Day one of the second Bahrain F1 test revealed intriguing insights into team performances as Mercedes and McLaren showed impressive pace, raising questions about the upcoming season's dynamics. The episode dives into the implications of the FIA's recent decisions regarding engine compression and the potential advantages for teams like Mercedes and McLaren. Discussions also touch on the ongoing fuel drama affecting several teams, the under-the-radar strength of McLaren, and the evolving narrative surrounding the pecking order as the season approaches. Matt and Tommy provide a mix of analysis and speculation, making for an engaging pre-season conversation.
We’ve reached the second F1 test, just weeks away from the start of the season - and some big questions still need answering. Will the teams sort these crazy start procedures? Will Mercedes end up using cooking oil in their engine? And what does Tommy’s dad think of the day’s action?
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"But if McLaren and Mercedes are 300 points down the road..."
Points are scores given to drivers based on how well they finish in races, which helps determine who wins the championship.
In Formula 1, points are awarded to drivers and teams based on their finishing positions in races, contributing to their standings in the championship.
"...another test of that compression ratio stuff that we continuously talk about."
Compression ratio is a number that shows how much an engine compresses the air and fuel mixture before it burns. A higher number usually means more power and efficiency.
Compression ratio is a key parameter in internal combustion engines that measures the ratio of the maximum to minimum volume in the combustion chamber. It affects engine performance, efficiency, and power output.
"...Can you explain the fuel drama? Is it a thing or just being blown out of proportion? This is a thing. Of course, their rumours, their stories flying around..."
Fuel drama is when there are problems or arguments about the type of fuel used in racing cars, which can affect how well they perform. It often leads to debates about fairness in the sport.
'Fuel drama' refers to controversies or issues related to fuel regulations, performance, or supply in motorsport, particularly in Formula 1. These can impact team performance and lead to discussions about fairness and competition.
"...the four teams that Petronas supply, which are, of course, Mercedes, McLaren, Williams, and why have I gone blank?"
Williams is a racing team in Formula 1 that has been around for a long time and has won many races and championships.
Williams is a historic Formula 1 team known for its engineering excellence and competitive performance in the sport. They have won multiple championships over the years.
"for your local petrol station, you could well see one of the four Formula One teams out there just filling up the car. And speaking of Australia, go buy your P1 live show tickets..."
Formula One is a top-level car racing series where specially designed cars compete in races called Grands Prix. It's famous for fast cars and exciting races held in different countries.
Formula One, often abbreviated as F1, is the highest class of international auto racing for single-seater formula racing cars. It features a series of races known as Grands Prix, held on various circuits around the world, and is known for its advanced technology and high speeds.
"...what's going to happen with the fact that they have to rev these cars so much at the start is that people again, there's going to be such a difference in speed between the cars that as people pull away..."
The start procedure is how a Formula 1 race begins. It includes how the cars are lined up and when they can start racing after the lights go out.
The start procedure in Formula 1 refers to the specific rules and methods used to begin a race. This includes how drivers line up on the grid, the lights that signal the start, and the strategies involved in getting off the line quickly and safely.
"...if you have, of course in Formula One in qualifying, the fastest driver is on pole so therefore we wonder why we get boring races when we qualify them all in the fastest order."
Pole position is the first spot on the starting line in a race, given to the fastest driver during qualifying. This position helps the driver start the race ahead of everyone else.
Pole position refers to the starting position at the front of the grid in a race, typically awarded to the driver who qualifies with the fastest time. It gives that driver a strategic advantage at the start of the race.
"...the regs are horrendous, start having rolling starts, we will, no one will be happy. I genuinely believe they would rather turn off the battery for the first lap to make sure everybody gets off the line with a grid start than even remotely try and introduce rolling starts."
A rolling start is when cars start moving slowly before the race officially begins, instead of starting from a complete stop. This is sometimes done to make it safer for the drivers.
A rolling start is a method of starting a race where cars begin moving at a slow pace before the official start signal is given, rather than starting from a complete stop. This method is often used in certain racing series to reduce the risk of accidents at the start.
