{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"Is Verstappen right about F1 2026? Hill and Herbert's verdict","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/is-verstappen-right-about-f1-2026-hill-and-herbert-s-verdict","audioUrl":"https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/690251e14013c81f9a0d7ba3/e/69a32a33a9760df1fbf0dbf2/media.mp3","description":"Max Verstappen has been incredibly critical of the direction F1 has taken with its 2026 rules - but does he have a point? Is F1 still F1?That's the key topic of conversation in the latest episode of Stay On Track, in which 1996 world champion Damon Hill and three-time grand prix winner Johnny Herbert look ahead to the season-opening race in Australia and contemplate what we can expect from the racing in this new era of F1.They also discuss whether they'd have liked to have driven these cars, speculate on how the team-mate battles might play out in the 'big four' teams, and pick a winner for the first race based on what they saw in testing.Want bonus F1 podcasts, extra content and ad-free listening? Join The Race Members' Club on Patreon today and get 90% off your first month! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information."},"annotations":[{"startTime":101.6,"endTime":103.8,"type":"concept","title":"F1","url":"/glossary/f1","quote":"\"It's F1, Jim, but not as we know it. Ha, ha, ha, ha.\"","canonicalId":"concept:f1","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"F1, or Formula 1, is the highest class of international single-seater auto racing sanctioned by the FIA. It features the fastest road course racing cars in the world and is known for its advanced technology and global racing calendar.","simplifiedExplanation":"F1 stands for Formula 1, which is a type of very fast car racing that happens all over the world. The cars are specially made to go super fast on race tracks."}},{"startTime":128.8,"endTime":133.1,"type":"term","title":"turbo","url":"/glossary/turbo","quote":"revving the nuts off the car to get the turbo to wind up.","canonicalId":"term:turbo","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A turbocharger is a device that forces extra air into the engine's combustion chamber, increasing power output by allowing more fuel to be burned. It uses exhaust gases to spin a turbine that compresses the intake air.","simplifiedExplanation":"A turbo is like a fan that pushes more air into the engine so it can make more power. It uses the car's exhaust to work."}},{"startTime":133.1,"endTime":136.9,"type":"term","title":"lift and coast","url":"/glossary/lift-and-coast","quote":"I still understand lift and coast. Lift and coast.","canonicalId":"term:lift-and-coast","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Lift and coast is a driving technique where the driver lifts off the throttle early before braking, allowing the car to slow down naturally and save fuel or manage tire wear. It's often used in racing or fuel-saving scenarios.","simplifiedExplanation":"Lift and coast means taking your foot off the gas pedal early so the car slows down by itself, which can help save fuel or make the car easier to control."}},{"startTime":276.8,"endTime":280.0,"type":"term","title":"internal combustion engine","url":"/glossary/internal-combustion-engine","quote":"...350 kilowatts versus 400 for the ICE, the internal combustion engine part.","canonicalId":"term:internal-combustion-engine","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"An internal combustion engine (ICE) is a type of engine where fuel combustion occurs inside the engine itself, producing power to move the vehicle. It typically runs on petrol or diesel and has been the traditional power source for cars.","simplifiedExplanation":"An internal combustion engine is the part of a car that burns fuel like petrol to make the car move. It's the usual engine found in most cars before electric ones became popular."}},{"startTime":284.0,"endTime":290.0,"type":"term","title":"power unit","url":"/glossary/power-unit","quote":"...There's a thing called the power unit which combines an electric motor and a petrol driven internal combustion engine and they both work together.","canonicalId":"term:power-unit","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"In hybrid and Formula 1 contexts, the power unit refers to the combined system of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor working together to provide propulsion. It integrates both power sources for improved performance and efficiency.","simplifiedExplanation":"A power unit is the part of a car that includes both the petrol engine and an electric motor working together to make the car go."}},{"startTime":287.1,"endTime":295.0,"type":"term","title":"electric motor","url":"/glossary/electric-motor","quote":"...which combines an electric motor and a petrol driven internal combustion engine and they both work together.","canonicalId":"term:electric-motor","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"An electric motor converts electrical energy from a battery into mechanical energy to drive the vehicle's wheels. It is a key component in hybrid and electric vehicles.","simplifiedExplanation":"An electric motor is a part that uses electricity from a battery to help move the car."