The Late Braking F1 Podcast - What to Watch in 2025’s Final 6 Races

Episode Date: October 12, 2025

With Ben away, Sam and Harry take the wheel (brace yourselves). They count down the top storylines to watch as the 2025 season wraps up, discuss Audi’s signing of Verstappen’s mechanic, and break down Red Bull’s interesting 2025 strategy. To cap it off, a much-anticipated round of Real or No Real... >>> LAST FEW TICKETS left for our 2025 LIVE SHOW in Austin TX! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to grab yours or for more info!

This podcast is part of the Sports Social Podcast Network. Thank you for listening to the Late Breaking F1 podcast. Make sure to check out new episodes every Wednesday and every Sunday. Hello, and a very warm welcome to the late breaking F1 podcast, brought you by Harry Ead and me, Samuel Sage. We've got no F1 this Sunday, as the wise words of Ben, would probably echo out if he was here. But yes, no F1.

We've got a little break before we fly off to Cota, and we get to see some great cars around a very great American circuit. So we're going to bring some news, chit-chat. We've got a return of a fantastic game, which I won't spoil. You have to get to the end of the episode to play along with the game and see how you do, so stick around for that. We're going to be talking about how Audi have Nicked one of the Stappan's mechanics. Quite fascinating to see if they continue to grow that kind of mini Red Bull over there

with certain individuals leading the way. We're also going to be talking about how Red Bull have continued to develop their car in 25 when competitors seemingly haven't whether that's a mistake or not. But firstly, Harry and I have held hands through the world without Ben. We've made it through together and we've come up with a top five list

of things to watch out for for the last six Grand Prix of the season. Harry, do you feel confident in the episode we have a hang of us? I feel a bit shaky. I'm not nervous, but I have feeling a bit shaky. I mean, we must say, as you listen to this,

good late breakers. We're actually in Seattle at this point. I know we're not now as we record this. We're listening to the UK. But when this episode goes live, we'll be in Seattle together. So it's very exciting. Hence why we're doing this without Ben.

We actually might be meeting, meeting some of you at this point. You might be listening to this podcast whilst meeting us in a bar in Seattle. That's really meta. Love that. Late break inception? Yeah.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Wow. Oh, cricky. Anyway, let's stop with the crap because it'll just go on for even longer and let's actually talk about the Formula One stuff. So, five on this incredible list that Harry and I put together with no help at all from producer Kirstie. And no confusion before this episode started. We're going to be talking about the situation around Red Bull and their drivers.

This is one of those few unresolved situations that we have in the driver market where Yuki Sonoda hasn't really been up to par. We've seen just how few points that he's scored throughout the season. so far and actually i'm actually it in the last episode that we did if redball were able to have a driver that was even 90% capable of what max restapen was willing to achieve then they might genuinely be competing for a championship here constructors championship the staffing is less than 65 points away i think 66 actually so that's good math from me uh from the current constructors as a driver's title and that means if a driver was maybe even 30 40 points behind they would only be about 100 points behind mcclaren with

six races to go that is a tally that can be over time that is a tally that can be overton especially as the car is seemingly falling more and more into the strengths of Red Bull and further away from the dominance of McLaren that we saw. Now, with Sunoding not performing, it begs the question. Do Red Bull decide to reprimote Liam Lawson, who they only gave two Grand Prix to at the start of the season, which is a shocking itself on the big surprises of the season. Or the more likely scenario, if they do go ahead with it, is do they promote Isaac Hajar to that seat and they give him one season in racing balls?

then he gets another season, essentially the start of a whole new era, a whole new set of regulations, driving for the big boys, alongside Max Rastappen, which is, as it was seeing, not just a challenge, a bit of a blooming career killer.

Harry, your thoughts? What do you think is going to be happening at Red Bull? I, the Red Bull driver situation, it's, it's really interesting and a bit funny that we are a year on from us talking about Perez.

Our live show last year, I think we, We talked about the Chekapera situation and what they're going to do with that second seat. And we talked about who we thought we're going to replace him. I think some of us is Sonoda and some of us said Lawson. Technically both right. So that's good. But it's...

We all win. Red Bull. The Red Bull second driver, you know, second seat situation is maybe one of the most unique ones ever. Because they're in a situation now where there are three drivers, I guess you could say, that are potentially in contention for the seat. You've obviously mentioned Lawson, who wasn't it briefly for two races. There's the current occupant of that seat, which is Yuki Sonoda, and then Isaac Hajar in the racing balls. And we could, I think we're in a situation where quite possibly all three of those drivers don't really want that seat. Why would you want that seat? Lawson, why would you want to go back? Because

like say, mentally that's so destabilizing. Sonoda, I mean, he also wants to keep his seat, but given how it's been going for him so far, is that worth worth it? If it's that or no F1, then I guess yes it is. And he said Hajar, we know he's already said he's like, nah,

I'm okay actually. I'm very happy where I am. I think he will be, look, if the opportunity comes and the call comes to Hajar, I'm sure he will take it because he won't really have a choice. Why would you not go to a team like Red Bull?

But I think he, still be quite keen to stay where he is for the rest of the year. So not that I'm suggesting they're going to sabotage themselves to not, for none of them to get this seat, but it's quite a unique one because it, like you say, it's almost a career killer that seat at the moment. And do these drivers actually want to end up? And it sat next to Max Verstappen in the Red Bull team currently.

It's an interesting one. I think the Lauren Mecky's factor may be a, maybe a good thing. It might help encourage them that. want to be there but for now it's not looking like a it's not looking like a favorable option for any of these uh any of these three three drivers so interesting to watch for the rest of the season yeah it is that seat i think all season has to talk about 20 points you can see they currently sits on 20 points uh law season is over 30 hadja's all 39 so the fact that the guys that's been

in the the second red bull seat for pretty much the entire season i bar those first two grand prix is last in the red ball family of cars that's pretty damning it shows you that one the racing balls is a kinder car to drive and it is allowing these younger drivers to get more opportunities and you surely would believe that if you could sing only did the whole season in the racing ball then he probably would be at least maybe between that lawson and hajjar points at the moment at least you know can i take 15 points higher than now but it also begs the question of how badly red bull are understanding the risk of this second seat that if they were to have both drivers at the performance of this second seat and there was a risk that the stapper could go elsewhere

you know, he's telling his Nord Schleifer victory elsewhere. There was rumors that he might go to Ashton Martin on Mercedes. They could be at every risk of having a car that can only score 20 points all season. That puts them ninth in the Constructors' Championship. That is a horror story for Red Bull. So it's not just agile that's at risk. It's not just Lawson that's at risk. It's not just the other that's at risk.