"...start having rolling starts, we will, no one will be happy. I genuinely believe they would rather turn off the battery for the first lap to make sure everybody gets off the line with a grid start than even remotely try and introduce rolling starts."
A grid start is when all the cars line up in a row at the start of a race and then all start driving at the same time. It's the usual way races begin and is exciting for fans.
A grid start in racing refers to the traditional method of starting a race where cars line up in a predetermined order on the starting grid and take off simultaneously when the race begins. This method is favored for its excitement and fairness.
"...when the cars stop now, they have basically indicator lights to be able to warn people that they're on the mirrors..."
Indicator lights are the lights on a car that show when the driver is turning or changing lanes. In F1, they help warn other drivers when a car has stopped.
Indicator lights are signals used in vehicles to indicate a turn or lane change. In Formula 1, these lights are used to warn other drivers when a car is stationary or in a dangerous position.
"Well done, Tommy. Great, great. Nice spoilers. Everyone knows. Now, well, it was only by five laps, but Aston Martin was indeed the lowest lap count with 54..."
Aston Martin is a famous British car brand that makes luxury sports cars. They're known for their stylish designs and fast performance, often seen in movies like James Bond.
Aston Martin is a British luxury sports car manufacturer known for its high-performance vehicles and association with James Bond films. They produce cars that combine elegance with powerful performance.
"Because again, they're the only team that are running Honda, is Aston Martin."
Honda is a Japanese car company that makes reliable vehicles and is also involved in racing.
Honda is a Japanese automotive manufacturer known for producing reliable cars, motorcycles, and power equipment, with a strong presence in motorsports.
"...if I say the word sprints, but there is a possibility, they are discussing sprint events moving to 12 for a season. Based on the demand, may I add, for sprints from fans..."
Sprint events are quick races that happen before the main race on Sunday. They are shorter and meant to make the weekend more exciting for fans.
Sprint events in Formula One are shorter races that take place on Saturdays, typically lasting around 30 minutes. They are designed to add excitement and provide a different format compared to traditional qualifying sessions.
"...based on pictures I've seen of the F1 track in Madrid and how that's looking at the moment..."
An F1 track is a special road where Formula One cars race. These tracks have lots of turns and straight parts, and they are built to keep the cars safe while they go really fast.
An F1 track is specifically designed for Formula One racing, featuring a combination of high-speed straights and challenging corners. These tracks are built to meet strict safety and performance standards to accommodate the high speeds of F1 cars.
Select text to request an explanation
Hello, everybody, and welcome back to the P1 podcast with Matt and Tommy.
We are a matter of weeks away from the start of the Formula One season.
We are a matter of two more days after today and testing is done and dusted.
Day one of the second Bahrain F1 test is in the bag and we're here to chat about it.
Let's discuss what's been going down today, Tommy.
I wouldn't say the most chaotic of days.
A lot of running for a lot of teams, but I think there are also a few outliers that we need to discuss,
as well as other news as well, away from F1 testing, but to do with the F1 season,
to do with sprint races and stuff like that, to talk about as well.
So lots to get through.
Definitely. There's been loads of news and chatter today, of course,
the fact that we're doing a lot more testing than normal.
So we've already seen a lot of what we believe to be the pecking order,
although some people have gone a little bit faster, which is maybe making a few of us worried.
We'll get onto them later.
But yeah, there's also been a lot of news dropping and things like that as well,
and still trying to tweak these rules.
No other sport goes into a new season with a few weeks to go,
and they're still kind of making it up and going,
should we do this?
Shall we do that?
Do we need to change this?
It is bizarre, but this is the sport we have.
This is the sport we have.
This is the sport we love most of the time.
Sometimes we hate it.
But lots to get into.
So why don't we first and foremost go to a question from Fire Breath?
Surely it's no coincidence that on the same day,
the FIA released their decision on the compression saga,
Mercedes and McLaren look like a rocket ship.
