{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"Bonus episode! Will F1's bold new era fly or fall flat? ","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/bonus-episode-will-f1-s-bold-new-era-fly-or-fall-flat","audioUrl":"https://traffic.megaphone.fm/APO6137201606.mp3","description":"Dan Prosser and Andrew Frankel preview the 2026 Formula 1 season, which gets underway this weekend at the Australian Grand Prix. They discuss the controversial new power unit regulations and the apparent shortcomings of this new era of hybrid powertrains, which teams and drivers appear to be in a strong position, and which teams are in trouble. Use coupon code pod20 at checkout to get 20% off an annual subscription to The Intercooler's online car magazine for the first year! Listen to this podcast ad-free, and enjoy a subscriber-only midweek podcast too. With a 30-day free trial, you can try it risk-free – ⁠https://www.the-intercooler.com/subscribe/⁠ Find out more about JBR Capital here – https://www.jbrcapital.com Use coupon code Ti10 to get 10% off your Supernatural Car Care order – https://supernaturalcarcare.com/ \n"},"annotations":[{"startTime":142.7,"endTime":149.8,"type":"concept","title":"Formula One","url":"/glossary/formula-one","quote":"The only reason I had Sky Sports was to watch Formula One. And so what I've done now is I've taken out a subscription to now.","canonicalId":"concept:formula-one","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Formula One is the highest class of international single-seater auto racing sanctioned by the FIA. It features the fastest and most technologically advanced race cars competing in a series of Grand Prix events around the world.","simplifiedExplanation":"Formula One is a type of car race where very fast and special cars race on tracks all over the world. It's the top level of car racing and very popular."}},{"startTime":233.7,"endTime":238.5,"type":"concept","title":"Australian Grand Prix","url":"/glossary/australian-grand-prix","quote":"it was the Australian Grand Prix, again, lewd across the clock for those of us in Europe.","canonicalId":"concept:australian-grand-prix","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Australian Grand Prix is a Formula 1 race held annually, often marking the start of the F1 season. It is a major event in the motorsport calendar attracting global attention.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Australian Grand Prix is a big car race that happens every year in Australia. It's one of the first races in the Formula 1 season, where the fastest race cars compete."}},{"startTime":246.6,"endTime":252.1,"type":"concept","title":"Formula 1 season","url":"/glossary/formula-1-season","quote":"I was so excited about the start of the new season. I just woke up.","canonicalId":"concept:formula-1-season","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Formula 1 season consists of a series of races held worldwide where teams and drivers compete for championship points. It typically starts early in the year and runs through several months.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Formula 1 season is a set of car races that happen all year. Drivers and teams try to win points in each race to become the champion."}},{"startTime":274.02,"endTime":279.48,"type":"car","title":"Oldsmobile Intrigue","url":"/cars/oldsmobile/intrigue","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a0/1998_Oldsmobile_Intrigue%2C_Rear_Left%2C_10-28-2020.jpg","quote":"...oing on, isn't  there? There's this curious, this intrigue, curiosity about who's going to win and who's  go...","canonicalId":"car:oldsmobile:intrigue","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Oldsmobile Intrigue was a mid-size sedan produced in the late 1990s and early 2000s, known for its smooth ride and understated design. It was part of Oldsmobile's effort to appeal to a more modern audience before the brand was discontinued. The name 'Intrigue' reflects the car's aim to spark curiosity and interest among buyers.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Oldsmobile Intrigue is a medium-sized car made about 20 years ago. It was designed to be comfortable and easy to drive, and its name means it wants to make people curious about it. People might talk about it because it’s a bit different and not made anymore.","imageAttribution":"SsmIntrigue (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":351.2,"endTime":359.1,"type":"brand","title":"Honda","url":"/glossary/honda","quote":"I think it's probably questionable whether Honda would have stayed in it.","canonicalId":"brand:honda","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Honda is a Japanese car and motorcycle manufacturer that has been involved in Formula One as an engine supplier and works team, known for its engineering and racing heritage.","simplifiedExplanation":"Honda is a company from Japan that makes cars and motorcycles and has been part of big car races like Formula One."