From Worst to First
In last Formula 1 season before Drive To Survive, the Honda engine was terrible. McLaren routinely started at the back of the grid because of engine replacements and performance issues. It made the Renault engine look like a solid performer.
With the knowledge and perspective we weren’t given in season 1, it makes the decision for Red Bull to choose to move away from Renault and to Honda as their power unit supplier even more surprising than the confessionals from pundits made it sound at the time.
But, now we know the “end” of the story—that Honda engine magically became good and powered Red Bull to its best season since 2013. Except that it wasn’t magic. Race Fans has a walkthrough how that change happened.
Radio Transcript: Alonso
Alonso’s Qualifying was upended by a part that cost less than two pounds (British for “dollars”). His race didn’t go much better.
Race Fans has the radio transcript of the eventful Australian GP for the Alpine star. Every radio transcript document is worth reading—they’re so cool.
Haas: Nyet
Uralkali, the Russian fertilizer company owned by Nikita Mazipan’s oligarch father, was the title sponsor of the Haas Formula 1 team. Until Russia invaded Ukraine, and the partnership was cancelled and Mazipan booted from the team during winter testing.
Now, Uralkali is asking for its money back.
After seeing the Mazipan episode in season four of DTS, I have to imagine Gunther’s response was a curt: Nyet.
But Autosport has the full response along with interesting justifications from both sides.
Safety Car Drama (But Not That Kind)
On our Australian GP, Ryan went on a conspiracy rant about how all the Aston Martin threads might be unraveling—leaving the only opening fans have of Lance Stroll leaving the team.
It was met with…tepid agreement from Sara.
But, today, we get the first sign of that long rant being true with Autosport’s coverage of the Safety Car criticisms from drivers.
This isn’t going to happen, but it’s interesting to watch Daddy Stroll and his company be stymied at every turn—on track, off track, and at the dealership.
If only this would get Seb on a different team…
Ferrari Giving Hints
Ferrari brought upgrades to the Australian Grand Prix, but we didn’t notice them—and you might not have either. Unless you watched one of the practice sessions.
The upgrades were shipped to Melbourne, put on the car and run in free practice. But not in the race.
In any event, Matt Somerfield at Autosport looks at the clues the tweaks to the red car’s diffuser gives us for what the future upgrades will address.