The Race F1 Tech Show

Tech review of 2024: Gary answers your questions Dec 18, 2024

On the final episode of The Race F1 Tech Show for 2024, host Edd Straw helps former F1 technical director Gary Anderson navigate through a bumper batch of questions from listeners.

Included are questions on whether a loss of platform control was the reason behind Red Bull’s dip in dominance, whether there’s evidence that the windtunnel restrictions are what’s keeping the field close, why Mercedes looked strong in cool temperatures and weak in warmer climates, whether Fernando Alonso should be considered a poor development driver, why Alpine’s performance surged in the second half of the season, and much, much more.

A big thanks to all of you for listening to the show in 2024. Edd and Gary will be back next year with more technical focused F1 chat. If you’d like to send a question ahead of time, you can reach us on podcasts@the-race.com

The Race F1 Podcast is doing two live shows in January! Get your tickets today:

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The surprisingly interesting world of F1 fuel tanks Dec 04, 2024

On this episode we’re lifting the lid (or should that be peaking under the fuel cap?) of F1 fuel tanks - an area of the car some might assume is fairly basic and uninteresting, but (like everything else in F1) is actually incredibly complex and has a huge impact on performance.

Joining us to share his wisdom is Giles Dawson of Aero Tech Laboratories (ATL), who shares details about fuel tank (or fuel bladder) design considerations, safety considerations, the materials used in their construction, the lessons learned from Romain Grosjean’s infamous fiery crash in Bahrain in 2020, and how the fuel tank influences performance, amongst other things.

Before that, host Edd Straw and former F1 technical director Gary Anderson discuss some of the issues arising from the Qatar Grand Prix, including whether F1 needs permanent stewards and why Alex Albon’s wing mirror fell of his Williams, bringing out the yellow flags Lando Norris later failed to slow for.

And as ever, Gary and Edd round off the show by answering listener questions, which this week are on power unit failures, engine mapping, and Cadillac's windtunnel test programme.

Got a tech question? Drop Edd and Gary a question via podcasts@the-race.com

Buy tickets to The Race F1 Podcast LIVE in London and Birmingham:

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Who'll win F1's three-team constructors' championship battle? Nov 20, 2024

The battle for the 2024 drivers' world crown may be all but over, but on the constructors' front the battle is still raging, with the final three races set to decide whether McLaren, Ferrari or Red Bull take top honours (and the considerable prize money that goes with it).

On this episode of The Race F1 Tech Show, host Edd Straw and former F1 technical director Gary Anderson cast an eye over each team, assessing the job they've done over the course of the season and assessing which of the remaining tracks will suit which car.

There's also an in-depth discussion about Aston Martin, following the news that Dan Fallows will be leaving his role of technical director, just as Adrian Newey prepares to join. Gary explains his theory as to why Aston have struggled this season, and with car development in seasons before, and offers his thoughts about the direction the team should adopt going forwards.

And finally, Edd and Gary dive into another batch of questions from listeners, several of which focus on changes to Formula 1's technical regulations...

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F1’s latest cheating suspicions, red flag tyre changes and Aston’s struggles Nov 06, 2024

On this episode of The Race F1 Tech Show, host Edd Straw and former F1 technical director Gary Anderson cover a raft of topics that came up over the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend, including wet weather set-ups, red flag tyre changes (and whether they should be allowed), and Aston Martin's miserable performance level - especially compared to its similarly powered and funded rival McLaren.

They also dive into the latest technical tit-for-tat between Red Bull and McLaren, with the emergence of a new theory of alleged tyre trickery. But what exactly is Red Bull alleging, how would a team go about doing it, and - in the absence of any proof - is it realistic to think any team would seriously contemplate it?

And as ever, before closing out the episode, Gary answers a handful of questions sent in by listeners. This time they're on wet weather ride height, a new F1 engine formula, low-tech F1 components, and the current state of F1 simulation tools.

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Red Bull's bib adjuster - what is it and why are rivals upset? Oct 22, 2024

The main topic for this episode of The F1 Tech Show was an obvious choice, after Red Bull admitted in Austin that it has a device that can adjust the height of the ‘bib’ at the front of the floor but denying that it was ever – or could ever have been – used to make changes during parc ferme.

Edd Straw is joined by former F1 technical director Gary Anderson to explain why bib height is so important, how the adjuster tool works, and why Red Bull's rivals are annoyed.

Also on the show, Gary gives his opinion on Mercedes' US Grand Prix struggles, after its latest upgrade failed to deliver consistent results, plus he answers another handful of questions from listeners, including one sent in by a NASA systems engineer!

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The pros and cons of Renault ending its F1 engine programme Oct 02, 2024

On this episode of the pod, host Edd Straw and former F1 technical director Gary Anderson discuss the news that Renault's Formula 1 engine programme will cease ahead of Alpine's expected move to customer Mercedes power from 2026. They discuss why Renault is making this move (and why now), and the potential positives and negatives that such a move might bring in the short- and long-term.

Before that, Gary dives into the subject of flexible aero, and in particular why the flexible rear wing aero that caused such a stir when it was seen on the McLaren in Baku might not have been something the team was actually trying to achieve.

And to round of the show, Gary answers three more questions from listeners, which this week are on tyre management, Alpine engine oscillations and measuring the slipstream effect.

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Why current rules have sparked a windtunnel arms race Sep 17, 2024

Computer simulation technology may have come on in leaps and bounds in recent years, but the windtunnel still remains an essential and hugely important tool in an F1 team's development arsenal.

McLaren have recently invested significant money in a windtunnel overhaul, and Aston Martin's brand new windtunnel facility - set to be fully functional early next year - is said to be one of the key factors that attracted Adrian Newey to the team.

On this episode of the pod, host Edd Straw and former F1 technical director Gary Anderson explain why windtunnels remain so important and why the current ruleset is forcing teams to invest so heavily in them.

There's also chat about what Adrian Newey will bring to Aston Martin, plus our regular Q&A section, in which Gary answers questions from listeners on windshields, sensor technology, tyre beads and, in really niche territory, the Jordan 199's fuel injectors!

Got a tech question? Drop Edd and Gary a question via podcasts@the-race.com

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Explaining Red Bull's decline + F1's latest flexi wing controversy Sep 03, 2024

On this episode of the pod, host Edd Straw and former F1 technical director Gary Anderson dig into two of the big technical talking points from the Italian Grand Prix in Monza: Red Bull's sharp decline in form, and fresh concerns - from Red Bull and Ferrari - about the flexibility of the front wing used by Formula 1 pacesetter McLaren.

After those discussions, Gary tackles another batch of questions from listeners, including ones on Red Bull spec reversion, adjustable aero and Mercedes' anti dive experiments.

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Revealing F1's battery technology battleground Aug 21, 2024

On this week's episode, we're diving into the world of battery technology. The 2026 engine regs have placed a greater emphasis than ever before on battery power, and with the help of Gavin White and Kieran O'Regan, the co-founders of About:Energy, a company that provides world-leading expertise in battery testing and software, we'll explain where the technology is moving and why this area will be a key battleground for power unit manufacturers.

And as if that wasn't enough, former F1 technical director Gary Anderson is on hand to answer another three tech questions from listeners, which this week are on the parc ferme rules, rear wings, and intellectual property...

Send Gary a question via podcasts@the-race.com

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Lifting the lid on F1 helmet technology Aug 06, 2024

On this episode of The Race F1 Tech Show, we lift the lid on F1 helmet technology, as host Edd Straw chats to Stephane Cohen, CEO of Bell Helmets, the brand used by 13 of 20 drivers on the F1 grid. They discuss how F1 helmets have developed in recent years in terms of both design and materials used, and explain why helmets are akin to shoes.

Before that, former F1 technical director Gary Anderson opines on Mercedes' recent upgrade package, before introducing the helmet segment by discussing how a driver's helmet interacts with a car's aerodynamics.

And as usual, Gary is here to answer YOUR questions. This week he tackles teasers on whether cameras will replace wing mirrors, why Mercedes are thought to be ahead on their 2026 engine, what contributed to so many engine failures in the early 2000s, and what goes through a tech director's mind when they see their driver suffer a crash as a result of car failure.

Send Gary a question via podcasts@the-race.com

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Will Red Bull's latest upgrades be enough to counter McLaren's growing strength? Jul 23, 2024

On this episode, host Edd Straw and former F1 technical director Gary Anderson turn the spotlight on Red Bull, after the world champion team introduced new upgrades at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Gary gives his thoughts on Red Bull's 'mix and match' approach to bodywork at each circuit, and discusses whether these updates will help Red Bull stem the tide against McLaren, who are seemingly going from strength to strength.

Ahead of that, Gary gives his view on the McLaren team orders situation at the Hungaroring, drawing parallels to his own experience of dealing with similar scenarios from the pit wall.

And to round off the episode, Gary answers four more questions from listeners, on steering wheel tyre modes, aerodynamic testing restrictions, what Gary would change about the 2026 regulations, and whether there are any historical precedents for a team swapping between such visually distinctive bodywork arrangements in the same season, as Red Bull have.

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What's going wrong at Ferrari? Jul 09, 2024

Edd and Gary are back, fresh from their trip to the British Grand Prix, where they got the chance to take a close look at the cars on track. As ever, Gary made some shrewd observations, which he reports back on in the first part of the podcast.

Then, for our main topic, Edd and Gary turn the spotlight on Ferrari, after another troubling weekend where it turned its back on recent upgrades and had to revert back to an older specification to find performance and eliminate bouncing at high speed. But why has the car suddenly started bouncing, how can it be eliminated, and what does it mean for the rest of 2024 and beyond?

And finally, Gary answers questions from listeners on battery power, the fragility of front wings and Mercedes' concept change.

