{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"Is F1 2026's Mario Kart style racing any good? - Damon and Johnny's verdict","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/is-f1-2026-s-mario-kart-style-racing-any-good-damon-and-johnny-s-verdict","audioUrl":"https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/690251e14013c81f9a0d7ba3/e/69bd6c283bbfcfe8db6eb9de/media.mp3","description":"Damon Hill and Johnny Herbert return to discuss a polarising pair of races to kick-start the 2026 season. Some have controversially compared the racing to Mario Kart - but is that a fair comparison, and is it actually a good thing? Our grand prix winners discuss what they've liked and disliked about the new rules, debate whether F1 should exist more to thrill the drivers or entertain fans, and share their stand-out drivers of the season so far.Get bonus F1 podcasts, extra content and ad-free listening, sign-up to The Race Members' Club on Patreon today. For a limited time you can get 90% off your first month! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information."},"annotations":[{"startTime":264.6,"endTime":269.0,"type":"concept","title":"lap","url":"/glossary/lap","quote":"I mean, their last run in Australia of George's lap. I mean, he was incredible. He just, they just literally went round and round, didn't show their hand at all.","canonicalId":"concept:lap","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A “lap” is one complete circuit of the track. In F1, teams and commentators often compare lap times to judge raw pace, tire behavior, and how close competitors are.","simplifiedExplanation":"A lap is one full trip around the race track. Faster lap times usually mean the car is quicker on that stint."}},{"startTime":268.9,"endTime":274.0,"type":"concept","title":"seven tenths faster","url":"/glossary/seven-tenths-faster","quote":"And then out of the blue, seven tenths faster than anyone lap from George. But, you know, perfectly timed.","canonicalId":"concept:seven-tenths-faster","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Seven tenths” is shorthand for a lap-time gap of 0.7 seconds, which is a large margin in F1 qualifying or race pace comparisons. It indicates a substantial performance step relative to the rest of the field.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Seven tenths faster” means about 0.7 seconds quicker on a lap. In F1, that’s a pretty big difference."}},{"startTime":294.4,"endTime":299.2,"type":"brand","title":"Ferrari","url":"/glossary/ferrari","quote":"But Ferrari are a good surprise, aren't they? Because they're nice sort of in the frame.","canonicalId":"brand:ferrari","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Ferrari is one of F1’s most historic and successful teams, and it’s frequently discussed as a benchmark for performance. When the hosts call Ferrari a “good surprise,” they’re referencing how their early results compared to expectations.","simplifiedExplanation":"Ferrari is a top Formula 1 team with a long winning history. When they say Ferrari is a “good surprise,” they mean Ferrari performed better than many expected."}},{"startTime":383.3,"endTime":386.9,"type":"concept","title":"Formula One (F1)","url":"/glossary/formula-one-f1","quote":"What does everybody complain about of a Formula One? Well, there's not much overtaking going on.","canonicalId":"concept:formula-one-f1","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The discussion is about Formula One, the top tier of open-wheel racing. They’re evaluating how rule changes affect overtaking, entertainment, and on-track racing quality.","simplifiedExplanation":"They’re talking about Formula One, the highest level of open-wheel racing. The hosts are judging whether the latest changes make the races more exciting to watch."}},{"startTime":407.5,"endTime":413.7,"type":"concept","title":"chassis","url":"/glossary/chassis","quote":"...let's just do the cars, take away the technology, the cars actually work very, very well. They do seem to be able to... Give me the chassis.","canonicalId":"concept:chassis","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The chassis is the car’s main structural platform that affects how the car handles and responds to driver inputs. The hosts credit the “whole package” of the chassis for working better, implying improved balance and cornering behavior."}},{"startTime":568.4,"endTime":574.2,"type":"concept","title":"processional","url":"/glossary/processional","quote":"that's a good thing, because when you go to some circuits, they're processional, they used to be processional, because the cars couldn't get close in the fast corner.","canonicalId":"concept:processional","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Processional” means the race becomes more like a parade—cars follow each other with little real fighting. The speaker says extending races and changing how close cars can get in fast corners helps reduce processional racing.