The Race F1 Podcast

Edd Straw is joined by Mark Hughes and Ben Anderson to discuss an entertaining United States Grand Prix weekend in which title rivals Red Bull and McLaren did battle on-track and off. The guys discuss Ferrari's scintillating form, Max Verstappen coming out on top in his battle with Lando Norris, Mercedes' struggles, what's going on in the row over Red Bull's controversial front bib adjuster, and much more.

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It's a news bonanza on the mid-week episode of The Race F1 Podcast as Edd Straw is joined by Scott Mitchell-Malm and special guest Christian Menath from German outlet Motorsport Magazin to unpack several big stories.

The first is the shock news that Formula 1 will have a new race director from the Las Vegas Grand Prix as Niels Wittich has stepped down with immediate effect. We discuss what's behind his sudden departure, and Christian explains why there's more to it than the FIA's statement lets on.

Next Dan Fallows' impending departure from his Technical Director role at Aston Martin is discussed, before talk turns to rumours that Sauber owners Audi are looking to sell a stake in the team. But who to, and why?

And the episode is rounded out with talk about the big shake-up to F1 launch season, with a joint launch event set to take place at London's O2 Arena in February. Edd, Scott and Christian explain why this is happening before turning their attention to Alpine, following the confirmation that the Enstone team will use Mercedes power units (as taking gearboxes and rear suspension) from 2026.

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On the episode before last, we gave you our reaction as we got a first official look at Formula 1’s 2026 car rules. On this episode, as the FIA fights to lock down the details and the 10 teams jostle to get the outcomes they want, host Edd Straw and guests Scott Mitchell-Malm and Mark Hughes take a close look at the 6 key battles set to be fought before the rules are finalised, including question marks over weight, car speed and active aero.

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With Franco Colapinto and Ollie Bearman impressing on their Formula 1 outings this year, and Kimi Antonelli landing a place at Mercedes for 2024, the question of the relevance of Formula 2 has been talked about extensively in recent months.

The Race F1 Podcast has now joined the discussion with an in-depth debate about not only F2, but the state of the whole junior ladder and whether the fact the drivers getting the best results in the primary feeder series are being overlooked is a problem.

Nelson Valkenburg, who commentates on Formula 1 in the Netherlands and is steeped in junior single-seater racing itself, and Samarth Kanal join Edd Straw to give an overview of the landscape and explain what's working and what isn't.

We start off with an explanation of why the mooted 'rookie race' won't happen at the Abu Dhabi test this year, but could take place next year, and look at the reasons for drivers ranked down the order in the F2 standings excelling in their F1 chances.

We then attempt to define the problem, and propose potential solutions to ensure that the junior ladder remains healthy and fit for purpose.

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Join Edd Straw and Scott Mitchell-Malm (from an airport hotel in Brussels) as they unpack the news that former Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto is taking up a senior role in Audi's F1 programme, as part of a reshuffle that's seen Andreas Seidl exit the project.

Following that, they discuss the latest on Alpine, with Renault looking increasingly likely to drop its works Formula 1 engine in favour of a Mercedes customer deal.

And finally, Edd and Scott answer questions from The Race Members' Club about Max Verstappen, following the Dutchman's tempestuous race in Hungary. And don't worry if your question isn't answered - there'll be another Q&A podcast for members' later this week.

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