Our 2026 F1 season predictions
About this episode
Excitement builds as Matt and Tommy dive into their predictions for the upcoming 2026 Formula One season. With new regulations shaking up the grid, they discuss potential surprises, including Pierre Gasly's prospects with Alpine and Gabriel Bortoletto's anticipated performance with Audi. The duo also engages with fan votes on who might be the season's standout performers, highlighting names like Carlos Sainz and Isaac Hachar. This episode is packed with speculation, humor, and insights into the evolving landscape of F1 as the new season approaches.
Seemingly about ten minutes after Lando Norris was crowned the 2025 World Champion, we are BACK!
From our Championship winners to big flops, bold Patreon predictions and new race winners, join us as we unveil our predictions for the biggest set of regulation changes in F1 history!
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Alpine
"let's just roll the dice and see what happens. Alpine, they've put everything into this year."
Alpine is a car company from France that makes sporty cars. They are also part of racing events like Formula 1.
Alpine is a French automotive manufacturer known for its sports cars, particularly the A110. The brand has a rich motorsport heritage and is currently involved in Formula 1.
Q3
"Couldn't believe, by the way, when we went on Tomo's Big Fat Quiz of the Year and found out he'd been in Q3 11 times or something. Absolutely ridiculous."
Q3 is the last part of the qualifying rounds in Formula 1 where the fastest drivers try to get the best starting spots for the race.
In Formula 1, Q3 refers to the third and final qualifying session where the top ten drivers compete for the best starting positions in the race. It's a crucial part of the qualifying process.
2026 regulations
"if we go by the rumours that have been floating around, Mercedes and Red Bull have found a loophole already in the 2026 regulations of giving them three tenths a lap..."
The 2026 regulations are new rules for Formula 1 cars that will start in 2026. They are designed to make the cars faster and safer while also being better for the environment.
The 2026 regulations refer to the upcoming set of rules and specifications that will govern Formula 1 cars starting in 2026. These regulations often focus on improving performance, safety, and sustainability.
engine loophole
"Mercedes and Red Bull have found a loophole already in the 2026 regulations of giving them three tenths a lap with the way in which their engine is..."
An engine loophole is a way that race teams might find a clever trick in the rules to make their engines perform better without breaking any laws.
An engine loophole refers to a technical advantage that teams may exploit within the regulations to gain performance without violating the rules. This can include innovative designs or interpretations of the rules.
compression ratio
"...something to do with the piston and the compression ratio of the piston going within the..."
Compression ratio is how much the engine squeezes the fuel and air mixture before it ignites. A higher number means the engine can make more power.
The compression ratio is the ratio of the maximum to minimum volume in the combustion chamber of an engine. A higher compression ratio generally allows an engine to produce more power, as it can extract more energy from the fuel-air mixture during combustion.
piston
"...something to do with the piston and the compression ratio of the piston going within the..."
A piston is a part inside the engine that moves up and down. It helps to push the car forward by compressing fuel and air and then using the explosion from that mixture to create power.
A piston is a cylindrical component that moves up and down within a cylinder of an engine. It compresses the fuel-air mixture and transmits the force of combustion to the crankshaft, which ultimately powers the vehicle.
power
"...that means that it delivers more power. It's 16-1 is the rules,..."
Power in a car means how strong the engine is. More power usually means the car can go faster or accelerate quicker.
In automotive terms, power refers to the engine's ability to do work, typically measured in horsepower or kilowatts. More power generally means better acceleration and performance.
ambient temperature
"...but they've found and basically it said it has to be an ambient temperature,..."
Ambient temperature is just the temperature of the air around us. It can change how an engine runs, especially when it's hot or cold outside.
Ambient temperature refers to the temperature of the surrounding environment. In automotive contexts, it can affect engine performance and tuning, as engines may behave differently at varying temperatures.
Mercedes
"But if you said George Russell is going to be a surprise, people would be like, was it a surprise? But then you could go, well, you finished fourth in the championship and 100 points off last time."
Mercedes is a famous car brand that makes luxury cars. They are known for their high-quality vehicles and advanced technology.
Mercedes-Benz is a German automotive brand known for luxury vehicles, buses, and trucks. It is one of the most recognized and prestigious car manufacturers in the world.
championship points
"But then you could go, well, you finished fourth in the championship and 100 points off last time. So yeah, it could change."
Championship points are scores that drivers earn based on how well they finish in races. The more points you have, the better your ranking in the championship.
Championship points are awarded to drivers based on their finishing position in races. These points accumulate over a season and determine the overall standings in motorsport championships.
Ferrari
"...people don't think have the highest hopes for Ferrari either. No, I can't sit here and go. They're joint constructors favourites this year because they're definitely not."
Ferrari is a famous car brand from Italy that makes very fast and expensive sports cars. They are also well-known for their racing team in Formula 1.
Ferrari is an iconic Italian sports car manufacturer known for its high-performance vehicles and success in motorsport, particularly Formula 1.
constructors' championship
"...I can't sit here and go. They're joint constructors favourites this year because they're definitely not. No, no."
In Formula 1 racing, the constructors' championship is a competition for teams. The team that earns the most points from their drivers wins the title.
