Williams Struggles and Silverstone Predictions

Welcome back everyone to the best F one podcast on the planet And we are just straight off the back. of an Austrian Grand Prix that entertained us. I mean, you'll see in a minute Matt is reporting live from the Red Bull ring. Yeah, that is commitment. but We are Boxbox podcasts powered by Bx Box Club. Do check them out in the link down below. But if you do want exclusive content from us, we encourage you to follow us on social media, wherever you are listening to us Do follow us. that really makes a big difference. Give the podcast a five star rating if you love what you hear or see involved. We love it when you comment. so please do that. An involvement is I don't know what the word is. is very we're very grateful for it. Basically, but we have a lot to dive into. so Let's crack on with the show Allright guys, so yeah, I'm currently sitting in a field next to the Australian and Austri Austrian track And firstly, if there's a bit of interference today, you're going to have to Allow it, okay? I haven't got my new mic, I've got my old mic. So if it's interference, I apologize in advance, but I mean, I don't know if you can see it from my video, but the view behind me is just outstanding. You may hear some helicopters literally just behind me is where all the private jets are. So I've already seen Max Verstappen's jet over there. so many other jets. you've got people from being flown in our helicopters One thing I can tell you for sure, is that you guys at home have a much better view of all that than I do. I'm going to hold my phone up. This is this is how we're communicating right now, Matt and I. That's what I get to see. if you're listening only, it is It's just a blue sky and the top of E' head What's up about that Lu? is that better That is going to be awful for everyone else to watch. So I'm happy to take the hit here But it does want a shot that is. I mean, that's got to be top three most beautiful podcast locations ever. Honestly This place is utterly amazing U The truck is sick The location is sick, the locals are fantastic. like it is just Where we're camping at the moment, you walk out and literally' just got all the heels behind you, it's amazing. It really is amazing wouldould you encourage anyone that is thinking about, oh, I want to go to a European Grand Prix Would you recommend the Austrian Grand Prix, not just for the views, but the weekend as a whole. How's that been So there's a helicopter. you can probably hear. U Mate the actual track, I've always rated a track. The weekend has been brilliant. The thing that's really made it difficult this weekend is the heat. It's been like thirty two, thirty three, there's been no breeze. You've got people trying to like go under trees to get shade. I mean It is It is hot and that's the only thing that's made it really bit unbearable this weekend. But other than that watching Ferrari. other than that is actually being a sick weekend and the views around here, I'd recommend it. I'd recommend it. if it's on it's definitely a bucket list thing to go to Austrian Grand Prix because one of mine was Spa. I got to do that, that was sick and now Austria and It's an amazing track, amazing track. I must say that like it's looked unbelievable, but obviously there's so much more to a grand Prix weekend than just what you see on track or like on TV. you know, there's so much more that goes on on track beyond what's on TV. There's so many events, different things happening and I think if you do have the opportunity to try and go to a grandri definitely do it. But I mean Austria in particular has looked unbelievable. Although yeah, you could have dialed back the temperature a little bit Oh mate, it's been it's been so hot. I've seen people like collapsing. I've seen people literally going into bushes just to try and get some shade. It's been I would say it's close to unbearable. I mean, we're in the stands by turn three. V veryy fortunate of great great views, amazing views But my God, there was no breeze whatsoever. It was just like There's no clouds in the sky I mean, there is now, but There was just nothing, not a breeze at all. But ye no, it's been amazing. It's been honest, it's been fantastic. and Should we delve into it really? because This was a weekend where after Barcelona we thought actually Farry going to be on a roll here I'm leaving The Austrian Grand Prix kind of a bit baffled by Where were we Like let's just start with Ferrari, shall we? P two, P three qualify and you think to yourself, okay, this is great Lewis Hamilton finish a P five Charles Cclire P. mean What happened? Because obviously, there's I may have missed a few things because I wasn not seen watching on TV, but Was it just the fact that we didn't have any pace? What the hell happened Yeah, the Ferrari situation is a real strange one in Austria because It really seemed like after Saturday qualifying, we knew that you know They were probably in the mix with what I thought was they were in the mix with max. You know, Kimmy didn't get put in his final lap. He had looked really quick throughout all the qualifying sessions free practice. But obviously Max's crash, which we'll get on to led to Kimmy not being able to qualify in the position that he should have and realistically that bumped the Ferraris up, you know, probably two places above where they should have been. But even so you thought, well They're in there Okay, and then you kind of I think kind of what we're seeing at the moment is Ferrari do seem a little bit stronger. in race pace. You know, I think we seeing them closing that gap in quali. and I think we're also seeing that gap close in race pace. So leading up to that I was like I think it could be done and what made the whole thing even weirder was that Lewis Hamilton was actually really strong in the first part of that race You know, he was staying within sort of anywhere from a second to a second half within George. All of a sudden, fell for Cliff. you know, Lecler struggled at the start. I think he went a bit aggressive with George and then ended up losing the place to to Lewis and then Max and it kind of just spiralred out of control for Charles. and I