The Late Braking F1 Podcast - Is Senna the fastest F1 driver ever? | Episode 68

Episode Date: August 20, 2020

In this week's podcast we talk about the new AWS F1 rankings, ask whether Verstappen can hang on to P2 in this year's championship, and play another game of F1 Back and Forth...Make sure to SUBSCRIBE! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This podcast is part of the Sports Social Podcast Network. Thank you for listening to the Late Breaking F1 podcast. Make sure to look out for new episodes every Thursday and Grand Prix Sundays. Hello everyone and a very warm welcome to the late breaking Formula One podcast. On the first non-race weekend for quite a while, Samuel Sage and Harry Ead join me. Guys, how are you doing? Indy 500 up this weekend. Was that like an answer to how you? are you doing? How are you doing? Indy 500 this weekend? Oh, great. Fantastic.

Yeah, I've just decided to cut you guys out completely and just answer my own questions now. That's fair enough. Yeah, I understand. No, we bring bad content. I am looking forward to the Indy 500 though. Go, uh, who, who, who, go Erickson, obviously, sorry. Yeah. Yeah. Guaranteed Alonzo win from P26 on the grid, right? Oh, yeah. He's so good at it. We will actually talk about some racing this side of the Atlantic. We're going to be looking at the AWS rankings. So Formula One have decided, because it's an off weekend, because there aren't any races coming up,

that they're just going to stir the pot. They just want to rile everyone up, basically. So they've released a list of the top 10 drivers based on one lap pace. We'll be going through that. and looking at the results that it's given. We're also going to be assessing whether Max Verstappen can maintain his P2 in the championship throughout the rest of 2020 or whether Valtri Botas will eventually get back ahead of him. Istanbul looks like it's going to be returning to the F1 calendar.

We'll be looking at whether we think there could be a good race there. And F1 back and forth makes a reappearance on the podcast. I can hear the cheers from here. But first of all, let's get into those AWN. US rankings because they were slightly controversial to put it mildly. Since 1983, that's the time period that they used. They were looking at one lap pace, a focus on performance versus teammates. The top 10 that it gave out as a result of that were Etten Cedner in first, Michael

Schumacher second, Lewis Hamilton, third, and then the top 10 rounded out by Vostappen, Alonzo, Rosberg-Lacler, Hakey Kovalinan, Yano Trulley, and Sebastian. the Invetel. Very interesting results. Sam, I'll go to you first. Just looking at Ayrton Sena being first place, first of all, do you think he is the fastest Formula One driver, at least in the time period given? I agree with this statement as much as I agree that there is life in the rest of the universe. I don't know. There's no actual factual way of checking this. It is not an understandable statistic that you can come to a knowledgeable conclusion on until you have some weird concrete proof. Actually, there's very more chance of there being life in the universe other than human beings,

rather than knowing if Ayrs and Senga is actually the fastest driver of all time across Formula One. You can't judge this statistic, especially when you look at the statistic that says that Ayrton Senga is the fastest driver ever in Formula One, then you look at the man who was his biggest rival across almost his entire Formula One career, who beat him more often than not, Alan Prost isn't in the top 10. Alan Pross, the man that's got more world titles. Alan Pross is one of the most successful drivers of all time isn't in the top 10.

And yet the rival that Alan Prost beat across multiple seasons is first. Now, Ayrton Sengel was ridiculously fast. Ayrton Sengel was incredibly talented. Ayrton Sanger's heel and toe saying shivers down my spine. That man was so brilliant at racing a car. in any capacity. Don't get me wrong. The respect that I have for Ertint Senner is dumbfounded.

It's on a higher level than even I understand. But the amount of different ways that you can judge who is the fastest person in Formula One just goes on and on and on and on. Lewis Hamilton, he has the most pole positions across Formula One of all time. That theoretically puts him in the top spot. Or George Russell, who has never lost to his teammate. Well, that theoretically puts him into the top spot because I don't know a single other driver that never lost to their teammate over the amount of race.

as they've done. So maybe George Russell's the fastest driver of all time. Yano truly, no one can ever take that train. Also, that hairstyle. So he's maybe the fastest driver of all time. Honestly, I've got, you know, big love for Ayrton, of course. Of course. But I don't know how you could just come to a conclusion that there is a first place.

The variables in this and comparing cars from across an era doesn't even make sense at all. And when the person that he was compared to most in his actual era, Isn't in the top 10, despite winning more world titles than him? I don't get it. I don't understand. Amazon, you've made a fool of yourself, and the F1 community have spat on their, you know, F1 rather spats on their community.

You're filth, you mean nothing to us. We're just taking the Mickey out of you. We're laughing here with Jeff Bezos, Chase Carrey and Jeff with their big fat cigars made of money. And they're going, ha, look at them F1 simps. We've mugged them right off. They all think they're air things the fastest. so we don't even know.

