The Late Braking F1 Podcast - Late Braking F1 Podcast: 13/10/19

Episode Date: October 13, 2019

For the first time since Azerbaijan, Bottas picks up a victory after an excellent start to the race. With Hamilton finishing third behind Vettel, we ask whether the team threw away a 1-2 finish. Also ...on the agenda, the Leclerc/Verstappen turn 2 incident! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript
Discussion (0)
Starting point is 00:00:00 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. This is the late breaking Formula One podcast. We're back to a trio. I'm joined by Harry Eden Samuel Sage. I'm Ben Hocking. Guys, how are you doing Japanese Grand Prix this weekend?
Starting point is 00:00:26 Maybe. I am super pumped for the Navy. Japanese Crawl Free. Oh, it feels good to be recording. It feels good to have the old F1 weekend back on again. I really hope there's a race. Even if it's torrential, they have to run round with their race kits on. That'll be great. Some kind of race would be ideal. I think they need to, if it does pour it down with rain, they need to decide it with the boats that go down the pit lane that they make. And that will be the winner of the Japanese Cornucre. Yeah, I like that idea. I really do. But of course, we are going to go ahead and presume it will all happen fine, even if qualifying has to take place on Sunday or something crazy like that that that we haven't seen in a long time. And the question we're asking is this. So Ferrari and Mercedes have been dueling for victories very recently. Ferrari, of course, have picked up their form quite massively, which has left Red Bull slightly trailing behind after Max Verstappen picked up a few wins prior to the summer break. The question is, Zerzouli's. might well suit that car. Can Max Verstappen, even with a bit of rain, can he get into contention in this race?
Starting point is 00:01:31 Harry, what do you think on this? I think he can. Yeah, he's even said himself that he feels pretty confident about his chances this weekend. Suzuki's always been a red bull circuit. You need a good chassis, and that red ball has got a good chassis. So yeah, I wouldn't roll him out at all. the last couple of races
Starting point is 00:01:52 has been, I mean, they didn't expect to be strong in Russia, but they weren't very strong in Singapore,
Starting point is 00:01:57 which was a strange one, to be honest. Yeah, I reckon Maxi Vista. I reckon we could have a three-way
Starting point is 00:02:04 battle this weekend. I think Ferrari going to be in there as well. Yeah, it could be as long as it doesn't rain.
Starting point is 00:02:11 It could be spicy. Yeah, Sam, do you think that weather depending, maybe a bit of rain,
Starting point is 00:02:17 maybe not? Do you think Vestappan's going to be in the mix in either of those conditions? First of all, if it chucks it down so much that the session isn't on on Saturday morning and I've gotten up before half past six after working all week, I will be furious at the Japanese. I'm sorry.
Starting point is 00:02:32 It's not that whole. Go on. Secondly, you can't ever count Max Verstappen out. He is in the form of his life at the moment. He's turned it all around from last season where he was horribly getting crashed for Stappen, and he is really on a role. No, we definitely didn't support that. Not by us.
Starting point is 00:02:52 No, no, no. Even though he's not in that best car, he is by far the best driver in that team, and he is still one of the best drivers we've seen in Formula One for quite some time. So you can't ever discount him. Wet race, especially. We saw that Brazil performance, I think it was, in 2017, where he was cruising from the back of the grid. It overtook everyone pretty much, you know, wet lines, left right and centre.
Starting point is 00:03:14 He picked the carting way through. It was incredible to watch, so don't count it out. But we're at tonight. is the only good wet driver here. Sebastian Beto got his first ever weighing in the wet in 2008. Yes, in Monsa, in the Toro Rossor, of course, absolutely soaking wet, but what a drive from him to soaking wet. And of course, Lewis Hamilton, the likes of Silverstone, where he had one of his best grabs of all time in the pouring rain. He's also a
Starting point is 00:03:39 reigning masker, let's not forget. So, yeah, don't be wrong. The Red Bull has sounds a good chance around here, but the third sector is very top speed orientated, so it may not be the best part for them. And the, in the rain, he's not the only great on the track. So, yeah, he's got a chance, but it's not like he's anyone out there, and I would love to see the Stappen-Vettel-Hamilton all collide, you know, head-to-head, side-by-side
Starting point is 00:04:01 for a lot of the race in the pouring rain. This is a real test of a driver's ability here in Suzuki. And we have to remember that Max Verstappen, if we're talking about recent races that have had rain, he did pretty well at Germany. So Max Verstappen definitely does have the form book in terms of weather, and we know he can do special things when it is chucking it down with rain.
