2026 Miami GP Race Review
About this episode
Miami delivered a chaotic mix of breakthrough success, strategic misfires, and a few self-inflicted wounds. Kimmy Antonelli took Mercedes to victory after recovering from a messy start, while Lando Norris was left frustrated by a slow pit stop and an undercut. Max Verstappen’s spin likely cost him a podium, Ferrari’s timing again unravelled, and the midfield produced crashes, retirements, and plenty of debate about race control and weather delays.
Turns out we didn't need a wet race to get chaos... Ben and Sam review a wild Miami GP, from Verstappen's first lap spin through to Leclerc's last lap heartbreak - and everything in between!
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Miami Grand Prix
"...presented by Sam Sage and me, Ben Hawking, reviewing today the Miami Grand Prix. A Grand Prix won by Kimmy Antonelli for Mercedes..."
This is a Formula 1 race in Miami. The hosts are talking about what happened during the race and how it played out.
The Miami Grand Prix is a Formula 1 race held in Miami. In this episode, the hosts review how the race unfolded, including qualifying and the on-track chaos.
Mercedes
"A Grand Prix won by Kimmy Antonelli for Mercedes, so much of the same as what we had before this long break..."
In Formula 1, “Mercedes” is the racing team that the driver was part of. It’s not a specific street car model.
Mercedes-Benz is the constructor the winner drove for in this Miami Grand Prix recap. In F1, “Mercedes” refers to the team/constructor entry rather than a road car model.
wing
"Yeah, pole to lights, that wing with absolutely no drama in between. Not really worth coming back for..."
A “wing” on an F1 car is part of the bodywork that helps the car stick to the road. More grip means the car can corner faster and stay stable.
In F1, “wing” usually refers to the front or rear aerodynamic wing elements that generate downforce. Downforce helps the car grip the track, especially through corners, and wing setup is a major performance lever.
pole to lights
"Yeah, pole to lights, that wing with absolutely no drama in between. Not really worth coming back for..."
It means the driver won the race by starting first (pole) and then leading right from the start. “Lights” is the start signal at the beginning of the race.
“Pole to lights” describes a race where the driver starts from pole position and then leads immediately at the start (“lights” refers to the start lights). It implies a clean, controlled start with little early drama.
chaotic Grand Prix
"I love that Kimmy Antonelli can't win a Grand Prix by just staying in the lead and there has to be chaos endlessly... what we got was an incredibly chaotic Grand Prix without any rain whatsoever."
“Chaotic” in an F1 context usually means the race had lots of unpredictable events—such as incidents, strategy swings, or safety-car periods—that disrupt normal racing order. The hosts connect this to weather expectations and what actually happened on track.
gridwalk
"I like how he met DJ Khaled on his gridwalk and it wasn't the weirdest."
A “gridwalk” is when drivers walk around the starting grid area before the race, typically for media, sponsor, and fan interactions. It’s a common pre-race event in F1 weekends.
stewards
"Anyway, plenty to talk about on today's review. There's like 20,000 things that are being reviewed by the stewards, by the way."
Stewards are the officials in Formula 1 who review incidents and enforce the rules. They can issue penalties, adjust race results, and investigate things like on-track collisions or unsafe conduct.
lap one
"He didn't have the lead coming out of lap one, but was able to make his way past Leclerc via some strategy."
Lap one is the very first lap after the race begins. It’s often chaotic because everyone is trying to get track position right away.
“Lap one” is the first lap of the race, when positions are often decided quickly due to acceleration, braking, and early traffic. The hosts use it to highlight that Antonelli didn’t lead immediately after the start.
pits
"Was able to make his way past Lando Norris with Mercedes being very, very quick in the pits."
The pits are where the team stops the car to change tires (and sometimes do quick adjustments). If the pit stop is fast, the driver can gain positions.
“Pits” refers to the pit lane and pit stops, where teams change tires and sometimes adjust the car. Pit-stop timing and execution can swing track position dramatically, which is why the hosts call out Mercedes’ quick pit work.
first ever three Grand Prix in a row
"We were seeing him win three in a row, the first ever driver to win his first ever three Grand Prix in a row."
They’re talking about a streak—winning three races in a row. In F1, that’s hard because races can change quickly due to strategy and on-track chaos.
This is a record-style achievement: winning three consecutive Grand Prix races. In F1, consecutive wins are rare because of variables like strategy, reliability, and race incidents.
360
"He's then greeted by Max Verstappen doing a 360 in the second corner."
A “360” is when a car spins all the way around. It usually happens when the tires lose grip, and it can drop the driver behind others.
A “360” means the car rotates a full 360 degrees, typically from a loss of traction or control at corner entry/exit. In F1, even a brief spin can cost many positions and force the driver to rejoin in traffic.
second corner
"He's then greeted by Max Verstappen doing a 360 in the second corner."
The second corner is the next big turn early in the lap. Early corners are often crowded, so anything that goes wrong there affects lots of cars.
“Second corner” is the next major turn after the start/first corner, often where cars are still bunched up and grip levels can be changing. The hosts point to it as the moment Verstappen’s spin creates extra chaos.
on the pace
"And he handles it well. He's immediately on the pace chasing down the McLaren and the Ferrari who managed to get around him."
“On the pace” means you’re going as fast as the leaders. It’s a way of saying the driver didn’t fall behind after the chaos.
“On the pace” means matching the speed level of the front-running cars, typically measured by lap times and consistency. The hosts say Antonelli quickly returned to that front pace after dealing with traffic and incidents.
high intensity, high pace management
"And I do think he keeps up this high intensity, high pace management for the car, which was going through some difficulties throughout the entire Grand Prix."
Pace management is about not just going flat-out all the time. It’s adjusting how hard you push so the car stays under control and you can keep strong speed.
“Pace management” in F1 is how a driver and team control speed and effort over a stint to protect the car and manage performance limits. The hosts connect it to Antonelli keeping a strong tempo even while the car had issues.
braking issues
"The way that he had paddle problems, possibly some braking issues, possibly some gear shifting problems."
Braking issues mean the car didn’t slow down the way it should. That can make it harder to hit the right braking points into corners.
“Braking issues” means the car wasn’t stopping as expected—this could involve brake pressure, pedal feel, brake cooling, or traction under braking. In F1, even small braking problems can force drivers to change lines and reduce confidence.
gear shifting problems
"The way that he had paddle problems, possibly some braking issues, possibly some gear shifting problems."
Gear shifting problems mean the car didn’t change gears smoothly or at the right time. Since gears control acceleration, it can slow the car down.
“Gear shifting problems” refers to trouble changing gears, which can come from the gearbox, shift-by-wire controls, or driver inputs. In an F1 car, missed or delayed shifts can hurt acceleration and lap time immediately.
paddle problems
"The way that he had paddle problems, possibly some braking issues, possibly some gear shifting problems."
Paddle problems means the shift paddles on the steering wheel weren’t working right. Those paddles tell the car when to change gears, so problems can affect speed right away.
“Paddle problems” likely refers to the steering-wheel shift paddles used to command upshifts and downshifts in an F1 car. If the paddles or their electronics aren’t responding correctly, the driver can’t shift reliably under load.
gap
"And yet the gap continued to extend on Landon Morris, who slowly and surely fell away as the challenge arose as the Grand Prix moved on."
The “gap” is how much time separates two cars. If the gap grows, one driver is getting farther ahead; if it shrinks, someone is catching up.
In F1 commentary, “the gap” is the time difference between two cars, usually measured in seconds. Extending the gap means the leader is pulling away, while a shrinking gap means the chaser is closing in.
sprint race
"And we saw in the sprint race that Antonelli's pace was OK, but not great. [354.2s] It wasn't like he was challenging the McLarens for the race win or second place."
Some F1 weekends include a shorter “sprint” race. It’s used to set the starting order for the main race, so it’s a good preview—but it’s not the whole story.
A sprint race is a shorter qualifying-style race format used in some Formula 1 weekends. It determines grid positions for the main Grand Prix, so a driver’s sprint pace can hint at race-day performance but doesn’t always translate directly.
McLarens
"It wasn't like he was challenging the McLarens for the race win or second place. [359.3s] But what we saw here was a much more complete performance."
McLarens means the McLaren F1 team. When they’re mentioned as targets for race positions, it’s basically saying who the fast cars were.