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Unpicking the strengths and weaknesses of F1’s ‘Big 4’ teams Jun 25, 2024

As the fight at the front gets ever closer, The Race F1 Tech Show takes an in-depth look at the relative strengths and weaknesses of F1’s current big four teams. With Gary Anderson away on holiday, host Edd Straw is joined by another man with a penchant for all things technical: Mark Hughes. Together he and Edd take a team-by-team look at Red Bull, McLaren, Mercedes and Ferrari, establishing where each has had success, and which negative car characteristics each is trying to solve. They also discuss which of the remaining tracks should suit each team best, before tackling two more questions from listeners, which this week are on tyre management and wheel tethers.

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Why F1's 2026 rule changes could backfire Jun 04, 2024

F1 is heading for major rule changes on both the power unit and chassis sides in 2026, but with the battle at the front getting closer and performance in general converging, are these technical tweaks that the sport could do without? That's one of the questions debated by host Edd Straw and former F1 technical director Gary Anderson on this episode.

Before that, Gary gives his thoughts on Red Bull's struggles in Monaco, and why its car isn't fond of kerbs and bumps. And to round off the show, we have a bumper crop of questions from listeners, including ones on data-gathering, aero regulations and hearing protection.

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Inside F1’s development war - and why it's getting closer at the front May 21, 2024

On this episode, host Edd Straw and former F1 technical director Gary Anderson look back on Imola and ahead to Monaco, as they discuss the latest phase in F1’s increasingly intriguing development war.

First, Edd and Gary discuss Red Bull’s difficult weekend in Imola, and whether that, combined with other teams’ gains, hints at the world champion team nearing the development potential of their current concept.

Next, they look at the contrasting development fortunes of Aston Martin, McLaren, Mercedes and Ferrari, all of whom have added significant new parts to their cars of late, before asking that all important question of whether it's genuinely getting closer at the front.

And finally, Edd dives into the electronic postbag and pulls out four questions from listeners for Gary, which this time are on Williams being overweight, F1 simulator use, the challenges of Monaco, closed rear wheels and tyre compound balance shifts.

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McLaren's race-winning upgrades + What should Newey do next? May 07, 2024

On this episode, host Edd Straw and former F1 technical director Gary Anderson discuss the upgrade package that helped Lando Norris and McLaren snap Max Verstappen and Red Bull's stranglehold on the Miami Grand Prix. They look at what McLaren changed, how it has helped the team, and whether this means McLaren will be able to fight at every kind of track going forward.

After that, Edd and Gary switch gears to discuss the other big technical talking point of the moment: What Adrian Newey will do next, with his Red Bull exit now confirmed. Gary explains how a 'big picture' thinker like Newey could fit into a team, without disrupting the apple cart, and gives his view on where he'd like to see the 65-year-old design genius end up.

And to round off the show, Gary answers three more questions from listeners, which this time are on simulators, boundary-layer control and power steering.

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Analysing how the teams responded to the new sprint race rules Apr 23, 2024

On this episode, host Edd Straw and former F1 technical director Gary Anderson look back on the Chinese Grand Prix, and in particular how the teams responded to the new-for-2024 sprint weekend format and revised parc ferme rules.

After that, Gary answers a bumper selection of questions from listeners, including ones on the real impact of front wing endplate damage, how teams deal with ride height fluctuations over a race weekend, what leads teams towards a particular design philosophy, and even a multi-part question on paint!

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BONUS: Discover the technology of autonomous racing with A2RL Apr 17, 2024

On a special bonus episode of the pod, host Edd Straw and former F1 technical director Gary Anderson chat to Dr Tom McCarthy, executive director of ASPIRE and a key figure behind the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League aka A2RL.

This pioneering autonomous racing series is new for 2024 and pitches eight teams against one another in modified Super Formula SF23 cars chasing a $2.25million prize fund.

This new annual race, aiming to stress-test technology for the future of transport, features teams from the UAE, China, Singapore, Germany, Hungary, Italy and the USA.

Listen to the chat and then mark your calendar for 27 April 2024, when you can stream the first event live on The Race’s YouTube channel.

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Red Bull's latest upgrades, plus the cost of Williams crash-strewn start Apr 09, 2024

Host Edd Straw and former F1 technical director Gary Anderson cover a lot of ground on the latest episode of The Race F1 Tech Show, starting with a look at Mercedes' latest struggles, before moving onto an analysis of Red Bull's latest upgrades and why cooling has become such an important factor in this era of F1. After that, we hear from Williams team principal James Vowles who gives The Race's Scott Mitchell-Malm a detailed breakdown of how the team has been able to repair their crash-damaged cars and keep racing in the midst of a series of flyaway races. And finally, Gary rounds off the show by answering questions from listeners about DRS, Mercedes' simulation tools and asymmetrical suspension setup.

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Williams' production problems - what's going on and how do they fix it? Mar 27, 2024

One of the big stories of the Australian Grand Prix weekend was Williams only being able to field one car in the race after Alex Albon tore a hole in one of its two monocoques with a crash on Friday. He was then given Logan Sargeant’s monocoque for Saturday and Sunday, finishing 11th. But how did a team like Williams find themselves in such a position in the first place, and what can be done to solve the problem? They are two of the questions that host Edd Straw and former F1 technical director Gary Anderson attempt to answer, as well as how Williams will go about quickly repairing Albon's damaged chassis for Japan.

They also discuss whether DRS issues are holding McLaren back, chat about Ferrari's encouraging start, plus Gary rounds out the episode by answering questions fro, listeners on gearbox setup, DRS in the V10 era, and Mercedes' stuttering start to 2024.

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New concept, same struggles - How worried should Mercedes be? Mar 13, 2024

After two seasons of struggles, Mercedes abandoned its old car philosophy for something new in 2024. But although the W15 has shown flashes of speed, there were worrying signs in Saudi Arabia that the new machine is suffering from an affliction that has haunted the team since the start of the current ground effect era: Porpoising. On this episode of The Race F1 Tech Show, Edd Straw and former F1 technical director Gary Anderson take an in-depth look at what's going on with the latest Silver Arrow and how the team might overcome its difficulties.

Before that, Edd and Gary talk about another team that's struggling with its new machine: Alpine. The Anglo-French team has been one of the slowest cars in the grid in 2024 and there are some clear reasons why, which Gary unpicks.

And finally, Gary answers four more technical questions from listeners on fuel sloshing, Red Bull's cooling tunnels, infrared cameras, and the development of new technologies.

*NOTE: Gary's local audio recording failed, so we're using the lower quality back-up this week. We hope you still enjoy the podcast

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The amazing tech that allowed Red Bull to go aggressive in 2024 Feb 28, 2024

The Race F1 Tech Show is back, and for our first show of 2024 we have something very special. Oracle Red Bull Racing's 2024 car - the RB20 - has been talk of the F1 paddock ever since the world champions rolled it out at pre-season testing and revealed a surprising (and some might say radical) new design direction.

On this episode, host Edd Straw and former F1 technical director Gary Anderson dive into how it was created, and in particular the role CFD and simulation technology played in the process.

We have two exclusive interviews for you, the first of which is with Dr Christophe Bianchi of Ansys (the company that provides Red Bull's simulation technology) and the second is with a key figure in the design of the car itself, Red Bull's technical director Pierre Wache. They reveal, amongst other things, how the technology allowed Red Bull to be so aggressive in its design approach.

And before the episode ends, there's time for Gary to answer three tech questions from listeners, which this time are on skid blocks, aerodynamic design, and differing gear change techniques among drivers.

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Introducing… The Race F1 Briefing Feb 19, 2024

The Race F1 Tech Show will be returning with a new series very soon, but before then we wanted to let you know about a new podcast from The Race.

With so much going on in Formula 1 these days, it's not always easy to keep your fingers on the pulse of all the big talking points. Introducing The Race F1 Briefing, designed specifically to provide an overview of the key stories that matter from Thursday to Sunday on F1 race weekends and every day during pre-season testing.

The first episode drops on February 21st, for day 1 of F1 pre-season testing in Bahrain. Like, follow or subscribe to ensure you never miss an episode - just search for 'The Race F1 Briefing' on your favourite podcast app.

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2023 in review: Where Red Bull's rivals failed - and what they need to fix Dec 06, 2023

After focusing on Red Bull in the first of our season review episodes, host Edd Straw and former F1 technical director Gary Anderson turn their attention to the rest of the field on the final show of the year.

They discuss who did the better job out of Mercedes and Ferrari, which is best placed to challenge Red Bull in 2024, and what performance elements they need to fix to make that happen. They also take an in-depth look at Aston Martin and McLaren, before running the rule over the remainder of the grid.

Before that, Gary shares his thoughts on how F1 should structure Sprint weekends going forwards, and we round off the final episode of the season with three more questions from listeners, on the 2026 engine rules, teams' winter development schedules, and the fabulously quirky Tyrrell P34.

The Race F1 Tech Show, brought to you by Aramco.

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2023 in review: Is the Red Bull RB19 the best F1 car of the modern era? Nov 22, 2023

With the end of the season just around the corner, host Edd Straw and former F1 technical director Gary Anderson present part one of our technical review of 2023, which deals with Red Bull's all-conquering RB19 - undoubtedly the car of the season, but should it be regarded as the best of the modern era? We debate that question, assess its various strengths and minimal weaknesses, and ask how much development potential is left in the concept.

Before that, Edd and Gary weigh up everything that happened in Las Vegas, with a particular focus on how and why a water valve cover was lifted by Sainz's Ferrari, and whether the rules around his subsequent penalty need looking at.

And finally, Gary answers a trio of questions from listeners on the merits of push to pass versus DRS, the location of air intakes, and the difference half a millimetre of ride height can make to a car's handling.