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Processional” means the cars just kind of cruise in order with not much overtaking. The speaker thinks the changes make racing more competitive."}},{"startTime":772.3,"endTime":777.6,"type":"concept","title":"hell for leather","url":"/glossary/hell-for-leather","quote":"Yeah, they should be going hell for leather right up to the point where they have to break.","canonicalId":"concept:hell-for-leather","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Hell for leather” is an idiom meaning maximum effort—full commitment at the limit. In the context of F1, it emphasizes staying fast and aggressive until braking, rather than backing off early due to format constraints.","simplifiedExplanation":"It means going as hard as possible. They’re saying F1 should feel like drivers are pushing right up to the braking point."}},{"startTime":843.2,"endTime":848.8,"type":"concept","title":"overtaking maneuvers","url":"/glossary/overtaking-maneuvers","quote":"Here's a quote from Helmut Marco... There were no real overtaking maneuvers in the sense that one driver","canonicalId":"concept:overtaking-maneuvers","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Overtaking maneuvers are the specific actions drivers use to pass—typically involving braking, corner entry positioning, and exit traction. The quote they’re setting up suggests concern that the current racing format produces fewer true passes."}},{"startTime":1084.0,"endTime":1092.1,"type":"concept","title":"lift and coast","url":"/glossary/lift-and-coast","quote":"I think when we raced in the 90s, it was pretty flat out the whole way through. You know, lift and coast, never ever did that. Except when we raced at Le Mans, for example, that was the only time we did that.","canonicalId":"concept:lift-and-coast","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Lift and coast” is a driving technique where the driver eases off the throttle and coasts to save fuel or manage energy. The speakers contrast eras of racing—saying they didn’t use it much in the 90s, except in specific situations.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Lift and coast” means you stop pressing the gas and let the car roll for a moment. Drivers do it to save fuel or manage energy, not to go faster immediately."}},{"startTime":1088.1,"endTime":1097.0,"type":"concept","title":"Le Mans","url":"/glossary/le-mans","quote":"You know, lift and coast, never ever did that. Except when we raced at Le Mans, for example, that was the only time we did that. To save fuel? Yeah, to save fuel.","canonicalId":"concept:le-mans","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Le Mans is the famous endurance race in France, known for long stints and heavy emphasis on fuel and tire management. The speakers use it as an example of when “lift and coast” was used to save fuel.","simplifiedExplanation":"Le Mans is a very long, famous race where teams have to manage resources like fuel and tires. Because it’s endurance racing, drivers sometimes change how they drive to make the car last the whole distance."}},{"startTime":1092.1,"endTime":1097.0,"type":"concept","title":"save fuel","url":"/glossary/save-fuel","quote":"Except when we raced at Le Mans, for example, that was the only time we did that. To save fuel? Yeah, to save fuel.","canonicalId":"concept:save-fuel","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Save fuel” refers to fuel-economy management during races, which can affect throttle use, coasting, and overall pace. The speakers mention it as the reason lift-and-coast showed up at Le Mans, and as a theme in earlier turbo-era fuel concerns.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Save fuel” means you drive in a way that uses less gasoline. In endurance-style situations, that can be necessary even if it costs a bit of speed."}},{"startTime":1105.5,"endTime":1110.9,"type":"concept","title":"tire part of it","url":"/glossary/tire-part-of-it","quote":"There was always a tire part of it where we had to look after it and try and get it through. That's still there. But that's all part of the whole bubble of what a driver has to do.","canonicalId":"concept:tire-part-of-it","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The “tire part of it” highlights that tire management is a major performance factor in F1. Even when cars are fast, drivers must manage tire wear and grip to stay competitive across the stint.","simplifiedExplanation":"Tires aren’t just for grip—they also wear out during the race. Drivers have to manage tire condition so they don’t lose speed later."