Red Bull, I don't think, fully understand just how awful the situation is that they find themselves. How much turn up on a precipice they are. they're balancing on the end of the knife of if this could just go wrong. So, be interesting to see what they do, how they sell it out. And if they go into 2026, with a big of a different mantra

and how the mechis maybe approaches that Red Bulls seat. Harry, what's number four on our list? Number four on the list. Next thing to look out for is whether Mercedes are going to bother signing any drivers for next year before the end of the season, because currently they are driverless for 2026.

That in itself is an interesting one. Obviously, Anthony, Kimi Antonelli's had an up and down season, but as of late, it seems to be, it seems to be picking up again and getting more towards what we were hoping for

in his, in his rookie year. So not that he was necessarily really under threat, I don't think, for losing his seat after just one year. You know, the Mercedes culture is very different to Red Bull, as we obviously just mentioned.

So I think he's likely, likely to be re-signed for 2026. The probably more interesting one is, is George Ross. who, you know, has had to deal with the prospect of maybe losing his seat to Max Verstappen at one point this year when those sort of flirtations were going on between Vestappen and a Toto Wolf. That can't have, it can't be happy about how that's been played out because what... I was going to ask you, you think he's a little bit hurt about that situation?

100%. And I think I imagine, we don't fully know the reasons why, but I imagine this is what is taking so long now because because the Vesstappenant, Stapen thing has faded away, I think Russell's probably trying to, you know, play his hand a bit and say, look, look how well I've been performing. Obviously, our latest race winner, apart from Vastappan, the only other driver to take a Grand Prix win this year, other than McLarence. And he's, I think he's at the top of this game. I think this is the best we've ever seen Russell. And I think he will be demanding, I don't think it's even less, I mean, obviously, salaries a thing. But I don't think it will be a money thing.

I think it'll be a sort of position, status within the team, and the length of the contract that he'll be wanting more from. And I think Toto Wolf's trying to dig his heels in just because of the Max for Stappen factor. But we've said this before. Total Wolf has been burnt already by losing Lewis Hamilton with the same sort of half-hearted deal, like a one-plus-one, which George Russell was not keen to do, we believe. So I think it will happen soon. I think George winning at the weekend will have helped his case for a better contract.

I think getting two wins this year is really going to help him. And Total Wolf might have to dig a little bit deeper in his pockets for an extra bit of money for him. So yeah, I think something will happen for the end of the season. But who knows? It's got an interesting one for Mercedes given they're one of the top teams, not to have anything currently lined up for 2026. It's also weird, isn't it? That Antingelli's had no movement.

They've shifted the development of the car. They've made it more drivable. They've improved the balance. They've tried to ensure that Antigelli's confidence is growing. But I think Ben mentioned this on the last episode, this rung of races as being his best all season. His best back to back at least. But since the exit of the summer break,

we've had this second half of the season. Antingelli has felt a lot better. I'm not saying he's wowed us. I'm not saying he's, driven us to the point where we thought, God, here we go, here we go, here we go, here's the prodigal son that we were expecting to arrive. He's definitely not at that level yet, but he's definitely been far more secure, and he is delivering results that as a rookie in a Mercedes, you start to go, yeah, this feels right.

You know, he's in the top six, top seven. He's regularly fighting with those cars around him. Sure, he's not challenging Russell, but maybe you wouldn't expect him to. And the fact that they haven't then gone, we'll give you the extinction, we'll give you a plus one, is confusing because surely that will at least resolve half of their problem. He should be the easy option. Antigelli is surely going to go, you gave him my shot,

you gave him my chance. I'll do another couple of years with you. Where is Antigelli looking elsewhere that realistically makes him think, or what is he not getting in the contract that makes him go, this is good enough for a 19-year-old in Formula One, by the way. This level of, I don't know if he's being stubborn,

I don't know if he's having him the attention in the contract room because of Russell. It is odd that he has also not been signed. And it would, I guess, then point to the fact that maybe Mercedes aren't convinced about what they're getting with Antingelli. Do you have any thoughts, Harry, on Anting Ellie? Yeah, I don't know. I don't know whether they're, like I said, I think it is going to happen that that contract between Antearned Lee and Mercedes. I just think they are, they're not going to, it's like almost like they've not rewarded what has been a sort of troublesome year so far for him with another contract.

it feels like it's like, well, you need to earn this a bit, even though it's probably in the background already a done deal. And performances like Singapore, which I think was pretty positive for him, will have helped his cause on that one. So I don't think there's, I don't think there's a great deal in negotiating. You know, he's he's been the next protégé of Mercedes for quite some time now. Total Wolf isn't just going to, you know, chuck it all away after, after one year. So I think it will happen. I think they're just, like you said, there's pretty. it's probably bigger fish to fry in the in the in the in the contract room than than the kimmy

antonelli's extension for for another year which will likely be um so yeah i don't think he's he's at risk but they probably don't want him to feel like he's you know he's a safe bet like he's a it's a safe um it's a safe bet for him so uh yeah i imagine that's what's happening but again just interesting that neither have been signed the the the instability is something that is very un-Messadis for years they've always been even with botas being extended for you know one year at the time it was always done it got wrapped up like way earlier in the season like mid midget way through the year normally um so yeah an unusual tactic from them yeah i think russell is a really interesting predicament i think he holds all the power in the situation but i do think that he is at a real risk

where either way he decides could go wrong if he chooses to only have a plus one extension that sees him contracts into Mercedes until the end of 2026. If 202026 have an amazing car and Russell is maybe more equal and really slightly better than Antingelli across a full season, there's every chance that Toto Wolf and

Mercedes go, signed a one-year deal, you kind of only just beat a guy in his second year in Formula One. Max for Stafford's contracts running out. We go have him, actually, we make up my mind. You weren't good enough for us to carry on. Equally, if he signs a multi-year

contract and A really good seat opens up elsewhere and Russell's in his prime. And Messingis aren't maybe what we expect them to be in the new year. He's locking himself into a deal where he'd have to buy his way out, which costs some other money. Or is trapping himself and a team that, again, he's going to maybe end up finishing between second and fourth in the Constructors' Championship. He might pick up a race wing. There's only on five race wins in his whole career, which feels wrong to say.