think we should touch on Charles in a bit more detail, but Yeah Ferrari as a whole, you know, they brought big upgrades this weekend I don't know what to say about them. It's a really disappointing weekend for them, but it doesn't seem like anyone's too downbeat about the upgrades think the gist that I'm getting from watching I'm so sorry I just got like helicopters going over my head so I'm sorry, like this This is like going to be the first I will mute your tracks and no one will even hear the helicopters So why am I doing this then if you're just going to mute my whole track becausecause when you're just talking When you're talking, people will heave But yeah, it was, you know, they don't seem to Disheartened by the upgrades. It's not like they're like, oh, we've brought the upgrades and nothing's working I think it was just a poor weekend. they really who didn't seem to hold on to their tyres very well. They really struggled when they when they went onto the hard tyres, both of them. Charles Lecler came out and said explicitly over the radio, he said, theseese tyres are shit. So those were his exact words What happened with Lewis by the way? Why did they do put him back onto softs Be I couldn't quite work out from Why did they do like three stops for Lewis We're going have to discuss Hitting Lewis and putting him onto the softs during the VSC Look, there are people buck at you know or at the track and back at the factory that are way brighter than us and have way more information. but It seemed like a strange one. Um But ultimately, I'm not sure if it I think the only position it probably cost him was to Oscar Piastri, ultimately Max Verstappen in the end was was too quick for Lewis and The same with Kimmy Antonlli But it did seem like a strange call because I didn't really understand what there was to gain from that I was like, because I pitted him and I was like, what are we doing here? Can I just go back and talk about Lewis No you know Ive seen it liiveestay was simply as Max thisapp and would say lovely There's nothing closer in F one. battle you get between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. That fight between both of them was onic It took me back to twenty twenty one. I know Maxoly moaned about it afterwards saying he was pushed off whatever But seing it It was a beautiful battle. Yeah, I mean, it's really It is really like watching nothing else. not I don't even think it's to do with nostalgia. It's genuinely you You witness how unbelievable it is when they come together. And when you see two people at that level battling as closely as they were today It was It was amazing, you know, my heart was pounding so I did Obviously Max did come over the radio and complain man, you've got you give it as good as you get. You've got to just put a lid in it sometimes. And I think You know, ultimately he had the upper hand on pace U on the wor part Yeah, it was, you know, surely everyone wants that week in weekout. I think everyone here and everyone you know, tuning in would take a Lewis and Max title bt. comeome on You know you would hundred percent. and look Lewis Hamilton, forty one years old still has it. that were great overtakes, not just that one alone, but seeing him come through the field, seeing I mean after they pitted him, he had so much traffic. Some of the overtakes today were beautiful. but yeah, difficult day for Ferrari and I think they'll be going away from this going don't quite know what's happened here. We left Barcelona with a win. We've come away with a P five and a P eight. We've gott move forward to Seilstone, but You know, with the likes of Red Ball coming into play today and even McLaren Piastri looks strong today There is still questions and I think this is where we are with these regulations at the moment. from track to track, we're just seeing We're just seeing such big changes within the teams, but the only team who isn't really changing is Mercedes And this this is what I said. I posted a video which by the way, if you do want exclusive content, then do head over to our social media channels. The links will be in the description down below. But I said in a video that I put on there after the race. I said You know, this season is so exciting. You come to a new track week in week out and you're like, I actually have no idea what is going to happen? It's so hard to predict because it's like Oh, well, you know, McLaren are quick. This week next week is like where the hell are the McLarens. Now you've got Ferrari winning a race. What the hell? And then you've got you know, Max Verstappen looking like He could have won the race in a red Bll And I'm like Absolutely mental and it's so unpredictable, which is why I think this season is turning out to be so exciting. But like you say, the only car that is predictable and you know it's going to be And you know it's probably going to be the strongest is the Mercedes And I'm hoping that changes Meet you U Be I can't keep going to races by the way This is the second race that I've been to and George Russells won. Granted, when I went to Spa that got overturned, Lewis Hamilton won it, but obviously that was afterwards, which was a bit irritating come again here. And he's won again. I can't keep going to races and just watching George Russell win, okay? I just can't Mbe I can't. Maybe you are Woody's good luck Char. which is ironic really because I didn't want him to win. So I mean, what are the chances they what are the chances? J finish on Ferrari. I mean, if you Charles Seclair, you'll beaving this race. I mean, Lewis Hamilton, I think extract extracted the best he could out of that But if you Charles Declare, this is another race weekend where you are looking at it and going I'm struggling here Yeah, I'll tell you what, the Charles L Clc situation is really baffling me I think is It's kind of crazy because obviously we knew last season Charles was really strong against Lewis And everyone was kind of like, you know, Lewis is done for Charles has always performed strong against his teammates and Please He started off this season pretty good. you know, we saw a lot of great racing between him and Lewis actually when the season started. and