Honestly, it's a travesty. It's a ridiculous statistic. And I just can't agree with it. Even if he actually was and some F1 God came down and told us that was the case, I don't know if I could even agree. It seems so ridiculously difficult to come up with that solution. Yeah. And I think from AWS's perspective and F1's perspective,

they could have been much clearer from the outset as to what they were analyzing here because they came out and said that Ayrton Center is the fastest driver in F1 since 83 when in actual fact they are just looking at qualifying and they're just really looking at teammate comparison. They're not really, they're not assessing races. They're not assessing titles or anything like that, which they could have been a bit clearer about from the start. Harry, would you agree with these guys that Senna is the fastest of all time in qualifying at least? I don't necessarily have an issue with that top three. because I think you could swap all of those three around

and put them in whatever positions within those top three. And I would say, yeah, that's fine. You could have Schumacher first, Hamilton first, center first. And I think I'd be like, yeah, that's fair. Like, you probably nailed that. I just, I'm with Sam. I don't quite understand the logic of it all.

And, uh, and the necessity. do we need this in our lives? I don't know. I mean, it's such a difficult one to compare. And as Sam has already said, we're never going to really know because bless him, Ayrton is no longer with us,

and he would never have raced against, you know, Hamilton at Hamilton's Prime. And he only just started racing at Schumacher as he was coming up. So, yeah, I have a question why we need it, apart from it, you know, to spark some ridiculous baity conversation within the F-1 community.

If that was purpose, they smashed it. They've done really well there. But I don't know why we need it for. Really difficult to compare. And it's something we'll just never find the answer to. Yeah, like I said, I've got no issue with necessarily with that top three. But why? They're really, really struggling for things to talk about in between these two race weekends.

I don't know. I mean, it's giving us something to talk about, I guess. But still, yeah, I don't know, Amazon. I didn't need this in my life. I still don't need it in my life. Get in the bin. Go back to delivering packages, not controversy. Yeah, you tell them, Sam.

All I have to say is embrace the banter. Come on, this is so exciting. I agree with you, by the way, that I think it's far too simplified in terms of what they've done. And I'll speak about that in a little bit. but I really think they should take into account more factors than what they have. But I just, to be perfectly honest and blunt, just appreciate the banter. I am a sucker for a top 10 list. So fair play to them for coming out with this.

I completely agree with them in the sense that Ayrton Senna is the fastest driver in qualifying since 1983. And for me, the only two that can rival him in qualifying came before 1983, Jim Clark and one Manuel Fangio, in which case I think Senna is rightfully first here. Senna was outqualified by his teammate, Ilya, DiAngeles, at the 1985 Austrian Grand Prix. The next time he was out qualified by a teammate was at the 1988 French Grand Prix.

So he went 44 consecutive races. You know, George Russell was on that run at the moment, and who knows he could get there, but 44 consecutive races at the front of, pretty much as well. He went unbeaten against teammates. And admittedly, two of those teammates were Johnny Dumfries and Nakachima, who aren't exactly the greatest Formula One drivers of all time. But he proved that he could do it against Alan Prost as well. Alan Prost, obviously, a four-time world champion. Ensign had demolished him in qualifying. It was 28-4 in their two years together,

which is an absolute drubbing. And I would agree with what you said, Sam, in terms of Alan Prost, being able to compete in the races. And if this was an overall ranking, I would personally have Prost just ahead of Sennar, but in qualifying, Sena wipes the floor for me. And I think I've mentioned this record before on previous podcasts, on on previous videos, but it's just that remarkable that I'm going to say it again,

is that Inet and Senna's career, he raced 162 times. He was out qualified by a teammate 18 times. in 162 races, which means in 89% of the races he took part in, he was ahead of his teammate on the grid. And to put that in context with a few of the other drivers, of course, Schumacher and Hamilton immediately succeeding him in that list. Michael Schumacher, who as well actually has a very similar record, only 74% of the time he outqualified his teammate. Hamilton even less 63%. So Senate is a long way clear in that.

that respect. But to give Schumacher his due as well, because I think he's a worthy second place here, he had a very similar run to Senor as well in terms of being unbeaten. He went even longer, actually. I think he went 56 races unbeaten against teammates in the 90s. I think he went nearly four years without being out qualified by a teammate. And when he did, the 95 Belgian Grand Prix, he actually won the race from 15, just to prove how great he was. But he didn't do it against Schmucks either. I mean, Brundle, Petraise, Herbert were all involved in that stint from Schumacher. So Schumacher's qualifying. He's often seen as a Sunday specialist, but that takes away from how good he was in qualifying,

particularly in the 90s. I think he was in his first 11 seasons, he was out-qualified just nine times, which is absolutely ridiculous. And Lewis Hamilton, who a lot of people claim is the greatest qualifier of all time, is something I debunk a lot of the time. I don't think he is. I think he's a great qualifier, but I wouldn't put him higher than 4th or 5th.