Starting point is 00:04:23 What I would say is this. Max Verstappen over the last few races hasn't really been in contention. Redboard been slightly behind. Of course, Alexander Albin has been adjusting himself to the team, so we can't really expect him to be fighting the Merck's and Ferrari just yet. But Vastappen hasn't really had a clear run at things since the summer break, really. Whether it's been through grid penalties, which aren't necessarily his fault, or, you know, his own doing, referring back to Spar.
Starting point is 00:04:51 So he, yeah, whether it's been his own fault or not his fault, he hasn't really had a clear run at things at a circuit, which really suits the car. You could argue Singapore was probably his best shot since the summer break, but for whatever reason, he just wasn't involved. Maybe it was that he did have the race pace to contend with the front runners, but the qualifying pace just wasn't there regardless. it'd be interesting to see how they do here at Suzuki.
Starting point is 00:05:19 I think they will be strong. I think Vestappen will be in contention for that win. You are right in what you say, Sam, that Vestappen, whilst he is looked at as a master in the rain, there are other drivers who are also exceptional in the rain. You mentioned Sebastian Vettel. Lewis Hamilton, up until Germany, his record in wet weather races is just tremendous. I think that's probably for me his most underrated,
Starting point is 00:05:45 quality Lewis Hamilton, how good he is in the wet. I think people recognize it, but don't quite recognize to the extent at which how good he is when the weather is poor. And of course, we don't even know if it is going to be wet. I mean, we're all presuming that the hurricane is going all around the place. We don't really know. It might not even hit at all. So we might have clear running in all sessions. But it's going to be very interesting, especially if practice is taken away from a few of these guys, how that will alter proceedings. So Mercedes obviously won last time out in Russia, breaking that streak of Ferrari, maybe slightly fortunate in doing so.
Starting point is 00:06:24 You can either are on the side of fortune or on the side of skill that they knew what to do with their strategy. Harry, do you think that Ferrari will reassume their position ahead of Mercedes? I don't think they'll be ahead. Their position ahead of Mercedes has been so slim. There's barely ahead, is it? The previous wins have been only just, basically. I think they're not going to be as strong in Suzuki as they have been,
Starting point is 00:06:56 but I think they're going to be up with Mercedes and Red Bull. It's going to be tricky for them, I think. It's going to be, it's going to be. I've said it already. It's going to be spicy between all three teams. And Chuck LeClair, how was it? I don't really remember his race last year,
Starting point is 00:07:16 apart from he ran into the back of Magnuson. Yeah, that's the only thing I can remember, really. It was one of his more average races, yeah. Yeah. But anyway, Vettel is, he loves Suzuki. I mean, all the drivers love Suzuki, but he always goes pretty well here. So, yeah, you can't write them up.
Starting point is 00:07:32 I don't think they're going to be the fastest car, but they're going to be in the mix. Sam, I mean, they were very, very close to winning four on the bounce last time out. It didn't obviously work out that way. Do you think Ferrari will go back to the best? the top of the pecking order? So I think after we finish the likes of Sparra and Monsa, I have said that this is still a track that definitely suits Msegis,
Starting point is 00:07:53 but we've seen the difference in horsepower that Ferrari are able to admit from that power unit, and it really does cancel out what Mercedes have when it comes to corner exit speed, mid-corner speed and slow cornering. Their acceleration is so strong enough Mercedes, their grip and just ability to keep the car stay is fantastic, but of course, Ferrari are just so powerful down the straight. that after the recent turn of events, I would have said, actually, that this might be the closest race between all three of the top constructors we are going to have this season. I think different parts of this track suit each car so brilliantly. I mean, 1.30 yard after spoon curve is perfect
Starting point is 00:08:27 for the Ferrari. That whole first sector is fantastic for a Red Bull. And that middle sector where you come out of the, I can't about the two calls it, called the two right hand is where Michael Schumacher parks it up under the tunnel, retired in 06, and then through the hairpin, up to Warspoon Curb is so perfect for a Mercedes Chassis that I genuinely think this could be such an even match. I think we're going to see like a purple red bull sector in the first sector and a Sege's purple sector in the second sector, and a Ferrari purple sector in the third sector, I generally think it's going to be so, so close. So I almost can't call who I think is going on the front row of the grid. And I'm not sure I can call who's going to take the win.