McLarens refers to the McLaren Formula 1 team and its drivers. Mentioning them in the context of challenging for race positions highlights how competitive the field is and who the main benchmarks are.
penalty
"Whereas in the sprint race, he panicked and had multiple instances where he goes off the track, picks up that penalty as a result of too many infringements. [373.3s] Here, whilst he does, again, pick up a few track limits warnings..."
In F1, a penalty is what officials give when a driver breaks a rule. It usually costs time or positions, which can hurt the race result.
A penalty in F1 is an official consequence for rule infringements, such as exceeding track limits, causing avoidable contact, or other violations. Penalties can be time penalties, drive-through/stop-and-go, or grid/position adjustments depending on the infraction.
track limits warnings
"Here, whilst he does, again, pick up a few track limits warnings, he doesn't go overboard. [378.9s] He manages it from there."
If a driver cuts a corner too much, the race officials can warn them for “track limits.” If it happens too often, it can turn into a penalty.
Track limits warnings are issued when a car is judged to have exceeded the allowed boundaries of the circuit, usually by cutting corners. In F1, repeated or serious infringements can lead to penalties, so managing them is a key part of racecraft.
race management
"And now he's pairing that with the race management, the ability to think through problems properly, the ability to overcome adverse situations. [438.1s] Will to Will Racing is improving..."
Race management is about making smart decisions during the race, not just going as fast as possible. It includes knowing when to push and when to play it safe so you don’t lose positions.
Race management is how a driver and team manage the race beyond outright pace—controlling risk, managing tires and strategy, and choosing when to push versus when to protect position. It’s often what separates strong finishers from drivers who make mistakes under pressure.
reaction speeds
"And what we're constantly seeing, we have the timings with the reaction speeds. [483.0s] He's there. Like his reaction speed is fine, but for whatever reason, him plus that car cannot do those first, I don't know, 100 meters very well."
Reaction speed is how fast the driver reacts when the race starts or when something changes. Even if someone reacts quickly, they can still lose time if the car doesn’t launch well or if the first part of the track is tricky.
In Formula 1, reaction speed is how quickly a driver responds at the start (and sometimes to race events) after a signal or change. It’s often discussed alongside timing data to explain whether a driver got off the line cleanly.
turn two and turn three
"...when he was coming out of turn two and turn three in second place, with everything that was happening with Verstappen and a lot of drivers trying to avoid him. [503.4s] I think if you'd offered him that before the race, he probably would have taken it."
These are specific corners on the track. The hosts are saying the key moment happened as the driver moved through those corners while dealing with other cars.
“Turn two and turn three” are specific corners on the circuit, used to pinpoint where the race situation changed. Corner-by-corner analysis is common in F1 because braking, traction, and traffic management can vary dramatically from one corner to the next.
pole position
"Even with the pole position that he had to say P2 after the first couple of corners, it had gone, yeah, that's fine. [515.6s] I've got what it takes. I can get myself back to the front after a little while and he did."
Pole position means you start the race from the very front. It’s earned by being fastest in qualifying, so people expect you to do well right away.
Pole position is the starting spot at the front of the grid, awarded to the fastest qualifier. In race analysis, it’s used to frame expectations—if a driver doesn’t convert pole into a strong early lead, it’s a notable storyline.
tyre management
"Very good tyre management I fought for the most part today. [579.7s] And whilst maybe like Suzuki, he did need a little bit of good fortune"
Tyre management is about not destroying the tires too quickly. If you drive in a way that keeps the tires working well for longer, you can stay fast until the end of the race.
Tyre management is how a driver and team manage tire wear and temperature over a stint to keep performance consistent. In F1, it can decide race outcomes because pushing too hard early can force a slower pace later.
Team Radio
"Because we obviously got a very raw reaction from him on Team Radio directly after finishing second here."
In Formula 1, drivers talk to their team over a live radio link while racing. “Team Radio” is that conversation you sometimes hear on TV right after a finish.
“Team Radio” is the live audio channel between a driver and their pit wall/engineers during a race. Listeners hear it in broadcasts as the driver reacts in real time to what’s happening on track.
qualifying
"And they struggled in qualifying. So he had to really have a bit of an uphill start, but his start was very good."
Qualifying is when drivers try to set the best single lap time to decide where they start the main race. If you qualify poorly, you start behind more cars and have to make up positions.
“Qualifying” is the session where drivers set their fastest lap to determine the starting order for the Grand Prix. Poor qualifying usually means starting further back, which makes it harder to win because you have to overtake more cars.
uphill start
"So he had to really have a bit of an uphill start, but his start was very good."
“Uphill start” just means the race got off to a tough start for them. Usually that’s because they started further back, so they had to work harder to get to the front.
“Uphill start” is a racing metaphor meaning the driver started the race at a disadvantage, usually from a worse grid position. It implies more difficulty reaching the front due to traffic and the need for extra overtakes.
springing max for Stappen
"dodging again the springing max for Stappen."
The speaker is saying Norris had to avoid a risky move by Max Verstappen. It’s basically describing a moment where Norris had to steer around trouble to stay safe and keep his position.
This refers to a specific on-track maneuver/limit the speaker associates with Max Verstappen (“Stappen”)—likely a high-risk move or braking/turn-in point that other drivers must avoid. The phrase suggests Norris had to dodge Verstappen’s aggressive action to keep control and avoid contact.
outright race pace
"And I do think that on outright race pace across the entire Grand Prix,"
“Outright race pace” means how quickly the car can go for the whole race, not just one fast lap. It’s about whether they’re truly quick from start to finish.
“Outright race pace” is how fast a car is over the full race distance, not just in a single lap or short stint. It reflects tire management, efficiency, and overall speed consistency across the Grand Prix.
undercut
"that was also caught out being undercut by Kimmy Antonelli, where before that moment, he was in front of him."
An undercut is a strategy where one driver pits earlier than another to use fresh tires and get ahead. If the timing is right, the earlier stop can beat the rival’s later stop.
The undercut is a pit strategy where a driver pits earlier than a rival to get onto fresh tires and build a gap before the rival stops. If it works, it can swing track position—here, it’s described as “caught out being undercut,” meaning Norris lost position due to the timing of the other driver’s stop.
track position
"where before that moment, he was in front of him. And he was having a race that looked like Lando Norris"
Track position just means who’s ahead on the race course. Pit stops and strategy are often about getting ahead and staying ahead.
Track position is where a car sits relative to others on the circuit at any given time. In F1, pit stops and strategies like the undercut are used to gain or defend track position, which can matter as much as outright speed.
pure pace
"Norris had to get by Antonelli on pure pace in that first in, and he did."
“Pure pace” means the car is just fast enough to go by the other car, not because of luck or strategy. It’s about real speed on the track.
“Pure pace” means the car’s speed and performance on track without relying on strategy tricks. If a driver can pass on pure pace, it suggests their car is faster in that phase of the race.
hold off
"He then had to hold off Antonelli in that first in. He did."
To “hold off” means you’re defending so the other driver can’t pass you. You do it by driving in a way that makes passing difficult.
To “hold off” in racing means defending against a faster car to prevent an overtake. It usually involves managing braking points, tire grip, and race lines while staying close enough to discourage the pass.
Antonelli
"...unless it was beaten very late on in this Grand Prix, Antonelli's pit stop was the fastest pit stop of the race. Antonelli needed to deliver an excellent outlap in addition to that excellent pit stop."
Antonelli is the driver being discussed. The host is saying his pit stop and the lap right after leaving the pits were crucial to Mercedes’ success.
Andrea Antonelli is an F1 driver mentioned here in the context of his pit stop and the lap after it. The host argues that his pit stop timing plus a strong outlap helped Mercedes gain track position and win the strategic battle.
outlap
"Antonelli needed to deliver an excellent outlap in addition to that excellent pit stop. It's not like, as far as I remember, it's not like Antonelli was half a second behind Landon Norris..."
An outlap is the first lap after a pit stop. The driver has to push the new tyres quickly so the car is fast right away.
An outlap is the lap immediately after leaving the pits, when the driver is trying to get the new tyres up to temperature and set a strong pace. A good outlap helps convert the advantage from a fast pit stop into real track position.
Landon Norris
"...it's not like Antonelli was half a second behind Landon Norris when he made that call. It was actually a gap where you felt like Norris has probably got this in hand..."
Lando Norris is an F1 driver. The hosts are comparing his position and pace to what happened after the pit stops, to explain why Mercedes’ strategy worked.
Lando Norris is an F1 driver for McLaren. Here, he’s used as the reference point for the race’s strategic timing—how close the gap was and how the tyre/strategy sequence affected who ended up winning.
