{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"Our reaction to the first SECRET F1 test in 2026","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/our-reaction-to-the-first-secret-f1-test-in-2026","audioUrl":"https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/63e24225436c36001119fc66/e/6977b0c3eefa744a9c7a97d9/media.mp3","description":"We're here with our reaction to one of the most confusing days of pre-season testing you'll see, as F1 tried (and failed) to keep secret an event they've been hyping up for weeks. So, did people hack into the timing tower?! How high up the trees were the photographers? And what does the information we did get tell us about the current state of the F1 grid, 38 days out from the start of the season?Sign up to our Patreon! You'll get access to every P1 episode ad-free, extended versions of every 2026 race review, early access to tickets & merch, and access to our Discord server where you can chat with us and other F1 fans! Click here to sign up now: http://patreon.com/mattp1tommyFollow us on socials! You can find us on Twitter, Instagram, Twitch, YouTube and TikTok. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information."},"annotations":[{"startTime":180.4,"endTime":183.6,"type":"concept","title":"Formula One","url":"/glossary/formula-one","quote":"if you just not that bothered about Formula One cars being on track in January and you're like, well, Australia isn't till March. Fair enough. We're here to wrap it all up for you","canonicalId":"concept:formula-one","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"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.","simplifiedExplanation":"Formula One is a type of car racing where specially designed cars compete in races called Grands Prix. It's known for being very fast and using the latest technology."}},{"startTime":187.8,"endTime":193.1,"type":"term","title":"preseason testing","url":"/glossary/preseason-testing","quote":"However, because of the rule shake up, we have still official F1 testing in Bahrain in a few weeks, and there's two sets of three days.","canonicalId":"term:preseason-testing","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Preseason testing refers to the practice sessions held before the official racing season begins. Teams use this time to test their cars, gather data, and make adjustments to improve performance ahead of the races.","simplifiedExplanation":"Preseason testing is when racing teams practice with their cars before the actual racing season starts. It helps them make sure everything is working well and to improve their cars."}},{"startTime":198.2,"endTime":205.0,"type":"term","title":"Bahrain","url":"/glossary/bahrain","quote":"However, because of the rule shake up, we have still official F1 testing in Bahrain in a few weeks, and there's two sets of three days.","canonicalId":"term:bahrain","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Bahrain is a country in the Middle East that hosts the Bahrain Grand Prix, a race in the Formula One calendar. The Bahrain International Circuit is known for its modern facilities and has been a venue for F1 testing and races since 2004.","simplifiedExplanation":"Bahrain is a country that hosts car races, including Formula One. It has a special race track where these events take place."}},{"startTime":211.0,"endTime":215.7,"type":"term","title":"shakedown","url":"/glossary/shake-down","quote":"However, because of the rule shake up, we have still official F1 testing in Bahrain in a few weeks, and there's two sets of three days. But before that, right now, we have a five day shakedown.","canonicalId":"term:shake-down","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A shakedown is a preliminary test run for a vehicle, often conducted to ensure that everything is functioning correctly before more extensive testing or racing. It allows teams to identify any issues early on.","simplifiedExplanation":"A shakedown is a quick test run of a car to make sure everything is working properly before it goes into more serious testing or racing."}},{"startTime":440.4,"endTime":446.4,"type":"term","title":"new regulations","url":"/glossary/new-regulations","quote":"...It's a new regulation. And it's, this is the thing, like, as you say, that the actual reason behind this is because back when we went in...","canonicalId":"term:new-regulations","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"New regulations in Formula One refer to changes in the rules that govern how cars are designed and built. These regulations can significantly impact car performance and team strategies.","simplifiedExplanation":"New regulations are changes to the rules that teams must follow when building their racing cars. These changes can affect how fast the cars can go and how they perform in races."}},{"startTime":446.4,"endTime":454.3,"type":"term","title":"engine era","url":"/glossary/engine-era","quote":"...the actual reason behind this is because back when we went in, did testing before in a new engine era in 2014...","canonicalId":"term:engine-era","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.7,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"An engine era in Formula One refers to a specific period characterized by particular engine specifications and technologies. Each era can bring about significant changes in car performance and competitiveness.","simplifiedExplanation":"An engine era is a time in Formula One when certain types of engines are used. Each era can change how the cars perform and which teams are successful."