The Autosport F1 Podcast

Martyn Lee is joined by Jonathan Noble and Roberto Chinchero ahead of this weekend's Formula 1 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, to discuss extreme weather, team upgrades, tyre regulations, driver performance, and the balance between tradition and innovation in Formula One events.   They begin by discussing potential disruptions due to severe weather conditions. The Department of Civil Protection has issued a red alert weather warning for the Emilia-Romagna region, citing risks of high winds, heavy rain, thunderstorms, and potential landslides. With an estimated rainfall accumulation of around 150mm expected by tomorrow night, concerns about flooding have prompted local authorities to recommend the closure of schools and certain roads.   How will this affect the Grand Prix? Roberto Chinchero explains how it will likely go ahead, but the track action will favour teams such as Red Bull, with their higher levels of downforce paying off in slippery conditions. Organisers have implemented contingency plans for wet weather, and the race will see the introduction of a new Pirelli rain tyre that doesn't require preheating.   The team also discuss changes to the tyre regulations, which will force drivers to use hard, medium, and soft compounds in the qualifying sessions. The move could lead to more exciting races and reintroduce two-stop strategies. Jonathan Noble explains how the trial aims to balance excitement with practicality. The trial will also reduce tyre allocation from 13 to 11 sets, with a more even split between compounds. This could lead to more aggressive tyre choices and potentially more entertaining races.   Many teams are schedulded to bring upgrades this weekend but the wet weather has already delayed Ferrari's plans. As for Mercedes, George Russell has warned that the comprehensive upgrades scheduled for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola will not instantly transform the team's fortunes. Mercedes recognised its floor and sidepod concept was flawed, leading to significant modifications to its W14 car. The changes, which include adjustments to the front suspension, aim to make the car less difficult to handle for Russell and Lewis Hamilton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

16 Maj 202325min

Martyn Lee welcomes Gary Watkins and James Newbold to discuss why sportscar racing is enjoying a renaissance, as Le Mans celebrates its centenary year and the return of manufacturers such as Ferrari have given us even more reasons to watch. Martyn, Gary, and James delve into the changes which have been made to the rules in recent years which encouraged manufacturers such as Toyota, Peugeot, Ferrari, Porsche, Cadillac, Acura and BMW to field entries, with Lamborghini and Alpine arriving for 2024. The conversation shifts to the variety of car classes in sportscar racing, and how this diversity adds depth and complexity to the racing, and why it makes it so fascinating to follow. Gary and James share their insights on the technology seen in the WEC Hypercar and IMSA GPT classes, before the trio wrap up the discussion with a conversation about the inherent unpredictability of endurance racing and how this contributes to the sport's appeal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

15 Maj 202345min

Martyn Lee is joined by our sportcar expert Gary Watkins, who has scoured the history books and his own extensive experience of covering the event, to put together the list of ultimate Le Mans races. They are joined by our Chief Editor Kevin Turner and James Newbold. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

12 Maj 20231h 1min

British racing fans were accustomed to seeing competitive Jaguar Mk2s triumph frequently in British Saloon Car racing in the early 1960s. But on this day sixty years ago, May 11th 1963, the Ford Galaxie arrived to end the British reign at the top. When Jack Sears drove a Galaxie 500 to victory in the 1963 British Saloon Car Championship, it came as a shock to the established order. Protests and arguments ensued as American muscle destroyed the previously dominant Jags. Racing veterans Graham Hill and Sir Jack Brabham also tried their hand at driving these enormous beasts, which would struggle to slow thanks the insufficient brakes, and which were quickly upgraded before the year was out. But the point of these cars wasn't the twisty stuff, it was the enormous about of power from the 7.0 engines and seemingly endless torque. The Lotus Cortinas proved to be too quick for the big Ford V8's as the decade went on, but not before the Galaxie had cemented its place in racing history. Martyn Lee is joined by Autosport's Chief Editor Kevin Turner to look back at the impact the Galaxie's made when they arrived on these shores, and tell us more about the recent Autosport track test, when we were able to get a Jaguar Mk2, Ford Galaxie and Ford Lotus Cortina all on track at Silverstone for a special feature online and in the magazine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

11 Maj 202337min

In this episode we explore thrilling revival of the Autosport 3 Hours at Snetterton where wet conditions, diverse machinery, and a range of driving experience culminated in an electrifying and unpredictable contest. When we decided to revive the Autosport 3 Hours, a race previously won twice by Jim Clark, we had no idea if it would be a success. But we need not have worried. A robust grid was the result of much hard work by the Historic Sports Car Club and Andy Dee-Crowne. However on the day itself, it was the weather which spiced up the racing in a way we couldn't have predicted. The Norfolk downpours allowed for more nimble cars and strategic moves to take center stage. Listen as we follow the inspiring performances of drivers, the importance of driving standards and the potential future of this historic race, as well as the unforgettable moments that made the Autosport 3 Hours a truly captivating event. Martyn Lee is joined by the HSCC's Andy Dee-Crowne, Autosport Chief Editor Kevin Turner and our Group National Editor Stephen Lickorish. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

10 Maj 202334min

Martyn Lee is joined by three guests who were all at the Miami Hard Rock Stadium to witness Sunday's action in person. Motorsport.com's Global Editor-in-Chief Charles Bradley is a Miami resident who has seen the city embrace the return of Formula 1 - but did the sport deliver the second time round? We're also delighted to have motorsport journalist Mandy Curi back on the podcast to give her view on how America has fallen for F1, as well as Autosport's Matt Kew with his analysis of today's race. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

8 Maj 202357min

Martyn Lee is joined by Jake Boxall-Legge to analyse Saturday's track action at the Miami Hard Rock Stadium.   Sergio Perez secured pole position at the Miami Grand Prix after a Charles Leclerc crash ended qualifying early with less than two minutes remaining of the final session, leaving Max Verstappen in ninth place. Fernando Alonso qualified second for Aston Martin, followed by Ferrari's Carlos Sainz.   Kevin Magnussen (Haas) and Pierre Gasly (Alpine) also managed impressive finishes in fourth and fifth place, respectively. Verstappen, who leads the drivers' championship by just 6 points from his teammate, suffered a setback due to a momentary loss of balance, while Leclerc's crash added to Ferrari's concerns regarding their new gearbox. Alonso is eyeing his fourth podium in five races this season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

7 Maj 202325min

Martyn Lee is joined by the editor of autosport.com, Haydn Cobb, to delve into the key takeaways from Friday’s practice sessions at the Miami Grand Prix.   They discuss more impressive performance from the Red Bulls, the impact of a last gasp crash for Ferrari and which other drivers tamed the new track surface around the Hard Rock Stadium.   Plus as always they look at which new stories you've been clicking on at autosport.com, and some of the highlights from the analysis usually reserved for our 'Plus' subscriber area. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

5 Maj 202324min