The Race F1 Tech Show, brought to you by Aramco.

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FOCUS ON: Ambiguous statistics + Tackling track limits Nov 15, 2023

Host Tim Silvey is joined by Sean ‘Virtual Statman’ Kelly and our resident racing driver Alex Brundle to bring you fresh perspectives, performance insights and statistical surprises to enhance your enjoyment of Grand Prix racing.

On this episode, Sean gives us a deep dive on ambiguous statistics, after Max Verstappen's run of dominance led to statisticians reappraising previous records.

Following that, Alex climbs onto his soapbox to have his say on the thorny issue of track limits and how he - as a driver - thinks the sport needs to evolve.

And in our Aramco Focus, we have the final instalment of our trio of interviews with Aston Martin performance director Tom McCullough, who this week explains how teams go about designing a new car.

Get in touch with the show! Use the hashtag #AramcoF1Focus on social media or email podcasts@the-race.com

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Why are so many teams suffering big performance swings from race to race? Nov 08, 2023

The latest episode of The Race F1 Tech Show takes an in-depth look at the key technical talking points from the Brazilian Grand Prix. Host Edd Straw and former F1 technical director Gary Anderson begin by taking a look at Fernando Alonso’s extraordinary defence (and then attack) of Sergio Perez’s Red Bull, and the way the Spanish veteran used all the tools available to him within his car to secure a hard-fought podium finish.

After that, Edd and Gary discuss one of this season’s big tech topics: Why some teams are experiencing such big swings in performance, from race-to-race and circuit-to-circuit. Using the contrasting fortunes of Aston Martin and Mercedes as examples, they try to unpick the key reasons for fluctuations, ask why some teams suffer more than others, and dig into why Red Bull stay so consistent.

And, as ever, the show is rounded out by Gary answering several questions from listeners, which this week are on forcing teams to share data, moveable aero, and endplates.

The Race F1 Tech Show, brought to you by Aramco.

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Explaining Austin’s ‘plank’ drama & Mercedes’ important upgrades Oct 24, 2023

On this week's show host Edd Straw and former F1 technical director Gary Anderson dive straight into the topic of those dramatic disqualifications to Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari's Charles Leclerc in the US Grand Prix. Gary explains how each car came to have excessive wear to the planks on the car's underfloor, why the plank is there in the first place, and why it was surprising the two teams came to be in the situation.

After that, Edd and Gary discuss the major upgrades that Mercedes introduced in Austin, which tech chief James Allison described as a 'bellwether' for 2024. Gary gives his thoughts on the direction the team appear to be moving in, and whether the team's disqualification with Hamilton says anything about the benefits the package seems to have brought.

There's also chat about the brake issues Aston Martin suffered in Austin, and how they affected the team's desire to assess their own package of upgrades. And in the final instalment of 'upgrade watch', Gary gives his thoughts on the package of parts Haas brought to their home event, and why he was confused by their approach.

As ever, we close out the show with a pair of questions from listeners, which this time are on battery technology and whether outdated wings and floors are recycled.

The Race F1 Tech Show, brought to you by Aramco.

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FOCUS ON: How Sprint races have led to set-up errors + Hybrid dominance Oct 17, 2023

Host Tim Silvey is joined by Sean ‘Virtual Statman’ Kelly and our resident racing driver Alex Brundle to bring you fresh perspectives, performance insights and statistical surprises to enhance your enjoyment of Grand Prix racing.

On this episode, Alex muses on how the Sprint weekend format contributed to Mercedes and Ferrari running into ride height problems in Austin.

Following that, Sean lets his statistical mind run wild as he looks back on the first 200 races of the current turbo-hybrid era.

And in our Aramco Focus, we hear once again from Aston Martin performance director Tom McCullough, who explains the process by which teams bring upgrades to their cars.

Get in touch with the show! Use the hashtag #AramcoF1Focus on social media or email podcasts@the-race.com

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Andretti and the tech challenge of starting a new F1 team from scratch Oct 10, 2023

On this episode, host Edd Straw and former F1 technical director Gary Anderson dive into the subject of Andretti's bid to get a team onto the F1 grid, looking specifically at the technical challenges that they'll face if granted the final green light.

Having been heavily involved in starting the Jordan F1 project from scratch in 1991, Gary is well placed to comment on what's needed, even if he concedes it's a considerably tougher task in the modern era.

Edd and Gary also cast an eye over events from the Qatar Grand Prix, and in particular the tyre and track limits issues that arose as the weekend unfolded. Gary gives his opinion on what played out and how problems were dealt with, and also comments on the extreme temperatures the drivers did battle with and how the FIA may go about solving the problem.

And finally, Gary answers a selection of questions from listeners, including one on which part of an F1 car costs the most to develop but delivers the smallest performance benefit...

The Race F1 Tech Show, brought to you by Aramco.

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Will anyone catch Red Bull + your questions answered Sep 27, 2023

Can anyone catch Red Bull? That’s the question everyone is asking in F1 and as it’s long been clear that won’t happen this year, what about in 2024?

With McLaren on form at Suzuka, Mercedes struggling and Ferrari the only team other than Red Bull to win this year, it’s far from clear which will be best-placed next season.

Gary discusses the Mercedes weaknesses shown at Suzuka, delves into Ferrari’s inconsistency and pays tribute to McLaren’s remarkable turnaround.

He also tackles a bumper crop of your questions covering set-up parameter, tyre pressure magic, active suspension, practice run plans and much more.

The Race F1 Tech Show, brought to you by Aramco.

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FOCUS ON: Winning at the slowest possible speed + The stats behind sudden slumps Sep 19, 2023

Host Tim Silvey is joined by Sean ‘Virtual Statman’ Kelly and our resident racing driver Alex Brundle to bring you fresh perspectives, performance insights and statistical surprises to enhance your enjoyment of Grand Prix racing.

On this episode, Alex explains the rationale behind the old motor racing adage, of trying to win a race at the slowest possible speed, and why in F1 going fast is sometimes about going slow.

Following that, Sean opens his statistical archives and looks back on those rare occasions when usually dominant teams suddenly have an unexpected blip.

And in our Aramco Focus, we hear from Aston Martin performance director Tom McCullough, who explains how teams go about extracting performance from their cars.

Get in touch with the show! Use the hashtag #AramcoF1Focus on social media or email podcasts@the-race.com

Brought to you by Aramco.

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Why F1's latest flexi wing clampdown matters Sep 12, 2023

Flexible bodywork: It's been a big talking point in F1 for years, with the rules technically outlawing it, but the teams forever drawn towards exploiting 'aeroelasticity' for performance gain.

On this week's episode of The Race F1 Tech Show, host Edd Straw and former F1 technical director Gary Anderson dig into the subject, ahead of the new technical directive issued to teams by the FIA ahead of the upcoming Singapore Grand Prix.

Amongst other things they discuss what the new directive says, what it aims to stamp out, why a certain amount of flexibility in wings and other bodywork is allowed (but others isn't), and who stands to benefit or lose on track.

Before that, Gary opines on why we saw a return of porpoising at Monza, and gives his view on the various intra-team on-track battles we saw, having witnessed with many in his own career on the pit wall.

And there's also time for Gary to answer another batch of YOUR questions, including ones on part sharing between teams, running repairs, and bespoke engines.

The Race F1 Tech Show, brought to you by Aramco.

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FOCUS ON: F1's complicated relationship with dominance AND team orders Sep 10, 2023

Host Tim Silvey is joined by Sean ‘Virtual Statman’ Kelly and our resident racing driver Alex Brundle to bring you fresh perspectives, performance insights and statistical surprises to enhance your enjoyment of Grand Prix racing.

On this episode, Sean digs into the stats to discuss F1's sometimes complicated relationship with dominance, where highly successful teams and drivers can be both celebrated for their achievements and disliked for upsetting the competitive balance.

Following that, Alex dives into the topic of how team-mates should battle each other on track, and in particular whether it's better for an F1 squad to apply strict team orders or adopt a more relaxed 'let them race' philosophy.

And in our Aramco Focus, we hear from the founder and chairman of F1 in Schools, Andrew Denford, fresh from the Aramco F1 in Schools World Finals in Singapore.

Get in touch with the show! Use the hashtag #AramcoF1Focus on social media or email podcasts@the-race.com

Brought to you by Aramco.

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How 3D printing has taken over F1 Aug 30, 2023

When 3D printing technology started to creep into F1 in the late 1980s, nobody would have foreseen how widespread its use would become.

Host Edd Straw is joined by Matt Jones from Stratasys, who tells us all about how additive manufacturing is used in F1 today and how much the technology has evolved over the years. It might surprise you to hear just how many parts are made using such techniques.

Former F1 technical director Gary Anderson also offers his insight into 3D printing, something he first started to use with Jordan, as well as hailing McLaren's latest design innovation and tackling F1's wet tyre troubles.

We also answer a trio of questions from readers related to F1 engines, the possibility of using augmented reality to help visibility for drivers and the velue of studying onboard camera footage.

The Race F1 Tech Show, brought to you by Aramco.

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The secrets of F1 simulators Aug 09, 2023

On this week’s episode of The Race F1 Tech Show we’re taking a deep dive into the world of F1 simulators.

We’ll hear from Kia Cammaerts, the founder and technical director of Ansible Motion, providers of the kind of high-fidelity Driver-in-the-Loop (DIL) simulation tools used by F1 teams. He tells us how the technology has developed and evolved, how teams use simulators as a performance tool, and even where the technology might take the sport in the future.

Before that, host Edd Straw and former F1 technical director Gary Anderson discuss the F1 summer shutdown, before Gary gives his opinion on Aston Martin’s recent dip in relative performance.

And finally, Gary answer a bevvy of questions from listeners, including ones on hydraulic systems, Mercedes upgrades and measures for reducing spray.

