Less Dirty Air, More Dirty Lawsuits | Podcast Ep 977

F1’s 2026 era has officially hit the track in Barcelona—and the first battle wasn’t lap time, it was reliability. In this episode, we break down the “mileage wars,” who ran into early trouble, why Williams missed the shakedown entirely, and how the new engine “loophole” debate is already heating up. Get the essential testing wrap-up, the real winners and losers, and what to watch heading into Bahrain.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Groundhog Day Reflections02:43 Formula One Testing Overview05:44 Team Performances and Insights08:34 Mileage Wars: Who Stood Out?11:34 Green Flags, Yellow Flags, and Red Flags14:17 Predictions and Future Outlook23:19 The Debate on Closed Doors in F126:00 Compression Gate: The Controversy Unfolds33:00 Christian Horner's Potential Comeback38:58 Alpine's Future: Hope or Hype?45:21 Alpine's Challenges and Williams' Strategy49:06 Assessing Williams' Pre-Season Performance50:23 Driver Program Updates and Team Dynamics53:00 Pre-Season Metrics: What Really Matters?57:55 Fun in Racing: A Call for Creativity01:04:42 Celebrity News and Its Impact on F1Support us here: https://www.patreon.com/theparcfermeVisit us here: https://theparcferme.com/Buy Merch here: https://the-parc-ferme.printify.me/products

3 Feb 1h 10min

In this episode, Todd and Grace discuss the upcoming F1 season, focusing on the latest news, team preparations, and testing insights. They explore the impact of weather on testing, the importance of reliability, and the introduction of new power units. The conversation also touches on lap counts as indicators of performance, off-track developments, and marketing strategies to engage fans.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Welcome02:39 Weather and Personal Updates05:30 Patreon Support and Podcast Overview08:26 2026 Season Preview and Testing11:15 Team Performances and Testing Insights13:52 Red Bull's Engine Debut and Performance16:46 Audi and Cadillac's Testing Challenges19:37 Headlines and Highlights from Testing22:17 Security and Media Access at Testing24:33 The Marketing Strategy of Formula One26:20 Team Dynamics and Shakedown Importance28:53 Aston Martin's Expectations and Pressure30:36 Christian Horner's Potential Stake in Alpine33:42 Ryan Reynolds and Alpine's Future37:24 McLaren's New Partnership with Puma38:39 Cadillac's Team Building and Driver Strategy42:33 Audi's Ambitious Goals for 203047:00 Aero Leadership and Team Dynamics47:58 The Importance of Boardroom Support49:30 Five-Year Plans and Realistic Expectations50:36 McLaren's No Team Orders Philosophy51:51 Fairness vs. Competitive Advantage in F153:26 Team Communication and Driver Dynamics56:41 Alvin's Cats: 24 Hours of Daytona and BeyondSupport us here: https://www.patreon.com/theparcfermeVisit us here: https://theparcferme.com/Buy Merch here: https://the-parc-ferme.printify.me/products

27 Jan 1h 13min

Join Grace and me as we discuss Ferrari's change of race engineer for Hamilton, Haas F1's new livery and why the Australian Shepherds are mad. We chat about Cadillac, Red Bul Racing Bulls and even quibble about the engine loophole for 2026! Support us here: https://www.patreon.com/theparcfermeVisit us here: https://theparcferme.com/Buy Merch here: https://the-parc-ferme.printify.me/products

20 Jan 58min

In this episode, Todd and Grace discuss the latest developments in Formula 1, including Audi's debut with their 2026 car, the challenges posed by new regulations, and the excitement surrounding the upcoming launch season. They delve into the significance of driver number changes, the appointment of Victor Martins at Williams, and Idris Elba's involvement in Formula E. Oh, we also talk about paint, weight and Ozempic. Chapters:00:00 Welcome to the Offseason02:56 Audi's 2026 Car Debut05:44 Building Expectations for Audi08:43 The Reality of F1 Integration11:14 Audi's Shakedown Success14:06 The Launch Season Begins16:44 The Evolution of Car Launches19:37 Anticipating the 2026 Season23:18 The Evolution of F1 Team Launches28:21 Weight Limit Controversies in F133:33 Driver Development and Team Dynamics39:02 Driver Numbers and Branding in F140:22 The Significance of Racing Numbers45:13 Merchandising and Branding in Racing49:48 Idris Elba and Formula E54:37 The Future of Formula 1 and Team DynamicsSupport us here: https://www.patreon.com/theparcfermeVisit us here: https://theparcferme.com/Buy Merch here: https://the-parc-ferme.printify.me/products