}},{"startTime":1124.3,"endTime":1139.5,"type":"concept","title":"Formula 1","url":"/glossary/formula-1","quote":"...if you go back to the very beginning of Formula 1, it was what the manufacturers... wanted to prove their product was better...","canonicalId":"concept:formula-1","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Formula 1 (F1) is motorsport where teams race to prove performance and reliability, and manufacturers use it as a marketing and engineering proving ground. Historically, racing success was used to demonstrate that a brand’s road cars were dependable.","simplifiedExplanation":"Formula 1 is the top level of open-wheel racing. Teams and car companies use it to show their technology works and that their cars can be reliable."}},{"startTime":1157.8,"endTime":1168.3,"type":"term","title":"safety belts","url":"/glossary/safety-belts","quote":"...they were always talking about safety belts, for example. Actually, safety belts came in before they came in on race...","canonicalId":"term:safety-belts","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Safety belts (seat belts) are restraint systems designed to reduce injury in crashes. The speaker’s point is that safety technology often appears in racing before it becomes common in road cars, or at least is promoted through racing.","simplifiedExplanation":"Safety belts are what you buckle in to keep you from flying forward in a crash. The discussion is about how racing can help push safety ideas into everyday cars."}},{"startTime":1168.3,"endTime":1202.1,"type":"concept","title":"test bed","url":"/glossary/test-bed","quote":"...So Formula 1 was showing itself to be a good test bed or promoting road safety...","canonicalId":"concept:test-bed","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A “test bed” is a real-world environment used to develop and validate technology. In motorsport, F1 acts as a test bed for reliability, safety, and performance systems that can later influence road-car engineering.","simplifiedExplanation":"A test bed is a place where new ideas get proven in real conditions. In F1, companies use racing to test technology before it shows up in regular cars."}},{"startTime":1202.1,"endTime":1208.5,"type":"brand","title":"Ford","url":"/glossary/ford","quote":"...people like Ford came in to show that their brand of engine was better...","canonicalId":"brand:ford","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Ford is a major global automaker that has participated in motorsport for decades, including using racing to showcase engineering. Here, it’s mentioned as an example of a manufacturer trying to prove its powertrain/engine technology through F1 involvement.","simplifiedExplanation":"Ford is a car company. The speaker is saying that brands like Ford use racing to show their engines and technology are better."}},{"startTime":1260.8,"endTime":1263.8,"type":"brand","title":"Audi","url":"/glossary/audi","quote":"...whether it's Audi or Ford or wherever, because they're going to be selling hybrids...","canonicalId":"brand:audi","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Audi is a major automaker that has competed in top-level motorsport and has strong engineering ties to hybrid and performance powertrains. The speaker lists Audi as one of the brands the FIA wants to attract to F1’s hybrid direction.","simplifiedExplanation":"Audi is a well-known car brand. Here it’s mentioned as one of the companies that could benefit from (and invest in) F1’s hybrid technology push."}},{"startTime":1362.0,"endTime":1367.9,"type":"concept","title":"funny cars","url":"/glossary/funny-cars","quote":"They said there's a girl who's got the record for\nfunny cars in America or something in a quarter mile.","canonicalId":"concept:funny-cars","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Funny cars” are a class of American drag racing cars known for very powerful engines and short, intense runs. The hosts use it as an example of extreme straight-line performance and how that doesn’t automatically translate to the kind of entertainment F1 aims for.","simplifiedExplanation":"Funny cars are a type of drag racing car in the U.S. They’re built for huge power over a short sprint, not for road-course racing."}},{"startTime":1517.7,"endTime":1522.4,"type":"concept","title":"DNA of F1","url":"/glossary/dna-of-f1","quote":"[1517.7s]  something as well. It's not, you know, it's not in the DNA of F1. This is not what we should,\n[1522.4s]  they're not getting the kick.","canonicalId":"concept:dna-of-f1","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“DNA of F1” is a phrase meaning the fundamental identity of Formula One—how it should feel in terms of driving challenge, strategy, and authenticity. The speakers use it to argue that excitement shouldn’t come at the cost of what makes F1 uniquely skill-based.","simplifiedExplanation":"They mean “what makes F1 feel like F1.” The idea is that the sport has a certain character, and the new approach might be changing it too much."