}},{"startTime":423.0,"endTime":429.4,"type":"brand","title":"Audi","url":"/glossary/audi","quote":"And to accompany like Audi coming into Formula One for the first time, that simplification, that reduction in cost is undoubtedly a significant factor.","canonicalId":"brand:audi","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Audi is a German automotive manufacturer known for its luxury vehicles and involvement in motorsports, including Formula One. Their entry into Formula One marks a significant development in the sport.","simplifiedExplanation":"Audi is a car company from Germany that makes fancy cars and races in big car races like Formula One."}},{"startTime":436.3,"endTime":442.2,"type":"concept","title":"hybrids","url":"/glossary/hybrid","quote":"it's not just about hybrids. But you know, these were all decisions which were made a very long time ago.","canonicalId":"concept:hybrid","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Hybrid vehicles combine an internal combustion engine with an electric motor to improve efficiency and reduce emissions. In racing, hybrid technology is used to recover and deploy energy more effectively.","simplifiedExplanation":"Hybrids are cars that use both gas engines and electric power to save fuel and be cleaner."}},{"startTime":463.6,"endTime":469.4,"type":"concept","title":"Aero package","url":"/glossary/aero-package","quote":"The whole car, the whole design of the rest of the car, particularly the Aero package has had to be compromised, just to try to","canonicalId":"concept:aero-package","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"An Aero package refers to the aerodynamic components of a car designed to improve airflow, reduce drag, and increase downforce for better performance and handling.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Aero package means the parts on a car that help it cut through the air better so it can go faster and stick to the road."}},{"startTime":589.1,"endTime":594.3,"type":"concept","title":"Formula E","url":"/glossary/formula-e","quote":"...I think, is that if you look at the FIA's top racing series, Formula E, that deals with electric powertrains.","canonicalId":"concept:formula-e","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Formula E is a FIA-sanctioned international racing series featuring only electric-powered single-seater cars, focusing on sustainable motorsport and electric vehicle technology.","simplifiedExplanation":"Formula E is a race series where all the cars run on electricity instead of gas, showing how electric cars can be fast and exciting."}},{"startTime":653.74,"endTime":660.0,"type":"concept","title":"World Endurance Championship","url":"/glossary/world-endurance-championship","quote":"World Endurance Championship and sustainable fuels in high revving VA engines with very small push to pass hybrids on them just to enable overtaking.","canonicalId":"concept:world-endurance-championship","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The World Endurance Championship (WEC) is a global sports car racing series featuring endurance races, including the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans. It showcases prototype and GT cars competing over long distances, testing durability and strategy.","simplifiedExplanation":"The World Endurance Championship is a racing series where cars race for many hours, sometimes a whole day, to see which is fastest and most reliable."}},{"startTime":688.5,"endTime":695.0,"type":"concept","title":"energy management in racing","url":"/glossary/energy-management-in-racing","quote":"okay, everybody's managing their energy, but you know, everyone's in the same boat so everybody will still be racing each other.","canonicalId":"concept:energy-management-in-racing","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Energy management in racing involves drivers and teams carefully controlling fuel, battery charge, and power usage to maximize performance and comply with race regulations.","simplifiedExplanation":"Energy management means drivers have to be careful about how they use their car's power so they don't run out or break rules."}},{"startTime":896.0,"endTime":900.0,"type":"concept","title":"Beckett's complex","url":"/glossary/beckett-s-complex","quote":"\"...chucking your car through, you know, the Beckett's complex at Silverstone, isn't it? That's where you just think, yeah...\"","canonicalId":"concept:beckett-s-complex","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Beckett's complex is a challenging series of corners at the Silverstone Circuit, known for testing driver skill and car handling in Formula One and other racing series.","simplifiedExplanation":"Beckett's complex is a tricky part of a race track where drivers have to turn a lot. It's a place that really shows how good a driver and their car are."