Yeah, he's really fallen off a cliff a little bit. I mean Charles' pace was nowhere today. I mean, he had no answers for anyone to be honest. and You know, he ended up coming in towards the end of the race to grab a pair of softs just because it made no difference to his race. and he obviously wanted to get these hard tres off. but Really difficult times for Charles Leclerc. I say I'm not going to join The over dramatic brigade and say that Chusa Cla is rubbish He will definitely be doing a bit of soul searching right now because He's he's he's well off it But like I say, if you Lose Hamilton, you're coming away from this weekend sllightly disappointed. but as I said, I think he extracted the most he could out of that. P five Balls and McLarens were definitely faster than today in the Mercedes, but I think It'd be slightly positive if he picked up, he still continues at a one hundred percent streak of finishhing every race so far this season Um That's cool. I like that Hello. Um And look, I'm going to show you, but look how cool that is. But that's quite cool. And he's just in the back of a shot. So yeah, if you're watching this, you's got a guy on one of those One wheel of things This is the most random podcast I've ever done in my life, by the way, I'm just gonna say it Yeah ye, if you're Lewis Hamilton you're com away and going, look It's the best we could do. Yeah. But to be honest, I don't think Charles will be thinking too different to be honest. car the car didn't look great during the race. So But Charles will be disappointed he finish so much off Lewis because he finished he started ahead of him. So yeah, a bit of head scratching for Ferrari, but I don't I don't think it's the end of the world for them. I think they're going They're going to come into Silverstone with still a good attitude, I think Let's touch on Astin Martin because like We've always seen Aston Martin and we've said this year they're awful. they're woeful Seeing in person is something spectacular. right? I started at the back of the grid and actually seeing them they they are poor Like this asky Martin team It's I can't I can't explain and actually seeing it how slow they are I think they call Laps. How many times did I get lapped Three times. Yeah, I'm pretty sure I'm not sure if it actually ended up happening, but it was certainly close to happening that Alex Alborn, who is the person ahead. Oh Fernando Alonso was going to lap him or did lap him. I can't exactly remember whether it happened, but That is so bad. and Aston Martin are in absolute desperate need of this B spec car that they have because They are in. Huge trouble. is You know, I think it's quite ironic Yeah Ferando Alonso got noted for speeding in the pit lane. I didn't know the car could speed, so you know, that's That's quite impressive. You know, it's good to know that it can. but They've got some They've got a huge project on their hands and We've always said we want to see this Aston Martin project succeed because You see the ambition in the team, the ownership, everything going into it It's great to see that's what we love in F one. but is not working out and they are in You know, they' they're in big trouble. And even I mean, it was a bit strange. I know it's only free practice. so Kalmy cells don't attack me You know, Jack Crawford got a quicker lap than Fernando Alonso, which I did think was strange in free practice. So you saying Jack Flawford is better than Fernando Alonso Now you're just putting words in my mouth. I'm not I think that's you're saying a fight with. I think that' I think that's what you're saying L I'm not starting a fight with those guys again. have it on record. Fernanda willonso is just as good as Jack Crawford ust us kid. I'm joking. He's a two time world champion and he's unbelievable. And you know what I'd never thought I'd say this I've got a frosty relationship with Fernando Alonso. but I feel so bad for him because He shouldn't he should not be you know, racing where he is racing right now. He Fernando Alonso is an unbelievable F one driver and This is not fair on his career. Yeah. Right, before it starts getting windier, that sureould it get ont to some of the top teams. I mean, if we missed the likes of Cadillac Sorry, I apologize. Well you know, normally I say We should talk about Cadillightes. But we're gonna skip Cadillac because they lasted about three laps And they brought ten upgrades this weekend, a truly awful weekend for Cadillac hope they're able to turn it around because there's no point having bystanders in F one like Aaston Martin ono the next team Uh, McLaren free practice, they look pretty good and heading into qualifying obviously Q one and Q two, they looked relatively good and then Q three comes along. They're pretty much non existent. However, in the race today, I think they'll actually be pretty delighted with how it ended because Oscopiatry P four. I know Landa Nis was in P seven, but Oscar Piastri had the pace and he looked pretty good. Yeah Oscar Piastri has u bit of a bizarre season, I'd say U It was a weird weekend for McLaren and I know Landa Norris came out and said, or it was something in an interview where essentially he said You guys are only looking at the timing screens like not the GPS or whatever esssentially saying, we've got more data than you. you think we're quick, we're not Um, which, you know, is is a fair point to make because he's not lying, but they they did look quick but FP one FP two I really thought And order free practice, really, I really thought that they were going to make an impression and I thought it was going to be between them and the Mercedes, but It just didn't pay off for them, but then Piastri, race pace It was there So again, really bizarre, this new generation of cars Unbelievably difficult to kind of decipher what the hell is going on with them because You know, we've had races where McLaren have definitively looked like the second quickest car. You and I have had debates about that I don't think it's fair to say at this point that any car is the second quickest, the third, quickest, the fourth quickest because it changes weekend to weekend. and, you know, that's between McLaren and Ferrari and