You know, his best season against the teammate where he won 75% of the races against his teammate, that was against Jensen Button in 2012, is the equivalent of Etton Senna's worst year in Formula One. And he's been outqualified 94 times in his career, which, you know, is over five times more than Ayrton Senna. So for me, they've got this ranking spot on in the top three.

When you look down the list, I mean, the one that, The one that stands out is Hakey Kovillainen here. What you mean? What you mean? That's the one that stands out. Sam, when you saw that Hakey Kovilinen was 8th, without swearing, what was your reaction? Come on, baby face.

You've done it. The justice is yours. I was a sarcastic for the young man. He's clearly only four years old. He's having a great career. Is it the top 10 list of all time? Who cares about fastest laps in the race or most laps led or distance to your team?

mate after the race. Who cares about all those statistics. Hakey Koba Lining is better than Alan Prost. There it is. And I just absolutely loved it as well when Hakey Koviland made his debut at the age of minus 9. That was special. Yeah. A man is a baby face

through and through and I am proud of him for the achievements he's managed to do. Who knows where he can go from here? The fact that he's still got so much of his life in hell of him. Honestly Kovolining in the top 10 you're having an absolute tim bath, aren't you really? Hang on. Chase Carries on the phone. Hold on, lad. Chase, mate. Yeah, yeah. Hake, you're going to cover lining in the top eight. What are you playing out, mate?

You want to come down at Croydon in London will have a fiscity cuff in the park. Oh, it's a voicemail. Sorry, old. You get in pick up. Anyway, Kobe Langen, get in the bin, mate. You've got in the top ten. You're having a laugh. See you later. Get in the bin. You're having a laugh. See you later. the three components to any sign-off from a Sam argument. Harry, what did you make of Heike-Coverlining in the top ten? I mean, you picked up on Rubens Barakello's response.

He finished 11, actually, just like seven. Rubens mugged him off. He did. Oh, Rubens. My response was, well, is slash, was, I didn't realize what a good team boss Tony Fernandez was for hiring the eighth and ninth fastest F-1 driver since 1983. Who knew that? I mean, what a potent combination that team actually was, and we never knew.

They, they, that car must have been really bad because they also didn't show their, you know, their prowess then. But, yeah, the dream team, eighth and ninth fastest, high kickerlein and yon and yon and truly. Unbelievable scenes. I mean, I don't know where they've plucked that from. I can't, I can't work it out. I'm trying to think if it's done on teammates, he was against, Physikella, don't know those stats on that one. Physic was pretty handy still, though, in 07.

Then he was against Hamilton. I imagine Hamilton pretty out-qualified him with a fair man. Wives the floor with him. And then who was he with after that? Oh, Yarno Trilly. So I mean, that one stacks up. I think I can understand this because, first of all, to speak about Yarno Trilly, and you know me, big Yarno Trulli fan,

I'm going to stick up for him whenever I can, at least in terms of qualifying. And people are taking the mick out of Yarno Trilly being in the top 10. He deserves to be there. He at least deserves to be in the conversation because he is a quality, quality driver on a Saturday. And the thing is, he stacks up very well against Fernando Alonzo, who he was teammates for two years,

Jensen Button, Ralph Schumacher, plenty of other drivers. And the only time, this is the thing, the only time Yarno Trilly was outqualified by a teammate across a season was against Hakey Kovaliner. in 2010. So I think I understand why Heki Kovaliden is there, because on paper, considering how well Yarno Trilly stacked up against some very good teammates, Hakey Kovillinen beat the guy who stacks up very well against Butter and Alonzo and the rest.

So suddenly, Hakey looks very good in comparison. The problem is it doesn't take into account, and this is one of the problems with the rankings in the first place, doesn't take into account that Yarno Trilly in 2010 was 63 years old and way past his problem. So, anyway, I thought it'd be, it'd be interesting to discuss it. It's, it's just, I just love the banter. Love the banter. The banter is brilliant, but there are so many other ways to talk about how fast you're

a driver. I mentioned a couple already. How many fastest laps do you have across your career? What's your gaps to your teammate when finishing races? I mean, that's essentially what they've done here, but in qualifying. But do them all. Do them all together. You might get some kind of actual fair results.

But they've just, the amount of variables across qualifying across people's career is just hilarious, the amount of things that can go wrong and go right that could tip a performance. If you're part, if you're, if you're, if you're, if you're, if you're, if you're, if you're, if you're, if you're, if you're, if you're, if you're, if you're, if you're, it's, it's, it's, it's, it's, it. It's, it's, it. It's, it's, it. It's so many differences that you can pick and choose from. I love it. Nice for Amazon. You have literally prime same day delivery banter. Same day banter. You've got to love it. Harry, just the final word from you on this. How is the strongly worded letter to Formula One coming along from Ricardo Rosset not being involved in the top 10? Well, yeah, I didn't want to talk about this because, you know, it's just going to make me upset. And, yeah, I don't want to talk about it, to be honest.