}},{"startTime":1051.46,"endTime":1056.2,"type":"car","title":"Dodge Charger","url":"/cars/dodge/charger","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8f/1970_Dodge_Charger_R-T_Hirschaid_22-20220709-RM-120204.jpg","quote":"...p,  but it's the only way they can keep the turbo charger spinning. The whole start procedure just  sounds ...","canonicalId":"car:dodge:charger","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Dodge Charger is a full-size sedan known for its powerful engine options and muscle car heritage. It often features turbocharged engines, which require specific start-up procedures to maintain turbocharger health and performance. It's frequently discussed for its blend of performance, aggressive styling, and modern technology.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Dodge Charger is a big car that looks sporty and can go really fast. It has a special engine part called a turbocharger that helps it get more power, and sometimes starting the car sounds different because of that. People talk about it because it’s fun to drive and looks cool.","imageAttribution":"Ermell (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":1085.6,"endTime":1105.1,"type":"brand","title":"Ferrari","url":"/glossary/ferrari","quote":"And Ferrari, the Ferrari power unit has a smaller turbo, doesn't it? So it's, by the sounds of it, it's going to be better off the line than the other PU's. And so that might be a huge advantage for Ferrari, but the starts are a big question mark around F1 this it's not just Ferrari, it's Cadillac and it's house as well, isn't it? Yeah, that's right. The Ferrari PU's, yeah.","canonicalId":"brand:ferrari","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Ferrari is a famous Italian automotive manufacturer known for its high-performance sports cars and its long history in Formula 1 racing. Their power units are often competitive and technologically advanced.","simplifiedExplanation":"Ferrari is a well-known car company from Italy that makes very fast and fancy cars. They also race in Formula 1, which is a top-level car racing series."}},{"startTime":1113.8,"endTime":1132.1,"type":"term","title":"turbo","url":"/glossary/turbo","quote":"that lag is going to be a massive issue. And if they knew, as they knew, that actually the power requirement from the internal combustion engine ain't going to be that great, why would they've gone with big turbos? Why would they not just gone for the least laggy, the smallest turbo they can possibly get on the car?","canonicalId":"term:turbo","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A turbocharger is a device that forces more air into the engine's combustion chamber, increasing power output. However, larger turbos can cause turbo lag, a delay in power delivery after pressing the accelerator.","simplifiedExplanation":"A turbo is like a fan that pushes extra air into the engine to make the car go faster. Bigger turbos can make the car feel slow to respond when you press the gas."}},{"startTime":1158.4,"endTime":1160.0,"type":"brand","title":"Mercedes","url":"/glossary/mercedes","quote":"about what we think the current pecking order is. Everyone talks about Mercedes, don't they,","canonicalId":"brand:mercedes","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Mercedes-Benz is a major German automotive brand known for its luxury vehicles and dominant presence in Formula 1 racing.","simplifiedExplanation":"Mercedes is a big car company from Germany that makes fancy cars and races in Formula 1, which is a top-level car race."}},{"startTime":1169.1,"endTime":1170.0,"type":"company","title":"Red Bull Racing","url":"/glossary/red-bull-racing","quote":"Toto Wolff playing the typical political F1 game was insisting it was Red Bull.","canonicalId":"company:red-bull-racing","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Red Bull Racing is a Formula 1 team owned by the energy drink company Red Bull, known for competing at the highest level in F1.","simplifiedExplanation":"Red Bull Racing is a team in Formula 1 that races special cars and is owned by the Red Bull drink company."}},{"startTime":1236.0,"endTime":1238.0,"type":"concept","title":"Constructors Championship","url":"/glossary/constructors-championship","quote":"Mercedes is favourite to win the Australian Grand Prix. It is favourite to win the Constructors Championship...","canonicalId":"concept:constructors-championship","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Constructors Championship is a title awarded in Formula 1 to the most successful car manufacturer or team over a season, based on points earned by their drivers. It reflects the performance of the team's cars and engineering.","simplifiedExplanation":"In Formula 1, teams compete to be the best car makers by earning points from their drivers. The team with the most points wins the Constructors Championship."