But it hasn't gone his way since he joined Meseg. He hasn't gone Mosei's way since he's being a driver of theirs. So he's going to play it right. he's going to make sure there's a lot of clauses in there. And I imagine that's where the sticky points are. I think George Russell and his team are very aware that a lot could change in the next 12 months in Formula One. And a lot of big games,

you know, Lecler, the Stappen, Norris, Piaastri. There are others involved as well in that situation. They will want to be at the top when it comes to this new regulation. And I think teams are willing to pay up for the big guns. So could be interesting, could be fascinating, interesting to see what goes on next. Number three on that,

honest. It's that battle for the old midfield. We have a brief discussion about this recently, but I'm going to run you through the points tally for what happens in the midfield situation. I would include our peeing in this is a polite compliment. Nah, nah. They don't deserve it, mate.

They don't deserve it. They don't deserve it. So we'll start at Knight's place, which in theory, the normal rounding off point for a championship could still end up in fifth place. Half sitting ninth, there are 46 points. Salbert, they're in eighth or 55, Aston Martin,

reing seventh on 68 points, racing balls are in sixth on 72, and Williams lead the way with the largest gap up that entire area are 102 points. Now, all of those gaps are closable. You know, if someone like Harsings up with a couple of good runs in there, they pick up a podium and they get a couple of good points finishes,

a 46 point gap is not un... I'll say, impossible. I'm learning impossible. Just become Ralph there. Good job, Sam. It's not impossible to achieve. It is unusual. It will be unexpected.

It's unlikely, but it's not impossible. So I'm not going to dwell too long on how it's possibly getting out there. But it does feel like the fight is starting to boil down between Ashton Martin, racing balls and Williams. And I think that Williams have something that racing balls and Asking Martin don't. And that is the driver line up that they've got. Two drivers. that could deliver at the top level on a regular basis

that means that if there are tricky conditions, if we get a chaotic Grand Prix, if there's a chance to sneak a surprise podium or a rogue top five, you do have to put your money on an Alex album or a carlo's science, turning up and getting the job done. With racing balls,

whilst Hajjar is being electric this season, he's had a couple of double performances. It's been a few times where he's kind of qualified outside the top 10, and he hasn't worked his way through the traffic. And we've seen Lawson's racecraft, whilst it maybe got a little bit bigger over the last Grand Prix, he does like to make contact with either another driver on the racetrack

or the barrier of the racetrack. Hey, that usually doesn't lead to points. And they asked him, Martin, well, Alonso is decided to give us radio gold or social media gold, which is going to the way you're looking. Lance Stroll does exist. So it looks like a tough climb for those further down to really beat Williams. It does feel like it is theirs to lose. But Harry would be interesting here, your points.

Do you think the Williams can hold on? You get the track suit the car, or do you think it's going to play out in the midfield? Yeah, I do think Williams will hold on to this one, but it's definitely all to look out. But we've seen how close to midfield battles have been over the, you know, the past few years in F1. It's perhaps one of the most exciting bits to watch in the current era. Williams, I think, have enough good tracks for them left to hold on here. And I think given the fact that even Singapore, which was going to be a bad track, they still scored a couple of points with signs.

So that alone is encouraging. And you're right. It was the same point I was going to make. So I won't dwell on it too much. I think for Racing Bulls and Astin, they're fighting with sort of one arm behind their back in that. I think more so maybe for Astor Martin with just Alonzo. Racing Bulls, it's rare they have a weekend where both drivers are on it.

And that seems to be the case quite often. And so even though I think both drivers are capable, it seems to the only one of the other that picks up points or good points. So I think Williams a hold on. I'm really rooting out. Sorry, guys. Not to be cruel. I know.

You're not as bad as Alpine. So you feel good about that. Just guys still have a friend down there. Yeah, exactly. The holding hands down there, House and Alpin. So, yeah, but I think it is between those three, but I would, if I was a betting man, which I'm not,

because I get everything wrong. I'd put some money on Williams. Yeah, it feels totally fair. Right, that's the first three of our top five lists. We're getting to finish the list off after this little advert break. And then we're also going to be discussing a little bit of poaching from Audi from a certain Red Bulls. So stay tuned. We'll be right back.

Welcome back to part two of the late breaking podcast without Ben Hocking where things could go wrong at literally any moment. Which is great. We have to say every time without Ben Hocking, just to remind people. anyone that's new there's usually a third gentleman who is me and Harry are like yin and yang and bangs like that little circle

in the middle it just keeps things revolving around it safe and sound it's a happy place for all F1 fans as Ben Hocking but we're going for a top five list

of things that could happen and should be looked out for by the end of the season Harry what have you got in at number two number two on the list is the fight for P2 in the Constructors Championship

This, obviously, McClaren won the Constructors' Championship of the weekend. We've talked about that in the last episode. Congratulations to them. Dominant year for them. But the fight for P2 is still pretty close between Ferrari and Mercedes, which, you know, after losing out just at the end of 2024, I'm sure Ferrari are delighted about. But it's still an important position for either team. It's more money at the end of the day, more price money than that day, which is, is,

helpful as we get into the new regulations in 2026. So it's an important fight. And these teams are, you know, those two teams are pretty close as we head into the final six races. I guess the problem is not the problem, but the funny thing is, is that whilst Mercedes have had some better results, obviously the two wins with George Russell, they often are up and down like Mercedes are in terms of performance. And from weekend to weekend, it varies in terms of where these two teams are relative to one another. So whilst obviously Mercedes gained the advantage in

Singapore, we could get to the next race in Cota, well, let's not forget Charles Leclair won there last year. And Ferrari could be the ones with the upper hand. So even though it was a disastrous, well, not disastrous, it wasn't a great weekend for Ferrari in Singapore,

I wouldn't fully rule them out. I don't have a lot of hope, but I wouldn't fully rule them out for getting back some points. on Mercedes as we head towards the end of the season. So, yeah, a fascinated one. They've got, you know, George Russell and Charlerclair, I think up there is behind the stop and the top drivers in F1 at the moment. Obviously, Lewis Hamilton is still the most successful driver in F1,

whilst this year's not been brilliant, don't, you know, roll them out at your peril, as you know. Another one. Thank you. And with Kimi Antonelli seemingly on an upward trajectory in terms of form, it could be a fascinating battle between these four, especially if their pace, you know, is relatively close to each other in the remaining few races. So, yeah, definitely, definitely an interesting one.

Just because McLaren have won the constructors. Don't forget P2. Yeah, it's going to be an interesting fight. I must admit, sorry Ferrari, the hopium is gone. It's all worn out. The bottle's empty. You're not in it. You're not in it.