}},{"startTime":454.3,"endTime":460.3,"type":"term","title":"unreliable","url":"/glossary/unreliable","quote":"...the cars were so incredibly unreliable that maybe they thought it was a bit embarrassing...","canonicalId":"term:unreliable","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"In the context of racing, 'unreliable' refers to a car's tendency to experience mechanical failures or breakdowns during races or testing, which can hinder performance and results.","simplifiedExplanation":"When we say a car is 'unreliable,' it means it often has problems that can cause it to stop working during a race or practice. This can be very frustrating for teams and drivers."}},{"startTime":743.0,"endTime":745.6,"type":"term","title":"lap counters","url":"/glossary/lap-counters","quote":"Absolutely. Laps, lap counters, are you about to say or just generally?","canonicalId":"term:lap-counters","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Lap counters are devices used in racing to track the number of laps completed by each car during a race. They are essential for monitoring performance and race progress.","simplifiedExplanation":"Lap counters help keep track of how many laps each car has completed in a race. This is important for knowing who is leading and how much time is left in the race."}},{"startTime":757.0,"endTime":762.3,"type":"term","title":"red flags","url":"/glossary/red-flags","quote":"...there have been very few problems and red flags from what's been reported. I've got the three red flags now in the morning session.","canonicalId":"term:red-flags","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"In racing, red flags are signals used to stop the race due to dangerous conditions, such as accidents or poor weather. They indicate that drivers must slow down and return to the pit lane.","simplifiedExplanation":"Red flags in racing mean that something is wrong, like an accident, and the race needs to stop. Drivers have to slow down and come back to the pits when they see a red flag."}},{"startTime":770.6,"endTime":777.2,"type":"term","title":"morning session","url":"/glossary/morning-session","quote":"So, let me just compare for people that weren't around in 2014. So, in that morning session, obviously, before they switched the timing off and we didn't get to see anything...","canonicalId":"term:morning-session","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The morning session in racing refers to the practice or qualifying period that occurs in the morning before the main event. It allows drivers to test their cars and make adjustments.","simplifiedExplanation":"The morning session is a time when drivers practice with their cars before the big race. It helps them get ready and make sure everything is working well."}},{"startTime":917.5,"endTime":923.2,"type":"term","title":"live timing","url":"/glossary/live-timing","quote":"What are your thoughts on the fact that F1 cut the timing data feeds off for Barcelona? Not surprised in the slightest. I think this was an oversight from them in the first place...","canonicalId":"term:live-timing","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Live timing refers to the real-time data feed that provides updates on the performance of cars during a race or practice session. It includes information such as lap times, positions, and other metrics that fans and teams use to analyze performance.","simplifiedExplanation":"Live timing is a way to see how fast cars are going during a race in real-time. It shows things like lap times and positions of each car as the race happens."}},{"startTime":928.6,"endTime":935.7,"type":"term","title":"Catalonia","url":"/glossary/catalonia","quote":"...the website of the Catalonia F1 live timing website or whatever it might be.","canonicalId":"term:catalonia","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Catalonia is an autonomous community in northeastern Spain, which is home to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, a prominent racetrack that hosts various motorsport events, including Formula One races.","simplifiedExplanation":"Catalonia is a region in Spain where a famous racetrack is located. This racetrack is used for many car races, including Formula One."}},{"startTime":1227.52,"endTime":1234.32,"type":"car","title":"Dodge Charger","url":"/cars/dodge/charger","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8f/1970_Dodge_Charger_R-T_Hirschaid_22-20220709-RM-120204.jpg","quote":"...Like this 1973 Dodge Charger on eBay that has been tucked away in an Arizona barn for over 40 years. Only 55,000 miles and somehow in great running order...","canonicalId":"car:dodge:charger","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Dodge Charger is a classic American muscle car known for its powerful performance and distinctive styling. The 1973 model represents a time when the Charger was transitioning in design and performance due to changing regulations and consumer preferences.