He's been robbed. He's been Ricardo robbed, basically. Yeah. It deserves much about that. The worst joke we've ever had on a show. But you know that's not true. I wouldn't even like to, if there was a top 10 for worst jokes

on the late breaking YouTube show. Amazon's scoggett. We'll get in touch to get that. Moving on to the 2020 championship. Started to rack through the rounds now when it's Max Verstappen, who leads Valdry Bottas in P2. Of course, Lewis Hamilton leading the way

at the top of the championship. Sam, do you think that Max Vastappen could hold on to that P2 for the rest of this year, or do you think that the might of Mercedes will allow Bottas to get back in front? I 100% think that Max Verstappen has absolutely everything he needs to hold on to P2 in the standings. I mean, it's not like we haven't seen something similar before, is it? It's not like we haven't seen Valtry Bottas not finish second than that Mercedes. Just look back in 2018. The man finished in fifth place and was always.

almost a hundred points away from Vessel in second. And in Hamilton won't win to the title with almost 100 points in front of Vessel. The gap there, oh my God, I've just looked it up, 161 points between teammates. You're having an absolute, I can't say Tim Barth again, Western Supermare. There you go. Honestly, Bostas has had some shockers when it comes to having the absolute best car and not be able to even finish second place. And there is every chance that happens again.

Max Verstaffing is really in his stride. He's really come a long way since. we saw that mistake-ridden season we had a couple of years ago. And that Redmond, actually, in my opinion, probably isn't as good as it has been in comparison to the top. And it's not as great as it was in comparison to the midfield either. And yet, for Stappen, time and time again, is pulling that car up to fight those for sayings.

Look at his team, mate. Look at Albon. One of the biggest standard performers of the season, in my current opinion, you know, and how far he's gone so far. I'm sorry to all the simps on Twitter that will absolutely hate me for that. Oh, no. He's not doing the job that he used to do.

If you look at his teammate, one man finishes in second. one race in the X-Man finish is eight. Botas is almost at the same level as what Albon is to Staping as he is to Hamilton. He needs to step it up. Otherwise, I don't know if he'll get that second place back. Yes, they're close at the moment. But that's what, two races in a row now that

on completely fair pace alone, the Stappan has beaten Bottas. It is not good enough for the Mercedes driver. So, yeah, there is absolutely every chance, unless Bottas has the absolute perfect run for the rest of the season, I think the Stapham has what it takes to get past Bottas and hold on for the rest of the

Just to say very quickly with that Botas and Alburn comparison, I don't see Bottas getting lapped by his teammate. I mean, that hasn't been close to happening. I mean, Hamilton's got Bottas firmly on his lap, though, isn't he? You know, that's okay. Cheap my number two driver. Anyway. Harry, do you think the Staffen can keep P2?

I do. I think he's got every chat. I think on a Sunday, Vestappen this year has potentially been the best driver. His Sunday performances are ridiculous. I don't think, I mean, he retired in Austria, but that was mechanical. I know he did bin it on the out lap in Hungary,

but that's pretend that that doesn't count. Even then Hungary, he was still mighty in the race. So if he keeps doing that in the race and can get past Bottas at the start, or even out-qualified Bottas as he has done on a couple of occasions, I think. Yeah, I don't see why he couldn't. Arguably, that shouldn't happen

because that Mercedes is quicker than that Red Bull. And I do think Bottas has been a little bit unlucky. I mean, he's unlucky with the puncture at Silverston. I think he was a little bit unlucky with the cool, the strategy court, the second race at Silverston. But yeah, even so, he shouldn't have been overtaken by Vastapen at the start. in Spain and even then he should got back past him so yeah there's every possibility because

i just think vestappen has been absolutely mighty on a sunday afternoon this year i don't think i don't i would i mean hamilton's been great as well as we've seen he was completely mighty in spain but um yeah i think maybe v v v vastappen has been the best sunday driver i think it's plausible i think it could happen but i don't think it is i'm going to say valterre bostas is going to finish P2 this season. Yeah, like I say, it's plausible, but for it to happen, two things will need to occur. Firstly, Max Verstappen, who has been brilliant to this point in the season, he has to maintain that.

He has to maintain that throughout the whole year, which I believe he could. And if I had to make a guess, I think he will. However, that by itself, I don't think is going to be enough for him to finish P2. I also think that Valtrey Bottas, who has been, I'm going to say average throughout the this season so far as well as a bit unlucky, I think. Both of those things are going to have to continue. He's going to have to continue to be average, which I personally don't think will be the case. I'm not saying Bottas is going to come out and suddenly be world champion, but I think

he will improve from average to good or even very good, in which case I think that Mercedes is going to be too much. And, you know, the bad luck is going to have to continue for him as well, which, you know, none of us can tell whether that's going to be the case. but he's been fairly unlucky to this point. I'd be surprised if that continued on for the rest of the years. So I have confidence in Vastappen's ability to finish second, but I don't have the confidence in the Red Bull package compared to Mercedes.