This is Vastappan versus Mercedes. And even more in a juicy way, this is Bastappan versus Russell. And that's what we're going to see. We've seen some drama between then up and down the season. They are the only two drivers to take a victory away from McLaren so far this season. And I just think that's where the talent is coming from. Kimi Antigali will play a part, I feel,

because if he's starting to become more and more comfortable, and there are a few tracks that are coming up, I do think we're super saying as well, Vegas being the most prominent from this. Then I think that his pace does it continue to develop, we'll allow him to maybe throw some interfering, around the McLaren boys, maybe for stabbing of the having an off day, and that allows

like we saw with Russell in Singapore, it holds back a couple of the opposition. Now, it was the Ferraris in Singapore, but maybe it is for Stapin in another race, if the Red Bulls, it is comfortable. Maybe it is a off-the-pace piastry or a Norris that's struggling at a one-time Grand Prix. You never know how these rookies can play into the match,

but it does show that having a wing mag, a second driver on the scene, ready to help you, can be the make or break, For Stappan has been once again, Max Verstappen, has been undeniably brilliant. And if you listen to our power rankings, I won't give away your position,

but these are pretty well in those, checking out, links in the description. I just think that Max is fighting this battle or on his own. And that's why I think Mercedes, despite probably having the actual weaker car in terms of driver, will do better overall because they can tag team. They can do it together, the Mercedes-Boys, whilst I think overall are slower than Max Verstappan,

his raw talent, will come out on top. because where Russell might fall back by a place, Kimi Antigali will be able to bring some points back together, which is always helpful. Now, we move on to the number one in the list, and that number one is we've been going back and forth on this, as we always do in the late-breaking podcast. But we'll get a tag team, the final one.

We are going together, and that is the championship battle. That is Norris Piastri, and, oh, who's that I can see in the distance? Is that a Max Verstappen, sniffing away at the point-scoring position? because he ain't too far behind, folks. That's right. There's every chance,

and I say every chance. It's a very slim chance unless you're Gabriel Bortoleto. That Max Ossappen could actually go on. Could go on to wing the driver's title. Now, here's how it stands if you want Maxisapen to win the title. I've got some notes down here. Oh, boy. He will need to win every single spring and race to win the title, right?

Eight points in the US spring, 25 in US and Mexico. eight points in the Brazil spring, 25 in Brazil and Vegas, eight points in the guitar spring, 25 in guitar in Abu Dhabi. He then needs Piastri to finish second in the spring, third, third, second year of the spring, fourth, fifth. It was like a little song.

Selling the spring, second, and he'll beat him by two points. Norris is also including in that, but you know what, you've heard enough numbers of me rattling them out, we're going to move on very quickly. Carrie, is it possible? Can't Max the stop I actually do it? It's Sam Sage with second in the sprint. It's like a little rap.

A little rap you're doing there, son. Put a little wrap on me, thanks. Can I match for Stavon. Look, it's, I know I said a while I go, it was delusional for people who thought there was, and it's become a little bit more realistic, but it's a real long shot for Vestappen, as good as he is. I think, you know, outscoring one of them in, sorry, Asking, both of them in Singapore, obviously, was good, but he needs, he needs a bit more luck on his side with some

retirements, I think, from Piastri and Norris to really get back in this. But six races to go, a lot can happen in F1, as Murray Walker once said, and it usually does. So I wouldn't rule it out. We've seen, you know, if look at the 2010 World Championship, for example, Sebastian Betel going into the final few races was a good chunk of points behind. And he, he managed the Steeler on the line in the day, you know, on the on the last day in Abu Dhabi. So yeah, sometimes it can happen. I think it would be unlikely. But the fact that he's even there sort of, yes, in the distance in the background, but still sniffing away, as you say, is is certainly going to be an interesting factor for

the rest of the year because it's one that I think for the most part, we, you know, we weren't really considering. Obviously, Vassapen took a couple of wins early on, but the performance dropped off a bit in the middle of the year. Now that he's back there and again, the background, it's just adding that little bit of extra pressure and extra,

a little bit of spice into this championship battle as we had towards the end of the year because not only do, you know, Piastrian Norris have to worry about each other and, you know, off the back of Singapore, they do that a lot.

They really be worrying about each other. They've got to worry about Max Verstappen now. And that could be to their detriment, that they're not looking at Bostapun. Because say, you know, Singapore happened. but it's a little, the argy bargy is a bit more bargy than argy. And Piaastri's in the wall at, you know, turn three and not just sort of not to the side.

You know, the championship changes entirely in its outlook. So it's things like that where I, you know, I'm interested to see how we go, especially the mentality between those two, because whilst it's more realistic, it's going to be one of the McLaren drivers, the fact that the, you know, the spectra of Max Vostappen, lurking in the background is adding an extra extra element of excitement as we head towards the end of the year? Yeah, it's not impossible. It's a little possible. And long shots, longer shots have definitely been made before. And Verstappen doesn't need to do anything different.

He just needs to keep plugging away, keep getting the best result possible. McClaren are the ones with the predicament on their hands because there are so many scenarios where this goes wrong from McLaren and that is what the Staple will be preying upon because McClaren have won the constructors already I do wonder if we're going to see a you go at it hell for leather now it don't matter it don't matter because we don't care what happens in the in the constructors we've got the trophy in the bag you win it if you want to win it you don't win it if you don't want to win it but they want one of them to win it now if they collide let's say we're going to go to Cota, Norris or Piastri goes for a move on the other and they both get taken out of this Grand Prix and the Stappen goes on to win this race.

That gap, which is currently at 66 points. I was incorrect earlier. It was like 63. It's at 66 points. Will massively come down to at that point, even without the spring, it comes down to 41 points. Now, with the sprints and the races involved, that is hugely achievable. And if Norris doesn't gain anything on Piastri in that sense, I wonder if Timor just come into play. I wonder if that point,

they start to all get a little bit shaky. And they go, you know what, wrap this up, wrapping up early, don't let Mr. Verstappen come anywhere near this title push. Norris,

you let Oscar through, get the points over the line, shut him out as soon as possible, at least to the point where mathematically, Max can only beat one of those McLaren drivers and not both of them entirely. So the Stafford just needs to keep putting themselves in a position where he's in front.

If they take each other out, they cause each other problems, they have any damage or whatsoever, they have to get through the jeopardy. He's got nothing to lose. He can be as risky, as over the top, as,

you know, as Max for Stappen as we like to see him, he could do that all day long. All he's going to do is take himself out. He's already out of it. So a lot of people's mind. So there's a long way to go in this championship. Yeah,

six races might not feel like a lot, but a lot can change. And it can go very wrong, very quickly for McLaren and for those few drivers. Now, we can move on from our little top five. We're going to actually talk about some F1 news

because Audi have taken some inspiration from George Russell. They've got the old swag bag out on the back of their on their backs. They've got burglaring. Black and white striped tops. Bonotto is a black and white striped top. Got the little the eye goggles on. And it's playing the Sims music that you used to play when you were getting robbed by the local burglar.