Now, Tommy, we've had some news about this, haven't we?
The first of August being a very key date in the grand scheme of the season
and how it will go.
So my understanding is there's a vote next week.
There'll be a vote, yeah.
But it's interesting that they can carry on to use it for that long.
That's a long time for an advantage if it is this golden bullet,
like people think it may be.
And if you're Ferrari or Red Bull, it's all right going,
yes, we'll get to August first and maybe ban it.
But if McLaren and Mercedes are 300 points down the road
by August the first, you're not going to be very happy about it.
No, I definitely won't be.
I can tell you that for free.
So, yes, it feels like Mercedes and, of course, Mercedes fastest with George Russell.
Today, Oscar Piastri second fastest, a whopping 100th of a second slower
and then three tenths clear of Charles Leclerc in third.
I don't think it's necessary.
It's not like they've turned up the wick and put in a one minute 31.
It's not like they're light years ahead.
But it's so easy to create a storyline out of these testing sessions
when the reality is they would still be pretty silly to just turn up the wick
if they have been sandbagging heavily just the minute after we get to this decision,
which doesn't feel like necessarily a massive decision
and something that's going to be groundbreaking from today because it's not.
We have, this is the thing with testing and it always is,
we make the stories based on how we think the season is going to go
because at the end of the day, Williams were fastest in the test last year
and we weren't going, oh, my God, Williams is so clear.
They're going to be the best team of the year or ever.
And it is funny that now Mercedes have gone quicker.
We're all going, oh, no, we're cooked this season.
They're going to run away with it.
And they may well do and they may be just teasing everyone.
There's been a lot of talk from, we still have this kind of who's the fastest hot potato thing
going on where everyone doesn't want to say who's fastest.
There was quite an interesting moment in the team principal's press conference where
James Vows was sort of almost like downplaying the engine compression thing.
They're saying, oh, it doesn't really matter too much.
And what engine is he?
Yeah, exactly.
Oh, yeah, Mercedes.
Exactly, the Mercedes.
And then Laura Meckie was like, no, actually, it does matter to us.
So they obviously believe that they're getting a big advantage from this.
And of course, McLaren and Mercedes are going to be absolutely fine with it.
But yes, they were very, very quick today and also very quick in their long run pace as well.
They were.
So to be clear, the FIA has released an e-vote.
I don't know if that means they're going to be sending it via email or what,
but essentially, yeah, maybe we can all decide.
But yeah, that vote will be happening next week on a mid-season introduction of essentially
another test, another test of that compression ratio stuff that we continuously talk about.
So maybe it will put it to bed ever so slightly.
But it will also, I guess, should Mercedes, McLaren be clear,
maybe by two or three tenths of lap, we get to August and we go, well,
challenge it back on for Ferrari if they can make it to August.
It literally feels like last year when Max was like, if we stay with them,
McLaren's within a race win or two, then we get to Spain.
It feels like a very similar storyline might may well unfold.
Yeah, it'd be the third year in a row, really, that you'd had this.
If it did happen that a team's come out the blocks firing and then it's kind of flipped
mid-season and someone else is quicker, it's going to be very controversial.
I know this is all if, but some maybes, but say this Mercedes is a massive advantage
and the teams vote against it and that it's basically deemed like it's not a fair advantage.
If you get to August first and they're already well clear and they end up winning the championship,
you'd be a bit miffed, wouldn't you, that it's kind of been allowed to last that long because
how long they have it for could be really crucial for Ferrari and Red Bull's season
and how competitive they are. Well, they needed to tighten up the rules a bit more,
then, didn't they? If they didn't want Mercedes to utilize this.
Question from people on pitch. Remember, Edith is my middle name.
Are McLaren being underhyped? I feel like they've been quietly trucking along.
No one is talking about them. I completely agree with this,
that McLaren do seem quite forgotten about the talk is because Mercedes have the same engine as
them and yes, Mercedes were fastest, but McLaren have looked really strong, I think, all tests
and they're downplaying themselves quite a lot. I think we said that, I think Lando mentioned that,
oh, we're not on Ferrari's pace or something like that. And teams will always say that.