Lewis Hamilton
"The biggest example might be Lewis Hamilton in Aberdeen 2021 where Max Verstappen managed to put on the right set of tyres and Hamilton's course on an old set, and it costs you."
Lewis Hamilton is a top F1 driver. The speaker brings up an earlier race to show how the wrong tyre timing can cost you positions.
Lewis Hamilton is a multi-time world champion and a Mercedes driver referenced here as an example of how tyre choice and timing can swing a race. The host cites a past race where Hamilton was on older tyres while Verstappen had the right tyre set.
Miami GP
"It was a really enjoyable battle to watch. I do think that it's Miami GP delivered a very fun race,"
Miami GP is the Formula 1 race in Miami. The speaker is saying this particular race was especially fun to watch.
Miami GP refers to the Miami Grand Prix, the Formula 1 race held in Miami. The host is concluding that the event produced an entertaining contest, tying the earlier strategy discussion to the overall race experience.
health and safety risk
"Which, OK, if it's health and safety, genuine health and safety risk, it's very hard to argue against this. You don't want anyone to get hurt because we've not bothered making a decision."
That phrase means officials think the conditions could be dangerous. If the track is too risky—like being very slippery—they may change the schedule to reduce the chance of accidents.
In motorsport, a “health and safety risk” is the justification for changing plans like start times or race procedures when conditions could increase the chance of injury. In wet conditions, visibility, traction, and stopping distances can all raise risk.
Formula One
"Equally, I am starting to err on the side of frustration with Formula One and its safety concerns, especially around wet weather racing. Wet weather racing is an integral part of Formula One."
Formula One is the highest level of car racing with teams and drivers competing on circuits around the world. The cars are very specialized, so weather like rain can change how they handle a lot.
Formula One (F1) is the top tier of open-wheel motorsport, run under FIA rules with teams competing for the World Championship. The sport’s technical and sporting regulations strongly influence how cars behave in different conditions, including rain.
wet weather racing
"Equally, I am starting to err on the side of frustration with Formula One and its safety concerns, especially around wet weather racing. Wet weather racing is an integral part of Formula One."
That’s when the race happens in the rain. The track is slippery, so drivers have to brake earlier and be much more careful to keep the car under control.
Wet weather racing is when Formula One races are run on a rain-soaked track. It changes grip and braking distances, so drivers rely more on car control and tire management to stay fast and safe.
Silverstone
"We get freak results, much like Holkerberg picking up a podium in Silverstone last year. I do think that you see the Creme de la Creme, the absolute best of the best."
Silverstone is a well-known race track in the UK that hosts F1 events. They’re using it as an example of a surprising result from last year.
Silverstone is a famous Formula One circuit in the UK and is often used as a benchmark track for race conditions and driver skill. Mentioning it anchors the “freak results” example to a real past Grand Prix.
dry weather sport
"Yet, more and more often, we're becoming a dry weather sport. If it was going to be so extreme and with hindsight, we can't really tell."
They mean the race weekend is more often dry instead of wet. Wet weather makes the cars harder to drive because tires don’t grip the same way and braking is riskier.
They’re talking about how Formula 1 has increasingly been run in conditions that are mostly dry, rather than wet. Wet races change grip, braking, and tire behavior, so “dry weather sport” is shorthand for the series becoming less dependent on those variables.
wet race
"If the FIA told me, we've looked into the future, we had the wet race and someone's car gets struck by lightning. I'll go, all right, fair enough, don't want that."
A wet race is when the track is wet and the tires can’t grip as well. That usually makes the cars slide more and increases the chance of accidents.
A “wet race” means the track is wet enough that cars must deal with reduced tire grip and different handling. In F1, that typically changes tire choice (intermediate vs full wet) and increases the likelihood of aquaplaning and crashes.
FIA
"If the FIA told me, we've looked into the future, we had the wet race and someone's car gets struck by lightning. I'll go, all right, fair enough, don't want that."
The FIA is the organization that runs the sport’s rules and safety decisions. Here, they’re the ones who would judge whether weather is too dangerous to race.
The FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) is Formula 1’s governing body that sets the rules and makes safety-related calls. In this segment, they’re discussing how the FIA would decide whether to run, delay, or stop a race based on weather risks.
thunder and lightning risk
"I think my opinion is that I'm going to choose to believe that their decision was based purely on the thunder and lightning risk and not on the risk of heavy rain because I'm with you when it comes to just heavy rain."
They mean storms with lightning are dangerous for everyone at the track. Even if the rain isn’t the worst part, lightning can force officials to pause or delay the race.
They’re discussing the safety risk posed by thunderstorms during an F1 event. Lightning is treated as an immediate, high-severity hazard, so race control may delay or stop sessions even if the track itself isn’t extremely wet yet.
pushing back the time
"I'm generally okay with them pushing back the time because it looked like we were going to get rain in the window we did race in. We didn't in the end, but it didn't look like that was going to be the case."
They’re talking about delaying the race start. If weather is coming, officials may wait a bit so it’s safer and so they can still finish the race.
“Pushing back the time” refers to delaying the start (or rescheduling within the event) due to weather conditions. In F1, race control uses time windows and safety thresholds so the race can be completed under acceptable conditions.
two-hour window
"I'm okay generally with pushing back the times a little bit just based on this two-hour window we need to get F1 done in."
They mean there’s a limited amount of time available to run the race. If weather causes delays, officials still have to fit everything into a set schedule.
They mention a “two-hour window” to get F1 done, implying a scheduling constraint for the event. Weather delays must be managed so the race can still be completed within broadcast, track, and safety operational limits.
heavy rain
"[1102.8s] If it was just a decision based on this heavy rain, [1107.4s] I don't agree with it, but I understand there was more play at least this time [1111.8s] compared to some of the other decisions we've had in the past."
They’re talking about very bad weather—rain heavy enough to make the track slippery. In F1, that affects how cars brake, turn, and which tires work best.
“Heavy rain” is a major factor in Formula 1 because it changes grip levels, braking distances, and tire behavior. When conditions are bad enough, race control may adjust the schedule or procedures to keep the event safe and competitive.
Max Verstappen's race
"Shall we go to our first break? [1117.8s] On the other side, we're going to be getting into Max Verstappen's race. [1121.2s] It could be a one hour segment."
They’re about to talk specifically about Max Verstappen’s race. Expect them to review what happened to him—like his key moves and strategy.
The hosts pivot to a segment focused on Max Verstappen’s race at the Miami Grand Prix. This is a common race-review structure: break down one driver’s key moments, strategy, and on-track decisions.
P5
"Max Verstappen has finished P5 after starting second place in the Grand Prix. Whether it is still P5 by the time you're listening to this..."
P5 is shorthand for finishing 5th in the race. In Formula 1, your finishing spot matters because it affects points you earn.
P5 means “5th place” in the race classification. In F1, finishing position is crucial because it determines points and how the result affects the championship standings.
starting second place
"Max Verstappen has finished P5 after starting second place in the Grand Prix. Whether it is still P5 by the time you're listening to this..."
Starting second place means he began the race from the second spot on the starting grid. Where you start can make it easier or harder to control the early race and avoid traffic.
Starting second place means Verstappen lined up on the grid in P2 for the Grand Prix. Grid position strongly influences race strategy because it affects track position, overtaking opportunities, and how cleanly a driver can manage the opening laps.
loops it coming out of turn
"And yet he absolutely loops it coming out of turn to a mistake we so rarely see from Max Verstappen, especially in the dry,"
“Loops it” means the car spins or rotates out of control. If it happens coming out of a corner, it usually means the tires lost grip right as the driver tried to accelerate or straighten up.
“Loops it” describes a severe loss of control where the car rotates more than intended—often resulting in a spin or near-spin. Coming out of a turn suggests the driver exceeded grip during corner exit, especially sensitive in dry conditions.
kerb
"But there was, I think, the kerb caused him to be a little bit caught up with the way that he's flashed on the accelerator, which has meant that he's lit up the rears on the kerb, done a 360 spin."
A kerb is the raised curb at the edge of the racing line. If you hit it in a way the car doesn’t like, it can make the car slide or spin.
A “kerb” is the raised edge along the track, often painted and designed to be driven over. In F1, hitting a kerb at the wrong angle or with the wrong throttle/brake input can upset the car’s balance and trigger oversteer or loss of traction.
flashed on the accelerator
"But there was, I think, the kerb caused him to be a little bit caught up with the way that he's flashed on the accelerator, which has meant that he's lit up the rears on the kerb, done a 360 spin."