}},{"startTime":1240.2,"endTime":1245.1,"type":"term","title":"world champion","url":"/glossary/world-champion","quote":"George Russell is favourite to be world champion. And that's what the bookies are currently saying...","canonicalId":"term:world-champion","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The world champion in Formula 1 is the driver who accumulates the most points over a season, winning the Drivers Championship. It is the highest individual honor in F1 racing.","simplifiedExplanation":"The world champion is the best driver in Formula 1 for that year, who earns the most points by winning or placing well in races."}},{"startTime":1469.5,"endTime":1473.0,"type":"concept","title":"exploiting loopholes in racing regulations","url":"/glossary/exploiting-loopholes-in-racing-regulations","quote":"\"It's part of the history of F1, finding loopholes and exploiting them. It's what Adrian Newey has done better than anybody else.\"","canonicalId":"concept:exploiting-loopholes-in-racing-regulations","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"In racing, teams often look for ambiguities or gaps in the rules to gain a competitive advantage without technically breaking them. This practice is common in Formula 1 history.","simplifiedExplanation":"Sometimes in racing, teams find ways to use the rules to their benefit by finding small mistakes or unclear parts in the rules, helping them win."}},{"startTime":1473.0,"endTime":1476.3,"type":"concept","title":"Adrian Newey","url":"/glossary/adrian-newey","quote":"\"It's what Adrian Newey has done better than anybody else.\"","canonicalId":"concept:adrian-newey","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Adrian Newey is a renowned Formula 1 car designer and engineer known for creating highly successful and innovative racing cars for multiple teams.","simplifiedExplanation":"Adrian Newey is a very smart engineer who designs race cars that often win in Formula 1, which is the top level of car racing."}},{"startTime":1525.4,"endTime":1533.16,"type":"concept","title":"Monaco Grand Prix","url":"/glossary/monaco-grand-prix","quote":"Evidently, if this new rule change comes in from the Monaco Grand Prix. Yeah, yeah, yeah.","canonicalId":"concept:monaco-grand-prix","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Monaco Grand Prix is a prestigious Formula 1 race held annually on the streets of Monaco. It is known for its challenging tight circuit and is one of the most famous and glamorous events in motorsport.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Monaco Grand Prix is a big car race that happens every year in a small country called Monaco. The race is special because it takes place on narrow city streets, making it very hard for drivers."}},{"startTime":1548.9,"endTime":1549.9,"type":"brand","title":"Ford","url":"/glossary/ford","quote":"Because the Red Bull Powertrain is building its own PU with assistance from Ford, particularly on the electrical side.","canonicalId":"brand:ford","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Ford is a major American automotive manufacturer that is assisting Red Bull Powertrain, particularly with the electrical components of their Formula 1 power unit. Ford has a long history in motorsports but is relatively new to Formula 1 engine manufacturing in this context.","simplifiedExplanation":"Ford is a big car company from America. They are helping Red Bull make the electric parts of their race car engine."}},{"startTime":1672.0,"endTime":1681.9,"type":"concept","title":"constructors title","url":"/glossary/constructors-title","quote":"\"But they definitely need two drivers to compete for the constructors. And as Christian Horner has said, I don't know, he's not there anymore. The constructors title is what car manufacturers actually care about.\"","canonicalId":"concept:constructors-title","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The constructors title is a championship in Formula 1 awarded to the most successful car manufacturer or team over a season, based on points scored by their drivers. It is highly valued because it reflects the overall performance of the team and their car development.","simplifiedExplanation":"In Formula 1 racing, the constructors title is like a big prize for the car makers and teams. It shows which team did the best all year by adding up points from their drivers."}},{"startTime":1734.1,"endTime":1738.0,"type":"term","title":"powertrain","url":"/glossary/powertrain","quote":"I think now they've got a Mercedes powertrain in the back. If there is one team that I would bet to make the most progress this year in the right direction, I would say it would be Alpine.","canonicalId":"term:powertrain","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A powertrain refers to the main components that generate power and deliver it to the road, including the engine and transmission. In racing, the powertrain is critical for performance and reliability.","simplifiedExplanation":"The powertrain is the part of the car that makes it move, like the engine and gears. It's very important for how fast and well a car can race."}},{"startTime":1787.4,"endTime":1792.3,"type":"brand","title":"Williams","url":"/glossary/williams","quote":"\"But hang on, I can refer back to my Williams chart. So yeah, in terms of the bookies, they are the sixth most fancied.