The Race F1 Tech Show, brought to you by Aramco.

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Spray guards, Red Bull's record run, and untangling the chasing pack Jul 26, 2023

On this week's show, host Edd Straw and former F1 technical director Gary Anderson jump into discussing several technical matters of the moment, including the FIA's recent 'spray guard' trial, which aims to use clip on attachments to improve visibility in wet weather racing. Gary gives his thoughts on the design, and suggests a possible improvement after reports of an unconvincing first trial.

Edd and Gary then discuss Red Bull's record run of 12 consecutive victories, noting how impressive an achievement it is, but why it shouldn't be compared to other eras. And after McLaren's continued revival in Hungary, they debate whether it's the Woking team who are now leading the charge behind Red Bull, or someone else.

And finally, Edd and Gary catch up on more of your correspondence, including technical questions on windtunnels and airboxes, and an email from listener Steve Griffiths, who owns the Gary-designed Jordan 195 whose smoky Silverstone show run was discussed on the previous episode!

The Race F1 Tech Show, brought to you by Aramco.

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FOCUS ON: Early title wins + The psychology of mid-season driver swaps Jul 18, 2023

Host Tim Silvey is joined by Sean ‘Virtual Statman’ Kelly and our resident racing driver Alex Brundle to bring you fresh perspectives, performance insights and statistical surprises to enhance your enjoyment of Grand Prix racing.

On this episode, Alex discusses mid-season driver swaps, and in particular how it affects the person behind the wheel when their seat is under threat or if they are given the boot after a handful of races.

Following that, Sean gets his teeth into the subject of early title successes, with the possibility that Max Verstappen could wrap up this year's championship with more races remaining than any driver in history.

Get in touch with the show! Use the hashtag #AramcoF1Focus on social media or email podcasts@the-race.com

Brought to you by Aramco.

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McLaren’s revival, trackside observations, and inside Aston's new factory Jul 12, 2023

Having had the chance to watch cars on track together at Silverstone, host Edd Straw and former F1 technical director Gary Anderson open this week’s podcast with some eye-opening observations about this year’s pack.

They then get into the big topic of the British Grand Prix weekend - McLaren’s upgrades and subsequent jump in performance. They discuss what new parts the team introduced, how they’ve managed to make such big strides forward so quickly, and what this says about the Woking squad’s long term prospects.

After that, we take a trip to Aston Martin’s new factory, where Edd and Gary give share their thoughts on the state-of-the-art facility after being treated to a guided tour.

And finally, there’s time to answer another question from a listener, which this week focuses on whether it’s better, with stable regulations, to continue to develop a current car or start work on a new design.

If you'd like to have your tech question answered on the show, send an email or voicenote to podcasts@the-race.com

The Race F1 Tech Show, brought to you by Aramco.

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FOCUS ON: The politics of upgrades & the stat F1 got wrong Jul 05, 2023

Host Tim Silvey is joined by Sean ‘Virtual Statman’ Kelly and our resident racing driver Alex Brundle to bring you fresh perspectives, performance insights and statistical surprises to enhance your enjoyment of Grand Prix racing.

On this episode, Sean explains why F1 stats aren't always what they seem to be as he reveals how an oft-mentioned historical stat about consecutive laps led was discovered to be wrong - just as Max Verstappen was set to eclipse it.

Following that, Alex dives into the thorny subject of car upgrades, and in particular the politics that often play a part behind the scenes and can have a considerable impact on driver psychology and performance.

And in our Aramco Focus, we hear from Roger England of Valvoline about the lubricant company's recent link up with Aston Martin.

Get in touch with the show! Use the hashtag #AramcoF1Focus on social media or email podcasts@the-race.com

Brought to you by Aramco.

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Why Williams slipped back - and how to make them competitive again Jun 28, 2023

On this week's show host Edd Straw and former F1 technical director Gary Anderson shine a spotlight on Williams, a team that once were perennial championship winners, but have spent the last decade struggling for competitiveness at the wrong end of the grid. Gary explains where Williams have gone wrong in recent times and details the steps he thinks they can make to move back towards the front, taking into account the limitations of the cost cap.

Before that, Gary shares his thoughts on F1's tyre situation, with reports surfacing that Bridgestone may be interested in dislodging Pirelli as the control tyre supplier from 2024.

And finally, Gary wades through a host of fantastic questions from listeners, ranging from how well a team might do if they focused all their efforts on building a car for one specific circuit, to whether F1 would have a more competitive fight at the front without the cost cap in place.

If you'd like to have your tech question answered on the show, send an email or voicenote to podcasts@the-race.com

The Race F1 Tech Show, brought to you by Aramco.

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FOCUS ON: Secrets of race management + Max’s incredible streak Jun 20, 2023

Host Tim Silvey is joined by Sean ‘Virtual Statman’ Kelly and our resident racing driver Alex Brundle to bring you fresh perspectives, performance insights and statistical surprises to enhance your enjoyment of Grand Prix racing.

On this episode, Sean turns his statistical lens towards Max Verstappen's recent domination, and in particular the 224 consecutive laps he's now spent in the lead of Grands Prix. He explains where Verstappen's streak ranks all-time in F1, debates how long it might go on for, and gives his view on how impressive is it given the current regulations.

Following that, Alex gets granular on one of the most frequently used phrases in motor racing: Race management. Using the Canadian Grand Prix as an example, Alex discusses which drivers are best at it in F1, debates whether race management is an innate skill or a craft that can be learned, outlines examples of good and bad race management, and explores the role F1 teams play in helping their drivers.

And in our Aramco Focus, we hear from The Race F1 Tech Show's Gary Anderson, who doubles as Chair of Judges for F1 in Schools - a competition helping to inspire the engineers of the future.

Get in touch with the show! Use the hashtag #AramcoF1Focus on social media or email podcasts@the-race.com

Brought to you by Aramco.

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Why hasn't Red Bull's cost cap penalty caused them more pain? Jun 14, 2023

One of the biggest off-track stories of last season was Red Bull being hit with a 10% reduction of the aerodynamic testing allowance it was entitled to for the 2023 F1 campaign, for breaking the budget cap in 2021.

Red Bull's rivals might have hoped that the punishment would slow them down, but if anything the world champions look even more dominant this term. On this week's show, host Edd Straw and former F1 technical director Gary Anderson take inspiration from a listener's question as they explain how Red Bull have mitigated the impact of the ATR restrictions - and why their rivals haven't been able to take advantage.

Before that, Gary muses on the challenges (and potential complications) that lie ahead for Aston Martin, with their upcoming switch from Mercedes to Honda power units in 2026.

And finally, Gary answers two further questions from listeners; the first on which current F1 teams he'd want to join as technical director (and who he'd take with him) and the second on whether experienced drivers can actually make for worse test drivers...

If you'd like to have your tech question answered on the show, send an email or voicenote to podcasts@the-race.com

The Race F1 Tech Show, brought to you by Aramco.

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FOCUS ON: The F1 driver's complicated relationship with Team Radio Jun 08, 2023

Host Tim Silvey is joined by Sean ‘Virtual Statman’ Kelly and our resident racing driver Alex Brundle to bring you fresh perspectives, performance insights and statistical surprises to enhance your enjoyment of Grand Prix racing.

On this episode, after some spicy exchanges over the airwaves in Spain, Alex goes deep on the subject of team radio. He discusses whether drivers talk too much during races, how team radio can help a driver's performance but also quickly become a distraction, why we shouldn't read too much into angry team radio exchanges between drivers and their engineers, and much more.

After that, following Max Verstappen's win in Monaco a couple of weeks ago, which was the 200th in F1 for a car running the number 1, Sean looks into the offbeat topic of race numbers. You'll find out which are the most (and least) successful, which seemingly bring bad luck, and the intriguing stories behind some of F1's more uncommon race numbers.

And finally, we hear from F1 Technical Director Pat Symonds in our Aramco Focus, with the former Benetton and Renault tech boss outlining F1's future fuel plans.

Get in touch with the show! Use the hashtag #AramcoF1Focus on social media or email podcasts@the-race.com

Brought to you by Aramco.

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Mercedes' upgrade package - what have they changed and will it work? May 31, 2023

This year's Monaco Grand Prix had a bigger technical focus than ever, with Mercedes running its much-anticipated upgrade package for the first time. On this episode of the pod, host Edd Straw and former F1 technical director Gary Anderson take a close look at what changes Mercedes have made to the W14, the intension of these changes, and whether they'll bring the performance boost the team are hoping for.

Before that, Edd and Gary discuss the other topic that often comes up when contemporary cars race at Monaco: The issue of machinery outgrowing the track, and how they'd go about fixing the problem from a car and track perspective.

And finally, in a bumper edition of our listener's questions segment, Gary answers three technical teasers, including one on a possible overlooked element of Mercedes' upgrade, one on the spy shots rival teams will have got from crashed cars being craned in Monaco, and one on how the effect of exhaust gas is simulated.

If you'd like to have your tech question answered on the show, send an email or voicenote to podcasts@the-race.com

The Race F1 Tech Show, brought to you by Aramco.

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FOCUS ON: Pressure-related burnout & Weather-disrupted events May 24, 2023

Host Tim Silvey is joined by Sean ‘Virtual Statman’ Kelly and our resident racing driver Alex Brundle to bring you fresh perspectives, performance insights and statistical surprises to enhance your enjoyment of Grand Prix racing.

On this episode, after the sad cancellation of the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix due to terrible floods in the area, Sean takes a statistical look at other occasions when forces of nature have caused races to be called off or halted, either before or during the weekend - and you'll be surprised by what he reveals.