}},{"startTime":294.9,"endTime":302.0,"type":"term","title":"battery","url":"/glossary/battery","quote":"...they've increased the size of the electric motor part of it by increasing the size of the battery and the amount of the energy they can put through that.","canonicalId":"term:battery","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The battery in hybrid or electric vehicles stores electrical energy that powers the electric motor. Increasing battery size allows for more energy storage and longer electric driving range.","simplifiedExplanation":"The battery is like a big rechargeable box that holds electricity to power the electric motor in the car."}},{"startTime":314.42,"endTime":351.2,"type":"concept","title":"electric car","url":"/glossary/ev","quote":"Now when they invented the car back in 1883, the first car, the first car was electric. ... So the electric car came first.","canonicalId":"concept:ev","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"An electric car is a vehicle powered entirely or primarily by electricity, using rechargeable batteries instead of a traditional internal combustion engine running on petrol or diesel.","simplifiedExplanation":"An electric car runs on batteries that you can recharge, instead of using gas like regular cars. It’s powered by electricity to make it move."}},{"startTime":402.8,"endTime":408.3,"type":"concept","title":"Formula One","url":"/glossary/formula-one","quote":"\"...this isn't what Formula One should be, but it's also coming out from the teams...\"","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, featuring the fastest and most technologically advanced cars and teams competing worldwide.","simplifiedExplanation":"Formula One is a type of car racing where the fastest and most advanced cars race on tracks around the world."}},{"startTime":443.8,"endTime":444.5,"type":"brand","title":"Ferrari","url":"/glossary/ferrari","quote":"And who was good on the starts? Ferrari. Yes, the small turbos.","canonicalId":"brand:ferrari","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Ferrari is an Italian luxury sports car manufacturer known for its high-performance racing and road cars, especially in Formula 1 and other motorsports.","simplifiedExplanation":"Ferrari is a famous car company that makes very fast and expensive sports cars, often seen in racing."}},{"startTime":647.3,"endTime":650.32,"type":"concept","title":"Le Mans","url":"/glossary/le-mans","quote":"And I know when I've raced at Le Mans, you always get a booklet.","canonicalId":"concept:le-mans","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Le Mans is a famous 24-hour endurance race held annually in France, known for testing the durability and performance of cars and drivers over a full day of racing.","simplifiedExplanation":"Le Mans is a very long car race that lasts 24 hours. Drivers and cars have to keep going without stopping for a whole day, which is very hard."}},{"startTime":706.04,"endTime":707.6,"type":"brand","title":"Esteban Ocon","url":"/glossary/esteban-ocon","quote":"Well, I saw Esteban Ocon. Don't know if you saw that.","canonicalId":"brand:esteban-ocon","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Esteban Ocon is a professional Formula 1 racing driver from France, known for competing at the highest level of motorsport. Mentioning him indicates a discussion related to Formula 1 or high-performance driving.","simplifiedExplanation":"Esteban Ocon is a famous race car driver who competes in the top racing series called Formula 1. Talking about him means the conversation is about fast, professional racing."}},{"startTime":791.6,"endTime":794.4,"type":"concept","title":"Formula E","url":"/glossary/formula-e","quote":"Do you actually work in Formula E, don't you? Yeah, we load the cars.","canonicalId":"concept:formula-e","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Formula E is a class of motorsport that uses only electric-powered cars, focusing on sustainable racing technology and electric vehicle performance.","simplifiedExplanation":"Formula E is a type of car race where all the cars run on electricity instead of gasoline, making it cleaner and quieter."}},{"startTime":840.3,"endTime":845.1,"type":"term","title":"regeneration","url":"/glossary/regeneration","quote":"because when you're having the the the the the motor doing the regeneration, it is doing your braking.","canonicalId":"term:regeneration","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Regeneration refers to the process where an electric motor recovers energy during braking by converting kinetic energy back into electrical energy, which is stored in the battery.","simplifiedExplanation":"Regeneration is when a car uses its motor to slow down and save energy instead of just using the brakes."