We've been saying this whole test that they're all saying, no, you're quicker, no, you're quicker.
But I do think McLaren have been looking very good. And coming into this season,
we said, didn't we, that Mercedes aren't going to have, while they are favourites,
they're not going to have the same advantage they did in 2014 where they can just turn all
their customer teams down or give them much, much less power. They're not going to have that luxury
and McLaren have beaten Mercedes in the last few years and won the Constructors' Championship
comfortably. So yeah, they've got a great chance to win the championship again, I think.
They certainly do. Not sure if I'd call them underhyped. I think if any of the four teams
are not being spoken about, it's Ferrari. I think McLaren are spoken about a little bit more.
They have to be. They're literally won last year. Depends where you're measuring this from, right?
Is it social media? Is it the outlets? Whatever. But they're certainly not being seen as the favourites
to win this year, purely with everything we've spoken about before. But it would make perfect
sense for them to be right in the mix. And everything we've seen so far from testing and
shakedowning is the McLaren are right in there. So hopefully they are, because if that Mercedes
engine is absolutely overpowered, they've got it as well. So they can maybe take it to Mercedes
and have a fight there at the very least. And if that Mercedes is overpowered, thank goodness,
McLaren are there, because more teams to fight. Then ask the Marsden and be like, why did we
have a Honda? But we will get on to them, I'm sure. P1Patreon, remember J13. Can you explain
the fuel drama? Is it a thing or just being blown out of proportion? This is a thing.
Of course, their rumours, their stories flying around, you do wonder how these stories get out.
Someone has a little whisper in the paddock and then it gets to a media outlet and then,
of course, snowballs out of control. But I think with this one, for those of you that haven't seen
Petronas, they are or they haven't had their fuel locked in, confirmed, of course, sustainable
fuels this year. And the process of getting, I think from last year, and when the fuels weren't
so complex, it would take a couple of weeks to be signed off and this, that and the other.
Because there's so many more parameters with it being with the sustainability line and renewable
resources, it's taken a lot, lot longer. And essentially, of course, the four teams that
Petronas supply, which are, of course, Mercedes, McLaren, Williams, and why have I gone blank?
Alpine. So yeah, so those four teams may well, if they don't get the fuel across the line and it's,
it might well just become a non-story and it's fine. You know, they're a huge operation and I'm
sure they'll be working. Because Red Bull have only just had theirs approved, haven't they?
Yeah. So they'll be working overtime to make it happen. If they don't, then they have to
essentially run this like provisional fuel. And fuel is massive in Formula One just as much as
the cooking oil or something that they might well be. Yeah, just pour it in.
That'll peg Mercedes back a bit, wouldn't it, if they had to use that?
I mean, actually, it would. That fuel is massive in Formula One. And I think especially, you know,
if they're not able to utilize the incredible engine that they've created because they haven't
got the fuel in there. But yeah, I think this is a story we just have to keep an eye on,
rather than saying Mercedes are absolutely cooked and not because they've got cooking
oil in their car to run in Australia. But essentially, it's like a default provisional,
yeah, that is a joke. Yeah, so there's provisional, there'll be provisional fuel to run,
which would hamper them, I think, quite drastically.
Yeah, it's an interesting one because Mercedes have obviously been tagged the favourites.
They've got everything in place. And yet, you know, they're in theory, they're not ready to go
yet. And we're very close to the start of the season. I think you're right in saying that
it could all be for absolutely nothing. But, you know, if it gets later and later,
and it's still not been signed off and approved, then yeah, could be a big disadvantage for them
to have to use what's kind of a default fuel and not something that their engine is designed around.
So yeah, definitely want to keep an eye on. But I do wonder how much of it is maybe being
blown a little bit out of proportion in terms of like, they've not done it yet,
but I don't think it's a case of they're in absolute panic stations, I don't think.