I just don't think they've got quite enough to do it with Valtrey Bottas on a, on, I want to say regular form, on good form, which I think Bottas can get back to. I don't think Vestappen is going to have enough. And there are a few races coming up. up actually. We know how good Mercedes are particularly in qualifying. On race day, it seems to be a little bit closer. But in terms of qualifying, Mercedes are so, so good at the moment. And I know there are questions with party mode disappearing at some point in the next few races, whether that will make a difference. I personally think that the gap between Mercedes and the rest of the field in terms of

qualifying is too much, even if party mode eradicates half of that gap, that would still leave about three and a half, tens, four temps. So I think. they will still continue to qualify first and second a lot of the time. So Vestappen at these races such as Micello and Imola is going to have a really difficult time if he doesn't take Bottas off the line in the same way that he did at Spain. So I think if Bottas can finish P2 or P1 at those races, Vestappen's going to find it pretty difficult to beat him in the championship. And I mean, your mention of Albin actually, he's got me thinking, Sam. Do you think that there's a chance that Albin finishes P4 in the championship?

Hmm. Interesting question. If he maintains his current form, no, I don't think he does finish B4 in the championship. If he maintains that current form, he continues to qualify further down in his teammate. He can't make the overtakes needings. We've got some tough tracks that are going to be, you know, very much Spain-like, I think, when it comes to overtaking ability. Mugelo, Imola's not going to be easy. You know, there's going to be a good couple of tracks. If he struggles on that Saturday, which is being his weakness recently, I don't think he gets past the likes of the race.

points and maybe even the likes of now the McLaren's, the Rhenos, and maybe Charlotte Clare with the current format. He didn't beat Battle, and he was struggling on those bloody tyres last time out. For me, Albon needs to shift it into another gear. There needs to be... I'm glad they're giving... I say this every single time. I'm glad they're giving him the time.

I'm glad they're not piling on the pressure. But he also needs to deliver with those performances. And I'm not seeing an improvement. If anything, I'm seeing a reduction in good performances at the moment. And if it carries on the way it is, I don't know if Albon finishes in the top five. like the top four. Okay, follow-up question to that. If he doesn't finish fourth and he finishes lower than fourth,

is that a failure? Oh, yeah, 100%. If your teammate is winning races, scrapping it out and beating regularly one of the drivers from by far the top team across the season, you should be, even if you are well off the points tally,

you should be in fourth place. And for me, if it is a total failure, if he is behind the likes of Stroll and Perez, if maybe Norris keeps it in front, you're on the brink of having to look elsewhere, bringing an Eco Holkenberg for a couple of seasons and let your rookie drivers actually develop properly and stop throwing them into the most difficult snoring.

I blame this as much on Red Bull as I do as Albon. I don't think Albon is ready for a top seat, but Red Bull have no other options. They're a toxic environment and they go, well, what else do we do? We need two drivers. Let's chucking other youngster in who's got no experience in that top level. And it's too early for them,

and it's coming back to bite them. And it's damaging their careers far too early on when they could be something really, really good. For me, if he doesn't get top five, that's time to maybe look at another option. Same two questions for you, Harry. Do you think that fourth place is achievable? And do you think anything other than fourth is a failure? Yes, it's achievable. I think that Red Bull is, that is capable of being second best car team on the grid. And yeah, I agree with Sam. He's got a, we saw a slight glimpse of it in

Spain but I just think it needs to continue that improved proven and qualifying and you know in Belgium and Italy wouldn't necessarily be an issue we saw last year he came from the back of the grid to the fifth place I think it was be able for the tracks where it's going to be difficult to overtake he just needs to have another

step forward on his quality results the second question which was oh yeah would it be a failure yes I think so if you consider how well Macs is doing doing in that car. You know, Max has already won a race. And I know Ribble, at the second race at Silverton, both cars were going well.

But we've said it before. Albon needed to be out there to be his wingman. And I know Max didn't necessarily need him, but it would just help. So, yeah, I think he's got to get, you know, that fourth place, be that position behind Max to otherwise, yeah, it's a failure, really. Yeah, I think I would tend to agree

that fourth place is definitely achievable for Alex Albin just based on that Red Bull. Pure Maths, Red Bull is the second best car on the grid. Therefore, they should be occupying third and fourth place at a bare minimum. So, yeah, I do think that fourth place is achievable. And particularly because, you know, LeClaire's had a pretty good start to the season in that Ferrari, but we know how poor that car is this year. You know, Lando Norris is within that fight as well. But the McLaren is struggling to make Q3 on a car.