Because Audi had decided to sign Max for Stoll. Stappen's chief mechanic from Red Bull. Matt Cawler will join the Audi F1 project at the end of the current season, which is absolutely fascinating. He joined Red Bull in 2015 after leaving Carling. He got promoted. He was seen as the number two mechanic, got promoting in 2022. So he's been leading the chief mechanic side of things at Red Bull for a very successful period

for both for Stappen and for Red Bull. And this isn't the first time that Audi had been poaching around the big, the big boys. in recent weeks they've recently taken off Wolf Zimmerman who was an ICU specialist and Lars Schmidt both through Ferrari which is less of a surprise because they worked with Ben Osso but Wheatley of course used to be the sporting director of Red Bull so Harry were your thoughts on the situation

of Corley going to Red Bull leaving Max Verstappen rejoining Wheatley good move for Audi being of a shock for Red Bull another casualty of the situation yeah I mean it's it's a great it's a great call from from Audi, from Salby, you know, and Jonathan Wheatley. I think we're going to see a lot of this.

Obviously, Salber aren't a new team, but with the prospect of Audi, they're going to become a much bigger team than they once were. Absolute side note, by the way. I saw this the other day, the motor home that Salba had been using, so obviously we don't have that now because we're not in the European season,

but they retired that at the end of this, you know, the last European race. They've been using that for like forever, the same unit, forever. I was so shocked to it. People go and search it

afterwards. They've used it for like, I don't know, like 20 years or something ridiculous. The same one. Whereas, you know,

Fon teams bring you ones basically every year. But Sal were just plugging away with a dusty... Bless them. Yeah, bless him. They're finally getting on.

But it also, I shocked me as well because I was like, they were BMW at one point. So the BMW not bother upgrading it. They're just like, nah.

Okay, but I bet there's stickers all over that place from the whole seems that being around. Exactly. Anyway, but like,

that's to my point, It's a brand new, a brand new era for that team next year. They are no longer sad, but for the first time they are going to be Audi. And there's going to be a lot of this sort of poaching or, you know, stealing as we, as he said. And this is a great call. This, you know, he's been a rebel for a long time, worked way up the ranks. And to be Max Verstappen's chief mechanic through, you know, all that success, he's clearly good at his job. And Jonathan Wheatley, obviously, he came from Red.

Bull and is now in charge of that Saba slash Audi team knows this. I'm sure he's not the only one that Wheatley's been trying to poach from Red Bull. I can imagine he's been trying to get a few and not all are going to, you know, make their way over. But this is a, this is a good cop. So he will bring a wealth of experience to that team, which, you know, probably already does have quite a few. But, you know, the more, the more hands, the more knowledge that can be brought to the

Audi operation next year is a good thing. And it's a sign of intent. I know they've obviously made a few signing so far with the likes of of Wheatley and Bonotto. And obviously they got Holkenberg in for, you know, that experienced driver, experienced driver if he ever turns up again because I'm unsure, still missing.

But they're making, they're starting to make some moves. So yeah, it's a positive thing. For Red Bull, it's not, it's not ideal. and I know they've been shedding quite a few personnel

over the past, you know, 18 months, two years. But it is sort of the cycle of F1 and, you know, while they'll lose, they'll lose, you know, this person, they'll gain another talented one from another team. It is the way it goes. So I'm not going to say it's, you know, part of the, you know, the demise of Red Bulls still.

It's not ideal, but there'll be other people. They've got a lot of talented people in that team. But I think from, from our side, it's a real positive, real positive step. It is. Did you know that Matt Caller's twin brother is Yuki Sengoga's chief mechanic?

Obviously. It all runs in the family, quite literally. They got a little bit confused. If they were like, which one are we letting, well, crap,

have we let the Stapar and one go? If we let the snowing a one go. You never see them in the same place at the same time. It's actually the same guy. He just goes from back, but it's a cap on. They've actually not two nursing out.

Oh, God. Imagine, imagine that. Yeah, like a snake, they are starting to shed personnel. Now, like you mentioned, this isn't a new thing in Formula One. This has happened quite a lot. And when we saw Mercedes being so successful, part of Red Bull strategy that got them to be where they are in the most recent era of Formula One

was to basically go out there and offer all of the Mercedes staff a big old pay rise to come over to the Red Bull team and leave Mercedes. And it works. There are a lot of ex-Message personnel working at Red Bull. And then in more recent times, we've seen a big of a mass exigas

from the Red Bull team who are all getting a bigger pay rise who are being offered jobs at Aston Marcing. So, look, it happens, you get more money, you make more dough, you go work for another team, and it looks like Audi are getting in on the action.

Now, Aldi's signing the Stafford's Chief Mechanic is a huge move, I think, for me. It's a statement of intent. They've gone out and they've got their previous sporting director, which is huge, because he's already proving to make a real difference to that team. You see the difference that his Macy's joined. And much like we expected with Newey at Aston Martin,

developments start to shift a lot faster than you think they do. Aston Martin were really languishing and Adrian Nui's skis on a bit of paper in the warehouse and suddenly the Aston Martin was a temp faster. It really is that easy for him. I think this is the same going on with Salba here. I think we're starting to see a mini red bull, and new Red Bull come into place

and it's very, very clever. Bring someone in from Red Bulls in a circle when you're going through this transition into the new era with new regulations. Audi, of course, being essentially a new team. I know that Salmig and with their base of operations in terms of taking over, it's not the same as Kagalak,

but they are a new team. There's a lot to learn. There's a lot to develop and they could start very far behind. So seeing all those plans, understanding how a team is making a real difference with the new regulations, is surely going to give them a massive leg up. Now, what's interesting are two full hats on people.

If they're starting to take Red Bull and Verstappanus core staff, is there any chance to hurry that they could be targeting their core driver? Ooh, we love that. Imagine after all this Mercedes sort, the other German manufacturer just sneaks in and nixen. Look, there could be, I think the 27 driver market it could be absolutely fascinating in that sense because I think you'll see

if we get into next year and some teams have done a good job and some teams have done a rubbish job, there could be a lot of movement with drivers going, oh, hang on a second to that. Audi's way better than I thought it was going to be, or that Aston Martin's way better than I thought it was going to be. And this Red Bull was terrible.