}},{"startTime":857.4,"endTime":858.7,"type":"term","title":"regenerative braking","url":"/glossary/regenerative-braking","quote":"\"Do you want an electric car? You want to use the regenerative part, not the brakes,\"","canonicalId":"term:regenerative-braking","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Regenerative braking is a system in electric and hybrid vehicles that recovers energy during deceleration by using the electric motor to slow the car and convert kinetic energy into electrical energy stored in the battery.","simplifiedExplanation":"When you slow down an electric car, it can save some energy instead of wasting it. This saved energy helps the car go further without using extra power."}},{"startTime":904.4,"endTime":904.4,"type":"term","title":"petrol engine","url":"/glossary/petrol-engine","quote":"is to have a petrol engine in this.","canonicalId":"term:petrol-engine","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A petrol engine is an internal combustion engine that runs on gasoline. It is commonly used in many types of vehicles including race cars and road cars.","simplifiedExplanation":"A petrol engine is the kind of engine in many cars that uses gasoline to make the car move."}},{"startTime":911.2,"endTime":916.7,"type":"concept","title":"fuel efficiency","url":"/glossary/fuel-efficiency","quote":"reducing carbon output into the atmosphere carbon dioxide and also efficiency as well. So they're superbly efficient.","canonicalId":"concept:fuel-efficiency","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Fuel efficiency describes how effectively a vehicle uses fuel to produce power, often measured by distance traveled per unit of fuel. Higher efficiency means less fuel consumption and lower emissions.","simplifiedExplanation":"Fuel efficiency means how far a car can go using a certain amount of fuel. Cars that use fuel well don't waste it and are better for the environment."}},{"startTime":920.4,"endTime":926.68,"type":"concept","title":"alternative fuels","url":"/glossary/alternative-fuels","quote":"But they've also got different fuels now, haven't they? Yeah. We used to say we used to burn rubber. Now we're burning rubbish.","canonicalId":"concept:alternative-fuels","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Alternative fuels are non-traditional fuels used to power vehicles, such as biofuels, synthetic fuels, or recycled waste products. They aim to reduce environmental impact compared to conventional petrol or diesel.","simplifiedExplanation":"Alternative fuels are different kinds of fuel made from things like plants or recycled trash instead of regular gasoline. They help cars pollute less."}},{"startTime":2066.38,"endTime":2068.0,"type":"concept","title":"horsepower","url":"/glossary/horsepower","quote":"and we had 150 horsepower, something like that, I probably had about 180 horsepower,","canonicalId":"concept:horsepower","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Horsepower is a unit of measurement for engine power, indicating how much work the engine can perform. It helps compare the performance potential of different vehicles.","simplifiedExplanation":"Horsepower tells you how strong a car's engine is and how fast it can go. More horsepower usually means a faster car."}},{"startTime":2073.1,"endTime":2075.0,"type":"concept","title":"Brands Hatch","url":"/glossary/brands-hatch","quote":"And then I did my very first test of Bennington in 1987 at Brands Hatch.","canonicalId":"concept:brands-hatch","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Brands Hatch is a famous motor racing circuit in Kent, England, known for hosting various racing events including Formula 1 and touring car races.","simplifiedExplanation":"Brands Hatch is a well-known race track in England where people race cars and motorcycles."}},{"startTime":2171.8,"endTime":2179.1,"type":"car","title":"Ford Edge","url":"/cars/ford/edge","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b6/FORD_EDGE_L_%28FORD_EDGE_THIRD_GENERATION%29.jpg","quote":"...ushing your limits to the to the very to the very edge.  And and I think that's what Max is sort of allu...","canonicalId":"car:ford:edge","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Ford Edge is a midsize crossover SUV known for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and modern technology features. It is often discussed for its balance of practicality and style, making it a popular choice for families and commuters alike. The name 'Edge' also lends itself to metaphorical uses, such as pushing limits or boundaries.