Red Bull now Mercedes are quickest bu. McLaren just needs to get a little bit more consistent. Lando Norris this weekend said that they are three months behind in development which is a massive, massive A a massive thing, isn't it? Three months in F one is a long time Yeah, yeah. I mean, you know, that's That's really not an ideal situation, especially coming off the back of winning. two Constructors Championships and Landa Norris is now worldld Champion, but I think Red Bull. But proof that One upgrade package can really make you look Serious you know, proper serious. So We know that McLaren are fortunate. They've got the Mercedes engine and ide how If you're like me and you think these Aduo ratings are a little bit suspect You'd probably want the Mercedes engine over E. So I think McLaren are in a great position once they're able to deliver on the aero side of things because That car is quick. They just need to unlock a bit more pace from it Now agree. Sorry, just another helicopter That that one's for me, I eer How can you?ve I've only got half an hour and I' got go takeaking me home. So Let's touch on Red Bull, shall we? Nasty crash for Max in putting Q three and I want to touch on this because you did a clip yesterday and I did a clip afterwards about I do not understand how a guy in a wall after a massive collision There's not a double yellow flag or or even a red flag but instead it's a single yellow flag which allowed George Russell ultimately to go on and get pole position. And look George Russell read the rules very well and fair play to him. Kimy Anonedi didn't. He just would assume like all of us, that it was a double yellow flag and that was it. But for some reason I don't know what I don't really know what the FIA doing there That whole situation was crazy, by the way. The fact that they whipped out a yellow flag when Verstappen was in the wall on one of the quickest corners of the track. is absolutely obsene. And I've seen George Russell getting a lot of hate online for it and I'm like, it's not his damn fult. you know, it's not his f hate Yeah, b played the ruleook and And ultimately, I do believe it would have been very difficult for him to see Max erstephen. He wasn't that far behind him. Max was already in the wall. George comes flying around the corner. He's looking at the apex, you know, All he's looking at is what information is being fed to him, which is, you know the marsial's flags and what's coming up on his steering wheel. So he just did what he had to do and He did lift off. I will make the argument that is is lifting off by two ths Uh Safe You know, is that Is it going to be like, whoa, like yeah You know I did lose it in that corner and I ended up crashing into Max Verstappen who was already in a wall. but because I lifted off and you know slowed down by two tenths We're both okay. I'm like it's you know what I'm going to defend George and this.' nothing he did nothing wrong there. It's the FIA making such stupid rules. And I think When you look at it But also there thiss other aspect that actually, if you've been told that there's a guy in a wall in turn nine, well, you should think to yourself, I need to have completely abought that lab, but he didn't need to. He played the rules fair. The thing that bothered me, not bothered me as such, but I found so weird, right George Russell celebrated like he just won The World Cup final, okay Ple pososition because Other people couldn't complete their lab ., Kimy Antonlli, and you're celebrating You're celebrating it like it's massive achievement But it is getting pole position, but it just I don't understand it. I don't understand it. It' just completely off. I know what you mean. I spoke about the the sadness that George Russell kind of has about his aura at the moment last week And it kind of felt like the celebrations worry a little bit disingenuous in the sense where it's like it didn't feel real but because of the point that you're making, I think George wasn't hundred percent guaranteed P one. And I think there was a lot of there was a false sense of confidence. So I got, this is just my interpretation, right? I felt a huge amount of false confidence coming from him where he was like, you know, I wish I could have finished the lap like I would have been four, five tenths ahead and Yeah, it just felt like he was really trying to position himself as something that It wasn't And look, I'm happy for George. He needed this weekend. This weekend was massive for George Yeah, the circumstance in which he got D whole position Not I do, but You know, we really have to As fans, we can't be letting the FIA FIA off that lightly You know, this This in my opinion is a real major thing. I'm not being funny if George had lost it on that corner You know, we could be looking at a potentially fatal crash and That could have been absolutely avoided. by throwing out the double wave jells or an instant red flag. It was You know, it wasn't like This happened Uh slowly, you know, this was an instantaneous thing. You looked at it, Max went off bank, putut the red flags out whatever. Okaykay, it ruins qualifying not a great spectacle, whatever It is what it is, safety is paramount. But they didn't do that. and I find it so strange because for so long. they don't even let people race When it's wet outside And I'm like Oh, but you'll let people race when there's someone in a wall. in one of the fastest fastest corners of the race trrack That's absolutely fine. That's acceptable. Anyway. But yeah, no fair play George for that, but yeah Max Stappen looked great today. I don't know where that pace came from. He wass really challenging down. The thing I don't understand from today and you probably can enlighten me here George Russell pitted I was thinking to myself, okay, well'll just bring Max in to find Lap after. Then you got battle. They left him out there so much longer that actually by the time he came out, he was about what, ten seconds behind George? Yeah, so I think they knew that on er pace, they were probably just a little bit off the Mercedes. And I think that, you know, I mean, Kimmy Antonlli had even younger ties than Max Verstafen, I believe, but you really saw that