It means he suddenly stomped on the gas. If the tires don’t have enough grip at that moment, the car can start to slide or spin.
“Flashed on the accelerator” describes a sudden, sharp throttle input. In a cornering situation, that can overwhelm the tires’ grip—especially if the car is already unsettled—leading to wheelspin and instability.
lit up the rears
"...which has meant that he's lit up the rears on the kerb, done a 360 spin."
It means the back tires started spinning without gripping the road. When that happens, the car can rotate and spin around.
“Lit up the rears” means the rear tires lost traction and began spinning (wheelspin). That usually happens when throttle is applied too aggressively for the available grip, causing the car to rotate and potentially spin.
unforced error
"He's lost multiple spots as a result of an unforced error, and it happens to many drivers up and down the grid today."
An unforced error is a self-caused mistake. It’s not because someone else forced the issue—it’s usually the driver or team making the wrong call or executing poorly.
An unforced error is a mistake made without being directly caused by an opponent’s action or an unavoidable external factor. In F1 commentary, it often points to driver judgment or execution—like mismanaging throttle, braking, or positioning—leading to lost time or positions.
throttle
"This was just an instance where he was a bit too trigger-happy on the throttle, and Verstappen immediately knew that."
The throttle is basically the pedal that tells the engine how much power to make. If a driver is “too trigger-happy” on it, they’re giving too much power too suddenly, which can lead to losing control or making an error.
In racing, the throttle is the driver’s control of engine power by regulating how much fuel/air the engine receives. Saying someone was “too trigger-happy on the throttle” implies they applied power too aggressively, which can upset traction or cause a mistake.
old tyres
"Not as a sitting duck who was trying to conserve really old tyres and trying to hang on to any position you can."
Tyres don’t stay perfect for the whole race. As they get used, they wear out and can lose grip, which makes the car less predictable and slower in corners.
In Formula 1, tyre wear changes grip as the race goes on. “Old tyres” means the tires have been used for a while, so they may provide less traction and make the car harder to drive consistently.
spin
"And yet we had that taking away from us a little bit because of the spin, then the early pit stop under the safety car, of course, which meant that"
A spin happens when the car’s tyres lose traction and the car rotates. It usually costs time and can ruin your race plan.
A spin is when the car loses grip and rotates uncontrollably, often costing significant time and track position. In F1, spins can also damage tyres or force extra strategy changes afterward.
safety car
"then the early pit stop under the safety car, of course, which meant that I think he was back in sixth place twice in the space of about five laps."
When the track is unsafe, officials bring out a safety car to slow everyone down. Drivers may pit during that period because it usually costs less time than pitting under normal racing speed.
The safety car is deployed when there’s danger on track, and it controls the pace of the field behind it. This can drastically change race strategy because pit stops done under the safety car often cost less time.
tyre wear
"which he ended up just kind of being around because of the lack of tyre wear. So yeah, disappointed that we weren't able to actually see him fight for it properly."
Tyre wear is how fast the tyres get worse as you drive. If there’s “lack of tyre wear,” it means the tyres didn’t degrade much, so the car stays grippy and fast for longer.
Tyre wear is how quickly the tyres degrade during a race, reducing grip and performance. When the speaker says there was a “lack of tyre wear,” they mean the tyres stayed in better condition for longer, helping the driver maintain pace.
hard tyres
"Like you say, it was more difficult to judge because those hard tyres he was on, he was trying to nurse to the end"
“Hard tyres” are the tougher tire option in F1. They don’t wear out as fast, so you can often run them longer, but they may not grip the track as well as softer tires.
In Formula 1, “hard” tires are the harder compound. They generally wear more slowly, so they can last longer, but they usually provide less grip than softer compounds.
strategically
"you have to remember Antonelli strategically, of course, lap 26, he came into the pits to go from medium to hard tyres."
“Strategically” means the team is making a plan for the race. Instead of just going as fast as possible, they choose when to pit and what tires to use to improve their overall result.
In F1, “strategically” points to race strategy decisions—especially tire choice and pit-stop timing—to gain an advantage even if outright pace isn’t the fastest. It’s about optimizing the whole race, not just one lap.
Leclerc and Russell
"maybe go a bit longer on that stint or even try and do something like Leclerc and Russell did."
They’re naming two F1 drivers—Leclerc and Russell—who did a strategy move that worked. The speaker is using them as an example of how the race could have been played differently.
This references specific F1 drivers (Charles Leclerc and George Russell) as examples of a successful strategy approach. The point is that their tire/pit timing created an opportunity for a different race plan.
stint
"maybe go a bit longer on that stint or even try and do something like Leclerc and Russell did."
A “stint” is how long a driver stays out on one set of tires. Teams plan stints so the tires last long enough without losing too much speed.
A “stint” is the period a car runs on a single set of tires before making the next pit stop. Strategy often revolves around how long each stint is, balancing tire wear against lap-time performance.
threat of rain
"When we had the threat of rain coming on, they were hoping that they could make up enough ground"
Sometimes teams think rain might be coming soon. Even if the track isn’t wet yet, that possibility can change when they pit and what tyres they choose.
The “threat of rain” is when teams anticipate that rain could arrive soon, even if it hasn’t started yet. That uncertainty affects strategy because teams may pit for the best tire choice for wet or drying conditions.
catch-up
"that they could undercut everyone to such an extreme level that the catch-up at the end of the Grand Prix might have been much harder."
“Catch-up” means how fast someone behind can make up time on the cars in front. It depends on things like tire freshness and whether the race strategy puts them in a better position.
In race strategy talk, “catch-up” refers to how quickly a trailing driver can close the gap to cars ahead. It’s influenced by tire condition, track position, and whether strategy (like undercut or safety-car timing) gives the chaser a speed advantage.
strategy
"So I would have liked to see him try, but it is the safe option, and I think it was sensible for him to stop. I think it's one of those where, regardless of what he did,"
In F1, “strategy” is the plan for when to pit and how to manage tires and timing. It can make a big difference in where you finish, especially when race conditions change.
In F1, “strategy” usually refers to decisions like when to pit, which tires to use, and whether to react to events such as safety cars. The goal is to maximize finishing position by balancing track position and lap-time potential.
mediums
"At that point, it didn't look like anyone on the mediums was going to hang out for that sort of game."
“Mediums” are a type of tire used in F1. They’re designed to last longer than the softer tires, so teams pick them when they want a longer stint.
“Mediums” are a specific F1 tire compound (a harder, longer-lasting option compared with softer compounds). Teams use them when they expect relatively stable grip and want durability for stints.
intermediates
"...and then when they all needed to come in for intermediates, he could have been leading the way."
Intermediates are special rain tires for “in-between” conditions—when it’s wet, but not a full downpour. They help the car grip better on a damp track.
Intermediates are an F1 wet-weather tire designed for damp conditions—when the track is wet but not fully flooded. They have tread patterns that help channel water while still offering good performance as conditions evolve.
wheel-to-wheel incidents
"In terms of his multiple wheel-to-wheel incidents, if we were removing the start obviously from that, since we've discussed it,"
Wheel-to-wheel incidents are when two cars are racing very close together and something goes wrong—like contact or a risky move. Officials then judge whether it was fair racing.
Wheel-to-wheel incidents are on-track clashes where two cars are competing side-by-side or in close proximity, often involving contact or forcing another driver off their line. In F1, these are scrutinized for racing conduct and potential penalties.
tuck in
"There are a few moments where I'm thinking, yeah, he's going to tuck in here. Oh, no, he's gone for another lunch."
“Tuck in” means sliding in behind another car to follow their line. It can make you faster or safer while you wait for a better chance to pass.
In racing talk, “tuck in” means moving closer behind another car to reduce air resistance and improve traction/braking stability, often to set up an overtake or avoid traffic. It’s a positioning move rather than a pit or tire change.
wheel-to-wheel rubbing
"and it's ready, and wheel-to-wheel rubbing is racing, and I don't hate it."
When two cars are racing side-by-side, they can get so close that the tires lightly touch. It’s not ideal, but a small amount can happen in hard racing.
“Wheel-to-wheel rubbing” describes very close side-by-side contact where tires or wheels lightly touch during racing. It’s a common part of aggressive wheel-to-wheel battles, but excessive contact can still cost time or cause damage.
Crofty
"although there was one comment from Crofty that really made me laugh."
“Crofty” is a well-known F1 commentator. They’re quoting something he said during the broadcast.