\"","canonicalId":"brand:williams","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Williams is a well-known British Formula 1 racing team with a rich history in the sport.","simplifiedExplanation":"Williams is a famous racing team that competes in Formula 1, which is the top level of car racing."}},{"startTime":1797.5,"endTime":1802.9,"type":"brand","title":"Alpine","url":"/glossary/alpine","quote":"\"So Alpine fancies, the bookies fancied Alpine for the constructors more than Williams.\"","canonicalId":"brand:alpine","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Alpine is a French automotive brand that competes in Formula 1 as a constructor team.","simplifiedExplanation":"Alpine is a car company from France that has a team racing in Formula 1, which is a very fast and popular car race."}},{"startTime":1811.8,"endTime":1814.46,"type":"term","title":"works team","url":"/glossary/works-team","quote":"\"Even if it is a works team and it is the Salba team,\"","canonicalId":"term:works-team","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A 'works team' is a racing team that is officially supported and run by a car manufacturer.","simplifiedExplanation":"A works team is a race team that is directly backed by a car company, meaning they get special support and resources."}},{"startTime":1846.7,"endTime":1853.6,"type":"concept","title":"championship winning team","url":"/glossary/championship-winning-team","quote":"But I mean, if they are looking to be a championship winning team, I don't know what Bortoletto's potential is.","canonicalId":"concept:championship-winning-team","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A championship winning team is a racing team that competes at the highest level and wins the overall season title in a racing series.","simplifiedExplanation":"In racing, the best teams try to win the whole season by getting the most points. These are called championship winning teams."}},{"startTime":1975.8,"endTime":1980.0,"type":"concept","title":"ground effect cars","url":"/glossary/ground-effect-cars","quote":"As those ground effect cars developed into seasons three and four, and they became more like ground effect cars because they're producing more downforce,","canonicalId":"concept:ground-effect-cars","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Ground effect cars are race cars designed to generate downforce by shaping the underside of the car to create low pressure, effectively sucking the car to the track for better grip and cornering performance.","simplifiedExplanation":"Ground effect cars are special race cars that use their shape underneath to stick to the road better, helping them go faster around turns."}},{"startTime":2136.5,"endTime":2139.6,"type":"brand","title":"Cadillac","url":"/glossary/cadillac","quote":"\"I don't think we'll be crowning a Cadillac driver world champion this year.\"","canonicalId":"brand:cadillac","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Cadillac is an American luxury vehicle brand known for its comfort and style, and it has recently been involved in motorsports, including electric racing series.","simplifiedExplanation":"Cadillac is a car brand from America that makes comfortable and stylish cars and sometimes races in special car competitions."}},{"startTime":2306.0,"endTime":2327.7,"type":"concept","title":"wind tunnel","url":"/glossary/wind-tunnel","quote":"You do hear stories or I have heard stories about data from factories,\nfrom wind tunnels, from testing, not correlating.\n... maybe it's all just inherent\nin breaking in this new, very sophisticated state of the art wind tunnel.","canonicalId":"concept:wind-tunnel","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A wind tunnel is a testing facility where air is blown over a car or model to study aerodynamic properties and optimize performance and stability.","simplifiedExplanation":"A wind tunnel is a special machine that blows air over a car to see how it moves through the air, helping engineers make the car faster and safer."}},{"startTime":2358.9,"endTime":2360.0,"type":"brand","title":"Aston Martin","url":"/glossary/aston-martin","quote":"\"Yeah. Well, let's wait and see on Aston Martin.\"","canonicalId":"brand:aston-martin","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Aston Martin is a British luxury automotive manufacturer known for its high-performance sports cars and involvement in Formula 1 racing as a constructor and engine partner.","simplifiedExplanation":"Aston Martin is a famous car company from Britain that makes fast and fancy sports cars and races in Formula 1."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Dan Prosser","role":"host"},{"id":"s2","name":"Andrew Frankel","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/bonus-episode-will-f1-s-bold-new-era-fly-or-fall-flat/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}