towards the end of the race as well So what Red Bull were trying to do was build a tire offset give Max the advantage later on when the fuel load is lighter. George would be, you know struggling on those tyres. and It almost paid off I think What I said in that video that I put out earlier is Imagine if we had just five more laps of the Austrian Grand Prix because We could have had one of the best endings to a race that we've had in a long time. You know, the top three finished within three seconds of one another. It was getting unbelievably intense and unfortunately, I feel like this happens a lot. We were just a couple of laps too short to get to see the action really unfold Yeah, either way, I actually do think it was a great strategy by Red Bull because I think they had to try something. It would have been very difficult to overtake George without tie off that T t something that is really special to watch and that's why I always say, you know, if you can come to Austria, one of the tracks to come to, the Orange arrmy is outrageous like they just are, their're class. And it's really interesting today because looking back from the track George obviously won it There's a lot of people who are just unhappy with George winning it. It not's not it wasn't a favorable win and that's not even just from Max Ver Stappen fans, you know, Ferrari fans, McLaren fans, even some Mercedes fans there wanted Kimmy winning. So it's really quite interesting the difference in opinions are post race I mean, I always find the George I do feel like George is unnecessarily hated and I kind of get it, right? He gives He's a little bit teacher's pet, right But To me, George always seems like a nice guy. like he presents himself very well How do you think You know, I think George gets an unnecessarily difficult time online. Do you think he does his homework on time? Is he that type? Hed take an apppple w in a teacher? George Russell is the kind of guy who at the end of the lesson would say Sir, you forgot to give us our homework. What's our homework for the weekend? You know, that's George Russell in a nutshell. But he's not a bad blow. You know, George Russell guy Great F one drive her. and I think he gets a difficult time from people because he can rob people up the wrong way Would Max this stop and be the one who's like chucking books at George saying, shut up Yeah, yeah, Max Verstappen is the guy that like pings elastic bands at people and eats his sandwiches at the back of class. but's like You know, the kid that is just like stupidly bright, even though he doesn't do anything. Yeah, Eactly. Either way, I mean, if if we're talking about Mercedes, Now then a great weekend Yeah, I mean, and, you know, looking at Kimmy, obviously it' diffult he didn' get his lap in. but pay three Again pretty solid race I do think another one or two labs he would have got Max, but I think Kimm will go away from this weekend going, okay. I lost out ten points to George, but he's still in it. He's still picking up good points week and week out. He won't be concerned Yeah, I think I think the only thing Kimmy will be frustrated with is how scrappy he was in Lap one in particular, we went off at turn three turn seven and cost him Um, It was just a little bit scrappy and I think if Kimi Hade was able to sort of even just hold on to P four then It could have been a very different outcome because Yeah, I know he was on a different strategy to George and that might have been different had he have not messed up the race earlier on But he looked very quick again. so I think Kimmy will be kicking himself a little bit. You know, he blames himself heavily for the the yellow flag incident in qualifying And I think they've been giving him a bit too much slack for that. I saw Toto say how's a nineteen year old supposed to know that It's like Yeah. But like he's an F one driver, you know It was his mistake He should know, read the rule book That's just the way it goes. It's a lesson learn and Toto did say it himself, he said, you're never going to make that mistake again. And it is a learning curve. but I don't think we should be saying going as far as saying like, you know, how's the nineteen year old supposed to know that? He should, he should know that p to me I do think Bono, it is very confusing because Bono did come over the radio go, yellow, yellow So if that's me driving, and I'll thinking, okay, double yellow. U yeah Yeah, I mean You know, clarity and communication is key because That is, you know, if yellow yellow is what they say for double yellows then. And also it's confusing, isn't it? Like if it is just a single yellow, just say yellow flags And then I know one hundred percent Yeah, it did cost Kimmy and potentially even cost him the race wentin because I do personally believe over the whole weekend, Kimy was looking quicker Yeah. I mean, like you say, George Russ will come away from this going. Yes, I picked up a good bount of points over my teammate. I won the race, I'm back on track But again, this is still a weekend that he's coming away going Yeah, go to that But there were certain parts which are circumstantial qualifying you know, his teammate finishing qualifying P for all these little things. And it wasn't a completely straight fororward weekend for him, was it No, but you know my opinion on circumstantial victories or, you know, where you end up because of circumstances, that is just the nature of the game You know, Kimmy Antonlli was also circumstantially very unlucky with the VSCs when he pitted Yeah. I think You know, George Russell made the most of the situation and ultimately, it's very I find it very difficult to take anything away from him this weekend. It was cool, calm, collected. He went out delivered It would have been very easy for George Russell to not deliver this weekend after the pressure he's been under you know, from the past handful of races And actually, you know, George just went out and delivered. So I think he deserves the credit, I think He'll be very happy with it and hopefully it does propel him but back into you know the level we believe George Russell to be at because then we can have An even better title battle No, agreed Another