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Dodge Charger is a famous car that many people love for its speed and style. The 1973 version is special because it has a unique look and was made during a time when cars were changing a lot.","imageAttribution":"Ermell (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":1231.0,"endTime":1241.9,"type":"concept","title":"barn find","url":"/glossary/barn-find","quote":"...that has been tucked away in an Arizona barn for over 40 years. Only 55,000 miles and somehow in great running order...","canonicalId":"concept:barn-find","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A 'barn find' refers to a vehicle that has been discovered after being hidden away for a long time, often in a barn or garage. These cars can be valuable due to their rarity and the stories behind them.","simplifiedExplanation":"A 'barn find' is when someone finds a car that has been kept in a barn for many years. These cars can be special because they often have interesting histories and can be worth a lot of money."}},{"startTime":1262.9,"endTime":1267.9,"type":"car","title":"Pontiac Grand Prix SJ","url":"/cars/pontiac/grand-prix","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/ce/1964_Pontiac_Grand_Prix%2C_front_left%2C_06-16-2024.jpg","quote":"...from rare finds like the Pontiac Grand Prix SJ to unique builds and your next daily driver.","canonicalId":"car:pontiac:grand-prix","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Pontiac Grand Prix SJ is a variant of the Grand Prix model, known for its sporty design and performance features. It was popular in the 1980s and 1990s, often recognized for its comfortable ride and powerful engine options.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Pontiac Grand Prix SJ is a type of car that was made by Pontiac, known for being sporty and comfortable. It's a model that many people liked, especially in the 80s and 90s.","imageAttribution":"MercurySable99 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":1262.9,"endTime":1267.9,"type":"concept","title":"daily driver","url":"/glossary/daily-driver","quote":"...from rare finds like the Pontiac Grand Prix SJ to unique builds and your next daily driver.","canonicalId":"concept:daily-driver","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A daily driver refers to a vehicle that is used regularly for everyday transportation. It is typically reliable, practical, and comfortable for commuting and errands.","simplifiedExplanation":"A daily driver is a car that you use every day to go to work, run errands, or just get around. It's usually a car that's easy to drive and dependable."}},{"startTime":1412.0,"endTime":1417.8,"type":"concept","title":"Formula 1","url":"/glossary/formula-1","quote":"Next question and a dog is now on my lap so there's clearly been an edit from underscore R2F1. Is it true there is a rule by F1 about how many pictures the teams can release this week? Yes, I saw that.","canonicalId":"concept:formula-1","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Formula 1 (F1) is a premier international auto racing sport, known for its high-speed cars and competitive teams. It features a series of races known as Grands Prix, held on various circuits around the world.","simplifiedExplanation":"Formula 1 is a top-level car racing series where teams compete in fast cars on different tracks. It's very popular and has strict rules about what teams can do during the races."}},{"startTime":1525.8,"endTime":1533.2,"type":"car","title":"Red Bull RB 22","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/11/FC_RB_Salzburg_gegen_WSG_Tirol_%28_mit_Meisterteller%C3%BCbergabe_22._Mai_2021%29_22.jpg","quote":"...the one kind of big talking point this year is that Red Bull have now shared what their actual car is like, the RB 22. And it looks very, very, very similar to the zero side pods that we saw on Mercedes in 2022...","canonicalId":"car:red-bull-rb-22","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Red Bull RB 22 is a Formula 1 car designed for the 2022 season. It features a unique aerodynamic design, particularly with its side pods, which are crucial for managing airflow and cooling the car's components.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Red Bull RB 22 is a race car used in Formula 1, which is a high-speed motorsport. Its design, especially the shape of its side pods, helps it cut through the air more efficiently.","imageAttribution":"Werner100359 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":1533.2,"endTime":1539.6,"type":"term","title":"side pods","url":"/glossary/side-pods","quote":"...they barely have any side pods at all. So yeah, very interesting to see that they've gone down that route...","canonicalId":"term:side-pods","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Side pods are components on a Formula 1 car that house the radiators and help manage airflow around the vehicle. Their design can significantly impact the car's aerodynamics and cooling efficiency.","simplifiedExplanation":"Side pods are parts of a race car that help cool the engine and other components while also affecting how the car moves through the air. They are important for the car's performance."