“Crofty” is the nickname of F1 broadcaster David Croft. The hosts reference his commentary style and a specific line about Verstappen’s experience and race strategy.
Charlotte Clair
"and he knows that fighting Charlotte Clair is actually going to end up damaging his race,"
This sounds like a mis-heard name, but it’s referring to an F1 driver. The speaker is saying that fighting that driver could hurt Verstappen’s race.
“Charlotte Clair” appears to be a transcription error for “Charles Leclerc,” the Ferrari driver. The point being made is that battling Leclerc could damage Verstappen’s race outcome.
passed by a lot
"but it did damage his Grand Prix. He then gets passed by a lot. Yeah, I don't know."
“Passed by a lot” just means the driver got overtaken many times. In F1, that usually happens when their car isn’t keeping up or their tires/strategy aren’t working as well as the cars around them.
“Passed by a lot” describes a driver losing track position quickly due to being overtaken repeatedly. In F1, that often points to a car that’s struggling with pace, tire performance, or race strategy relative to others.
midfield
"I think the issue that maybe the midfield has, and I understand it, if you're in the position of the Williams, say Carlos Sainz-Soup himself had a bit to say on Team Radio about this,"
In F1, the “midfield” is the pack of teams that usually aren’t battling for the win, but also aren’t at the very back. Races there can be pretty unpredictable because small changes can make big differences.
In Formula 1, the midfield is the group of teams and drivers that are generally not fighting for the front (top positions) or the back (near the bottom). It’s where races often get chaotic because small strategy and setup differences can swing results.
Williams
"if you're in the position of the Williams, say Carlos Sainz-Soup himself had a bit to say on Team Radio about this, they're running their own race, they're not competing with Verstappen, and Verstappen knows that."
Williams is one of the Formula 1 teams. Here, they’re talking about how a team like Williams has different goals and tactics than the cars fighting at the very front.
Williams is a Formula 1 constructor (team) known for competing across many eras of the sport. In this segment, the hosts use “Williams” to refer to how a midfield team’s approach can differ from a front-running team’s battle for position.
dive bomb
"So Verstappen is essentially happy to go into these corners, dive bomb, not leave any room on the outside, knowing that the Williams car or any other car in that situation is ultimately just going to back out"
A “dive bomb” is when a driver brakes really late and then cuts into the corner to pass. It’s risky because there’s not much space to adjust if something goes wrong.
A “dive bomb” is an aggressive late braking move where a driver brakes very late and turns in sharply to overtake. In racing, it’s a high-risk tactic because it can leave little room for error or other cars.
Williams car
"knowing that the Williams car or any other car in that situation is ultimately just going to back out, because their choice is either crash"
“Williams car” means the Formula 1 car from the Williams team. The idea here is that Williams probably won’t challenge Verstappen in a way that risks a collision.
The “Williams car” refers to a Formula 1 car entered by the Williams team. The speaker is using it as an example of a car that, in this situation, would likely back out rather than risk a crash while Verstappen pushes hard.
hold their line
"if no one stands their ground and decides to hold their line in a corner and go side-by-side racing with him."
“Hold their line” means the driver keeps the same track through the corner. When cars are racing side-by-side, it helps everyone stay predictable and avoid contact.
“Hold their line” means keeping a consistent path through a corner rather than moving to block or changing your trajectory. In close racing, it’s a key part of how drivers manage risk and predictability when going side-by-side.
driver of the day
"He might be held back slightly by Pierre Gasly not being in this Grand Prix, because if Gasly's in that race and Colopinto beats him by 10 seconds, that really bolsters his claim to be driver of the day."
“Driver of the day” is a commentator’s way of picking the standout performer in that race. It’s based on things like how well they drove and how much they achieved compared to others.
“Driver of the day” is an informal award-style label used by commentators to highlight the most impressive driver performance of the race. The hosts weigh factors like who gained positions, avoided mistakes, and delivered results relative to expectations.
Alpine
"But ultimately, because Alpine were clear of those other midfield cars, he just barely saw him all afternoon, because he was just running his own race."
Alpine is the Formula 1 team brand. The hosts are saying Alpine’s cars were faster than most of the other “mid-pack” teams, which helped their driver’s results.
Alpine is the Formula 1 team brand (and manufacturer) that competes in F1. In this segment, the hosts credit Alpine’s relative pace over other midfield teams, which affects how they judge driver performance.
points for the team
"He's picked up four very valuable points for the team. But that's why I'm not going to go with him."
In F1, finishing higher earns points. Those points help both the driver and the team in the season standings.
In F1, drivers earn championship points based on their finishing position, and those points contribute to the team’s standings as well. The segment frames “valuable points” as important for the team’s season goals.
Power Rankings
"Wouldn't be surprised if they end up with a very similar grading on tomorrow's Power Rankings episode [2137.7s] that you can find exclusively on our Patreon."
Power Rankings are basically a “who’s doing best lately” list. They’re talking about a special episode where they rank drivers or teams based on how they performed.
Power Rankings are a fan-facing way to rank drivers or teams based on recent performance. In this episode, they’re teasing a separate segment where those rankings are discussed.
bargeboards
"You know, he was disqualified from qualifying due to his bargeboards being about, what, two millimetres too wide, which is tough."
Bargeboards are small aerodynamic parts on the front of an F1 car. They shape the air flowing around the car, and if they’re too wide, the car can be ruled illegal.
Bargeboards are aerodynamic bodywork pieces mounted along the sides of an F1 car’s front wing area. They help manage airflow around the car to improve downforce and reduce drag, so even small dimensional changes can affect legality and performance.
back markers
"getting past the immediate and obvious back markers, he drives straight into the wall, entirely on his own, unprovoked, unchallenged."
Back markers are the slower cars you have to pass while you’re trying to race for position. Passing them at the wrong time can make you lose time or get into trouble.
Back markers are slower cars that are not competing for the lead, usually because they’re behind in the race order or have different pace. Leaders must navigate traffic carefully when lapping them, and mistakes can cost time or cause incidents.
rookie mistake
"And that is just a rookie mistake. He was having a bad weekend anyway, when he was already a second behind the staffing and the qualifying,"
A “rookie mistake” means the driver made an error that’s more likely when you don’t have much experience yet. In F1, small mistakes can quickly turn into crashes.
A “rookie mistake” refers to an error commonly associated with less experienced drivers, often involving judgment under pressure, car handling limits, or racecraft decisions. In F1, even small misjudgments can lead to crashes because speeds are high and margins are tiny.
low speed corners
"Unfortunate error from him, and we forget sometimes with how fast they're going for even these low speed corners, how marginal it is,"
A low-speed corner is a turn where the car isn’t going very fast. At those speeds, it’s easier to lose time or stability, so drivers have to be very precise with braking and steering.
In racing, “low speed corners” are turns where the car is traveling more slowly than in high-speed sections, so small mistakes have a bigger effect. Because the car has less momentum, traction and braking/turn-in precision matter a lot, making the margin for error feel “marginal.”
Red Bull
"So yeah, he's easily his toughest race in a Red Bull so far, frustratingly for him on the weekend where Red Bull have showed the most so far."
Red Bull is the Formula 1 team. The hosts are saying Red Bull looked especially strong during this part of the race weekend.
Red Bull is the Formula 1 team and brand associated with the Red Bull Racing outfit. When the hosts say Red Bull “have showed the most so far,” they’re talking about the team’s relative competitiveness during the weekend.
praying that it's going to rain
"I'm going to jump in here and go with Fernando Alonso just praying that it's going to rain at some point."
In F1, rain can make the track much slipperier. That changes how tires work and can change when teams decide to pit, so it can help or hurt depending on the situation.
In F1, expecting rain is a strategic bet because wet conditions change tire performance and reduce overall grip. That can alter overtaking chances, braking distances, and the optimal timing for pit stops.
medium tyres
"He was out there so long on those medium tyres hoping that it was going to rain, and what does he gain from doing it?"
F1 tyres come in different “grip levels.” “Medium” is a middle option—usually good balance of grip and durability—so teams choose it based on how long they need the tyre to last.
In Formula 1, “medium tyres” refers to a specific rubber compound in the tyre range (softer than hard, harder than soft). The compound affects grip and how quickly the tyre wears, which strongly influences strategy like when to pit.
Ferrari
"[2548.6s] I just wanted to make sure that anyone who's returning [2551.7s] to the podcast maybe after a month away from F1 is updated. [2556.8s] Shall we get into Ferrari? [2560.4s] Oh, good. [2561.4s] Yes. [2561.8s] The main course has arrived."
