THE INSIDE LINE F1 PODCAST IS HOSTED BY MITHILA MEHTA AND KUNAL SHAH. THIS FORMULA ONE PODCAST OFFERS A HUMOUROUS VIEW ON THE SPORT.
However, there could be good news around the corner – for Honda, Mclaren, Alonso and for Formula 1. There are reports that Mercedes has agreed to help Honda recover from their irrecoverable slump. This is after Bernie Ecclestone alleged that Mercedes helped Ferrari catch up in the last winter.
But Formula 1 is a competitive sport. Would it be fair for Mercedes to offer help to Honda? Why can’t they offer help to all the slow teams? How about Renault – since they’ll be the only manufacturer not receiving Mercedes’ expert advice. Wouldn’t it just be easier to then give every Formula 1 team Mercedes engines? If not, then let’s give everyone Honda engines. That way, Mclaren won’t seem too slow! (The Joke’s On Mclaren)
SUBSCRIBE NOW: ITUNES, AUDIOBOOM, TUNEIN AND STITCHER
I would assume that Liberty Media (and the FIA) are okay with this arrangement, especially if it delivers a close and competitive Formula 1. This will be good for the business and for us fans too. And such team arrangements aren’t new to the sport. But what will this do to brand Honda in the global automobile industry context? I’d love to know if there’s a research that indicates how much of a purchase decision is influenced by performance in Formula 1. (Formula 1 Wants More Car Manufacturers)
Finally, ‘God helps those who helps themselves’, but are Mclaren-Honda helping themselves? At the tyre test post the 2017 Bahrain Grand Prix, the team lodged their best ever track session yet (81-odd laps) and went on to claim that they weren’t sure how and why they had such a good test. Maybe Mclaren-Honda have forgotten how to read data from fast cars!
Help or not, Sauber considering Honda engines for 2018 seems like a complete bonkers of a decision, at the moment.
Red Bull Gives You Wings, But Needs An Engine
The former World Champion team is pushing for independent power unit suppliers to be allowed in Formula 1. This could be true for two reasons. First, they don’t think Renault will be able to catch up with Mercedes and Ferrari (unless Mercedes extend their generosity to Renault too). Second, they know that a Ferrari / Mercedes customer engine package won’t power them to a World Championship. However, the current power unit suppliers, also the constructors, are keen to block such an entry to protect their business interests in Formula 1. Fair? (Help, Red Bull Needs Energy)
The sport’s politics interests me more than geo-politics that stars icons like Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin and others. (Why Bernie Ecclestone Backed Donald Trump)
The Verstappen, Ricciardo & Sainz Battle
I’ve said this before and I say it again – Red Bull Racing will have the problem of plenty in their hands as contracts for 2018 come up for negotiations. They’ve three brilliant drivers and two cockpits. At this moment, all three of them can rightfully stake their claim to the faster Red Bull Racing cockpits. While a headache for the team, I get this feeling that whichever way this game unfolds, neither driver, nor their fans will be disappointed with the outcome. Will Bottas and Raikkonen help solve this mystery?
And while we’re on the Red Bull Racing-Honda talk, had they partnered, Max Verstappen’s talent would have struggled to come to the fore!
From Double World Champion To Indy 500 Rookie
Fernando Alonso is doing what it takes – on and off track – to achieve success at the Indy 500. His PR and social media team are making the most of the positive discussions around his switch while he’s gone and signed up Gil de Ferran as his coach. I am most interested in knowing more about his journey to the Indy 500 and if he will retire his Mclaren-Honda in the last few laps of the 2017 Russian Grand Prix if not in the points.
There’s also news about Alonso being badly advised in his career. If you study his moves, it would be difficult to disagree, but that’s always the case with hindsight! (Formula 1’s Unluckiest Double World Champion)
Formula 1 Missing Nico Rosberg?
The intense Vettel – Hamilton rivalry is slowly overwriting the Hamilton – Rosberg memories from 2016. However, the sport ends up reminding us of the reigning World Champion in its own little ways. First, Bottas was referred to as ‘Nico’ on radio in China and then last week, Jacques Villeneuve classified drivers into ‘Rosbergs’ or ‘Alonsos’! Is Valtteri Bottas making us miss Nico Rosberg?
Russia Under Pressure After Bahrain
Basis F1 Fanatic’s ratings, the 2017 Bahrain Grand Prix was second highest in the history of all races in Bahrain. Let’s hope that Russia deliver on expectations too.
Will Mercedes back Lewis Hamilton outright as the battle intensifies? Will the cooler temperatures slow Ferrari down? Will Raikkonen and Bottas further strengthen their number 2 status? Finally, we could have a new team-driver combination win in Russia for the first time, so if you’re a fan, make sure you head to Sochi and watch the race from the stands.
Predictions:
Pole Position: Lewis Hamilton
Race: Vettel, Hamilton, Ricciardo
The bigger question though would be: Will Vladimir Putin visit the circuit even if his friend Bernie Ecclestone is absent?