weekend, another strong performance for the RBs. I mean, Lawson P nine, Limblad P ten. I don't know if you saw they showed on TV, but there was this overtake I't know if it was Loston oror Limblad I' remember But I almost collided. It was with a has It was a beautiful overtake. I don't know if they did they show that on TV today Sing It was Lawson It was outrage. Honestly, the stands were just like gping because it looked like they were so close they were going ar each other We have to talk about Liam Lawson because He is having a really good season and I don't want it to go unnoticed because There's been a lot of rumors about Uh Arby looking at that, Forgive me because I've forgotten his name, the rebel junior driver in F two who's doing very well And, you know, it's obvious that it's not going to be Avid Lindblad who is at risk because Arvid Limblad too is having a very good season and You know, he's the young Bredool Juni. driver that they've just brought in If they're going to replace anyone, it's Liam Lawson I don't think he deserves that. and I think this season he's really coming into his own. he's putting in some mega drives and You know, I think he looked he looked great today and of everything he's had to go through It's so good to see. and I he it was confirmed, you know, the RB team principal came out and on TV and was saying like, No, these are all just rumors like we haven't spoken about anyone, but I hope it deserve the same laord in F one He does. he absolutely does and I'll put this out to you Right? if Liam Lawson does lose his seat at racing pool, which I want to just put on the record I think would be categorically wrong. But if he did come the end of the season, they were like, you know, we're going with with this Rebel Junior. driver You can be any other team in this team picks him up U I would even say something like an Aston Martin Get rid a stroll Um even like It's gonna happen Even like a Cadillac Um He doesn't deserve he deserves better than a Cadillac. Well, he's not going to go to Aldi Isy Holkenberg and Bortellta are there. Do you replace those two? Probably not Alpen, the only person is is probably Yeah, Alpine, Colapinto, but again, Colapintos' had an alright season. so he had he struggled a bit today. but That's the only other place I could see him There is a better choice And I'm going to tell you exactly where it is I'm wearing their top right now, which by the way, if you want a fifteen percent discount off this lovely Has merch made by Castore, you can use our affiliate link, which will be in the description down below He replaces Estevan Okon Actually I didn't yeah, that's a fair point. I'm not being funny I do believe now at this point, which if you've listened to the podcast for a few years, you'll know that we believe Dukei Sonoda deserved that red bull se here. Over Lilliam Lawson but I believe no If I got to pick between Yuki Senoda who has been heavily linked with this Hasi, A vest ofvan of Cs I would take Liam Lawson over Yuki Sonoda at this point No, actually I would agree with you. And I think Oock on today it was another difficult day. He was lopped twice, really difficult day for him And he's not performing. and I do not think it's going to be long until Has go. we need to replace him. And I agree, it may not happen this year, but Liam Lawson would be a prime candidate for that seat. I do agree. H, H. Do ye give Liam Lawson and Serjo Pereis together B friend couldould you imagine that would There'd be fireworks. I don't think that works. Sone someone, I think people commented just like, oh, like they don't hate each other or whatever they were. No, they love each other Yeah, yeah, no, I agree. That's our mistake. I think they're best friends I don't know. Yeah, Ocon's in trouble. Ocon is in trouble. I really do fear for Ocon Ocn is in trouble because We've always spoken about this When a team sort of tries to do this combination of more experienced driver and young sort of hungry driver and That's kind of what they got going on, but you know, I think when the young hungry driver is so clear of your experienced driver You've got to accept at some point that it's not working And it's not going to be the young driver that suffers the car obviously Um, I think Esteban Ocon's days are numbered in F one. I think it's unlikely he'll lose his seat during the season But I think this could be the last season we see see Ocon in F one The way the only way Ochon will lose his seat this season is if the rumors are true that Yuki Snowa will replace him. Yuki Snowa will come out of that Rd Bull reserve driver and they'll be like, yeah, we'll accept that and he'll go into that seat. That's the only way I think Ohon will lose his seat this season. However, if you are Has, you know you've got you know, Ollie Bhermman there who's got pace You're not going to get rid of him because he he's a future of your team Someone like Liam Lawson would be a great fit for us I do think alongside Ollie Bermman, But yeah, if you're oc on, it is worrying times, it is worrying times And but ultimately, I mean, I know that this has really spiraled from Liam Lawson discussion. I do hope Liam Lawson just gets to keep his seat at racing balls because He's having a great season and racing bualls are as well. I think That that They're looking pretty strong and. I just think the driver partnership, the culture at the team Everything about them Even the way they look as artificial and is that I think they are But just just a great team in a great position So they're basically all the teams, but Lu, I have a question for you and I've seen your photos. we' got alpine. We're still going through all of them areready U that's the podcast. Oh you do want to touch on Audi. I really want to touch on Audi B letto P even, Holkenberg P twelve Thank you. Yes a very encouraging weekend for them. Again, the only frustrating thing for them is that they're still just on the cusp And Audi did bring upgrades this weekend. you know, quite a lot of team brought heavy upgrades this weekend. but they look And I think They'll be really happy with how that program is developing. I think the Audi project is exciting. I do think they are ones to watch for