}},{"startTime":1585.28,"endTime":1589.76,"type":"car","title":"Mclaren 14 Mclaren","url":"/cars/mclaren/f1","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e1/1994_McLaren_F1-1_%2829891722143%29.jpg","quote":"I couldn't really do that because Ferrari did not run as did Ferrari, Aston and Williams, those 14. McLaren, Aston and Williams. What did I say? Ferrari, Aston and Williams. Oh, good. Perfect. Well done, Matt. McLaren, Ferrari, Aston and Williams were the four teams,","canonicalId":"car:mclaren:f1","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The McLaren F1 is a legendary supercar introduced in the early 1990s, known for its innovative design and engineering. It features a lightweight carbon fiber body, a powerful BMW V12 engine, and a unique three-seat layout, making it one of the fastest and most sought-after cars in automotive history. Its significance lies not only in its performance but also in its influence on the design of future supercars.","simplifiedExplanation":"The McLaren F1 is a really famous sports car that was made in the 1990s. It's known for being super fast and has a unique design with three seats, which makes it stand out from other cars. People talk about it because it's considered one of the best cars ever made.","imageAttribution":"naeem mayet (CC BY 2.0)"}},{"startTime":1608.4,"endTime":1611.7,"type":"brand","title":"Aston Martin","url":"/glossary/aston-martin","quote":"...Aston Martin said, we're hoping to make the last two days that suggests that usually means that's the best possible outcome...","canonicalId":"brand:aston-martin","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Aston Martin is a British luxury sports car manufacturer known for its high-performance vehicles and association with James Bond films.","simplifiedExplanation":"Aston Martin is a famous car brand that makes luxury sports cars, often seen in movies like James Bond."}},{"startTime":1705.0,"endTime":1710.0,"type":"brand","title":"Williams","url":"/glossary/williams","quote":"...Aston and Williams look to be in trouble, whereas it from what we know...","canonicalId":"brand:williams","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Williams is a British Formula One racing team known for its history in the sport and competitive performance.","simplifiedExplanation":"Williams is a team that competes in Formula One racing. They have a long history of racing and have won many championships."}},{"startTime":1715.0,"endTime":1720.0,"type":"brand","title":"Ferrari","url":"/glossary/ferrari","quote":"...the McLaren and Ferrari is all part of the plan and they are just coming later...","canonicalId":"brand:ferrari","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Ferrari is an Italian luxury sports car manufacturer known for its high-performance vehicles and success in motorsport, particularly Formula One.","simplifiedExplanation":"Ferrari is a famous car brand that makes very fast and expensive sports cars. They are also known for their success in racing."}},{"startTime":1782.5,"endTime":1783.5,"type":"term","title":"crash tests","url":"/glossary/crash-tests","quote":"...failing crash tests and it could be due to the weight that that car is currently carrying and...","canonicalId":"term:crash-tests","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Crash tests are safety evaluations conducted to assess how well a vehicle protects its occupants during a collision, often required for regulatory compliance.","simplifiedExplanation":"Crash tests are tests done to see how safe a car is in a crash, checking how well it protects the people inside."}},{"startTime":2031.1,"endTime":2031.1,"type":"brand","title":"Mercedes","url":"/glossary/mercedes","quote":"...I can see that the Mercedes circulating. I can see Bortoletto coming out of a...","canonicalId":"brand:mercedes","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Mercedes is a well-known luxury automotive brand, famous for its high-performance vehicles and advanced engineering.","simplifiedExplanation":"Mercedes is a car brand that makes luxury vehicles known for their quality and performance."}},{"startTime":2036.8,"endTime":2036.8,"type":"brand","title":"Alpine","url":"/glossary/alpine","quote":"...the Alpine being wheeled. So this is the thing like we're seeing these highlights...","canonicalId":"brand:alpine","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Alpine is a French automotive manufacturer known for producing sports cars and performance-oriented vehicles, often associated with motorsport.","simplifiedExplanation":"Alpine is a car brand from France that makes sporty cars, often used in racing."}},{"startTime":2201.1,"endTime":2207.4,"type":"concept","title":"sprint race","url":"/glossary/sprint-race","quote":"...Maybe they should be a sprint race. Obviously, we were joking that we don't want that. How can they improve a secret F1 test? This is the thing. It's like the car...","canonicalId":"concept:sprint-race","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A sprint race in Formula One is a shorter race format that typically takes place on a Saturday, allowing drivers to compete for grid positions for the main race. It adds excitement and strategy to the weekend's events.","simplifiedExplanation":"A sprint race is a shorter version of a regular race in Formula One, usually held on a Saturday. It gives drivers a chance to earn better starting positions for the main race on Sunday."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Stak","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/our-reaction-to-the-first-secret-f1-test-in-2026/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}