The constructors' championship is a title awarded to the most successful Formula 1 team based on the points scored by both of its drivers throughout the season.
Formula 1
"...because of Ferrari. So there you go. My big flop for 2026 is Cadillac. On a similar thought train, they are coming into the sport fresh."
Formula 1 is a type of car racing that features very fast cars and takes place on special tracks. It's one of the most popular and exciting racing series in the world.
Formula 1 is the highest class of international auto racing for single-seater formula racing cars, known for its high speeds, advanced technology, and prestigious events.
Cadillac
"...my big flop for 2026 is Cadillac. On a similar thought train, they are coming into the sport fresh."
Cadillac is a brand of luxury cars made in the United States. They are known for making comfortable and stylish vehicles.
Cadillac is a luxury vehicle division of the American automobile manufacturer General Motors, known for its high-end cars and innovative technology.
Formula One
"...come into Formula One and come out the blocks firing. They've brought in two very experienced drivers..."
Formula One is a top-level car racing series where teams compete in races called Grands Prix. The cars are specially designed for speed and performance, making it a very exciting sport to watch.
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 high-speed competition and advanced technology.
engine formula
"and it's all looking good for Ferrari, they're taking parts from them and then it's not going to be as bad and it's going to be an engine formula."
An engine formula is a set of rules that tells car makers how to build their engines for racing. It helps ensure that all cars are competing fairly.
An engine formula refers to the specific regulations and specifications that govern the design and performance of engines in motorsport, particularly in series like Formula 1.
Braun GP
"and do a Braun GP and accidentally, we've built a car half a second quicker than everyone and who knows."
Braun GP was a racing team that surprised everyone by winning a championship in 2009. They built a really good car that was faster than others, even though they weren't expected to win.
Braun GP refers to the Brawn GP Formula 1 team that unexpectedly won the 2009 World Championship, showcasing how a well-designed car can outperform competitors, often against the odds.
McLaren
"...not much confidence in McLaren. Yeah, that's a bold one to flop Lando. Still think it'll be fairly strong..."
McLaren is a company that makes fast sports cars and is also famous for racing cars in Formula 1. They are known for their advanced technology and performance.
McLaren is a British automotive manufacturer known for its high-performance sports cars and Formula 1 racing team. They have a long history in motorsport and are recognized for their engineering excellence.
Dodge Charger
"...e story of how you found it. Like this 1973 Dodge Charger on eBay that has been tucked away in an Arizona b..."
The Dodge Charger is a powerful car that many people love for its speed and style. The 1973 version is a classic, meaning it's an older model that some collectors really appreciate, especially if it's been taken care of well. The story of finding one that's been kept safe in a garage can be exciting for car enthusiasts.
The Dodge Charger is a classic American muscle car that has been in production since the 1960s. The 1973 model is particularly significant as it represents a transition period in automotive design and performance, reflecting changes in consumer preferences and regulations during that era. It might be discussed for its nostalgic value and the story of finding a well-preserved example, like the one mentioned from Arizona.
Pontiac Grand Prix SJ
"...from rare finds like the Pontiac Grand Prix SJ to unique builds and your next daily driver."
The Pontiac Grand Prix SJ is a type of car that was made by Pontiac. The 'SJ' means it's a fancier version with better features than the regular model.
The Pontiac Grand Prix SJ is a variant of the Grand Prix, a mid-size car produced by Pontiac. The 'SJ' designation typically indicates a higher trim level with more features and performance enhancements.
podium
"...he's not even had a podium at Williams. But I can't go for Carlos Sainz."
A podium in racing means finishing in the top three spots in a race. Drivers who finish on the podium get awards and recognition for their performance.
In motorsport, a podium refers to the top three finishing positions in a race, where drivers receive trophies or medals. Achieving a podium finish is a significant accomplishment for any racer.
Red Bull
"...I think he's going to do a lot better at Red Bull."
Red Bull is a racing team in Formula 1 that is known for being very fast and winning many races.
Red Bull Racing is a prominent Formula 1 team known for its competitive performance and innovative engineering, often associated with quick and powerful engines.
Formula 2
"I read that the new regulation of cars feels more like a Formula 2 car to drive."
Formula 2 is a type of car racing that helps young drivers prepare for Formula 1. The cars are less expensive and easier to drive, making it a good training ground for future stars.
Formula 2 is a single-seater racing championship that serves as a feeder series to Formula 1. It features cars that are designed to be more affordable and provide a platform for drivers to showcase their skills before moving up to F1.
Honda
"Oh, it's Honda as well. Yeah, it is. It's Honda."
Honda is a car company from Japan that makes many different types of vehicles. They are known for their reliable cars and motorcycles.
Honda is a well-known Japanese automotive manufacturer that produces a wide range of vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, and power equipment. They are recognized for their engineering and innovation in the automotive industry.
World Championship
"and who's winning the World Championship?"
The World Championship is a way to keep track of who is the best driver in a racing series over a season, based on points earned from race finishes.
The World Championship refers to the overall standings in a racing series, where drivers accumulate points based on their finishing positions in races throughout the season.
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