a few races and, you know, Renaud haven't quite got it together and the racing point guys are getting there, but still dropping some unnecessary points. So there doesn't seem to be a very complete third best team on the grid at the moment. And Albin should really use that to his benefit and allow that and really give him the opportunity to finish it to finish fourth. So I do think anything other than fourth place would be a failure from his perspective. I think minimum acceptability would be fifth behind a racing point. Even then, that's pretty disappointing. But yeah, considering that Vastappan is competing for race wins,

there's not really an excuse for Alex Alvin to not be in that top five, probably fourth place, really. Moving on to the end of the season. So we've obviously had a bit of a different calendar to what we were expecting at the beginning of this year. I can't even imagine what our reactions would have been back in January if you told us that we're going to be racing at Imala, Portemal, Magello and potentially Istanbul. But that is the race we're going to focus on here is because there is a good chance

that F1 will return to Turkey for one of the final rounds of the season. Sam, are you excited for the prospect of that? Take me back to Turkey. I mean, gobble, gobble, gobble. This podcast is going on the wobble. I'm so excited to go to Turkey. It's an immense track. It's overtaking galore.

The last time we were there, we've seen absolute havoc wreak everywhere. You love to see it. It's got some of the most incredible corners of F1. The thing I'm nervous about, right? We've all got this wonderful, wonderful image in our heads. Istanbul, turn 8, how beautiful it is. I watched Jimmy Ryking and go around there today,

not obviously in real life on a video. And it was just, majestic. It was fantastic. I loved every second. I'm so nervous that you're going to put Lewis Hamilton in that 20-20F-1 car, and it's going to be like going in a straight line. It's going to be like, oh, was it? Botas. You know, there's a turnback there. Of course, if you've got to say it over his shoulder, because Bottas is about 20 seconds behind him. But it's going to be like, it's going to be like, but it's going to be like, Boughtas is about 20 seconds behind him. But it's going to be like, it will produce incredible racing. And that corner is one of the most iconic corners in Formula 1 history. And I'm really, really nervous that we're going to go up there and be like, yeah, no, it's literally means nothing anymore. I still think they'll produce incredible racing. I still think it will have great overtakes. The tracks widening off a good wheel to wheel action. The sectors are almost like a really, really, really, really, really good version of Abu Dhabi. It's like if Abu Dhabi was fun, you get Istanbul. But I am a little nervous at the gang.

I've destroyed the hopes and dreams of turn eights everywhere. But other than that, yes, bring on Istanbul. Harry, be excited for Istanbul? Obviously, it's not confirmed at this point, but it's heavily rumoured. I don't think I was excited to sound gobble, gobble, gobble, gobble, gobble, so his podcast has a one's got to a wobble yeah I'm looking forward to it

I never mind Turkey as a track I think I'm with Sam I think turn A is going to be obliterated and not just by the Merks I think even the Williams I think they'll all be flat out to there because the downforce these cars have

and the ones the last time we're there 2011 so yeah I think that's sad turn eight won't be much for a challenge it'll also be a challenge on the old neck I guess but yeah, I'm excited. I think it will still provide some good racing.

And, yeah, like said, Ben, if you told us back in January, this is where we'd end up, then I'd have told you you'd go mad and had too many ciders. One's enough. Yeah, exactly. Yeah, so I obviously say not confirmed, but heavily rumoured. I'd be excited for it. I think it'd be good.

Hashtag gobble, gobble, gobble. I love it so much. Yeah, I'm very much looking forward to Istanbul. I think it's a good circuit. I share the same worry that you've said that turn eight is going to seem like a non-entity. And I tweeted about this the other day that when I saw Charles LeCler go through 130R, Suzuki, of course, and he did it one-handed, that was such a depressing moment. It's such an epic corner.

You think of all the memories we've had through that corner. Immediately one that springs to mind is Alonzo's move on Schumacher. But it's always had a reputation as one of those daunting corners on the F1 calendar. And Charles LeClauil last year went through one-handed. And turn eight, of course, has this of incredible reputation as a great corner. And it is a great corner. But these cars are so, so good that I am worried that they will go by as if it wasn't even. there and you know charler le clare even in even in the the has bee team i think shall la clare is

going to have a really good opportunity to go flat out through there and probably one-handed again it'll probably have enough it'll probably have enough to spare that you can have a cup of tea in one hand and a slice of lemon cake in the other and control the control the steering wheel with his feet that that's how good these cars are so hopefully that isn't the case and they still find that it's a massive challenge because I don't know, I don't want that bubble to be burst. I'm just going to have to go to Sainsbury's going out.

I'll get some lemon cake. Oh, yeah, absolutely starving, what are you doing to us? Come on. What an image you painted there. Yeah, see a lemon cake around turning out of Istanbul. Do you know what, there's so many quotes, I don't know which one to pick

for the preview, to be honest. I don't know which one to take out of this podcast. There's been, there's so many good ones. Do many. No, it's going to be gobble, gobble, gobble. Of course, it's got to be gobble, gobble, bobble. I don't think this podcast could get any better. However, we do have a final segment, which is the best segment in the history of the late breaking podcast.