After that, following Max Verstappen's recent comments that seemed to suggest he could walk away from F1 earlier than expected, Alex goes deep on why drivers who appear to have it all, such as the Dutchman, can become disillusioned or suffer from burnout. Alex also discusses the unique pressure that drivers are under from a young age and why some drivers struggle to cope more than others.

Get in touch with the show! Use the hashtag #AramcoF1Focus on social media or email podcasts@the-race.com

Brought to you by Aramco.

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Previewing Imola upgrades + The Tech of TV coverage May 17, 2023

Ahead of one of the most interesting races of the year from a car upgrade perspective, host Edd Straw and former F1 technical director Gary Anderson convene to discuss the changes coming to the cars in Imola and how they’ll be assessed. Of course, there’s a particular focus on Mercedes, with the former world champions set to introduce a ‘course correcting’ upgrade to their troublesome W14.

After that we switch focus to a topic many of you have wanted to hear more about: The tech behind F1’s TV coverage. Edd is joined by Dean Locke, F1’s Director of Broadcast and Media, who has worked for F1 and been heavily involved in the television coverage for a quarter of a century. He offers a unique perspective on the evolution of the coverage, the remarkable technological effort required to bring it to our screens, and what new developments will be coming in the near future.

And finally, Gary answers a couple of questions from listeners; the first on whether it would be feasible to ban front and/or rear wings to improve racing, and the second on the changes the drivers (and teams) can make to the cars during the race.

If you'd like to have your tech question answered on the show, send an email or voicenote to podcasts@the-race.com

The Race F1 Tech Show, brought to you by Aramco.

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FOCUS ON: Wins from low grid slots + How we'd change F1's tyre rules May 10, 2023

On episode 3 of Aramco F1 Focus, the podcast that shares this feed with The Race F1 Tech Show, host Tim Silvey is once again joined by Sean ‘Virtual Statman’ Kelly and our resident racing driver Alex Brundle to bring you fresh perspectives, performance insights and statistical surprises to enhance your enjoyment of Grand Prix racing.

This week, after Max Verstappen’s win from ninth on the grid in Miami, Sean takes a statistical look at wins from low grid slots - and why winning from ninth hasn’t happened for so long. He also poses the question as to whether Miami can lay claim to being a ‘perfect’ race, given there were no yellow or red flags, safety cars, or other interruptions for the first time in history.

After that, following accusations from some quarters than F1’s hard tyres have made races boring, Alex delivers his ‘tyre manifesto’ for spicing up the action. And if that wasn’t enough, he then dives into the debate on DRS and how he - as a racing driver - would shape the rules regarding the overtaking aid if he were given carte blanche.

And finally, we wrap up the show with our Aramco Focus in which we hear from F2 and F3 technical director Didier Perrin about how the championships have embraced Aramco’s newly introduced sustainable fuels.

Get in touch with the show! Use the hashtag #AramcoF1Focus on social media or email podcasts@the-race.com

Brought to you by Aramco.

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DRS dramas in Baku + Mike Krack on driving Aston Martin’s growth May 03, 2023

We have a double-header of sorts on this week’s episode of The Race F1 Tech Show - but with a distinctly Aston Martin flavour.

First up, host Edd Straw and former F1 technical director Gary Anderson look back on the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku, and in particular why Aston Martin suffered with DRS issues. Gary explains what happened to the team and why such a problem is so difficult to solve.

He also opines on Alpine’s struggles with bouncing and whether the lack of practice running that was dictated by the new weekend format contributed to both this issue and Aston Martin's.

Edd then introduces our feature interview with Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack, who many may know comes from an engineering background, unlike so many of his peers.

He discusses why his 'unusual' career journey helps him in his current role, before discussing in detail Aston Martin’s meticulous plans for growth, including why both new hires and the team’s upcoming move into a new factory have to be managed so carefully.

And finally, Gary tackles another couple of questions from listeners, including one on fuel-efficient driving styles and another on F1’s attempts to become more environmentally friendly.

The Race F1 Tech Show, brought to you by Aramco.

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The amazing science of F1 brakes Apr 19, 2023

In this episode we’re taking a deep dive into the world of F1 braking systems - the technology that slows down F1 cars, but is paradoxically key to making them quicker.

As usual, host Edd Straw is joined by former F1 technical director Gary Anderson, who was on the Brabham team when they introduced carbon to F1 brakes in the Seventies.

Gary discusses how braking technology has evolved, why the materials have changed, and some of the challenges involved in making them work effectively.

Following that, Edd chats to a man who is right at the heart of modern F1 braking technology: Andrea Algeri, the Racing Customer Manager of Formula 1 for Brembo Racing, which supplies every team on the grid in one way, shape or form.

He outlines how F1 brakes differ from those on your road car, the variety in braking materials available to the teams and drivers, how F1 brakes wear and must be managed, the way brake-by-wire systems work, the future of the technology, and much, much more.

And on a packed episode, there’s also time for Gary to reflect on his upcoming 50th anniversary of working in F1, and for him to answer two questions from listeners, the first on sustainable fuels and the second on why F1 cars are already becoming harder to follow in just the second year of a rule-set designed to solve that issue.

If you'd like to have your tech question answered on the show, send an email or voicenote to podcasts@the-race.com

The Race F1 Tech Show, brought to you by Aramco.

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FOCUS ON: The crazy stats and unusual psychology behind red flags Apr 13, 2023

On episode 2 of Aramco F1 Focus, the brand-new podcast that shares this feed with The Race F1 Tech Show, host Tim Silvey is once again joined by Sean ‘Virtual Statman’ Kelly and our resident racing driver Alex Brundle to bring you fresh perspectives, performance insights and statistical surprises to enhance your enjoyment of Grand Prix racing.

This week, following on from a stoppage filled Australian GP, Alex focuses in on red flags, more specifically on how a driver responds to them and how they can affect mindset and performance. Sean, meanwhile, has a bevy of red flags stats up his sleeves, before turning his attention to the subject of driver age in F1 after the rather mature podium we saw in Melbourne.

And finally, we take a deep dive into sustainable fuels with Pierre Olivier Calendini, director of Aramco’s Fuel Research Centre, in our regular Aramco Focus.

Get in touch with the show! Use the hashtag #AramcoF1Focus on social media or email podcasts@the-race.com

Brought to you by Aramco.

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Hamilton's cockpit position concerns - can they be solved? Apr 05, 2023

On this week's episode host Edd Straw and former F1 technical director Gary Anderson dive into the meaty topic of Mercedes' cockpit position, after Lewis Hamilton's recent criticism of how his W14 is laid out. What's causing the seven-time world champion's discomfort, and what - if anything - can be done to help sort the situation?

Before answering those questions, Gary shares his thoughts on F1's red flag rules, in the wake of the stop-start Australian Grand Prix which featured three race stoppages.

And finally, Gary answers another pair of listener questions, the first on the units used to measure downforce and the second on whether any of F1's 20 drivers would become title challengers if they were driving the Red Bull...

If you'd like to have your tech question answered on the show, send an email or voicenote to podcasts@the-race.com

The Race F1 Tech Show, brought to you by Aramco.

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FOCUS ON: Driver adaptability, Red Bull’s advantage & Aston Martin’s rise Mar 30, 2023

Welcome to Aramco F1 Focus, a brand-new podcast on this feed which aims to bring you fresh perspectives, performance insights and statistical surprises to enhance your enjoyment of Grand Prix racing.

On this week’s show Sean ‘Virtual Statman’ Kelly tells host Tim Silvey that Red Bull’s domination might not be quite as complete as you think, while our resident racing driver Alex Brundle muses on the importance of adaptability on the F1 grid. And there’s also a special focus on Aston Martin’s epic start to the season, and how Aramco are helping to drive that growth.

Get in touch with the show! Use the hashtag #AramcoF1Focus on social media or email podcasts@the-race.com

Brought to you by Aramco.

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Introducing... Aramco F1 Focus Mar 27, 2023

A new bonus podcast is coming to this feed, in addition to The Race F1 Tech Show! It's called Aramco F1 Focus, and it’s a show that’ll zoom in on interesting or overlooked aspects of the 2023 F1 season. Hosted by Tim Silvey, Alex Brundle and Sean ‘Virtual Statman’ Kelly, with a host of special guests, Aramco F1 Focus will appear at regular points throughout the year, as a complementary offer to The Race F1 Tech Show.

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Why is Red Bull's DRS so good and how can Mercedes and Ferrari catch up? Mar 22, 2023

After another dominant display from Red Bull Racing in Saudi Arabia, host Edd Straw and former F1 technical director Gary Anderson return to answer two key questions emanating from Jeddah: How do Ferrari and Mercedes go about closing the gap to the championship leaders and why is Red Bull’s DRS package so exceptionally quick?

After tackling those questions, Gary answers two listener questions, the first about Williams’ sensitivity to wind and the second about whether Mercedes’ current attitude mirrors that of McLaren during their difficult recent partnership with Honda.

If you'd like to have your tech question answered on the show, send an email or voicenote to podcasts@the-race.com

The Race F1 Tech Show, brought to you by Aramco.

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How Aston Martin have gone from mid-pack to podium so quickly Mar 08, 2023

F1 is back - and so is The Race F1 Tech Show! We're kicking off a brand-new season of the podcast with an in-depth discussion about one of the biggest talking points from the opening race in Bahrain: Aston Martin's (somewhat surprising) podium-scoring pace.

Just how did the team go from midfield runner to podium contender in such a short period of time, especially when the rules have remained so stable? Can they keep up this form all season? And is it unfair to suggest their car design takes all its cues from Red Bull? Joining host Edd Straw to answer those questions and more is former Jordan, Stewart and Jaguar F1 technical director Gary Anderson.