13 Jan 1h

In this episode, Todd and Grace discuss the latest developments in Formula 1, focusing on the off-season preparations for the 2026 season. They delve into Cadillac's new driver lineup, the strategic importance of reserve drivers, and the shifting dynamics within Red Bull and McLaren. The conversation also covers the implications of the new regulations, including active aero changes and the future of power units, while addressing the controversial topic of gamification in the sport.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Off-Season Preparations02:47 Cadillac's 2026 Driver Lineup and Strategy05:42 The Role of Reserve Drivers in Formula One08:28 Red Bull's 2026 Lineup and Team Dynamics11:23 McLaren's Strategic Hiring and Future Directions21:38 The Role of Will in McLaren's Strategy26:40 2026 Regulations and Active Aero Changes38:06 Gamification of Racing: Boost Buttons and Strategy41:31 Ferrari's Early Commitment to 2026 Regulations42:20 Ferrari's Strategic Dilemmas46:35 The Importance of Testing in F147:27 Pierre Gasly's Tribute to Schumacher49:11 Social Media and F1 Tributes49:57 Upcoming F1 Developments55:16 Listener Questions and Insights01:00:12 Lewis Hamilton's Challenges with Ground Effect Cars

6 Jan 1h 10min

Welcome to our comprehensive review of the thrilling 2025 FIA Formula One season! In this episode, we’ll dissect the key moments, standout performances, and the strategic maneuvers that defined this year’s championship. Whether you're a die-hard F1 fan or a casual observer, we aim to provide you with a full season review including awards and rankings.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Season Overview02:43 McLaren's Historic Season Review05:39 Driver Performance: Lando Norris08:35 Driver Performance: Oscar Piastri11:12 Mercedes Team Dynamics and Performance14:03 George Russell's Leadership Role16:49 Kimi Antonelli's Rookie Season Highlights28:44 Rookie Performance and Team Support30:04 Red Bull's Rollercoaster Season33:54 Max Verstappen's Resilience37:35 Yuki Tsunoda's Struggles39:27 Ferrari's Disappointing Year45:03 Lewis Hamilton's Tough Transition47:56 Williams' Impressive Resurgence57:54 The Charisma of Carlos58:47 Racing Bulls' Season Review59:45 Team Management and Strategy01:01:33 Isaac Hadjar's Rookie Performance01:03:28 Liam Lawson's Challenges01:06:24 Aston Martin's Struggles01:08:28 Fernando Alonso's Consistency01:10:16 Haas' Performance Review01:12:19 Sauber's Transition to Audi01:13:35 Alpine's Disappointing SeasonSupport us here: https://www.patreon.com/theparcfermeVisit us here: https://theparcferme.com/Buy Merch here: https://the-parc-ferme.printify.me/products

30 Des 20251h 34min

Join Grace, Paul and me as we follow the bright star of Apple to bring gifts to all 11 teams with gifts on this newborn era of F1. We also have gifts for the FIA and F1 as well. In this holiday special episode, we celebrate the festive season by discussing the upcoming changes in Formula 1 for 2026. We suggest gifts for each team and driver, reflecting on the challenges and developments of various teams including McLaren, Williams, Mercedes, Red Bull, Ferrari, and Aston Martin.The conversation highlights the excitement and anticipation surrounding the new era in F1, while also acknowledging the struggles faced by some teams. In this lively conversation, we discuss holiday gifts for various Formula 1 teams, reflecting on their current dynamics and future prospectsChapters:00:00 Holiday Special Introduction02:47 The New Era of F105:27 Gifts for the 2026 Season08:17 McLaren's 2025 Season Review11:13 Williams' Focus on 202613:58 Team Dynamics and Reactions16:48 Closing Thoughts and Future Outlook20:40 Humorous Hotel Experiences21:43 Gifts for Drivers: A Lighthearted Exchange22:59 Mercedes: A Year of Challenges and Friendship25:01 Red Bull: New Beginnings and Team Dynamics27:46 Racing Bulls: Energy Management and Team Spirit30:35 Isaac Hadjar: Embracing Confidence and Style31:35 Red Bull's Future: Leadership and Team Changes38:03 Ferrari's Struggles: A Year of Disappointment42:30 Aston Martin: Preparing for a New Era43:01 Adrian Newey's New Role and Challenges44:00 Gifts for Aston Martin Team Members47:50 Haas Team's Progress and Future51:25 Audi's Entry and Team Dynamics56:21 Alpine's Struggles and Future Prospects59:01 Cadillac's Entry and Team Spirit01:01:16 The Evolution of Botas' Persona01:02:17 Nostalgia and Team Dynamics01:03:16 Fashion and Identity in Racing01:05:58 The FIA and Governance Challenges01:06:53 Gifts for the FIA and Motorsport Grinch01:11:08 Formula One's Marketing Strategies01:14:41 Final Thoughts and Listener EngagementSupport us here: https://www.patreon.com/theparcfermeVisit us here: https://theparcferme.com/Buy Merch here: https://the-parc-ferme.printify.me/products

23 Des 20251h 23min