Starting point is 00:09:06 I am so excited if this one goes ahead, hopefully weather permitting, because I generally think it's going to be one of the most exciting races we've seen across multiple constructors in a long time. I think even with the weather, whatever happens there, I think Ferrari, the key to their race will be the first 30 seconds of the lap. I think it completely depends on how well they go through the first few corners. because obviously it's very technically difficult those left rights and the Degna's as well
Starting point is 00:09:39 and it's not really until the hairpin where they can start to prove their advantage in terms of their power unit proficiency because you know you go up to the hairpin from the hairpin down to spoon curve they're going to have an advantage there spoon curve pretty much all the way to the Cassio triangle they have an advantage there and of course
Starting point is 00:09:59 the start finish straight so Ferrari I think will be a head even in wet conditions. I think the wet weather will be somewhat of an equalizer for Mercedes. If this was definitely going to be a dry race, I would be saying right now, I think Ferrari will line up one, two, and I think they would probably go on to win the race. I think the wet weather will work in particularly Hamilton's favour, but also Vastappen and maybe Bates's favour too. But yeah, I think this is all balls down to that first sector.
Starting point is 00:10:30 Can they match Mercedes? They don't need to match Mercedes. in that first sector. They just need to be even a 10th or two behind is fine. As long as they stay within touching distance, their power unit will do the rest in the last part of that lap. So, yeah, can they get through those corners well enough? I do wonder if Mercedes are going to have to employ a slightly clever tactic
Starting point is 00:10:52 and maybe tow each other down the back straight towards 1.30 on the Cassio Triangle and get right out the way as they go towards the Cateo Triangle. Just to balance out that top speed difference, I feel like that is the only way at the moment that the likes of Mercedes and Red Bull can really counter up that immense power that Ferrari had in a straight line. Yeah, maybe so, maybe so. Should we do some bold predictions? We do like some bold predictions. Sam is now pretending that he is bold.
Starting point is 00:11:21 Harry, have you thought of one or should I just go to Sam first? Go to Sam first. Sam, have you got a bold prediction? I do. I think there will be three. safety cars. And on top of that, I think we will see a turn one pile up that takes out at least three cars. I mean, all about the threes in that bold prediction, but that is fairly bold. Three safety cars, that is still a lot, even with, even with the weather.
Starting point is 00:11:50 I think it's just going to be so tricky for everyone. I mean, we saw Germany. I know that caught people off guards, but Japan is notoriously hard. You get one corner wrong. It is, you know, you're beached like a whale in that gravel or you're straight into a wall or you hit the side of the tunnel. Anything could go super wrong for a driver that's not on their absolute best around a wet Suzuki circuit. Okay, my bold prediction is this. I'm going to go for a good weekend for McLaren. Oh, you bastard. I'm going to say they will pick up at least 18 points between them.
Starting point is 00:12:29 That means that they're going to think. at least fifth and sixth. At least fifth and sixth. At least fifth and sixth. That's my prediction. I mean, I mean, starting off not being that bold, I thought, oh, yay, good weekend for McLaren. But that is a spectacular weekend for McLaren, I think. I think there will be a few retirements. And Sines and Norris will be able to work their magic, probably insulting each other all the way around. And then, yeah, I think they'll make it work. They're both. really solid driver's been they're on great form so yeah I'll go with that
Starting point is 00:13:04 well following on from that my ball prediction is that it's a wet quality on Saturday and there's a McLaren in the top three oh baby it's a triple I'm trying to think the last time that was
Starting point is 00:13:20 a thing it's gonna be Austria 2016 isn't it yeah that's on penalties I mean on pace I mean on pace I mean on pace it's got to be what 2012, 2013.
Starting point is 00:13:32 Yeah. I think that might be the boldest of the lot. That is really bold. I think so. But of course, Harry, of course, is never right, so that won't happen. Literally not been right one. So if you want to get down in the comments, let's know your bold predictions.