}},{"startTime":2137.2,"endTime":2140.7,"type":"concept","title":"Michael Schumacher","url":"/glossary/michael-schumacher","quote":"...Jack Villeneuve went round the outside of Michael Schumacher in the last corner, Esterel?","canonicalId":"concept:michael-schumacher","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Michael Schumacher is one of F1’s most dominant and influential drivers. The mention of him emphasizes how rare and impressive it was for someone to challenge him with a late, outside-the-corner overtake.","simplifiedExplanation":"Michael Schumacher is a legendary F1 driver. The point is that even he could be challenged with a really daring move, which made it memorable."}},{"startTime":2137.2,"endTime":2140.7,"type":"concept","title":"Jack Villeneuve","url":"/glossary/jack-villeneuve","quote":"I mean, do you remember when Jack Villeneuve went round the outside of Michael Schumacher in the last corner, Esterel?","canonicalId":"concept:jack-villeneuve","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Jack Villeneuve is a former Formula 1 World Champion known for bold overtakes. The speaker uses his move as an example of the kind of bravery and high-risk racing that fans found memorable.","simplifiedExplanation":"Jack Villeneuve is a famous former F1 champion. They’re bringing him up because he made a daring overtake that shows the kind of excitement they miss."}},{"startTime":2203.3,"endTime":2208.3,"type":"concept","title":"pedal to the metal","url":"/glossary/pedal-to-the-metal","quote":"And this car is trying to get away from him. And he's trying to keep [2208.3s] the pedal to the metal.","canonicalId":"concept:pedal-to-the-metal","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.88,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Pedal to the metal” is a phrase meaning full throttle—using maximum accelerator input. In racing commentary, it emphasizes that the driver is committing to speed even if the car is difficult to control."}},{"startTime":2303.9,"endTime":2314.2,"type":"brand","title":"Bridgestone","url":"/glossary/bridgestone","quote":"except probably the Bridgestone era with Michael and Ferrari, where it was literally a qualified\nlap. Michelin. Because the tyres is Bridgestone. But where the tyres were so good, you could\nliterally do all that pushing all the way through the race.","canonicalId":"brand:bridgestone","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Bridgestone is one of Formula 1’s official tyre suppliers. In this era, the tyres were described as so consistent that drivers could push hard for long stretches, changing how races played out.","simplifiedExplanation":"Bridgestone makes the tyres used in F1. If the tyres work really well and last, drivers can go faster for longer, which affects how the race feels."}},{"startTime":2553.9,"endTime":2560.0,"type":"concept","title":"F2","quote":"...have a tough time last year of F2. But it seems to be more than competent at being able to drive his cars brilliantly.","canonicalId":"concept:f2","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"F2 is shorthand for Formula 2, the series directly below F1 in the modern driver development ladder. Results in F2 are often used by F1 teams to judge readiness for an F1 seat.","simplifiedExplanation":"F2 is short for Formula 2. It’s the level just below Formula 1 where drivers prove they’re ready for the big leagues."}},{"startTime":3057.9,"endTime":3064.0,"type":"concept","title":"power unit","url":"/glossary/power-unit","quote":"So he's even teasing them and telling them, you've got to look a bit harder. We've given you the power unit, now you need to find out how to use the deployment and various things like that.","canonicalId":"concept:power-unit","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"In modern F1, the “power unit” is the complete engine-and-hybrid system that provides propulsion, including the internal combustion engine and energy recovery components. Damon’s point is that teams must not only have the power, but also use it effectively via deployment strategies.","simplifiedExplanation":"The “power unit” is the car’s engine system (including the hybrid parts). It’s not just about having power—it’s about using it at the right times during the race."}},{"startTime":3365.3,"endTime":3371.5,"type":"brand","title":"Mercedes","url":"/glossary/mercedes","quote":"...with Max not being very happy where he is, is he going to be taken by Mercedes, which means they're going to get rid of George?","canonicalId":"brand:mercedes","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Mercedes is a top Formula 1 constructor and one of the sport’s most prominent teams. Driver moves involving Mercedes are major because the team’s resources and performance expectations are extremely high.","simplifiedExplanation":"Mercedes is a famous F1 team. When they’re linked to a driver, it usually means big changes because they’re one of the strongest teams in the sport."