Yeah, I mean, if it does come into fruition and you live in Australia, keep an eye out
for your local petrol station, you could well see one of the four Formula One teams out there
just filling up the car. And speaking of Australia, go buy your P1 live show tickets,
especially those people in Adelaide that told us to do a show there because we missed you out
when we're doing it. Go and get yourself a ticket, we'd love to see you there.
Question, people on picture remember Cheesehead Dave, that start was just everyone trying to
stay out of each other's way and not representative of what a real one will look like, right?
We don't know, because they're trying to change the, potentially change the rules about the start.
We did another purchase start, Ferrari said no, and therefore Ferrari get paid to be
in Formula One, they have more of a vote than other teams, it's not happening.
Quite, it was quite interesting though, because McLaren have been the one that are really
outspoken about this saying it's dangerous, we need to change, they set out basically a kind of
plan of what they wanted to change, because they believe that what's going to happen with the fact
that they have to rev these cars so much at the start is that people again, there's going to be
such a difference in speed between the cars that as people pull away, everyone's going to be going
at different speeds and it could be really dangerous. Now it was interesting to hear that
Bottas, Hamilton and Max all kind of were like, are kind of shook it off and said,
it's not dangerous and Max made a joke of, well actually they can start from the pit lane if
they're really worried, which is a classic Max line really, isn't it, about the whole thing?
I also do love that out of the three of those two of them have a Ferrari engine,
it's surprising for them to not be complaining about the start procedure,
considering what Ferrari, they might have this tech to help them off the line.
Although based on that video doing the rounds of Sam Collins where the funniest clip I've seen,
all tests so far where Sam Collins is basically saying,
Ferrari don't have to rev their engine as long and then it cuts to Lewis Hamilton
and he was revving for about 15 seconds before going away, great clip if you've not seen it,
go seek it out. And I did love that people as well, perhaps Ferrari fans, and even I didn't go this far,
coping and being like, well he saw the reporter, did Hamilton and he decided to not show the
true colours of the Ferrari and so he was ready for longer than what he needed.
We've had some bagging, we now have fuel copium.
Start bagging, is that a thing?
Start bagging, that's an interesting phrase.
No it hasn't, but I was actually watching that start and my two takeaways were,
one, wow that looks slow, I don't know if it's just the camera or people hadn't really gone ham,
I think it was slow because they hadn't prepared the cars and also the noise, not a great noise,
but you could hear them revving like crazy, it was almost a little bit embarrassing how the
noise is awful in my opinion, I really don't like it, for all the talk of it, it's better,
it just sounds like some bees in a can revving, I don't like it at all.
Bees in a can revving, yeah there's well-known bees that rev.
No I know, the revving it sounds like bees in a can is what I meant.
And also, the fact that they said about the fact that people are starting and going to have
different starts and there's going to be a big difference between the starts,
I think could make race starts really really exciting, I mean we saw Bottas looking like
he was going to overtake about six cars off the start and if you nail the setup and the start,
the most exciting thing about Formula One and where you can gain positions
is the start and I think that's going to be really really interesting.
Yeah it very much could be something that mixes up the races quite a lot, if you have,
of course in Formula One in qualifying, the fastest driver is on pole so therefore
we wonder why we get boring races when we qualify them all in the fastest order.