Starting point is 00:13:48 I'd like to have a look at those. Maybe we'll have a conversation with you guys in the comments about who has got the boldest in the comments. And of course, we do care about who's right as well. So if you put a bowl prediction in there, come back on Sunday and say, I told you so. Pole 1, 2, 3. Sam, who have you got for this one?
Starting point is 00:14:06 I'm going to say, poll position goes to Sebastian Vettel. I'm going to say that second place is Luis Amr-Dang, and third place is Max Vestappen. Oh, I did qualify in 1, 2, 3. You can tell I've been off for a week. Oh, I thought you were... Oh, Sam. That was actually my race order for...
Starting point is 00:14:30 apart from qualifying. So I think Vettel will qualify in pole. I think Hamilton will then win the race. I think Stappen will be second and I think Vetter will be third. Who have you got, Harry? Got a Hamilton pole and then battle win
Starting point is 00:14:47 Hamilton second first and second. I am going to go with a Hamilton pole position. I'm going to go with a Hamilton race win. I'm going to go with Sebastian Vettel in P2 and then Max Vastappen in P3.
Starting point is 00:15:08 Hold on, then, you said that you think Freud would lock out the front row? In dry conditions. Oh, okay, so it's wet in your weekend. It really is wet. Okay, that does change everything. Yeah, fair enough. I mean, Hamilton is an absolute star.
Starting point is 00:15:23 Have we all said Hamilton to win? Wow. I said Vettel to win. Oh, right. You had him his poll, though, didn't you? Yeah. I mean, he's having a good. It's having a good weekend regardless, and chances are this leads on to him pretty much taking the title very, very soon if he has a top two finish here.
Starting point is 00:15:42 Be Vettel. No, Hamilton, you plonker. Triggered. You plonker. Triggered. Let's move on to something else. So there have been chatters about a new F1 team in 2021, actually multiple perhaps new teams in football. No
Starting point is 00:16:04 I don't If there is a chatter There can be multiple chatters I don't think this is the important part of what I'm saying There is the potential to be a new team In Formula One in 2021 Sam do you think that there should be a new team Do you think there's a chance this comes through
Starting point is 00:16:29 Because F1 themselves have tried to distance themselves Yes bring on all the new teams please. One, just to help Williams. Let's hope that a team comes in and they are worse than Williams, just for one season at least. Also, it just means good business. It means excitement.
Starting point is 00:16:46 It means generation of new fans and new areas in the world. And I don't really care who it is. I'd love it to be a key manufacturer, you know, a BMW to come in, an Audi, a Porsche, these are only German companies. Honda to step back even though they've said they don't want to, maybe a Toyota. It would be awesome to see these people really.
Starting point is 00:17:03 emerging Formula One. But if it's a new team that is just a purchasing team, not a constructor, then I am really happy with that. I would love to sit. I'll see more drivers get the chance because there's a lot of great F2 drivers out there who are really stepping up to the pace. And I think that a 22, 24 car grid is great. I really enjoyed it when it happened, you know, 10, 15 years ago now. I've missed it. So I am all up for another team. I think it throws up a lot of questions when it comes to engine allocation and who's going to supply who. But I am I'm interested, very keen. Bring it on, lads.
Starting point is 00:17:37 Harry, what do you make of all of this? Yeah, why not? I absolutely think we should have more than just one team come along. You want, well, I know it didn't work out last time with the three new teams, but if they, if F1 looked after them properly, it should, they should be able to, teams should be able to join if they want to. And there should be, it's because it's linked to campus, isn't it? So it's the step up from F2, which, you know, like Eddie Jordan did,
Starting point is 00:18:06 that's what he did with his F-3,000 team back in the day. He just built a bigger F-3,000 car and then stepped into F-1. So, yeah, teams should be able to make their intentions clear about joining. And full grids. I like a full grid. I don't want to have too many cars. Do we have to have pre-qualifying? No point in that.
