2026 Austrian GP Race Review
About this episode
George Russell secures a crucial victory at the Austrian Grand Prix, converting a controversial pole position into a win just ahead of his home race. The hosts break down how Russell managed the pressure from a resurgent Max Verstappen in an upgraded Red Bull, who finished second despite strategy missteps. They also analyze Kimi Antonelli’s impressive third-place finish, the intense on-track battles between Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, and why Ferrari failed to factor into the podium fight. It is a comprehensive look at Mercedes' resurgence and Red Bull's tactical errors.
Well that Ferrari hopium was short-lived... The LB boys cover the day's action at the Red Bull Ring that saw Verstappen back in the fight, but it wasn't quite enough to catch Russell who held onto victory and ends a winless streak.
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Kimi Antonelli
"Joined on the podium by his teammate Kimi Antonelli in P3 and Max Verstappen in a somewhat improved red ball finishing within two seconds of the victory in second place."
A highly talented young Italian race car driver who was signed by the famous Mercedes Formula 1 team when he was still a teenager because of how incredibly fast he is.
An Italian racing driver who rose rapidly through the junior formulas to secure a seat with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team. Highly regarded as a generational talent, his promotion to F1 at a very young age drew comparisons to legendary debuts of the past.
double waved yellow
"...should we say, somewhat controversial circumstances with the whole discussion of single wave yellow versus double wave yellow."
A warning flag waved by track officials to tell drivers there is a big hazard or crash ahead. Drivers must slow down a lot and be ready to stop if needed.
A trackside flag signal indicating great danger ahead on the circuit. Drivers must reduce their speed significantly, be prepared to stop, and are strictly prohibited from overtaking because the track may be blocked or marshals are working nearby.
undercut
"...prevent an undercut of that level and actually see them go toe to toe on more similar range tyres."
A racing strategy where a driver pulls into the pit stop for fresh tires a lap or two before the car in front of them. The new tires make them much faster, allowing them to sneak ahead when the other car finally stops for its own tires.
A pit stop strategy where a trailing driver pits earlier than the car ahead to utilize the maximum grip of fresh tires. By setting faster lap times immediately after exiting the pits, they can leapfrog the rival when that rival eventually stops.
brake split
"A bongo comes over the radio, says you've got brake split, where one brake is hotter than the other."
A mechanical issue where the brakes on one side of the car get much hotter or work differently than the brakes on the other side. This makes the car pull to one side or feel very unstable when the driver tries to slow down.
An imbalance in temperature, pressure, or wear between the left and right brake assemblies. This condition causes uneven stopping force across the axle, leading to unpredictable handling, pulling to one side, or premature wheel lockups.
MTC
"It was a stinker in Barcelona, but he clearly went back to the MTC."
The ultra-modern headquarters and factory where the McLaren Formula 1 team designs, builds, and tests their race cars.
The McLaren Technology Centre, located in Woking, Surrey, England. Designed by architect Norman Foster, this state-of-the-art facility serves as the headquarters for the McLaren Group, housing their Formula 1 team and automotive design operations.
tire degradation
"Bit better on the mediums, maybe, but yeah, their tire deck was, one of the radio messages that came through was tire deck is as expected..."
The way racing tires wear out and lose their grip as they get hot and do more laps. Drivers have to manage this carefully so they don't slide around and lose speed.
The physical wear and thermal degradation of racing tires over a stint, leading to a progressive loss of grip and slower lap times. Managing this "deg" is a key element of race strategy.
Audi
"My bold prediction was that Audi would be both drivers in the top 10."
A well-known German car company that bought an existing team to start racing in Formula 1 under its own name.
German luxury automaker that officially entered Formula 1 as a works team and engine manufacturer for the 2026 season after acquiring the Sauber team.
Liam Lawson
"Liam Lawson is literally shouting about the fact that he's on fire."
A talented professional racing driver from New Zealand who races in Formula 1.
New Zealand racing driver who competed in Formula 1 for the Racing Bulls (RB) team, known for his impressive junior career and solid performances when stepping in as a reserve driver.
Cadillac
"And the Cadillacs were like, reporting for duty. Again, my chat about Cadillac in a little bit."
A famous American luxury car brand that joined Formula 1 to race against other top global car companies.
An American luxury vehicle brand owned by General Motors. In the context of the 2026 F1 season, Cadillac entered the sport as a power unit manufacturer and team partner, bringing a major American corporate presence to the grid.
Racing Bulls
"Welcome back, everyone. A good day for racing balls, 9th and 10th."
A Formula 1 racing team owned by the Red Bull energy drink company that helps train younger drivers for their main championship team.
Commonly known as RB (formerly AlphaTauri and Toro Rosso), this is Red Bull's sister Formula 1 team, serving as a competitive midfield competitor and a proving ground for junior drivers.
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