So, Harry, take it away. It's F1. Back and forth, it's F1. Back and forth, it goes backwards, and then goes four, it's F1. Back and forth. Yeah, F1. Stunning. Absolutely love it. F1, back and forth, if you haven't seen this before, very simple game. It's Sam versus Harry.

I put together a category. There are a number of drivers or circuits or something along those lines in that category, and they keep going, giving answers, giving correct answers, until they can't anymore or they give a wrong answer. So, I mean, Sam, you're confident of another win today? No, it's too many. Harry is way more knowledgeable than I am generally around F1 so no, not feeling good.

You say that, but you are on a massive streak? Well, it's about time to close to go back on. Good God. It was that time a long time ago, Sam, and we've told you. Anyway, let's get on with the first. We've got two different categories today. The first one, William's Drivers, since 1980. So there are 41 correct dancers and play along at home as well. How many can you name?

Harry, if you wouldn't mind going first on this one, a Williams driver since 1980. George Russell. No, sorry. No, fell at the first. Yeah, George Russell. Sam, if you got. Nicky Latifi. I believe he's more commonly known as Nicholas, but I'll give you it, yes. Thanks. Harry.

You got your bit, sir. You did use his correct first name as well, so well done. Sam? Quick Nick. Nick Heidefeld. Yeah, good old quick Nick. And, I mean, I might just give you 10 points for that because of how amazing Nick Hydefeld is. Harry?

Lance Stroll. More commonly known as goat stroll. Sorry, goat stroll. Sam. Nicol Orkenbeg Yes, Daniel Riccardo, that is correct. Nico Hockenberg is the correct answer.

Harry? Felipe Massa. Oh, good old Felipe. Oh, good old Felipe. Yes, it's the right answer. Sam. He wanted to drive a Mercedes, but he ended up driving a Williams

to pull the rest of the grid. Yeah, well remembered, of course, just that one Grand Prix in Hungary replacing Massa, but it is a correct answer. Harry? Walter Bottas. Good old Walter Bottas. Version 1 at that time, but

people didn't he know how many versions he'd have after that. But yes, Bottas is correct. Sam? Yeah, it was the perfect version, the ultimate version. The 2006 Coffed Hair version, Nico Rosberg. Oh, the Brittany days.

don't you miss him. It's Nico Bick. Oh dear. Harry. Our Lord and Savior, Pastor Maldonado. Yes, when you said Lord and Savior, I thought you were going to say Mahaviragunathan. I mean, he should have had one by now, but yeah.

Sure. But yes, Maldenado, of course, a correct answer. And still, the last driver to win in Williams. Sam? I think this answer is a bag for a number two podcast. most, Mark Weber. Yeah, good old Mark Weber. Feld to Nick Hydefeld, of course,

but he was all right as well, Mark Weber. Harry? Bruno Sanner. Correct. Cheers. That's the other answer sorted. Sam. I'll go for his... I was going to say his dad!

It and Senga, the one that came before him in the alphabet. I'll go for his dad. Steve Sennar. Yes, antenna is the right answer. Harry? 11th fastest F1 driver since 1983, Rubin's Barichello. Correct. Only three places behind Hakey Kovalainen, would you know?

So. Speaking of dads, and I do regularly, KK. Rosberg. Kekai, as most people say it. Yeah, going right back. Good answer. Kuzuki Nakajima What a boy Yes, Nakajima's right

Sam Alan Prost Yep Alan Prost is right Harry Um Juan Pablo Montoya Oh I was about to say

Mr Chunky Mr Chunky is a right answer One Pablo Vons I'm so sorry One Pablo Such a horrible nickname No it's so affectionate I say it loving

Yeah, Juan Pablo Montaure is a right answer. Have you got next, Sam? Well, I've dropped my moustache, but fortunately, Nigel's still got his. Big Nige. Good answer, Harry. Ralph Schumacher. Correct. Sam?

Are we allowed to say what's been said before? Am I immediately, do I lose if it's been said? No, I'll let you off. Thank you. I was going to say, speaking of big jaws, David Coulthard. Not been said, but yes, a right answer. Harry? The worst and least deserving effort more champion, Jack Vyenneuve.

Correct. You just had to say it. You had to say it. Jeanvelynev is the right answer, though, yes. What have you got next, Sam? Oh, my favourite Belgian, Jackie Ix. Is he, Jackie Ix is your favourite Belgian? I don't know any others.

Fair enough. It's not a right answer, but yeah. It's not right? No, sorry. Jackie, I'll have to Google that. He definitely drove for Williams. Does it before 1980, though? Jackie Ix have retired by 1980, I think. You're having a laugh.