They’re switching to talk about Ferrari’s race. That means the F1 team and how their cars/drivers did in the Miami Grand Prix.
The hosts pivot to discussing Ferrari, likely focusing on the team’s performance and key moments from the Miami GP. In F1 coverage, “Ferrari” usually refers to the constructor/team and its drivers rather than a specific road car.
P6 and P7
"[2565.7s] We've had a little chit chat. [2567.1s] Hang on, it's time to attack it. [2569.5s] P6 and P7, on appropriately, [2573.6s] episode number 667, [2577.0s] after, you rightly said,"
“P6 and P7” are where someone finished in the race: 6th place and 7th place. Higher numbers mean a worse finish, and it matters because it affects points.
“P6 and P7” are finishing positions—P6 means 6th place and P7 means 7th place. In race reviews, these positions are used to summarize how far up the field a team or driver finished, which affects points and momentum.
penalties
"P6 and P7, well behind all of their competition with potential penalties still to be applied. I think it became clear even with Charlotte Clarke leading on the first lap."
Penalties are punishments for breaking race rules. Even if a driver finishes 6th or 7th on track, a penalty can move them up or down in the final results.
In Formula 1, penalties are time penalties or position changes applied for rule infringements (for example, unsafe driving or track limits). The hosts mention “potential penalties” because they can alter the final finishing order even if a car crosses the line in a certain position.
P3
"And at that point, P3 was very much still there for the taking."
P3 means third place on the race classification at that moment. The hosts say third was still possible, implying the drivers behind could still challenge for podium position.
traffic
"When George Russell pit first, and they saw that he had basically caught up to traffic almost immediately"
Traffic means the car is caught behind other cars. That can slow you down because you can’t drive your best line or build a big gap.
“Traffic” in F1 means being stuck behind other cars that are not your direct rivals. It can blunt the effectiveness of a pit strategy because you can’t always convert fresh tires into clean, fast laps.
fresher tyres
"because of the outright speed of the Ferrari, I think the fresher tyres later on were massively benefited them."
Fresher tires are newer tires with more grip. They usually help the car go faster, especially later in a stint or after a pit stop.
“Fresher tyres” means tires that have done fewer laps since the last change, so they typically provide more grip and faster lap times. In race strategy, teams often plan around when tires will be at their best.
slow stop
"I think if it weren't for the slow stop, he comes out ahead of George Russell and doesn't have to waste multiple laps getting past him."
A “slow stop” is when the pit crew takes longer than normal to service the car. In racing, that costs time, and it can make it harder to stay ahead or get past other drivers.
A “slow stop” means the car’s pit stop took longer than expected—usually due to a slower wheel change or a delay in the pit lane. In F1, even a small timing loss can change track position and which cars you can pass.
review coming up shortly
"If they can fix that with potentially a review coming up shortly, it could be enough again to put them in this conversation."
A “review” means someone is going to re-check something that happened during the race. If they change their decision, it can affect the final standings.
A “review” in F1 usually means officials or teams will re-check an incident or performance-related decision (often involving race control). The outcome can affect results like penalties, which in turn can change who finishes where.
power unit
"[2829.1s] To be fair, that's the one thing we haven't seen from them, though, [2831.4s] is that power unit, if that can get better."
In F1, the “power unit” is the whole engine package, not just the engine block. It includes the hybrid parts that help the car make extra energy for acceleration.
In Formula 1, the power unit is the car’s complete hybrid engine system, including the internal-combustion engine plus energy-recovery components. It’s a major factor in how much speed and acceleration the car can produce, especially on straights.
forward engine
"[2842.3s] Yeah, yeah. [2842.8s] And you can say the same thing about the forward engine [2844.9s] in the back of the Red Bull."
They’re talking about where the engine sits in the car. In F1, the engine location changes how the car feels and handles, because it affects weight balance and balance under braking.
“Forward engine” here refers to the engine placement/layout used in the car’s design—specifically, the engine is mounted toward the front of the chassis rather than being fully rearward. In F1, packaging affects weight distribution, cooling, and how the car behaves under braking and cornering.
older tyres
"[2845.7s] I mean, even when Leclerc reached the staff on those much older tyres, [2850.3s] he was tricky to pass for him."
“Older tyres” are tires that have already been used for a while. They usually get less grippy as the race goes on, so it’s harder to go fast or pass.
“Older tyres” means tires that have been used for multiple laps and have degraded from their initial grip level. As tyres age, they typically lose performance and can become harder to manage, especially when trying to defend or overtake.
straights
"[2851.9s] And actually going down the longer straights, [2854.0s] it took a couple of goes to get the job done."
“Straights” are the parts of the track where the cars can go flat-out. If a car is strong on the straights, it tends to be faster at top speed and acceleration.
“Straights” are the sections of the track where cars are accelerating at high speed with minimal turning. In F1 analysis, how quickly a car gains speed on the straights often reflects engine/power-unit strength and aerodynamic efficiency.
penalised
"[2866.7s] Hamilton, at least at the moment, makes up the seventh of the P6, P7, [2870.9s] but that could change around if Leclerc is penalised at all [2874.3s] for what happened on the final lap."
If a driver is “penalised,” it means the race officials decided they broke the rules. The penalty can cost them track position, usually by adding time or changing where they finish.
A “penalty” in F1 is a sanction applied after an incident, such as contact or unsafe driving, which can affect race position. It can come in the form of time penalties, grid penalties, or other race-related consequences depending on the ruling.
contact
"[2876.9s] He did pick up damage quite early on, [2878.9s] thanks to contact with Franco Colopinto. [2881.7s] But we also saw the rest this weekend,"
“Contact” means the cars bumped each other on track. That kind of incident can lead to damage and sometimes a penalty.
In race reporting, “contact” means the cars touched during an on-track incident. Contact can trigger penalties and often causes damage that changes performance immediately.
managed his race well
"He managed his race well. He had proper damage. The sidewalk was severely damaged after that lap weighing incident, downforce in a lot of these areas, especially through sector one at Miami, is really crucial for having a fast lap time."
“Managing the race” in F1 usually means controlling pace and risk to maximize results despite changing conditions—like traffic, tire wear, or damage. It often involves choosing when to push versus when to protect the car and avoid losing more positions.
lap weighing incident
"He managed his race well. He had proper damage. The sidewalk was severely damaged after that lap weighing incident, downforce in a lot of these areas, especially through sector one at Miami, is really crucial for having a fast lap time."
This sounds like an incident tied to the official car checks after a lap or session—when the car is weighed and inspected. The hosts are implying it led to damage and affected how the race played out.
A “lap weighing incident” refers to a situation connected to F1’s post-session weighing procedures, where cars are weighed and checked for compliance. If something goes wrong around that process, it can lead to delays, penalties, or even damage-related consequences that affect race outcome.
downforce
"The sidewalk was severely damaged after that lap weighing incident, downforce in a lot of these areas, especially through sector one at Miami, is really crucial for having a fast lap time."
Downforce is the aerodynamic force that pushes the car’s tires into the track, increasing grip. Higher downforce generally lets drivers brake later and corner faster, but it can be traded off against top speed depending on setup and track characteristics.
sector one
"The sidewalk was severely damaged after that lap weighing incident, downforce in a lot of these areas, especially through sector one at Miami, is really crucial for having a fast lap time."
F1 tracks are split into sections for timing. “Sector one” is the first part of the lap, and the hosts are saying that part is especially important at Miami for speed.
“Sector one” is the first third of an F1 circuit used for timing and performance analysis. Drivers and teams compare lap times by sector to identify where the car is strong or where issues (like damage or low grip) are costing time.
damage
"do you think Hamilton had damage? [2973.2s] I would say, yeah, I'm like 75% sure he had damage, [2978.2s] because sure, that result makes sense that he had damage,"
“Damage” means something on the car got hurt in an incident. That can make the car handle worse or lose speed, even if it still finishes.
In F1, “damage” means the car has been physically affected—such as bodywork damage, bent suspension parts, or other issues—that can reduce speed and handling. Even if the car still runs, damage can make it slower in qualifying and races.
P6
"Idioms are hard, but finishing higher than P6 is even more hard. [3015.6s] That's true."
“P6” means 6th place. In Formula 1, where you finish affects how many points you get, so 6th versus better spots matters.