Starting point is 00:18:25 No point people turn it up to go home again. But, yeah, we'll bring it on, lads. More competition. Love it. Yeah, this is a really interesting one. First of all, I cannot understand how Formula One, the F1 media, they have instantly tried to distance themselves from this. I can't fathom why they're doing this. We've had one team in what the last six or seven years enter Formula One, the elite of motorsport,
Starting point is 00:18:54 and just one team has been able to gain access to this series. And now there might be the potential of another team. and F1 media were right on it saying no we haven't been any any talks they're not serious why are you distancing them yourselves i don't get it but um whether this is a serious thing or not i think we definitely do need to see one or two more teams in formula one and the moment particularly with the point system 50% of cars are getting points in races i think that's slightly too high of course a couple more drivers on the grid will help with that um and i think perhaps the most interesting thing about this, presuming they do come in at this stage, is how they enter Formula One. Do they enter in the same kind of way that Haas have done, in that they are pretty much a satellite team, they don't really create anything in-house, everything they get is either Ferrari or DeLara, it's one or the other, or will they try to be a constructor, a traditional constructor in the like of Williams? They have said that they would,
Starting point is 00:19:59 at least in time want to be more of a Williams than a Hass. But of course that would represent difficulties straight away. They're not going to be able to get up to speed even with this potential cost cap that's going to come in. I think that's probably going to be the deciding factor as to whether they do or not. But yeah, they seem keen. The drivers that they've put forward, it would give Pascal Verline a potential road back into Formula One. and I think he absolutely deserves a second chance, so that's good.
Starting point is 00:20:32 The other driver, I believe, would be Alex Palau, is it? Which... Peelow, like, rice. Yeah, Alex Pilau Rice, yeah. Yeah. Alex Buzz Matty, right? No, sorry. Yeah, I don't quite understand why he would get in the knot.
Starting point is 00:20:48 I presume money because his record doesn't really indicate he should be in Formula One. And then, of course, we have to ask the question as to, which, manufacturer they're going to go with? What engine manufacturer? Of course, Renault will now not be supplying any other team. So there is definitely capacity for Renault to provide them with a power unit. And I know I've just said that that's probably what the driver line up will be. But association with Campos, Reno, potential Renault power unit, there's a Jack Aitkin theme going on there. I wouldn't be surprised if that works its way out. Yeah, I'd love to see this new team. I don't know whether they'll be competitive.
Starting point is 00:21:27 presumably with a cost cap they won't be that far behind. Will they initially go down more of a hash route? Possibly just to make ends meet for a few years. But yeah, I'm always up for fresh faces. I want to see the introduction of another power unit as well. Whether they create a team or not, I'm not bothered. But I just think four is not enough, especially if we have a couple more teams join.
Starting point is 00:21:49 You know, obviously Honda conservates, another team, Rang can service another team, around conservus and a couple of teams. That's great. I think we need another major power unit, whether that be VW, whether that be BMW, that be Ford or something like that, you know, Corvette stepping or they're powered by Ford. Someone will tell me in the comments.
Starting point is 00:22:03 I know that I don't know. Pojo. Yeah, let's get a Peugeot. Honestly, Pojo are a motorsport, you know, phenomenon. They've got such racing pedigory. So if they do want to come into the sport, then I would actually be all for it. I just think it's all going to go having more cars,
Starting point is 00:22:17 but I also want more suppliers. It creates much more choice, much more drama, much more to watch and care about in Formula One. And that's what we want. More access. And if a cost of caps provided, and the regulations are made simpler that maybe that does open the door to a Suzuki works team
Starting point is 00:22:32 or something along the likes. I don't know, but there is obviously... The Swiss. The Swiss, in they come. Swift business, that's what they can call their team. Honestly, I think it's a fantastic thing. F1, FIA, you know, Chase Carrey should be jumping in there, supporting anyone that shows an interest in joining F1.
Starting point is 00:22:50 Hashtag Asia Tech, by the way. Absolute engine power unit. Like, come on. If not Asia Tech, let's get in Mechacrome. Mechacrome. Oh, good time. Bringing back the real MVP's. So, final one for tonight.
Starting point is 00:23:11 This Lewis Hamilton Ferrari rumor is just never going to die, is it? Even after Lewis Hamilton has moved on to Pastures New, even when Lewis Hamilton is basking in retirement in his mid-70s, this rumor is still going to exist that he will end up at Ferrari. He's actually had something to say about it, but he believes that whilst it's not on his radar right now, he would change how Ferrari acts. He would change Ferrari for the better.