If that scenario plays out, then I wouldn't rule it out because you get these sort of seismic changes is when we have big regulation changes and drivers move teams. You know, look at the last, you know, the hybrid era started and we had year one and after that, Sebastian Vettel moved to Ferrari

and that sort of thing. So I wouldn't rule it out. It would be unlikely based on, you know, performances right now, he's not going to go. But if things change drastically next year, then maybe, you know, maybe could happen. And, you know, you've got Matea Bonotto in there as well. but could he try and tempt back

oh, you know, Charle-Claire for the good times because quite frankly, the Bonotto times are the good times now versus where Charlotte-Claire's currently at. But, yeah, I think between them, they've got a few contacts in the paddock, don't they? They could probably lean on quite a few people.

Yeah, there's a lot of rumours flying around. Pastry I've heard Mark Weber being like Ferrari's the ultimate destination. Why? Why are you doing it to all yourselves? Why is Hamilton deciding to end his career in this hellhole? Lecler will never leave the hellhole and Piastri apparently desires the hellhole. So I don't know why they keep doing it, but you never go. I mean, we saw Max Verstappen driving around the Gnachtzlif,

part of the Nureberg ring. Maybe we'll see him drive for the team with four rings. Who knows? Wow. Excellent. You wouldn't get that combs from Benhardt in Nashville. And for good reason. If there was someone new listening to this show,

who's going to be like, who is this mythical and mystical Ben Hocking? It doesn't exist. Is it Ben Hocking? The youth of today will have forgotten him anyway, so that's fine. He's too busy being best friends with Christopher Biggins now, so I can't.

I can't believe that, and that is a joke we shouldn't be talking about because that is private information. You have to watch the telly in an undisclosed time and place. I don't know yet. Ray, on that note, we're going to take our second break. Come back afterwards. We're going to be talking about

Rebel continuing to develop their car in 2025. Is it a risk? Is it not? Why is it leaving for the new season? See you in a minute. Back, I said, see you in a minute. It's a podcast.

You can only hear us. So, unless you're on YouTube, and in that case, I love you. Thanks for coming back. Thanks for staying. I know it's tough to get through. We're struggling as well, but we'll get there in the end.

After this outbreak, which we've just gone through, we're going to be talking about Rebel. I like. the catchphrase. Thanks for coming back. Thanks for staying. That's the new one.

I like that a lot. We should get Ben to do that more often. Get that on the front. Thanks for coming back. Thanks for staying. Perfect. New merch idea. Good.

Good, good, good, good. Now, interestingly, Red Bull have continued their development on their 2025 car when others have not. In a time where we've got a brand new era coming in 2026, and a lot of teams are finding it integral to cut development right at the year, basically the summer break. When the changeover happened when we had that development time come through, depending on where you were, of course, in the championship, you've seen many teams stop bringing upgrades.

A couple from Aston Martin that have allowed them to slithy what happened. You've seen McClaren completely halt all development, understandably with how far ahead they are. But Red Bull have continued that growth. How are you? Good plan? Bad plan? Why? Why might they be doing this?

it's certainly an interesting one and this story which the race reported on it sort of it sort of snuck out of the radar a little bit but I'm quite surprised that the Red Bull of A even admitted this but B

are doing it now Lauren Meckes is saying that it's not the Red Bull are throwing everything at this year's car to try and win the championship that is not what they're doing at all I think the general consensus or general thought is that they're just trying to understand this car a bit more. Now, I know next year's 2026 cars are going to be, you know, vastly different, but they are still left on cars.

There'll be elements of it that remain the same. And, you know, there'll be, there'll be bits and parts that will transfer over. I think he mentions, you know, changes to the front wing, which they developed. I think they brought something to Singapore on the front wing. There was an update, whereas no teams, no other teams, I don't think brought anything. And like you said, Sam, a lot of them, you know, look at Aston Martin, Williams, out of the Alpine called quits made basically after Bahrain. They've not been updating the car since the sunbreak. So it's certainly an interesting tactic.

Is there, again, this is a bit more tinfoil hat-esque, but is there a part of Red Bull that we're trying to keep Maxford Dap and happy by developing the car a bit more? That does run a risk because 2026 could be, could be a, could be a, could be a, could be a, could be a, could be a, at risk for that. I don't think that's the case. I think I believe Mecky's, I think Mecky's got an honest honest person. I believe what he's saying here.

But it's a risky strategy because they are cutting precious resource that could be on next year's car. And as we just talked about in this section around Audi and the driver market, if Red Bull mess this up next year

and have a terrible car, I think they can wave goodbye to Max Verstappen. And that could be. and may well be a disaster for them, at least in the short term. So it's a risky strategy, I've got to say. I do understand the logic, but whilst, you know, and for now, whilst it's paid off because, you know, they've picked up a couple of, a couple more wins, the cars are more

competitive. If we get to next year, I think the long-term strategy may, it may hurt them. So, yeah, an interesting one and certainly a risky one as we head towards the end of the season. Yeah, it is a really, you know the classic train track analogy of do you, you know, divert the train left or divert the train right and you can put whatever you like on the train tracks folk in this case? It's 2025 performance and understanding versus raw 2026 performance. Now, when Meckis was questioned about this after the Singapore Grand Prix, he came out and said this.

It's very important that we get to understand if the project has more performance. It's important that we get to the bottom of any issues because we will judge and we'll elaborate next year's project with the same tools and with the same methodology, even if the regulations are completely different. It's very important that we validate with this year's car that our way of looking at data is correct, and that our way of developing the car is also correct. If we can produce that level of performance, then that will give us confidence in the winter for next year's car.

Now, I think there's some real foundation to what he's saying there. I think he's not building a house on the sand, he's not just making something up because he doesn't know what he's doing. it makes sense that they went through a tricky time. They lost a longer performance very quickly. Nike for Stap and kickstarted the 2024 season so well, and especially well after a fantastic 2020-3 performance, of course. He saw the most dominant performance we pretty much ever seen.