It's not a great sport for that really is it, it's like giving the better
football team an extra goal at the start. Exactly, but if the starts are a little bit
up in the air and you've got George Russell on pole who just nabbed pole in Australia by one
and a half seconds but Valtteri Bottas from 17th on the grid has just spooled his turbo
to another dimension and just taken the lead into town, that's the kind of stuff we might well see
and I do think in the first few races in particular when they're trying to figure all of this out,
especially on different tracks, that we could get some very interesting starts and should for Ari,
again Hopium, have come up with a way to have this start procedure be better than others,
then who cares if we get knocked out in Q2? It's all part of the plan. One thing they did mention
in commentary as well that they were kind of joking about but is actually very interesting
with this whole boost thing is how do you play it because say there's like a massive
rundown to turn one, do you just absolutely go ham like use all of it and you're a sitting duck at
turn four but it's a tight kind of tight bit of the track where it's hard to overtake,
you know it's going to be very interesting to see how you play it and maybe starts might be
incredibly tactical where you're there's a lot of position swapping and you're maybe sacrificing
a bit of speed for boosting on the main straight or kind of going all in on the start like maybe
we saw with that practice start with Bottas and getting an amazing launch and thinking I'm going
to make up loads of positions but then sacrifice a little bit later on. Yeah it's almost after all
the ranting about it I'm like oh this could be quite exciting actually. It's the unknown,
I like it, I like the unknown. Yeah it's the unknown until Australia is a complete fast and then it
will have to reference what Tommy's just said there if I'm excited it's going to be good
really looking forward to the unpredictability. There's a chaos meter isn't there basically of like
there's fun chaos and then there's farcical and how yeah how it's a balancing act.
It did look like and I will agree with you that it looked slow for sure, I don't think they were
pushing into turn one of that then they need to of course it's the end of testing but even off the
line it did look rather slow apart from Valtteri Bottas and I think Hadja as well had a pretty good
launch. So if that's what starts are in 2026 then we could have some very interesting lap one orders.
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Question from Lewis underscore 56. Do you think we will end up having to have rolling
starts if they don't sort out the start? No. No, a grid start is one of the most important
things in a Formula One race. If we, because the regs are horrendous, start having rolling
starts, we will, no one will be happy. I genuinely believe they would rather turn off the battery
for the first lap to make sure everybody gets off the line with a grid start than even remotely
try and introduce rolling starts. Can you see the audience and F1 fan reaction when we do it for
ridiculously wet Grand Prix? We're like, no, we wanted a start. Can you imagine if they did that
for a dry one? Absolutely not. So I don't see that happening. F1 would rather do anything else
than introduce rolling starts. Yeah, that would be very, very extreme for them to do that. One
thing we haven't mentioned is the Christmas lights, basically how the start procedure,
they have the indicators now, which is ridiculous. I mean, it looks very silly. It's one of those
things where maybe we look back in 10 years time and we're so used to it, we don't care anymore
a bit like, you know, the F1 logo and the F1 theme tune and all that kind of stuff that
when it's new, you're like, oh, what is this? But then you kind of get used to it and maybe it's
fine. But the fact that if you've not seen any of testing, when the cars stop now, they have
basically indicator lights to be able to warn people that they're on the mirrors and they flash
orange looking like car indicators, basically they have on your road car. And when they're
sat on the grid, they're all flashing. So it just looks like a Christmas tree, basically. And it's
very, very odd and quite jarring to look at when it's new.
Yeah, I don't like it. I think it takes away from the car's liveries and what they've done with
their identities. That's what we should be focusing on, not the ridiculous flashing lights.
Yeah, and the red lights as well. So I think for me, it's a great invention for the safety for
when you're in wet conditions, poor visibility and someone's spun. Great. But for the start,
come on, let's put some software stuff in to stop it. Because I imagine it's just a default thing
that when the car stopped, it comes on or something like that. Let's get rid of that. We don't need
that. This is how in sync I am with my dad. I've just seen a message from my dad. He's messaged me
because I think it's the first time he's watched testing today. And he said, I hope things improve
wasps in jam jars with flashing Disney lights. Oh dear, not a fan of what I've seen so far.
The Bellingham's not happy. The boring Bellingham's are finding Formula One boring.
And that's saying something. Okay, very interesting. I haven't actually mentioned
the laps completed, which I will do now for day one of this second bar in F1 test. So I'll do it
in order of, let's go with smallest, littlest, tiniest laps first. Let's go with lowest.
Well done, Tommy. Great, great. Nice spoilers. Everyone knows. Now, well, it was only by five
laps, but Aston Martin was indeed the lowest lap count with 54, then Cadillac with 59, Red Bull with
66, Haas with 107, Williams with 110, Ferrari with 114, Audi 120, Alpine 121, McLaren 124,
V-Carb 127, and Mercedes 145. That is all with my own mental maths, so could be completely wrong.