Starting point is 00:23:40 Sam, do you believe, hypothetically speaking, if he did go to Ferrari, he would be the key in order to turn them around back into a winning team? It's a very odd situation, this Hamilton-Friar relationship, because a lot of people seem to want it to happen. Yeah, Hamilton is probably the drive on the grid that receives the most hate from the public. And the Tophosi, I know it's all a bit of kind of, you know,
Starting point is 00:24:03 theatre-esque drama, but a lot of them really do boo him and dislike him on the track. But then the moment he leaves, and there's a rumor goes, they're like, Hamilton in the car. Hamilton in the car, that's an option. Hamilton has got fantastic pedigree when it comes to joining a team and making them better. He's also got fantastic pregnant when it comes to leaving a team
Starting point is 00:24:22 when they're all about to hit their decline and join a better team as to play in the two teams he's raised for in Formula One. He has got fantastic knowledge when it comes to how to build a team. He's brilliant at team spirit. He's so good at motivating the people around him. It's always positive vibes with old Lewis Hamilton. And I generally think he could have a really good effect on Ferrari. I don't think he'll ever go there as a driver. But there's nothing to say he could never be there. Maybe he's an advisor. Maybe he's part of a team. Maybe as not maybe a team principal. I don't think he's made for that, but maybe it's almost like a Nikki Louder character who occasionally appears in the garage, gives advice, helps the drivers. I just think he's got a really kind-hearted effect on people
Starting point is 00:25:02 around him and he gets a lot of slack for it. I think Ferrari need that. They're so pressurized. I think Hamilton has the ability to relax people and just bring out the best in them. I think he has that chance to do so. I don't think it will happen personally, but I really think he actually could improve Ferrari, although there might be a lot of animosity there being such a, you know, massive Mercedes legend now in the world of motorsport. Harry, do you think Hamilton would be the key for turning around Ferrari? And do you think there is any chance it would happen? I don't know.
Starting point is 00:25:36 It could happen. And I think what's important to remember with Ferraris and especially with their fans, they don't, to be honest, they don't really care who's in the car because they care about the car. It's all about the car. And once you're in a Ferrari, it doesn't matter what you did in the past. you're in the Ferrari folklore. So even Hamilton, who the Tophosi don't like,
Starting point is 00:25:57 I think even if he moved to Ferrari, they'd still take to him, especially if you started winning races and championships. Yeah, I agree with Sam. It's a tricky one. It'd be a way for him to do this late on in his career, go to Ferrari now, especially trying to help and get back to winning ways.
Starting point is 00:26:18 I think if he was going to do it, he might have done it. sooner. But yeah, Hamilton absolutely could help them go back to winning ways. But then we've had Vettel there. We've had Rikina. I know Rikkon wasn't in his 2005 form when he was back at Ferrari again. But they're top quality drivers, and they've not managed to do it.
Starting point is 00:26:41 So I know Hamilton is a special driver, but there's nothing to say that he would be any better at turning around their fortunes because he's. There's only so much you can do as a driver. But anyway, I'd love to see it, basically. It'd be great fun. And when's the last time we had a Brit in a feather? Eddie Irvine doesn't count, does he? I think he does.
Starting point is 00:27:05 He's Irish. I thought it was Northern Irish. Okay. I didn't know whether he race under Irish. He might have done. And if you did, apologies to all those Irish people out there and we've offended them. Yeah, that's Japanese and the Irish. Yeah.
Starting point is 00:27:18 You've done a good job. Maybe you have to go back all the way to Cirties, I don't know. Yeah. Oh, Nigel. Yeah. Oh, Nigel. Sorry, Nigel. I mean, I've been held by Eddie Irvine, and I can't remember what nationality is.
Starting point is 00:27:32 Did he not feel? Did you not tell? I couldn't sense it. Well, it's a good thing this hasn't gone off topic. Ben, what are your thoughts on the Hamilton Ferrari rumours? I don't think it's going to happen unless... Mercedes leave F1, which isn't that crazy to think, even though according to Eddie Jordan's timeline, that happened three years ago.