}},{"startTime":3735.7,"endTime":3735.7,"type":"term","title":"V10","url":"/glossary/v10","quote":"also tested with Nigel's three and a half litre V10 FW 14, I think it was, with the big rear tires.","canonicalId":"term:v10","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A V10 is an engine with ten cylinders arranged in a V shape. In F1, V10s were known for high-revving performance and a distinct sound and throttle response compared with other engine layouts.","simplifiedExplanation":"A V10 is an engine with 10 cylinders. In racing, it usually means the engine can rev very high and feel very responsive."}},{"startTime":3818.2,"endTime":3822.8,"type":"term","title":"slipstream","url":"/glossary/slipstream","quote":"I heard a commentator saying\nsomething which they probably shouldn't have said, which is, this is like Formula Three.\nIt was so exciting. In terms of racing, if you go to 125 motorcycles, the 125 or 250s,\nbecause they're so underpowered and because they have to slipstream, they're always going\naround in a bunch.","canonicalId":"term:slipstream","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Slipstream is the aerodynamic effect where a car behind benefits from reduced air resistance caused by the car in front. In motorcycle racing, it can encourage tight packs and frequent passing attempts.","simplifiedExplanation":"Slipstream is when you drive behind another vehicle and get a drafting effect that helps you go faster with less effort. It’s one reason races can stay bunched together."}},{"startTime":3868.03,"endTime":3872.87,"type":"car","title":"Jeep Gladiator","url":"/cars/jeep/gladiator","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0b/Gobi_Jeep_gladiator_%28JT%29_on_W_Ann_Rd.jpg","quote":"... for the driver.  And then they have you have the gladiator well factor on the on the in the grandstand as we...","canonicalId":"car:jeep:gladiator","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Jeep Gladiator is a midsize pickup truck built by Jeep, combining the brand’s off-road capability with an open-bed truck design. It’s often discussed in contexts where people want a vehicle that can handle rough terrain but still carry gear like tools, bikes, or camping equipment. In a motorsport or event setting, it may come up as an example of a rugged, practical vehicle rather than a pure performance car.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Jeep Gladiator is a pickup truck, which means it has an open cargo bed in the back. It’s made for driving on rough roads or off-road trails, while still being useful for hauling things. That’s why it can be mentioned when people talk about practical “go-anywhere” vehicles.","imageAttribution":"Noah Wulf (CC BY-SA 3.0)"}},{"startTime":3996.9,"endTime":4006.1,"type":"concept","title":"Grand Prix","url":"/glossary/grand-prix","quote":"one disappointment for this season, obviously losing two races, two Grand Prix as well, of course. Well, we got to know the fact that the world is...","canonicalId":"concept:grand-prix","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A Grand Prix is an individual F1 race event held at a specific venue, typically over a weekend with practice and qualifying leading into the race. The hosts mention losing two Grand Prix, meaning two separate race weekends.","simplifiedExplanation":"A Grand Prix is basically one full F1 race event at a particular track. It includes the build-up sessions and then the main race."}},{"startTime":4103.2,"endTime":4116.6,"type":"company","title":"Progressive","url":"/glossary/progressive","quote":"The Athletic are things people say about drivers who switch their car insurance to progressive and save hundreds. Because progressive offers discounts...","canonicalId":"company:progressive","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Progressive is an insurance company mentioned in a commercial segment, highlighting discounts and customer service. While not directly related to racing, it’s a relevant automotive-adjacent brand for listeners thinking about vehicle coverage.","simplifiedExplanation":"Progressive is an insurance company. The ad is saying you may be able to save money on car insurance with certain discounts and good customer support."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"The Race Media Ltd","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/is-f1-2026-s-mario-kart-style-racing-any-good-damon-and-johnny-s-verdict/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}