“P6” means finishing 6th place in the race (P = position). In F1, where points are awarded to the top finishers, moving from 6th to higher positions can be a big deal for championship momentum.
raw pace
"[3046.1s] Verstappen was very good on his raw pace, [3048.3s] maybe got in his race craft, it's okay, but that's one race. [3051.4s] If the Red Bull is going to be there every race now,"
“Raw pace” means how fast someone seems to be when everything is going well. It’s about speed, not necessarily how well they manage the whole race.
Raw pace is a driver’s or car’s outright speed—how quickly they can go in ideal conditions—often measured by lap times. It’s different from race craft, which is about managing tires, strategy, and overtakes over a whole Grand Prix.
race craft
"[3046.1s] Verstappen was very good on his raw pace, [3048.3s] maybe got in his race craft, it's okay, but that's one race. [3051.4s] If the Red Bull is going to be there every race now,"
Race craft is how good a driver is at handling the race itself—like when to pass, how to defend, and how to manage tires. You can be fast, but still not “race well” if you don’t make the right moves.
Race craft is the set of skills used to perform well during a race, such as choosing when to attack, defending, managing tire wear, and adapting to traffic. The hosts are contrasting it with raw pace to judge whether performance was complete or just speed-based.
George Russell
"[3062.7s] and I think that applies with George Russell. [3065.5s] He was awful. [3066.7s] My man has got the luckiest two finishes across this weekend."
George Russell is a Formula 1 driver, and the hosts are analyzing his weekend performance relative to his teammate. They argue his results were helped by avoiding mistakes and benefiting from circumstances, even though his pace was poor.
teammate
"[3093.0s] He had Hamilton for a teammate. [3094.4s] Over 30 seconds back from a teammate, and it's not just any teammate. [3098.2s] It's the 19-year-old that's only been in a championship fight"
A teammate is the other driver on the same Formula 1 team. Comparing teammates is a common way to evaluate relative performance because they share the same car package and team resources (though not always identical setups).
radio message after winning
"because if he doesn't, his radio message after winning an Australia, [3197.8s] I love this engine, I love this car, is going to be replayed for years"
F1 cars have a radio link to the team. After a big moment, the driver says something, and TV coverage can replay it for a long time.
In Formula 1, drivers send short messages over the team radio during and after key moments like a win. These comments can be replayed in broadcasts and become memorable quotes for fans.
Australia
"because if he doesn't, his radio message after winning an Australia, [3197.8s] I love this engine, I love this car, is going to be replayed for years"
They’re talking about the F1 race in Australia. It’s being used as a timeline marker for when the driver said something.
This refers to the Australian Grand Prix, a specific F1 race on the calendar. The hosts are using it as a reference point for a driver’s post-race radio quote.
racetrack
"because whilst I understand that might be true, it concerns me he said that [3237.2s] because, number one, he finished on the podium here last year, [3240.6s] and secondly, that wasn't a problem last year."
They’re talking about whether a driver likes a particular circuit. Different tracks can feel easier or harder depending on how the car handles there.
The hosts are discussing how drivers evaluate specific circuits and whether they like or dislike a particular track. In F1, track preference can relate to car setup, driving style, and how the circuit’s corners and grip characteristics suit the car.
points at the end of that Grand Prix
"[3266.3s] He got so lucky to pick up another four or five points at the end of that Grand Prix, [3270.1s] because I think at one point he was going to be 24 points behind Kimmy Antonelli..."
They mean that even toward the end of the race, you can still score points that affect the championship. So a “late” result can change how close drivers are in the standings.
The hosts are discussing how late-race circumstances can still produce additional championship points. In F1, the points you score near the finish can swing the standings even if you weren’t in contention earlier.
Gasly
"...including Gasly and Lawson as a result of their contact into turn 17, [3294.7s] understanding after the race that Lawson seems to have a gearbox issue..."
They’re talking about Pierre Gasly. He had a bad race because of contact at turn 17, but they also say he was strong in qualifying, which is when cars set their fastest laps to decide the starting order.
Gasly (Pierre Gasly) is discussed as one of the drivers who retired due to contact into turn 17. The hosts also note he “excelled in qualifying,” highlighting the difference between qualifying pace and race outcomes.
Lawson
"...including Gasly and Lawson as a result of their contact into turn 17, [3294.7s] understanding after the race that Lawson seems to have a gearbox issue..."
They’re talking about Lawson, who was involved in a crash at turn 17. After the race, they believe a gearbox problem played a role, and that’s why both cars ended up retiring.
Lawson is referenced as the other driver involved in the contact at turn 17 that led to retirement. The hosts then connect the crash to a gearbox issue, implying a mechanical fault contributed to the incident.
turn 17
"...including Gasly and Lawson as a result of their contact into turn 17, [3294.7s] understanding after the race that Lawson seems to have a gearbox issue..."
Turn 17 is just a particular corner on the track. Saying “contact into turn 17” tells you where the crash started so you can understand what went wrong.
Turn 17 is a specific corner on the circuit layout, used here to pinpoint where the contact happened. In race analysis, naming the corner helps explain how the incident unfolded and why it affected multiple cars.
gearbox issue
"...Lawson seems to have a gearbox issue [3298.2s] that caused that crash and has ultimately caused the retirement of both of them."
The gearbox is what lets the car use different gears. If it has a problem, the driver may not be able to shift or put power down correctly, and it can force the car to retire.
In F1, the gearbox is the transmission that selects gears and manages power delivery. A “gearbox issue” means a mechanical or electronic fault that can prevent the car from accelerating or can cause a failure severe enough to end the race.
Max Verstappen
"...Gasly was really unlucky with how the start happened. [3340.6s] He was one of those drivers that ended up being quite badly affected by Max Verstappen's spin..."
They’re talking about Max Verstappen and a spin that affected other drivers. In F1, one car’s mistake can force others to react and can cost them positions or even their race.
Max Verstappen is cited as the driver whose spin impacted Pierre Gasly’s race. This is a race incident reference—how one driver’s mistake can ripple into other cars’ results.
rejoin
"...being quite badly affected by Max Verstappen's spin, [3344.8s] by the way, the rejoin."
A “rejoin” is when a car gets back onto the track after being off-line (for example after an incident). The timing of that merge can be dangerous because other cars may be arriving at speed.
A “rejoin” is when a car leaves the pit lane or rejoins the track after an incident, and then merges back into racing traffic. The hosts are saying Gasly was affected by Verstappen’s spin specifically during that rejoin phase.
outpeeing
"He's super quick. If anyone was going to maximise that outpeeing in the midfield, it was going to be him."
They’re basically saying one driver was likely to go faster than the other midfield cars. In a race, that means he could pass rivals and finish higher.
“Outpeeing” here is slang for outpacing—going faster than other cars in the midfield battle. In F1 context, it usually means gaining positions by matching or exceeding rivals’ race pace over a stint.
main race
"I'll get mine out the way because I said that Audi would score points with both drivers in this main race. What did they do, mate?"
They mean the actual Grand Prix race, not qualifying or practice. That’s the race where drivers can earn championship points.
“Main race” distinguishes the Grand Prix itself from other sessions like qualifying or sprint events. The hosts are specifically discussing the points-scoring race.
back row of the grid
"Yeah, I know. Bortoletto has finished 12th after starting on the back row of the grid and had the pace, I think, to beat the hash drivers and maybe the Williams drivers as well."
The grid is where cars line up before the race. Starting on the back row means you start near the rear, so you have to work harder to move up.
The “grid” is the starting order for the race. The “back row” means the car starts near the rear of the grid, which makes it harder to gain positions because you’re surrounded by slower traffic early on.
the race
"Mine, of course, was that Colopinto would be in the top ten for sprint qualifying, top ten for qualifying, and then top ten for the race. It was a triple parter."
The race is the main event on Sunday (or the main day of the weekend). That’s the one where drivers finish in order and earn points.
In F1, “the race” is the main event where points are awarded based on finishing position. It’s distinct from sprint qualifying and the qualifying session that sets the grid.
retired ten laps from the end
"And if you'd got two thirds of the way there and something stupid had happened like Colopinto had retired ten laps from the end, I would have felt genuinely bad for you."
“Retired” means the driver couldn’t finish the race and had to stop. If it happened ten laps from the end, they were still in it for a while before something went wrong.
“Retired” means the driver had to stop and could not continue the race, usually due to mechanical failure or damage. Retiring “ten laps from the end” implies the car was still running for most of the event before the problem forced an early exit.
regulations
"Crofty sometimes this season has been willing to play ball when it comes to the regulations and maybe try and hype them up a little bit."