Gary also shares his thoughts on the first race of the year, and in particular why the field spread was much closer than last year. He also answers a terrific listener question on the topic of Red Bull, specifically on the rake angle the team runs and pitch control suspension designs.

If you'd like to have your tech question answered on the show, send an email or voicenote to podcasts@the-race.com

The Race F1 Tech Show, brought to you by Aramco.

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Coming soon: The Race Formula E Podcast returns with a new host! Jan 11, 2023

The new Formula 1 campaign may still be a while away, but international motor racing returns with a bang this weekend with the start of the 2023 Formula E championship. Season 9 brings with it many things: A new generation of car, new tracks, new driver line-ups - and a new host for The Race Formula E Podcast!

Hit like, follow or subscribe in your podcast player of choice to join The Race Formula E Podcast for an electric season of racing.

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2023: What's changing & how will teams respond? Dec 14, 2022

The first year of a new rules set is always interesting, but what's potentially even more interesting than that is the second year. On this week's show, host Edd Straw and former F1 technical director Gary Anderson look ahead to next year, discussing the tweaks that are being made to the rules, what the impact of those tweaks will be on performance, and whether teams will evolve their car designs or opt for a fresh start.

Gary also explains why the cars might end up looking increasingly similar while also getting further apart in terms of performance.

Before that, Gary dives into what it's like to build a brand-new car on a tight schedule and gives his own fascinating solution to F1's ongoing struggle to make the DRS improve racing, without making overtaking seem artificial.

And before signing off on the final episode of season 2 of The Race F1 Tech Show, Gary answers two more questions from listeners. The first is on whether F1 would benefit from moving towards 'fan car' technology and the second is on the benefits of using pre-coloured carbon fibre, rather than paint to create car liveries.

Want to ask us a question? Send a voicenote or email to podcasts@the-race.com

The Race F1 Tech Show, brought to you by Aramco.

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Were 2022's new F1 regulations a success? Our verdict, with Nikolas Tombazis Dec 07, 2022

The 2022 F1 season brought with it a sweeping set of technical regulation changes aimed at improving racing. So now, with a full year of racing complete, can we say the new rule-set had the desired impact?

On this week's episode of The Race F1 Tech Show, host Edd Straw and former F1 technical director Gary Anderson debate that question, before the FIA's single-seater technical director Nikolas Tombazis - a chief architect of the new rules - gives his own verdict on how things went and where the regulations might be heading next.

Before that, Gary discusses how an F1 technical director leads a team at this time of the year, including how to tackle the 180-page rulebook of technical regulations.

And before signing off there's time for another listener question, which this week is on tyre degradation, and specifically how Ferrari's season-long disadvantage to Red Bull disappeared for one race in Austria.

Want to ask us a question? Send a voicenote or email to podcasts@the-race.com

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Decoding digital design with Red Bull's CFD experts Nov 30, 2022

Computational Fluid dynamics – better known as CFD – is a key simulation tool for all F1 teams. But what is it, how is it used and why is it so important? We’re joined by two of the key architects behind Red Bull’s success - Chief Designer Craig Skinner and Ansys chief technologist Christophe Bianchi - to explain how this complex but powerful design tool is harnessed to extract performance.

Before that, with F1 teams now is full flow working on their car designs for 2023, former F1 technical director Gary Anderson tells host Edd Straw how they go about tackling the unique new car challenges faced at this time of year.

And finally, Gary answers another listener's question, which this week asks about the successful troubleshooting of one of his most famous cars: The Jordan 198.

Want to ask us a question? Send a voicenote or email to podcasts@the-race.com

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How mechanics build an F1 car from scratch - and then repair it after a crash (with special guest Marc Priestley) Nov 23, 2022

There’s a simple truth in F1, and that’s that if there were no mechanics to run the cars, there would be no racing. On this week’s episode of The Race F1 Tech Show, we are digging into the technical aspects of a mechanic’s job with the help of former McLaren mechanic-turned-broadcaster, Marc Priestley.

Marc describes the chain of command amongst mechanics, the complex process of building an F1 car from scratch with no manual to work from, how you go about rebuilding a car that has been crashed at 150mph, the anxiety of tackling a pit stop, and much more.

Before that, former F1 technical director Gary Anderson tells host Edd Straw why he has concerns about the recent proposal to introduce wheel arches into F1 to reduce spray in wet weather. He also suggests an alternative solution to the problem.

And finally, Gary answers another question from a listener, which this week is on whether teams could run a textured conveyor belt in the windtunnel to simulate bumpy circuits.

Want to ask us a question? Send a voicenote or email to podcasts@the-race.com

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How Mercedes turned a troubled car into a race winner Nov 16, 2022

On this week's episode we have two timely topics to dig into. Firstly, host Edd Straw and former F1 technical director Gary Anderson discuss how Mercedes have been able to turn a car that started the season as a bouncing, porpoising nightmare into a Grand Prix winner. They also ask what the Silver Arrows' Brazilian GP victory means for them being able to give Red Bull a run for their money in 2023.

Secondly, Gary chats to Haas team principal Guenther Steiner, just a day after the team took a very popular - and very unexpected - pole position with Kevin Magnussen in Brazil. An engineer by trade, who once served as both a mechanic in rallying and as technical operations lead for Red Bull Racing, Gary asks Guenther about the benefits of being a technically minded team boss - and about the potential pitfalls.

And finally, Gary answers another listener's burning tech question, which this week is about the single decision which contributed to Mercedes' 2022 struggles.

Want to ask us a question? Send a voicenote or email to podcasts@the-race.com

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Why CFD hasn't killed off windtunnels in F1 Nov 10, 2022

In so many ways, the modern world is ruled by computers, but while Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) has revolutionised F1 car design over the last couple of decades, the windtunnel remains a vital tool in every F1 team's development arsenal.

On this week's podcast, host Edd Straw asks former F1 technical director Gary Anderson why windtunnels remain so important to car development that teams such as Red Bull, McLaren and Aston Martin are committing millions of dollars towards new facilities. Gary also explains why CFD alone won't get you very far, and the challenges of windtunnel calibration.

Before that, Gary discusses the importance of data gathering in F1, and how it differs from practice to the race.

And as usual, there's time for Gary to answer questions from two listeners, which this week are on CVT transmissions and the potential aero benefits of a dimpled bodywork surface.

Want to ask us a question? Send a voicenote or email to podcasts@the-race.com

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Explaining F1’s tyre blanket row + why Ferrari suffered in Mexico Nov 02, 2022

On this week's episode of The Race F1 Tech Show, host Edd Straw and former F1 technical director Gary Anderson dig into a couple of big technical talking points from the recent Mexico City Grand Prix and delve into the finer points of the controversy around the future of tyre blankets.

Gary kicks off the podcast by discussing the complex issue of cooling an F1 car at altitude, before explaining the key reason as to why Ferrari's performance suffered at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez compared to chief rivals Red Bull and Mercedes.

After that, Edd and Gary discuss the ongoing back and forth between the teams, drivers, Pirelli, F1 and the FIA over the future of tyre blankets, including why the sport is set to drop the planned reduction in maximum tyre blanket temperatures next season and what that means for the proposed outright ban in 2024.

And finally, Gary answers a listener question about whether F1 design inspiration could be taken by a combination of Mercedes' zero sidepod concept and the classic twin chassis Lotus 88.

Want to ask us a question? Send a voicenote or email to podcasts@the-race.com

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How paint shapes performance - and how dynamic branding is changing the game Oct 26, 2022

Everything that touches an F1 car has an impact on performance - and that includes the paint! But F1 being F1, the paint technology used is far from simple, and is just another area where a competitive advantage can be found.

On this week’s show host Edd Straw and former F1 technical director Gary Anderson speak to Mark Turner from Silverstone Paint Technology and Seamless Digital to reveal the surprising secrets of paint in F1, including how the teams seek to get a performance boost.

Turner also explains the thinking and technology behind the revolutionary ‘dynamic branding’ that appeared on the McLaren in Austin, and why it could be the future of F1 advertising.

Edd and Gary also look ahead to high-altitude Mexico City and the impact that will have on the new-generation aerodynamics of the 2022 cars.

And finally, Gary answers a listener question about a potential brake-by-wire handbrake system.

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How much does it cost to produce an F1 car and why have costs risen? Oct 19, 2022

On this week’s show, as the cost cap row rumbles on, host Edd Straw and former F1 technical director Gary Anderson are taking a look into the murky world of F1 car costs, and in particular how much it costs to actually produce key parts such as the chassis, front wing assembly, and floor.

Gary explains why the cost of a car is often more expensive than it might appear on the surface, and why costs have spiralled in recent years.

Before that, Edd and Gary talk about Mercedes’ future design direction, as the Silver Arrows prepare to unleash their final upgrade of the season in the USA.

And to round off the show, Gary answers listeners’ questions about what the spray in Suzuka can tell us about the aero secrets of the Red Bull RB18 and why F1 cars don’t have an electric reverse gear.

To have your burning tech question answered on the show, send a voicenote or email to podcasts@the-race.com

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The secrets of semi-automatic gearboxes + Discussing the cost cap controversy Oct 12, 2022

The Race F1 Tech Show is back! For the first episode of a new series, host Edd Straw is joined by former F1 technical director Gary Anderson for an in-depth look at a bit of serious F1 tech that’s used by every team on the grid: The semi-automatic gearbox.

With the help of special guest John Barnard, the man responsible for bringing the first iteration of the paddle-shift box to F1 in 1989 with Ferrari, we look at how the technology works, what performance benefits the system has brought to F1, and how gearboxes have developed over the last 30-plus years.

Gary also talks through his experience of developing such technology at Jordan in the Nineties, but not before giving his opinion on F1’s recent cost cap controversy...