Starting point is 00:28:00 Just to stick up for E.J. on this one, he did predict the McLaren Mercedes rumors a couple of months ago. He did. I didn't have. But that one is still ridiculous. That one is still ridiculous. He does probably get more right than he gets wrong, to be fair to him. But he got that one really wrong. That was a massive whiff. Yeah, so if Mercedes did end up leaving Formula One, which there is a chance they are becoming more invested in Formula E, maybe with the cost cap that would drive them away. In that case, maybe he'd move away. Maybe he'd move for other reasons, for non-racing reasons, such as would it give him not only the opportunity to win a championship, same as Mercedes, but would it give him the opportunity to develop himself as a brand? we know he has other interests outside of Formula One and he has interest in developing that
Starting point is 00:28:51 even further. Of course, Mercedes do give him quite a bit of creative freedom in terms of his relationship with like Tommy Hill figure. Would Ferrari give him that kind of same kind of deal? And would they allow him to be the personality that he wants to be? In which case, maybe he'd move for those reasons. But do I think he would change it? As in the culture of Ferrari and get them in a winning way. I do. You know, he did it at Mercedes, and I'm not saying it was 100% his doing. Of course it wasn't.
Starting point is 00:29:23 But Hamilton is a serial winner. Wherever he goes, he wins. He's won a race in every single season he's competed in. And I understand why you can make a case that Alonzo couldn't do it and Vettel couldn't do it. So why could Hamilton do it? I don't know. I think they are in a better position to succeed now
Starting point is 00:29:43 compared to when Vettel joined the team and compared to when Alonzo joined the team. Alonzo did a sensational job with what he had at his disposal. Vettel has been up and down, but I think right now, Ferrari are in a better position where they can go ahead and win within the next season or two if they get it right. Now, of course, I don't think there's any chance he would,
Starting point is 00:30:07 I don't think he's going to happen, but if he was going to move there, he's not going to move there in favour of Chau LeClaire, who has the potential to win. win them championships for over a decade. He'd have to move there in favour of Sebastian Vettel, but, and that would, that could get messy. So I don't think it's going to happen. Would he be the key to them winning quite possibly? Yeah, I don't think it's going to happen. And to the point, I think that Fosci would absolutely adore him. Sebastian Vettel, it worked fine for him. I think
Starting point is 00:30:35 it worked fine for Hamilton, too. I, I want interject actually on that Vettel along so Hamilton Point, also incredible driver, you're right. He did absolutely wonders in that front. I think it's which wasn't the best it could have been back then. But we're seeing a long such reputation within teams. He's just not the right man for building a team. You know, he causes too much friction too much trouble. Maybe an older founder alongside now might be the right man for the job. But as a driver, I just don't think it would work.
Starting point is 00:30:58 I don't think he had the longevity in relationship terms to build a team around him. Vettel, again, he's a little bit selfish. I'm a big fan of Vettel, but he's selfish in his mannerisms. He wants to be the number one top guy. I think Hamilton is a team mentality built man. he thrives in a strong team environment. And that's why he did so well McClare, and he came in because they adored him.
Starting point is 00:31:19 He adored them. He grew so well that Mercedes brand, and the same at Mercedes. You know, he came in and he's made it his team. They love him, he loves them. So I think that if you were to go to Ferrari, they would fall in love with him. He would fall in love with them.
Starting point is 00:31:30 He loves Italy. He loves the fashion. He loves everything about it. I generally think that he could be a real key to unlocking Ferraris, that file 10% that they're currently lacking. Yeah, quite possibly. And if you would like to see,
Starting point is 00:31:43 Hamilton, go to Ferrari, let us know in the comments. It'd be interesting to see what the opinion is on this, because some maybe don't care at all. To be honest, I might be in that party as well. But yeah, be very interesting to get your thoughts on that. Sam, do you want to get us out of here? Yeah, thank you very much for listening, folks. As always, it means a lot that you stick around and watch through the videos.
Starting point is 00:32:03 And if you have enjoyed it, then please hit the like button. You really does help us out. If you want to see some more content, of course, click the subscribe button and stick around for more content. We are always here every race weekend and the days in between. But in the meantime, I've been Samuel Singh. I've been Ben Hocking. I've been Harry Ead.
Starting point is 00:32:19 And remember, keep breaking late. This podcast is part of the Sports Social Podcast Network.

There aren't comments yet for this episode. Click on any sentence in the transcript to leave a comment.