Please don't fact check it, but that's what it came up with when I last looked. So a lot of laps
from Mercedes, none for Aston Martin in comparison, absolute disaster once again. Honda must be sat
there going, how do you want us to improve your engine when we have about 200 laps in total
to go off? Because again, they're the only team that are running Honda, is Aston Martin.
Although positives, they, Stroll was 2.5 seconds off, so they found two seconds
within a test, so they're getting there. That's huge, that is huge. So do that again,
and they're there with basically the pack, so the lead pack. So maybe turning the Honda engine
up is doing something, I don't know. And crucially, Valtteri Bottas beating Sergio Perez
in the first day of the second test, so Tommy, I believe it's 3-1 to Bottas now, my goat, so
we'll keep an eye on that. No, no, no, don't, doesn't matter, I don't care. Make the prototype,
apparently is reasonably soft, so you can jog on. Another topic to talk about today was sprints.
I know that a lot of you will probably throw your headphones across the room, if I say the word
sprints, but there is a possibility, they are discussing sprint events moving to 12 for a season.
Based on the demand, may I add, for sprints from fans, what fans? What fans are asking for this?
I would like to know, I reckon they might be doing a little focus group, and the way in which
they get it is, do you like Formula One? Do you like sprints? If people say yes to both of them,
they're allowed an opinion, and that's how Formula One judges it.
Yeah, they're not asking fans because the fans don't really like it, most fans anyway, for sure.
I do think the demand from fans is their way of saying, more people tune in to a sprint race
than free practice three, and it's like, well, of course they do. Of course they do. It's not
a fair comparison. It doesn't mean people want it or like it. I've been someone that did like the
sprints being introduced. I'm surprised that they haven't increased it to 12 sooner. I've got a lot
of things to say about the sprints. I've said it so many times that they went all in on the fact
that they've introduced these sprints, and then they did three, and then they almost made it
completely non-existent because it just disappears by the time you get into qualifying.
They've made such a big thing of it, and it's almost like this afterthought,
and that's what I don't like about it. You either do it properly or you don't do it at all.
I think the problem here is, before we increase to sprints to 12, they need to sort the format out.
The format is not right. That is the biggest problem with the sprint, is the format and how it
works and how it actually adds to the race weekend and make people like it and not just
watching it because they feel like they can't miss a competitive session. That for me is the most
crucial thing about sprints. Then if they sort it and they make it better, then I'm all for adding
more of them, but the problem is it just doesn't work as a format in my opinion at the moment.
We won't open up that debate of sprint formats. There isn't a perfect solution when you have to
factor in everything. Yes, the actual format itself, there is a way it could work, but then
you have to go, well, we can't have too many big sessions on a Friday because people are working.
Lots of things. I'm surprised they're not also opening up or at least I haven't seen
opening up the debate of the actual format itself rather than just upping it to 12.
I think 12 is too many. I don't mind the occasional sprint weekend. I like the chaos of it. I like
the fact that there is only one practice session. However, 12 is half the season,
yes, quick maths. That's a lot. I don't think they're going to stop there. This is like a virus
of the spreading. What might a GP do every single race for a sprint weekend that you feel like
the stats won't lie, unfortunately, will they? No. I don't know how I feel about that one.
Actually, I do. I'm not particularly positive about it. Let's see what other tweaks they do,
if any. Finally, worth mentioning, motorsport Turkey have said that Turkey is returning
2027, which is, if true, absolutely fantastic. I am a big fan. That is a huge win because,
of course, we all love the Istanbul track. I'm hoping that is the track that is coming back.
All I read was Turkey's return. Yes, in which case, no, please go to Istanbul.
Some good murmurs coming out. I don't know why they would have posted it if it wasn't
some kind of source there to suggest that. Istanbul potentially back next year.