And in our listener questions section, Gary answers a question on the performance characteristics of 2022-spec F1 cars in wet conditions and low-speed corners. To have your burning tech question answered on the show, send a voicenote or email to podcasts@the-race.com

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From fan car to F1 2022 – the secrets of ground effect Aug 10, 2022

With F1’s August shutdown well under way, there’s still lots to talk about in the world of tech for host Edd Straw and Gary Anderson, former Jordan, Jaguar and Stewart technical director, to talk about.

Gary starts off with a look at the follies of Ferrari’s attitude to strategy during the 2022 season and why it is not about sacking team principal Mattia Binotto if Ferrari wants to fix things.

Then it’s onto a deep dive into F1 ground effect cars, starting off with the 1970s. Then, Gary was in the thick of the ground effect revolution that was kicked off by Team Lotus. That then spawned the fascinating Brabham BT46 ‘fan car’ that raced only once. But what might have happened had such fan cars stayed legal?

Modern-day ground effect is also delved into, including the potential for teams to unlock significantly more performance in the future despite the rule changes slated for 2023.

And finally, Gary answers a listener question about whether any of F1’s midfield teams can hope to join the ‘big three’ teams at the front before the next rules cycle starts in 2026.

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Mid-season tech review + analysing Aston’s radical new rear wing Aug 03, 2022

We've reached the mid-season break in this year's F1 campaign, but there's still plenty of juicy technical topics for host Edd Straw and former F1 technical director Gary Anderson to dig into.

First up, they cast an eye over the Hungarian Grand Prix, where Aston Martin caught the eye when they unveiled their paradigm-shifting rear wing endplates. Gary gives his view on why Aston have taken this development direction, and whether it complies with the spirit of the regulations.

The duo also discuss Ferrari's strategic decisions in the race, and on what data the team were basing their decisions on, especially with rivals Red Bull seemingly getting all the big calls right.

The development progress of the two leading championship protagonists is also discussed in Edd and Gary's mid-season technical review, which rounds up how Red Bull, Ferrari and Mercedes have progressed with their cars this year, especially having embraced such different design approaches.

And finally Gary answers a listener question on whether the cleaner racing we're seeing on track in 2022 can be attributed to the revised technical regulations.

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Real-time aero data: How it's captured and how cycling has raised the game Jul 27, 2022

Aerodynamics are the key performance differentiator in F1, and as a result those working in the sport have become adept at measuring aerodynamic performance in real-time, using an array of sensors. But what if F1 technology was applied to another sport where aerodynamics are key?

Joining host Edd Straw and former F1 technical director Gary Anderson this week is a man who has put this theory to the test. Dr Barney Garrood has many years of experience as a Formula One aerodynamicist at teams including Ferrari and Mercedes, working across wind tunnel, CFD and track testing methods. A keen cyclist, Garrood wanted to apply his experience in F1 aerodynamics to measure aerodynamic drag in cycling.

He explains to Edd and Gary how he applied F1 learnings to develop his Aerosensor - and how his new product has now gone full circle and is being used in F1. Edd and Gary also have the pleasure of welcoming six-time Olympic gold medalist (and 2015 European Le Mans Series LMP3 champion) Sir Chris Hoy onto the show, to discuss his experiences of working on aerodynamic performance in both cycling and motorsport.

Before all of that there’s time for a chat about the car upgrades on show at the French Grand Prix, followed by Gary answering a listener’s question about teams testing with year-old cars.

To have your tech question answered on the show, record a voice note and send it to podcasts@the-race.com

For more information on Aerosensor, visit Aerosensor.tech

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Analysing the 2023 floor changes + Developing the next generation of F1 engineers Jul 20, 2022

On this week's show host Edd Straw and former F1 technical director Gary Anderson talk through the floor-related rule changes the FIA is making for 2023, asking why the changes are happening and whether they'll cost lap time.

They also take an in-depth look at the competition that has a track record for producing the F1 engineers of the future: The long running and highly regarded F1 in Schools, which recently held its world finals at Silverstone.

And finally, Gary answers a listener's question about one of the more invisible parts of F1 tech - computing power, explaining why it's so crucial to F1 performance and so much more powerful than it was in his F1 heyday.

To have your tech question answered on the show, record a voice note and send it to podcasts@the-race.com

The Race F1 Tech Show, brought to you by Aramco.

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The wonders of carbon fibre with pioneering designer John Barnard Jul 13, 2022

On this week’s podcast we pay homage to the wonder material that is carbon fibre. And who better to speak to on this subject than legendary designer John Barnard - the man who introduced the carbon fibre monocoque to F1 with McLaren in 1981. Light yet strong, stiff yet formable, carbon fibre has been responsible for many advances in F1, in particular on the safety side - we explain how and why.

Before that, former F1 technical director Gary Anderson tells co-host Edd Straw why he’s unimpressed with Formula 1’s Drag Reduction System. And before the episode signs off, Gary answers a listener question about the new floor rules set to come into place - and rumours of retractable skid plates…

To have your tech question answered on the show, record a voice note and send it to podcasts@the-race.com

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Zhou's Silverstone crash analysed + why F1 fuel is going synthetic and sustainable Jul 06, 2022

This week, after Zhou Guanyu’s terrifying British Grand Prix accident, host Edd Straw and former F1 technical director Gary Anderson take a closer look at the structures that saved the Chinese driver and ask what F1 can learn about further improving car and barrier safety.

They then turn their attention to this week’s major topic: synthetic sustainable fuel, with Formula 1’s tech chief Pat Symonds joining the pod to give us the ultimate guide on what the teams will be putting in their cars in 2026 - and just why the sport is heading down this specific route.

And finally, Gary is delighted to answer a listener question on the materials used to make the more mundane parts of an F1 car, and the properties these materials must exhibit - it's much more interesting than you might think!

If you want to be a part of the show, simply record your burning technical question as a voice note or sound file and send it to podcasts@the-race.com

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What the FIA’s technical directive on bouncing REALLY means Jun 22, 2022

Porpoising and bouncing have been the buzzwords of the 2022 F1 season, with the matter reaching a head after several drivers complained of experiencing unpleasant physical symptoms in Baku. That led to the FIA introducing a new technical directive on the matter ahead of the Canadian GP - but just what does it all mean, are the measures fair, and will they actually solve the problems several teams have experienced this season? These are some of the questions that host Edd Straw and former F1 technical director Gary Anderson look to answer on this week's show.

After a weekend of mixed weather in Montreal, Anderson also dives into the topic of how teams set-up their cars for wet weather, and why some cars are much better in soggy conditions than others.

He also answers a listener question on whether making changes to Pirelli’s 2022 tyres - rather than expensive car changes - could be the answer to the porpoising issues seen so far this season.

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Unpicking Ferrari’s Baku tech woes + in-depth with Raikkonen's former F1 race engineer Jun 15, 2022

This week’s episode is all about those disembodied voices we hear over team radio: the race engineers. What do they do? How important is their relationship with a driver? And what can they do to get the most out of a car AND a driver? To help answer those questions host Edd Straw and former F1 technical director Gary Anderson are delighted to welcome Julien Simon-Chautemps, Kimi Raikkonen’s former race engineer at Alfa Romeo, onto the show for a feature length discussion.

Before that Anderson casts an eye over Ferrari’s ongoing technical troubles, and how they might solve them, following their disastrous double DNF in Baku. And then later on in the show he also gives his views on one listener’s ingenious idea on how Mercedes might be able to help their drivers deal with porpoising…

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For more on Julien Simon-Chautemps, visit JSC7 Engineering

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Copycat F1 cars: When is it cheating and when is it fair game? Jun 08, 2022

The concept of copying is nothing new in F1 - in fact, it’s been around for as long as the sport itself. There have been several high profile cases of alleged copying in F1 in recent years - including the so-called 'Pink Mercedes' and the 'Green Red Bull' - but when is copying elements of another team’s car design cheating and when is it simply drawing inspiration?

On this week’s edition of The Race F1 Tech Show, Edd Straw and former F1 technical director Gary Anderson attempt to answer that, as well as discussing just how far you can go in adapting other people’s ideas - and why it often isn’t a good idea.

Anderson also gives his thoughts on the aftermath of Mick Schumacher’s crash at Monaco, which left his Haas’ gearbox exposed to the world, revealing key design details.

And finally Gary tackles another listener question, which this week is about whether Red Bull’s previous mastery of exhaust blown diffusers has helped them get a jump start in 2022’s new rules era.

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Unpicking Merc's Monaco issues + have Pirelli's 2022 tyres improved racing? Jun 01, 2022

On the first episode of our brand-new tech podcast, host Edd Straw and former F1 technical director Gary Anderson take a look at the problems Mercedes may have unearthed with their car concept in last weekend's Monaco Grand Prix and how the world champions might look to solve them.

There's also a discussion with Pirelli tyre boss Mario Isola about the 2022-spec low profile rubber that the teams and drivers have been adjusting to this season - is it achieving the objectives Pirelli and F1 were hoping for, or will further changes be needed?

And finally, Gary tackles the first of YOUR burning tech questions, which this week is all about porpoising. If you'd like to submit a question to the podcast, record your question as a voicenote and send it to podcasts@the-race.com - who knows, it might be yours that we play out and answer on the show!

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Why does Ferrari get it wrong and other questions Feb 04, 2021

Former Jordan and Jaguar technical director Gary Anderson joins Edd Straw to answer listener questions on F1 2021, 18-inch wheels, driving sideways and even Colin McRae.

