 -> 40:53.120] if they are genuinely fighting for the podium on merit
[40:53.120 -> 40:57.000] and not because of reliability issues to the other teams.
[40:57.000 -> 40:58.680] And then people will hit them even more.
[40:58.680 -> 41:01.200] And just to think about this idea,
[41:01.200 -> 41:02.200] it sounds really exciting.
[41:02.200 -> 41:08.800] And also the fact that Paul Ricard has no gravel, it's similar to Silverstonestone maybe it could be the day of Carlos Sainz as well but maybe I'm just
[41:08.800 -> 41:12.720] dreaming a bit too much but let's wait and watch this weekend but folks thank you for listening to
[41:12.720 -> 41:18.560] this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast we shall be back on Monday with the race review episode
[41:18.560 -> 41:31.840] where we get a lowdown on this particular weekend what really happened and who were our eight lead performers of the weekend. So see you then folks, have a nice weekend and bye bye, have a good time.
[41:39.410 -> 41:41.470] you