Didn't see that one coming. Has to be said. We talk about the COVID calendar, as it's been
dubbed, where we've had these races like Magello and Porto Mal and Turkey, and then they got lost
and disappeared. We've got Porto Mal back, and now it's looking like we might get Turkey back as
well, which was quite incredible. Who knows, based on pictures I've seen of the F1 track in Madrid
and how that's looking at the moment, we might even be racing there this year. Who knows if they
need a replacement, because my word, if you've seen those pictures of the Madrid
Circuit at the moment, they're still six months, seven months or something to go to the first race.
The Formula One do always seem to get away with these things, but it is not looking
very finished or even barely started. Well, it's just not a track, is it?
It's just some rubble. It's just a construction site. Could make for an interesting off-road
Formula One event, which I would tune into. There's one way to spice up the new regs,
get them off-road. That might make sprints good. The sprint has to be done on dirt
on an alternative layout. But Turkey, speaking of low grip, Turkey, my God, bring it back and bring
back the ice track as well. Yes, please resurface it. Winter Olympic spec.
Every year, resurface it and a little sprinkle of water as well. That was quite something.
Okay, that is it. Lots of news, lots of things. Hopefully you've enjoyed it.
We haven't really spoken about any particular crazy on-track action, bar the fact that there was
not even kidding, 1,000 lockups, especially into Turn 1, and the double left-hander in the middle
sector. That's basically the entire eight hours of testing was that. Oh, and Lance Troll, he had
that big spin, didn't he, which not sure has been confirmed as of recording right now.
He looked like a driver. Yeah, it definitely wasn't a driver. It was either that his gearbox
went into a box of neutrals or something to do with the active aero didn't close in time.
Apart from that, I don't think we missed all too much else.
No, there wasn't a huge amount of crazy things going on, which again, they're showing all of
this testing now that they were really kind of secretive about it. But most of it all seems
to be working. I guess the one thing I am slightly concerned about at the moment still is the field
spread. If this is indeed the pace, I do hope that they'll catch up, but I'm hoping by the first
race of the season, we're not seeing three and a half seconds, four seconds covering the entire
field. I don't have the greatest of hopes for that. No, I don't. As long as the top four teams
are close, I don't mind it. I think that is the big positive from what we've seen.
Top four teams are keeping us guessing. I think that's the most exciting takeaway from the running
so far. Absolutely. Right. Thank you, everybody. We'll see you tomorrow live for the final hour
once again. And yes, looking forward to the season starting, but we'll keep digesting this testing.
Wow. Perrin, I didn't know it. Tommy, final thoughts?
Final thoughts are... Oh, I've caught you. By surprise, you thought I was
outro-ing. I have not seen you melt for a final thought. It's been a long time.
Goodness gracious me. Yeah, I've had very little sleep practicing for Australia.
Yes, final thoughts are that I can't wait for the next practice start. Bring it on.
I really enjoyed that at the end of the session.
Well, I'm glad we waited that long for you to say you can't wait for a practice start.
Your thought should be... Australia buy tickets to the show. That should be like your
immediate backup thing if you can't think of something. Oh, and another thing, we were
in the Maxis app and documentary. It's quite cool. Thanks for everyone that sent us that.
Had no idea we were in it, but great.
Yeah, really glad. Really glad it was us saying, Max, what are you doing? So I'm really glad,
really glad Max for stopping would have seen us basically criticising his Spain move,
but then even he has apologised for it now. Exactly.
Yeah, we were allowed to. I think you were in another clip as well, weren't you?
Yeah, you know, I'm just here there and everywhere these days.
Just chatting absolute breeze. Okay, thank you, everybody.
And thanks for sending the clips. If you have done, it's pretty surreal.
It's being released in different parts. So maybe at the end, we'll have me and the
but Daddy, I love him t-shirt and then he'll know. Oh, that would be something.
That t-shirt needs to be signed. If that ends up in that documentary,
that is absolute cinema. That would be amazing.
Okay, we're waffling now. See you later. Bye.
Goodbye.
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