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Ford Edge is a type of car that is bigger than a regular car but smaller than a big SUV. It’s good for families because it has lots of space and is easy to drive. People sometimes talk about it because its name sounds like going to the very limit or edge of something.","imageAttribution":"Dinkun Chen (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":2787.7,"endTime":2792.0,"type":"concept","title":"pre-season testing","url":"/glossary/preseason-testing","quote":"How many times we've been to Bahrain in pre-season testing and Ferrari have looked good?","canonicalId":"concept:preseason-testing","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Pre-season testing refers to the period before a racing season starts when teams test their cars on track to evaluate performance, reliability, and make adjustments.","simplifiedExplanation":"Before the racing season begins, teams try out their cars on the track to see how fast and reliable they are and to fix any problems."}},{"startTime":2916.7,"endTime":2917.5,"type":"brand","title":"Mercedes","url":"/glossary/mercedes","quote":"Mercedes, Ferrari, they all had their little window where it was a little bit difficult to keep a car on the track.","canonicalId":"brand:mercedes","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Mercedes-Benz is a German luxury automotive brand known for its engineering, performance, and innovation in both road and race cars.","simplifiedExplanation":"Mercedes is a famous car company from Germany that makes fancy and fast cars."}},{"startTime":2926.8,"endTime":2930.0,"type":"brand","title":"Cadillac","url":"/glossary/cadillac","quote":"going back to Cadillac as well, they've achieved some brilliant stuff with this technology that's been thrown at them.","canonicalId":"brand:cadillac","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Cadillac is a luxury vehicle brand from the United States, known for combining comfort with advanced technology.","simplifiedExplanation":"Cadillac is a car brand from America that makes fancy and comfortable cars."}},{"startTime":3015.7,"endTime":3020.4,"type":"concept","title":"new regulations","url":"/glossary/new-regulations","quote":"But they got the right momentum, but it's new regulations.","canonicalId":"concept:new-regulations","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"New regulations refer to updated rules set by the governing body of Formula 1 that affect car design, performance, and competition to improve racing quality and safety.","simplifiedExplanation":"New regulations are new rules for how the race cars are built and raced. They help keep the races fair and safe."}},{"startTime":3233.0,"endTime":3234.0,"type":"term","title":"World Champion","url":"/glossary/world-champion","quote":"World Champion.\nOscar didn't win the championship.","canonicalId":"term:world-champion","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A World Champion is the winner of a global competition, such as the Formula 1 World Drivers' Championship, awarded to the driver with the most points over a season.","simplifiedExplanation":"A World Champion is the person who wins the biggest prize in a sport after competing against the best in the world."}},{"startTime":3507.4,"endTime":3508.4,"type":"brand","title":"Audi","url":"/glossary/audi","quote":"The Audi. Is it? I saw a shot of the Audi.","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 motorsport involvement, including iconic racing cars with distinctive engine sounds.","simplifiedExplanation":"Audi is a car company from Germany that makes fancy cars and race cars that are known for their unique and loud engine noises."}},{"startTime":3565.1,"endTime":3565.1,"type":"brand","title":"Williams","url":"/glossary/williams","quote":"I mean, the Williams got off to a bit of a rocky start.","canonicalId":"brand:williams","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Williams is a British Formula 1 racing team known for its history of success and innovation in the sport.","simplifiedExplanation":"Williams is a famous racing team that competes in the highest level of car racing called Formula 1."}},{"startTime":3580.8,"endTime":3580.8,"type":"concept","title":"customer car","url":"/glossary/customer-car","quote":"And Haas is a Ferrari customer car, but they're doing, they're doing really well.","canonicalId":"concept:customer-car","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A customer car in Formula 1 is a team that buys engines and other parts from another manufacturer instead of building their own.","simplifiedExplanation":"In racing, a customer car is a team that uses parts made by another team instead of making their own."}},{"startTime":3580.8,"endTime":3580.8,"type":"brand","title":"Haas","url":"/glossary/haas","quote":"And Haas is a Ferrari customer car, but they're doing, they're doing really well.","canonicalId":"brand:haas","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Haas F1 Team is an American Formula 1 racing team that uses Ferrari engines and parts, making them a customer team of Ferrari.","simplifiedExplanation":"Haas is a racing team in Formula 1 that uses engines and parts from Ferrari, a famous car maker."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"The Race Media Ltd","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/is-verstappen-right-about-f1-2026-hill-and-herbert-s-verdict/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}