To see it come down so quickly into what we're seeing now, which is a case of barely being able to get on the podium for quite a longer races. They had several races when they could get inside the top five. You have to realize that with the change of personnel, the movement in the team, are they analysing data in the right way? Are they using their tools in the most efficient way? Essentially, they don't want to go into 2026 with one hand behind their back and actually realize they've gone down the wrong path entirely

and made several mistakes that could have been avoided had they just taking a step back, assess the situation, and gone, ah, we were looking at X data in the wrong way, and if we just pivoting what we were doing, we could see, actually, this is the way that we should be doing things and provides much better results. Now, Mecky seems like quite a smart bloke, you know, coming from me. It's a big compliment because I'm the smartest bloke, but Meckis seems like

a pretty switched on guy. I think he's cut from the same cloth that James Vowels is cut from. Level-headed, talk sense, you know, is very clear in what he's doing. And I like that approach. I like how open and transparent he's being in the situation. I just hope that they can come to the conclusion of what's gone wrong and how they're understanding this data much sooner than maybe they're anticipating. I don't want to hear in Abu Dhabi, Qatar, but they're still a evaluating the data that they're coming across and they're still trying to working out because at that point, you should have flipped the switch. You need to be on that 2026 car.

We've already heard rumors that the same is a monster and there's every chance that they could develop a car to go alongside it. And if the likes of McLaren, Mercedes Alpine are all using that Mercedes engine and they're using a forward engine that maybe is integrated properly in their first year of Formula One, there's every risk that Max Verstapp and Red Bull, whoever it is in that second see it could be blooming Christopher Biggins for all I know. It might end up being

surprise. It might end up being seventh, eighth, who knows? It could be bad. So I've got a lot of faith in Mecky's. That Red Bull team rarely fall further than the top two or three of the championship, but just kind of make sure

they get it right at the right time. Otherwise, they are at serious risk of things falling away quickly. I think we'll take our final little break, just a mini one. And afterwards, we're going to come back for a chance. cheeky little game of real or no real.

Wee. Hey, no Ben, no party. No way around. No Ben, more party. Back to the final part of the late breaking F1 podcast today. We're playing a game. We haven't seen for a little while. We're going to put Harry E to the test in a new game of real or no real.

Well, I've done that. Goes on a while. If you think you've heard that theme before, you definitely haven't. No, legally definitely not from a TV show that exists in the UK. Really, do. Anyway, folks,

if you're new to the show, there's a chance you might have of her real on no real before. We play it on a rarity because it's basically when I'm allowed to be silly

a game, which is great fun for all. Essentially, for some reason I've decided to do it this way, that, Harry, you have seven options today, not six,

not eight, which are the usual, but we have seven. Like then Goodman would say, seven. Subur. Essentially, Harry will pick a number

from one to seven. And I will read out a scenario, a historic moment, something that might have happened. And Harry has to work out if it is a real situation that took place or if I'm just making up. Harry, feeling okay, feeling excited for the real or no real return? I'm excited to be back.

It's, you know, like you say, it's a rarity to be here. Basically, the only time you get to do it now is when Ben's not here. That A is a rare occasion, so I'm happy. That's true. Bruggest gems like Turbo the Goat and Mr. Top, chocky buttons last time. What will come this time? Who knows? Right, Harry Ede, kick us off for the evening. One to seven, what's your choice? I'll give a seven, please, Sam. Oh, it's a good start. It's a good start.

Okay, number seven, Sebastian Vettel once recorded a children's audio book. In 2013, while at Red Bull, Vettel voiced a short children's audio book titled Seb and the Magic Tires, made to teach Kiggs about teamwork and safety. It was supposedly shelved after Pirelli complained that it had them pointing in a negative light. Is this real or no real? It's going to play the music. Oh, yes.

The tension music. He's a nice fellow with Sebastian Vettel. Famously a friendly chap. He is. I'm not sure I believe this one though. So I'm going to go for no real, Sam. Oh, you are right to trust your guts. He's friendly, but it's not all your book for kids, friendly.

That's for sure. Yeah, made that one up. Entirely making up. So that's good. Good start for you. Well done. And the banker didn't call you either, so we'll make sure he does next time. You've taken the buttons away from me, so I can't even control that.

I'll make sure. I can't say, Harry, can you ring the phone for me so I can pick it up. I remember, I will remember next time to get the banker to call. Right. like, sure, good. I have no control when I pick up the phone, which is going to be great.

I'll stop it, I promise. Sure, I can mug me off. Right, one to six, please. What have you got left? I'll go for one, please. Number one, okay, from the back end to the front. Well done you, sir. Very quick turnaround.

Number one, the FIA safety dance in 1994 before the German Grand Prix, the FIA made all mechanics. performed a 30 second to fire drill dance to the tune of the safety danks by men without hats as part of a new fire safety initiative that took place.

Is it real or no real? Oh, tough one. 1994 was a big year on safety. A crazy time in the world. It was. But were them doing a dance before the German GP have helped. And you phrased it like that.

I'm going to go for No real, Sam. Oh, who's that calling Harry E? Hello, is that the banker? Yes, yeah, this is a great game, you're right, I know. Before I just get to the answer now, mate. I know, you're in the cupboard with Clives. I know it's tough.

Oh, right, yep. Thank you. Yep, shut off, chis. The answer is no real. Well done. Two from two. Come on, son. I didn't realize the banker lived in the cupboard with Clives.

Is that new information? Well, I didn't think I was in there either. I don't know how we got in there. And you've moved towels as well, mate. So they've come with you. Obviously. It was, I wonder it was heavier in the van. Number two, what next?

Number six, please. Number six. Okay. In 1995, Japanese driver, Takia Nui was hit by a safety car. Not during the race while being towed back to the pits after an aging failure. The safety car hits his stool car and flipped it over. Then, later that, That same year, during another incident,

Nick Nui pulled over to help the Marshers extinguish a fire on his car, and he was hit by the course car again. Whilst holding the fire extinguisher, he was literally run over twice in one season by the people who were meant to keep him safe. Is this real or no real, Mr. Reid? Now, see, I don't know if this is a trick question, because I definitely know the second one's true, but I don't know the first one. Hmm.

Got, that heartbeat's really getting to you. The tension. I'm panicking. Might lose your job. Might lose my job. I'm going to go for real. Hello. Tacky, get off the phone.

Put it down. Give it to the banker, you're silly boy. Right, thank you. You in there as well? Yeah, I know. Like cover, man. So full.

I'm trying to have a phone call. Sorry, can you, shush, please. Yeah, I know, he's embarrassed. I know, I know. Twice in one season. Yeah, I know. I know, it's tough. It's tough.

Yeah, go away, bye. Right, yeah, it's real. Hey! Twice! I didn't know the first one. I did not know the first one. I always knew the second one, but goodness me, Taki, what a bad year. What a bad year.

I got hit by the safety guard twice than a year. How ridiculous is that? Three for three, Mr. Reed. Thank you. It's been a great journey so far. Has it? I'm not sure. You've got a few left.