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Gary’s verdict on all 10 F1 teams Dec 16, 2020

Gary looks back at the performance of the 10 F1 teams during the 2020 F1 season, explaining who did well, and why, and which of them underachieved

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Why “peaky” Red Bull needs to change Dec 09, 2020

Gary Anderson answers your latest batch of questions, including why the Red Bull is difficult to drive, if the Mercedes is too easy to drive and his memories of Gilles Villeneuve’s F1 debut at Silverstone in 1977

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Hamilton’s replacement & Grosjean’s fireball Dec 02, 2020

Gary answers your questions on how a team approaches replacing a driver like Lewis Hamilton and the causes and implications of Grosjean’s terrifying Bahrain Grand Prix crash

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Why F1's big 2022 rules change aren’t good enough Nov 25, 2020

Gary answers your questions on the major F1 rule changes in 2022 and explains the reasons why he thinks they aren’t the answer to all grand prix racing’s problems

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Can F1 make every race like Turkey? Nov 18, 2020

Gary answers your questions on the reasons for the unpredictable Turkish Grand Prix weekend, the role of the tyres, Ferrari’s resurgent form in the race – and also answers a couple of Jordan 191 questions and explains torsion bars.

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Why copying F1 cars can’t be stopped Nov 11, 2020

Gary answers your questions on F1’s new anti-copycat regulations, Istanbul Park’s Turn 8, how tyres are constructed and his involvement with the short-lived Midland F1 team.

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How would Mercedes replace Hamilton and Wolff? Nov 04, 2020

Gary answers listener questions on the talking points from Imola – including what Mercedes would do if Lewis Hamilton doesn’t sign a new deal and a potential successor to Wolff as team principal

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Why Gary isn’t very pleased with Max Verstappen Oct 28, 2020

Gary answers your questions on the Portuguese Grand Prix and pulls no punches in his criticism of Verstappen’s incidents, as well as looking ahead to F1’s return to Imola and the challenges of the legendary circuit

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Why bad F1 cars happen - your questions answered Oct 21, 2020

Nobody sets out to make a bad F1 car, but there have been many of them throughout history and Gary answers your questions about them. Among the topics covered are if it’s bad design or trying to be overly-clever, cars that had real potential despite no success, a series of McLarens that fell short and even the Lotus 76.
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Hamilton v Schumacher: Gary answers your questions Oct 14, 2020

Now that Lewis Hamilton has equalled Michael Schumacher’s record of 91 grand prix wins, Gary Anderson answers your questions on F1’s most successful drivers and what makes them so special.
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F1’s engine future after Honda Oct 07, 2020

Gary answers your questions about Formula 1 engines in the wake of Honda announcing its withdrawal at the end of the 2021 season – and reveals the secret to lifting a Ford DFV engine on your own!

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Why F1’s penalty system is wrong Sep 30, 2020

Gary explains why Formula 1’s penalties need to be fixed, and answers other listener questions about Stefano Domenicali’s impartiality, Daniel Ricciardo’s possible regrets and low noses

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Secrets of F1 aerodynamics Sep 23, 2020

Gary answers your questions about F1 aerodynamics, including how the ‘return’ of ground effect in 2022 will change F1, the impact of turbulent air and what was behind the famous F1 X-Wings.

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Why can’t Vettel sort out his driving style? Sep 16, 2020

Gary takes time out from his holiday to answer more listener questions and hit the big topics in Formula 1. Apologies for the reduced audio quality, which was owing to circumstances beyond our control.

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Gary's verdict on a crazy Italian GP and a surprise F1 winner Sep 07, 2020

Having masterminded the odd shock F1 victory himself, Gary is well-placed to explain what it’s like to take a shock win in a crazy race. He delves into Pierre Gasly and AlphaTauri’s great underdog triumph

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How Spa performance has opened Renault’s eyes Sep 02, 2020

Gary Anderson answers your questions, including why understanding its Spa performance could be the key to a Renault breakthrough, whether Ferrari can hope to turn things around and why loose wheels stlll happen in crashes.
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Ask Gary Anything: F1 design, Ferrari’s failure & darts Aug 26, 2020

Gary answers your questions on F1 past and present, submitted via YouTube.
Follow Gary on Twitter @GaryAndersonF1 and keep an eye on the community section of The Race YouTube channel if you’d like to submit a question for a future episode.

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Gary judges your suggestions on how to fix F1 Aug 19, 2020

After the Spanish Grand Prix proved to be a little light on action, Gary Anderson asked you for your thoughts on how to spice up F1. In this episode, he works through your many suggestions.   Follow Gary on twitter at @GaryAnderson F1

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Ferrari conspiracy theories and illegal designs Aug 12, 2020

Gary explains why drivers sometimes feel their team is against them, and delves into the Racing Point stewards’ verdict and the team’s reaction to it

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How Ferrari turned things round at Silverstone Aug 05, 2020

Gary explains how Ferrari got so much from its car at a track that should have exposed its weaknesses, and why Sebastian Vettel couldn’t match Charles Leclerc

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Rory Byrne can bring reality back to Ferrari Jul 29, 2020

Gary explains what design legend Rory Byrne can do to help Ferrari, delves into the expected Mercedes advantage at Silverstone, and explains why he’s happy to see Imola back on the F1 calendar

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Why F1’s rules and penalties are “crazy” Jul 22, 2020

Gary doesn’t hold back in his criticism of the penalty issued to Haas for breaking a formation lap communications rule that makes no sense, and looks into the performance of Mercedes and Red Bull. He also pays tribute to old friend and rival Ron Tauranac.

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What Renault’s Racing Point protest is all about Jul 15, 2020

Is the ‘Pink Mercedes’ legal or illegal? Gary Anderson delves into the arguments about intellectual property and listed parts, and reveals his conclusions from the Red Bull Ring double-header.

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Why Ferrari is really struggling in F1 2020 Jul 07, 2020

Gary Anderson tackles the big topics from the first race weekend of the F1 season, including Ferrari’s performance deficit, the legality of DAS and what the Mercedes problems were really all about.

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F1 2020 preview: “The time is right for Verstappen and Red Bull” Jul 01, 2020

Gary previews the 2020 Formula 1 season, tipping Max Verstappen for the title and delving into the unique challenges of this unusual campaign

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Working with Zanardi and other listener questions Jun 24, 2020

Gary looks back at his time working with Alex Zanardi at Jordan in 1991 and with Reynard in 2001, as well as taking other questions on a range of topics including Eddie Irvine’s abilities, what makes a fast driver and the future of the DRS

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Secrets of race engineering Jun 17, 2020

As well as working as a technical director in Formula 1, Gary Anderson also has significant experience of race engineering. He explains the art of race engineering, and the kind of driver you would like to work with – and not work with

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How F1 teams will approach the delayed season Jun 10, 2020

Gary explains how Formula 1 teams will be preparing for the delayed start to the season and what impact the condensed and uncertain calendar will have on the season.

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“I don’t see anything that will change the spectacle of F1” in new rules Jun 03, 2020

Gary Anderson gives his verdict on Formula 1’s recently-approved package of new regulations, but he isn’t convinced they will work as well as some hope.

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How to make Formula 1 safer May 27, 2020

Earlier this month, the FIA outlined the areas it was seeking to improve safety in motorsport. Gary Anderson takes a look at the objectives where they are relevant to Formula 1, and suggests how he would improve things.

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Why teams must be flexible with staff for F1's return May 20, 2020

The proposed F1 calendar features 18 races in 24 weeks – as well as a quadruple-header and two triple-headers. Gary Anderson explains how teams can deliver this without overworking the personnel who do all the work.

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“Blame on both sides” as Ferrari and Vettel split May 13, 2020

Gary Anderson delves into the breakdown of the Ferrari/Vettel alliance, and explains how an F1 team approaches selecting a replacement. As well as picking his ideal new Ferrari driver, he also explains why he doesn’t see Vettel cutting it in the midfield.

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Secrets of F1 suspension May 06, 2020

Gary Anderson explains how Formula 1 car suspension works and the various tradeoffs required between mechanical performance and aerodynamic impact – as well how tyres impact the equation.

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Will F1’s new 2020 calendar plan work? Apr 29, 2020

Gary Anderson delves into F1’s plan for starting the season in Austria at the start of July and the challenges grand prix racing faces in making it work.

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Inside Jordan’s breakthrough 1997 season Apr 22, 2020

The Jordan 197 wasn’t a winning Formula 1 car, but as Gary Anderson explains it might have been. What’s more, it was a car that allowed Jordan to breakthrough as a consistent force towards the front of the grid and laid the foundations for winning a year later.

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Can F1 cars be made smaller and lighter? Apr 15, 2020

Gary Anderson delves into the tricky topic of Formula 1’s size and weight problem, explaining the reasons for it and what could be done in the future to stop grand prix cars continuing to get ever-bigger.

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F1’s rules debate: Cost caps, delayed regs, tokens Apr 08, 2020

Gary Anderson has spent more hours than he cares to remember in F1 technical meetings debating regulations so know plenty about how the arguments going on behind closed doors will be going. He delves into the ongoing debate about F1’s emergency rule changes

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F1 superseason, early Jordans, Peugeot – More Gary questions Apr 01, 2020

What does Gary Anderson think of the possibility of a 2020/21 F1 season? What was Carlos Reutemann like? How good was Tommy Byrne? All these, and more, in another question and answer special

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McLaren, Jordan and Verstappen – Gary answers your questions Mar 25, 2020

Gary takes listener questions on current Formula 1 and cars from his past – as well as giving his evaluation of who would prevail in a straight fight between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen

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My plan to save the 2020 F1 season Mar 18, 2020

Gary Anderson joins Edd Straw to explain how he thinks the F1 teams can be saved from financial hardship, and how to squeeze three-day events into two.

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How Gary got his big break in F1 Mar 11, 2020

Ahead of our first full episode, Gary Anderson joins Edd Straw to explain how he ended up working in F1 in the first place. This quick recap will take you through his time with Brabham and McLaren, up to starting work on Jordan's first F1 car for the 1991 season.

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