He drove... Sorry, language. You have to bleak that. from when they were Frank Williams racing cars. Going way back, but unfortunately too far back here. So, Harry, you take the win.

This feels like an absolute joke. One one. It's a hollow victory. Wow. I've so many more. What, Fangio. Nelson P.K. Didn't you get mentioned?

I was getting ready to line up my favorite, and Martin Brundle one that I always forget. Yeah. I'm so, I'm so, I'm so, that's like crushing into the Japanese barrier at one mile and hour, that is. It is a bit.

Niche reference. Just some other answers that were out there. So, Alan Jones, Reuterman, Jack the Feet, Nelson Pek, Ricardo Petrazi, Brundle, Damon Hill, Frensen, Jenton, Burton, Antonio Pitzonia,

who loves Turn 1 at Circuit to Catalonia. Seriously, check that video out if you haven't. Alex Verk, Sergei Sorokkin. You missed Sergey. Oh, God, Sergey. I had it on my list. I was ready, but bloody Jackie Hicks apparently doesn't count. It's not my favourite budget anymore, is he?

This isn't Jackie Hicks' fault that he wasn't in F1 after 1980. Okay. You've got a chance for revenge, though. You do have chance for your revenge here, because we've got a second category. Oh, I've got a second round. I was about to play the jingle. No, there's a second round.

It's a bit of a smaller one, so there's only 11 answers in this one. Okay. Any circuit that has hosted a Formula One Grand Prix in Asia. And just to clarify, we're not including Hanoi because it hasn't hosted a Grand Prix. In Istanbul and Sochi in Turkey and Russia, we're counting those as European races,

So neither of those count as well. But other than that, we have 11 races in Asia. So Sam, your first circuit from that list? Do I have to give the literal circuit, or can I just say the country? You can't say the country because there's quite a few. There's a few that are. Oh, poo bags. In that case, we'll go with Suzuki.

Suzuki is correct. Harry. Fuji. Correct. Sam. Sapang. Oh, I miss Sapang. Yeah, that's right, though. Harry? The Shanghai International Circuit.

Wow, and you gave the full name as well, so well done. Thank you. Is it Cumbariga Bay in Singapore? Yes, yeah, yeah. Nice one. Harry. Oh God. I can't think of any more.

Ada? Yeah, yeah, nice one. Yep, that's absolutely fine. Pacific Grand Prix. Sam, there are another five answers. Ben, because I'm stupid. Are we counting the Middle East as Asia for this? Hey Sam

Yeah we are Oh Bahrain International circuit I believe It's the full game Yeah that's cool Hurry

The The Yass Marina Circai Yes Yes That is a correct Answer Three more to go

Sam Have you got any more answers Um Yeah Well, that's good. I do. I'm very uncertain on them. Youngham in Korea.

Yes. The goat circuit, yes. Oh, I'm so good at this. Harry, there are two more answers. Do you know anyway? I've only got one, and I'm not sure if that's right, but the bud. Yeah.

I just not like it. The Buddha. The Buddha, yes. That's correct. Commonly known as Sebastian Vettel's training ground considering how good he was there, but yes. One more answer, Sam.

Do you know what it is? It depends if... Monaco. That's how bad my geography is. Yeah. Are we counting? No, we're not. No, we're not. We're not. Don't be stupid. Oh, I'm just going to say Istanbul, because part of Turkey is technically in Asia. If not, it's Sochi and Russia. Ben did say it's not doing... Oh, in that case. Is it Sochi in Russia or is that part of Europe?

He also said that one. God damn it, I don't know. them all out as well, so we can call that overall. In fairness, this one is a bit of a tricky one, and I'm blaming F1 for this because it hosted the European Grand Prix. Oh, God. It's bloody, um... Baku.

Yeah, it's Baku, isn't it? Well done, Baku. Baku is the only remaining answer. But well done. Good effort, though. Well, there you go. I'll put the clothes back on. I've got to sing now as well, great.

Absolutely fast. It's F1 Back and forth It's F1 Back and forth It goes backwards And then goes four It's F1

Back and forth Yeah F1 Good stuff The next time you'll be hearing from us Will be the preview For the next Grand Prix Which is of course the Belgian Grand Prix At Spa

And the question will turn two Can Jackie Ix win his home Grand Prix or not. Considering he's still racing. Sorry, I can dismiss that one. But that is the next time you'll hear from us. Sam, if you could, get us out of it.

Hashtag justice for San. If you think that Frank Williams is going to just Williams is your technically part of Williams. Let me know, please. That'll be very helpful. I need to be very many stupid ideas. It's not the past of the 2018. We're going to talk about spa. In the meantime,

I've been Saddle saying. I've been Ben Harking. I've been Jane Carlo Bighetti. Why weren't you, Jack? Yes. Anyway, keep breaking late. Past is part of the Sports Social Podcast Network.