the future I just think they'll be a little bit disappointed that they weren't just able to get in to the points Yeah, you know, when we say the best of the rest, I don't even think they're the best of the rest of the moment because I think you do you do have your Mercedes, you have your Ferrari, McLaren Pa And then your RBs are the best of the rest. because RB's are picking up points week and week out. So it is very difficult for Aldi, you know, Audldi's biggest you know, vival at this moment in time is RB and they're struggling to get close to them aren't they? Because when you look at that, they were they were lap today, but Bortleta was still, you know, some time off Limblad. They need to close that gap because that's who they're competing with, you know? Yeah. I don't think Audi would have come into the sport of thinking, well, we've got to go straight after Mercedes and Ferrari, McLaren, whoever. they would have been coming in like If we can keepe the momentum going from Saba. and really you know, just pick up points where we can throughout the season We'll be happy for that as year one. And they are doing that But they will be now looking at RbV thinking, okay How can we close that gap because That's where they need to be. They're a little bit off where they need to be. aggreed Just quickly touching on Williams o Okay, I'm honestly sick of talking about Williams, week in week out on how bad they are Carlos Signs retired again today We've spoken about it that they've sold Carlos signigns a dream, even Alex Albon a dream They promised the world that they're going to be competitive this year And they've come into this year. is honestly, it's embarrassing. It is embarrassing after last year where I do think they overachieved. I think they had a fantastic season last year, picked up some podiums. come into this year And honestly, watching him today, it was I felt truly embarrassed. I was sitting next to a Williams fan. And his response was It's just shiting it. That is literally his response And I fllt for it I honestly fel I mean, It is shit. It is shit and I Every single week I watch Carlos Sys drive around E this Williams. Now, my little piece of my soul dies because That man does not deserve it. And I think of like Oh my God, he raced for Ferrari And he was he was good at Ferrari. There's no one can to say otherwise, And then to end up at this Williams team that have not delivered on the things they promised all of us, not just the drivers, they promised all of us that twenty twenty six would be different. and it hasn't come to fruition. so I Ray that you turn it around because Williams You are a team histic team that deserves to be You know, you've got two, in my opinion, very good drivers, especially one in Carlos signins. They are not going to stick around forever. You know, if Carlos Seins gets an opportunity elsewhere which he could easily He will leave He will not come back to you Why should Carla Signs stay with Williams In my eyes, he shouldn't There is nothing attractive about this team. He's like you say, he's come from Ferrari. They promised him this dream And they haven't materialized It hasn't materialized. it's not even close. It's not even like they're fighting for P P seven p eight p nine. They're not they're clutching its straws and even struggling even to get p eleven p twelve It's just im They're struggling to even finish a race. You know, That's true a lot of the times I mean yeah, it is It's bad. It's not looking good for Williams, but We knew they came into the season with some difficulties, but I think our argument always is, some people probably think we're a little bit harsh on Williams because You know, they are a smaller team in terms of infrastructure and budget and everything, but We were promised big things. I mean, if you came around my house, And I told you we were having forjitas for dinner and I served you up a casserole You'd be a little bit pissed off. And that's what's happened I mean, yeah Ver, very true. But to the guy I sit next to you today, I hope it gets better for you because I saw the pain in your eyes But it's realized I'm seeing here, right with a Ferrari hat on and a Ferrari t shirt, and I literally look like a full kit wanker A little try to start like that I didn't want to say it so I'm glad you did. Everyone at home has been thinking it. So finish J just finishing just got that J just finishing off this podcast before I actually head off and try and start a long journey home I sent you a picture earlier of a fan wearing a Ferrari hat and a red bull t shirt What is your thoughts and I want to hear from you guys as well? What is your thoughts of Where in different teams merge? because I've seen a lot of it this weekend. and part of it, if you're happy, absolutely fine. But I know, and I did speak to one person who wasn't very happy. He said, if you support one team, that's who you support. You don't wear any other merge What is and you are literally putting on a Mercedes hat and a h tub I don't even know what you're talking about. I've got no problem with it I I mean, I did. I The problem is is You know I think that's is that not a concept from football? You don't wear another team's t shirt. I think I think said So if you turned up to Liverpool right and you're wearing a man united hat Yeah, you get like punched or something And I'd agree. I'd be like, I'm glad you hit that man. F one it's just different. The problem is, do you know what the thing is with F one Is so much of the merch look so cool? Like you know what I mean? Like look at this htop, right? How can I not wear that And then this Mercedes hat I mean, this is one of the Miami's special hats It looks so cool. I just I can't not wear it and I think I would just I don't have any allegiance. Like specifically an F one I've never maybe if I truly felt that bond I wouldn't but I don't think it's as Um I always think this is like I don't know what the word is It says u yeah you know, like in football where it's like, oh my god, like that team like a spit on them or something. but everyone's not like that U You know, I've got more of an allegiance to a driver I'm a Lewis fan, but whether that might change when he eventually