F1 has a detailed rulebook. It covers both how the cars are built and how the race is run, including what officials should enforce.
F1 regulations are the sport’s rulebook covering everything from car design limits to race procedures and penalties. When the hosts say someone is “playing ball” with the regulations, they mean the person is being more accepting of how strictly (or loosely) rules are applied.
pit lane exit line
"But today we got a bit of angry Crofty at the way in which the staffman's potential penalty for crossing the pit lane exit line, we got a bit of anger from him at the fact that it wasn't being investigated during the race."
F1 cars use special lines when leaving the pit lane. If a driver crosses the wrong line, it can break the rules and may lead to a penalty.
In Formula 1, the pit lane has specific entry and exit markings that drivers must follow. Crossing the pit lane exit line can be treated as a rules violation because it affects safe merging back onto the track and can provide an unfair advantage.
livery
"The debut of the yellow V carb that livery is chef's kiss. Anyways, keep breaking late."
A livery is the car’s paint and graphics—basically the design you see on the car. Teams change it for different races or promotions.
A livery is the car’s (or driver’s) visual design—colors, logos, patterns, and sponsor placement. In F1, livery changes are often tied to team branding, special events, or marketing campaigns.
breaking late
"Anyways, keep breaking late. Okay."
“Breaking late” means braking later than usual, right near the turn. If you do it correctly you can carry more speed, but you have to be careful not to brake too hard or too late.
“Breaking late” refers to braking as close as possible to the corner entry, rather than earlier. Doing it well can help maximize speed through the corner, but it requires precise braking to avoid locking up or overshooting the turn-in point.
Racing Bulls
"I'll pick up on the second point of the the racing bulls livery, which I don't love as much as most. What's impressive is racing bulls have race suits where it looks like the drivers have peed themselves."
Racing Bulls is the F1 team brand in this race. The hosts are talking about how the team’s driver outfits look.
Racing Bulls is the Red Bull–backed Formula 1 team brand used for the team’s car and driver branding. The hosts are commenting on the team’s race-suit design and overall visual presentation for the Miami GP.
Milka
"What is up with those Milka? Big up Milka, by the way. Very tasty chocolate."
Milka is a chocolate brand. The hosts are making a joke that the suit colors/design look like Milka chocolate.
Milka is a chocolate brand referenced as part of the hosts’ joke about the color/design of Mercedes’ race-suit look. It’s not a performance term—more of a pop-culture comparison for the visuals.
spun on the final lap
"Moment of the race was Charles O'Tooleir giving me an absolute heart attack when he spun on the final lap and then proceeding to drop three positions."
A “spin” means the car suddenly loses traction and starts rotating instead of going straight. If it happens on the last lap, it’s hard to recover quickly, so the driver can lose positions fast.
In Formula 1, a driver “spins” when the car loses grip and rotates uncontrollably, usually from a traction or balance issue at corner entry/exit. A spin on the final lap is especially costly because there’s little time to recover before the checkered flag.
drop three positions
"Moment of the race was Charles O'Tooleir giving me an absolute heart attack when he spun on the final lap and then proceeding to drop three positions."
“Dropping positions” means you fall behind other cars on the track. In F1, it’s often hard to pass, so losing a few places after a mistake can hurt your finish a lot.
“Dropping positions” refers to losing track position relative to other cars, which can happen after an incident like a spin. In F1, track position is critical because overtaking is difficult, so losing a few spots can drastically affect results.
McLaren CEO
"The Bungalorian. It's the McLaren CEO. Yeah."
McLaren is another major Formula 1 team. The “CEO” is the top executive of the team, and the host is making a joke/remark about who it might be in the moment they’re discussing.
McLaren is the British Formula 1 team, and “McLaren CEO” refers to the team’s chief executive attending or being mentioned during the broadcast. In F1 coverage, high-profile team figures sometimes appear in the paddock or are referenced during notable moments.
first laps
"I will say with first laps... it does feel like the start of races are absolute chaos. Yeah. Yeah, yeah."
The early laps are usually the most hectic part of an F1 race. Everyone is close together, so it’s easier for things to get messy if someone makes a mistake or gets boxed in.
The “first laps” in F1 are often the most chaotic because cars are bunched up, drivers are jockeying for position, and small mistakes can quickly escalate into incidents. Starts and early race phases also set the tone for strategy, tire use, and track position.
road starts
"It also helps that the Sadies cannot do road starts... And they're often the ones at the front."
A “road start” means the race begins with cars already moving, usually behind a lead car, instead of starting from a standstill. That changes how drivers get up to speed and how risky the first moments feel.
“Road starts” refers to a race start procedure where cars begin from a rolling start behind the pace car/formation rather than from a stationary grid. In F1, the start type affects how drivers manage clutch/launch (where applicable), tire temperature, and early positioning risk.
crashing out
"My moment of the race was Isaac physically crashing out and then mentally crashing out. It was devastatingly emo."
“Crashing out” means someone had an accident and couldn’t continue the race. It’s not just a moment of impact—it usually ends their race completely.
“Crashing out” means a driver is forced to retire from the race due to an accident, typically after contact or loss of control. In race reviews, it’s often used to describe both the physical incident and its knock-on effect on the driver’s mindset and remaining race prospects.
F2 or F3
"I can't remember if it's F2 or F3, but Jack Doon also did an impression of him doing that, which was very funny last year."
F2 and F3 are racing leagues that happen before Formula 1. Young drivers use them to prove they’re ready for F1.
F2 and F3 refer to FIA single-seater feeder series below Formula 1. Drivers often move up through these categories as they develop racecraft and get noticed by F1 teams.
Isaac Hagsha
"And Isaac Hagsha, all in like Daphmark's, forgettably spelled out like it's hard to say. I mean, to be fair, you might look at Isaac and say automatically Isaac."
Isaac Hagsha is the person being talked about in this segment. The hosts are making a joke about getting the name right when reading it on camera.
Isaac Hagsha appears to be a person referenced in the episode’s discussion, likely tied to an F1-related interview or media moment. The hosts are also joking about how the name is pronounced/spelled on-air.
fresh soft tires
"Yeah, honestly, it was depressing with like Alonso was on those fresh soft tires towards the end of this race."
Soft tires are the stickier kind used in racing. “Fresh” means they were put on recently, so they usually work best right after the pit stop.
“Soft” refers to a tire compound that’s designed to provide more grip, especially over shorter stints. “Fresh” means the tires were newly put on (or recently changed), so they typically offer peak performance compared with older tires.
cool down room
"So my moment of the race has got to be when they all collectively in the cool down room just went at the race start."
After a race, teams have a place to slow down and handle the immediate aftermath. It’s where they talk about what happened and get ready for the next steps.
In racing, the “cool down” area is where teams and drivers go immediately after the session to wind down and manage post-run procedures. It’s often associated with media, debriefs, and technical discussions while the cars are still being assessed.
difficult to defend
"Man, these cars are really difficult to defend with just fades to nothing."
They mean it was hard for the leading driver to keep the other car behind. That usually happens when the trailing car has better grip or is faster through key parts of the track.
“Difficult to defend” describes how hard it is for a driver to hold position under pressure, especially during overtaking attempts. In F1, defense often depends on tire grip, braking stability, and how quickly the car can build speed out of corners.
DFS
"Oh, I was thinking, I was thinking about DFS today, right? ... It's DFS."
They say “DFS,” but the clip doesn’t explain what it stands for. It might be something like a game or betting/fantasy thing, but we can’t be sure from this segment alone.
“DFS” is mentioned in a context that suggests a specific acronym, but the transcript doesn’t clearly define it. In motorsport/podcast culture it could refer to a betting or fantasy product, but without more context it’s ambiguous.
Canadian GP
"Next time we'll be back with those will be the Canadian GP, which is in a few weeks time, Sam, but we've got plenty of F1 to be talking about between now and then."
“GP” means Grand Prix, which is a big race weekend in Formula 1. The Canadian GP is the next F1 race in Canada, usually in Montreal.
The Canadian GP refers to the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix, one of the sport’s scheduled races. It’s typically held at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal.
midweek review
"Folks, by our midweek review, we may have just heard what the skewers decisions were when it comes to all these penalties."
They’re talking about a follow-up show during the week after the race. It’s where they go over any official decisions that came out after the event.
A “midweek review” is a follow-up episode segment where the hosts recap what happened after the race, often focusing on official decisions. In F1, this commonly includes penalties, steward rulings, and any post-race clarifications.
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