What would you want? I will go for number two, please. Number two. I like this ping pong game that you're playing with yourself here. Back to front. Back to front. It's good. I'm mixing it. It's good. I've titled this one. Parrot in the paddock. In the 1970s, Lotus boss, Colin Chapman, owner-de-pet parrots that often sat on his shoulder during debriefs. It once bits Mario Andretti on the year during a set-up discussion.

Andretti reportedly said, The Briggs don't bigger ideas than the engineers. Is this real or no real? It's like Mario's in the room. I didn't know. bloody out of guest. I was possessed for a moment there by Mario himself. I'm going to go with an easy no-reel.

Colin Chapman did not have, did not have a parrot on his shoulder during debriefs. Are you sure about that? Let's sure about that. Let's pick up the moans. Oh, hello there, mate. How you doing? What's a bloody parrot on the phone? I'm just going on this cupboard. crazy. Put it down. God, what I like. Um,

it's real, mate. So you're wrong. He did not. He did. He had a parrot on his shoulder, Colin Chapman. No, he didn't. I refuse. I'm pulling your leg. Absolutely not. Oh, God. The legacy of Colin Chapman. Chapman in tatters when Sam spreads his false rumor about him and his pet parrot. Really good at strategy.

What are you on about? Oh, gosh. Okay. You're doing well. All correct so far, although we're all illegal, I'm sure about Colin Chapman against Parrot. So good job.

Free to go. Can you do a full house here? How are you? Number five, please. I love it you're forgetting. It's only you choosing. Yeah, it's a real shame. Going well.

Number five titled, The lizard that blocked Max Verstappen. I'm saying it like Noel Fielding in the Mighty Boosh at the moment. Not sure why. Check it out. Great program. In FP3, at the 2023 Singapore Grand Prix, Max Verstaffa's lap was interrupted by a giant monitor lizard crossing the track. He's Engingier calmly radioed.

There's a lizard on track. Watch out for Godzilla. It's a great GP impression as well. I know this one's real, so I'm going to go for real, Sam. Yeah, pick up. Hello, it's that GP. Yeah, why are you in there?

I don't know, but yes, great little comment on that, Godzilla, mate. Well done. Bit of an easy one for this, but yeah, all right. Talk to you a bit, GP. Talk to you down the pub. All right. Bye. That's GP.

That one was real indeed. Well done. You're doing very well here. Thank you. Maybe the real quiz, the no real quiz, is whether you can remember, what two numbers you've got left.

That's a tougher challenge for me, I think. Number three. Number three, well done. Well done. A win for you. This one is titled, The Time a Fang rang onto the truck at Silverstone. The title of everyone.

You've got a title for everyone. It's perfect. I actually have. I have. I didn't read them all out, but I have. A defrocked Irish priest named Cornius, Cornelius, rather, Harrang,

literally ran on to hang a straight, during the British Grand Prix, waving religious signs while the cars were flying past at 180 miles an hour, who was tackled by a marshal and still later said, it was God's will!

I didn't do an Irish accent there for everyone's mercy. Everyone's benefit. Is it real or real? I'm going to go for a real, Sam. Oh, hello, dear Fargo. Oh, my God. How you doing?

And we've just lost Ireland as I as an escape. All gone. Once I, was on a course actually, completely irrelevant. He's still on the phone. Yeah. I'm on the phone.

So I was on a course and there were three Irish girls on this course. Lovely. I decided at that point, at that point, I should try my Irish accent. Perfect.

And they turned to me and they went, you're going to review that again. I didn't. Hey, but that, that was pretty convincing. So at least you got that one now. Wow. There you go. I put the phone down long ago.

It is real. It is real. A fascinating event. Well done. Now, Harry Ead, the last one. What number is it? Well, before I forget that, I was there at that race. I wasn't the Irish priest, but that's my first ever first ever on this.

Ah, your old, here you go, Cornelius Horan. That's what they call me. Last one for me, number four. Well done, sir. You get a bonus point. If you get this right, it'll be eight out of eight. That's the real quiz. The champagne slip of 96 is the title for this one.

At the 1996 Mogherko Grand Prix podium, Jogi Herbert accidentally sprayed champagne into Prince Rengier's eyes, causing the ceremony to be delayed while medics checked on him. He was reported to have said, de messi, porcée, which loosely translates to, thank God for that. Now I don't have to look at Mr. Herbert.

Is this real or no real? Oh, that's a real toughy that one, Sam, actually. I'm going to have to go with no real, shockingly. Let's hear of the phone rings. There it is. What you mean? It's got the Prince of Monica. I've only done this whole show to talk to him.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Moet, I believe. Yeah, tasty stuff. You got a bottle in the cupboard. I'll save you one. It's only fair. You've done a good job today, Mr. Banker. All right, you take it easy.

Might see you in Seattle. They've got cabins there. Who knows? All right. Big a while. Yeah, but, but, but, but, but, but, babe, bait, bait, bait. Bait. I just get off the phone.

I can't believe it, Harry, Ead. You've only got seven out of seven. It's no real. Best well. Best performance ever. Maybe there's a reason we don't play real or no, real. Do you know what?

I think there is, and I've said this before, Noel Edmonds and Channel 4, if you'd like to come and sue us so we don't have to do this again, I'd welcome it. I'm not sure whether I take it effectively or not. It is some of my poorest work. Folks, we've got here. We've made it to the end. Surprisingly, over an hour long show as well, which is, hey, who saw it coming? Not me.

Not you. Hey, look at us. Who thought? an actual useful episode, well, kind of. Thanks, Feliski, folks. I promise you that we will be a trio again because the next recording that we do is the live show. Now, that is the usual Wednesday midweek episode,

but it is coming later because the live show's been recording on the Thursday. There is no recording for the Sprint Review or the qualifying review, but we will be doing mini-byte-sized social updates after each session. So follow us on social media, late breaking F1 everywhere, where the three of us will kind of give a quick summary of us, from ourselves at the track of what we thought. And then the actual race, we're obviously there. So that will come later as well, most likely Monday.

But hey, you know, we'll see what we could do. But Monday is where you should be expecting that recording to come out, and then the rest will follow as kind of semi-usual as well. So bear with us. We're having a great time living up in America, and the content will be with you. Thanks for listening. Thanks for sticking with us.

Promise you that Ben Hocking will actually be back and more malice will be returned in the meantime. I've been Samuel Sage. And I've been Harry Ead. And remember, keep breaking late. I thought you could say you've been being being hockey. I so nearly did as well. Why?

That's so weird. Podcast is part of the Sports Social Podcast Network.