retires. but You wear whatever you like. you know, if it looks cool, put it on. If it's a Mercedes h with a h top You're not going to bother me aggreed. What are your thoughts on it Um, I'll be honest with you, hang on Now I need one of those. they look cool. I don't mind it The bit I did find a bit funny to today say because the photo I sent you was a guy wearing a furry hat and a red Ball t shirt, That's a bit funny because I can't imagine, can you imagine them doing that in twenty twenty one when that had? Who's spoiling? Well, if Max wins it's Max, if Louis wins, it's Louis But I mean Look, I've seen people wearing William's hats and you know Alpen t shirts. It's cool. F one merch is much different to any other sport. I love F one merch. If I was going to wear any other top, it would be a Mercedes, Mercedes top, they've absolutely smashed it with the addidas. it looks great. And actually even the red ball stuff looks amazing I really like the color color. I really like the livery this year as well I've got a red ball top for you at my house. Oh, so is that nice little surprise when I get back Yeah, I've tried it on to make sure it fits And u well and g have to watchh it Yeah, no, I hadn't showered either when I put it on I I sorry about that. but Yeah, I do you know what? I actually love the racing bualls T shirt. I think that looks Sorry good. So if anyone is listening and wants to send one my way from My letter boox is open Right. I think there is are you one not just topic On one thing, I just want to touch on one thing because This is about your best friend Zach Brown. L There have been rumors coming out of the paddock this weekend. that Max Verstappen could end up at McLaren. Now Max has come out and said, or' you know, through his manager said I would like to see out my career at Red Boo But Max Verstappen is not a driver that that you know is born to drive in the midfield. And that's true That might look different after this week. Last year Zach Brown said I wouldn't swap my two drivers for anyone No, there are Strong rumours coming out of the paddock that he's having conversations with Max Verstappen But what the hell has changed in the last six months It's Max Verstappen. Like we've always said on the podcast, if Max Verstappen comes knocking, you do not Turn him down And this is this is This is it Exactly. you know, it's like being in a club. And being like, o, you know, I'd never kiss that girl. And it's like, Mbe she would never even look at you. So it doesn't matter you know, there was a point where Max Verstappen the idea of Max Verstappen going to McLlaren is unfathomable. And now it's kind of potentially a reality, but I think less so after this weekend I just think why Do people come out and say this stuff? I get it because they've got to be like PR merchants, but Surely anyone would be like, well, you know, if The opportunity for Max ever came up d we'd explore it No, I think he would go. I think they would be silly not to take him. He's shown again today in Austria the quality he has Pting that L look, I say Hj I finish for P six. The difference Max just happened, no one else in that red Ball car would have put that in a P two and even challenge for the race winin today. Max is stapping is just built differently U and that's and that's why that's why he's a he's so hes soought after because he's such a quality driver And can I just say I spoke highly of Max in the video that I posted on TikTok and Instagram And someone commented saying like with laughing faces, like classic Max Glazer he can only do it in a fast car And I was just like If only you knew. I am quite the opposite. But yeah I think that does conclude this week's episode. So I'm going to pass it over to you to do the outro from that lovely scenic outlook So hopefully you've enjoyed this podcast currently and look, this is I just well out of my comfort zone There's cars in front of me and there is no exaggeration here. There is about T to twenty people sitting on their chairs just staring thinking, what is this man doing sitting in a field with a tripod and a camera? talking to himself I've somehow got through this because it's very awkward, very awkward. but hopefully you've enjoyed it. It's been an amazing experience. I've loved Austria. honestly Truly I'd really recommend if you want to go to any F one circuit, come to Austria The views are amazing, the track is amazing I mean, it just around the atmosphere is amazing, The Orange army's just great. So I'd really recommend it. Spa, as I said, I've been to amazing. Austria is brilliant. You're obviously going to Silverstone next week. you're going to do a podcast from there, yeah I'm gonna come back in the evening and I'll just film a podcast. Here, that's the beauty of going to a grand Prix in your home country just before we do finally wrap up Top three Silverstone. I actually think we we could get away with doing a little podcast, like a pre Silverstone podcast midwek I think if we make that like an audio platform exclusive, so you'll have to head over there But I think then we can talk about it a little bit more in depth. because I know you've got to go but quickly top three U Lewis Kimmy, George. Oh, I love the delusion of your double Ferrari kit coming out of that. but he won in Barcelona. He can do it Yeah. I'm you know, I would love nothing more than Lewis Hamilton to win Silverstone, especially while I'm there. U, I just think they're down on the straits a little bit too much for my liking. I'm going to go George Russell. Lando Norris. Oh no I'm going to go Kimy Aonelli, Lando Norris Max Verstappen. Interesting. Do let us know, do drop a comment. but hopefully you've enjoyed this podcast L, Ill take a photo of my setup afterwards and I'll send it to you. mightight even post it up on social so you can check it out. But yeah Have a great week and we shall see you next week for a brand new video. And yeah As always, check us out on social media, TikTok, Instagram. oboniously your views have been amazing, so thank you so much for the interaction on there. I really appreciate it. We're growing nicely. We've got a little community, which is great. And yeah, we shall see you later. Bye bye