The Downshift team preview 2025 San Paulo Grand Prix, the anticipated excitement surrounding the event, the drivers' championship, and predictions for the race.
In a first ever, taking viewers on a virtual hot lap around the Interlagos circuit to get a feel for how the drivers see the track from the cockpit and the driving inputs required to tackle the undulating conditions and camber changes.
Our resident weather guru delivers the underwhelming forecast for the race, although qualifying could be interesting!
Analyzing the performance of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris and what is required to get the best out of the McLaren in order to win the Drivers Championship, and delve into the implications of penalty points with one driver at risk of a race ban.
Touching on the $40m midfield battle in the championship.
Concluding with the hotly contested predictions for the race, as some of the team throw caution to the wind in a bid to steal some points.
All that and more, so lets get racing!!!
After a disappointing end to the Mexican Grand Prix The DownShift team review the highlights and low lights of possibly a championship defining race that saw a change in the World Drivers Championship and the door being left wide open for a possible late surge by Max Verstappen.
With the best performance by rookie driver Ollie Bearman and frustration over team radio for George Russell what was heating up to conclude with two tight battles for position on the final two laps was quickly extinguished by a virtual safety car.
Crowd sentiment clear showed the public's feeling towards McLaren and the new championship leader Lando Norris while Ferrari edged Mercedes into third by 1 point.
All with only 4 races to go, oh, and a couple of sprints.
The DownShift team preview the Mexican Grand Prix, discussing the unique characteristics of the track, the impact of weather on race strategy, and McLaren's critical decision-making as they vie for the championship. The conversation also delves into driver contracts, team dynamics, and predictions for the race outcome.
In this episode of Downshift, the hosts review the United States Grand Prix, discussing the dramatic sprint race, the main race highlights, and the implications for the championship standings.
They analyze the performances of key drivers, the strategies employed by teams, and the impact of recent incidents on driver dynamics.
The conversation also touches on future predictions and the developments teams may focus on as the season progresses.
The sprint race set a dramatic tone for the weekend as Max Verstappen showcased dominant performance in both qualifying and the main race.
McLaren's strategy and performance were heavily impacted by the sprint race incident in a race that was characterized by a lack of overtaking and excitement.
Championship implications are tightening as the season nears its end with the focus shifting to driver standings before the Mexican Grand Prix.
The DownShift team reflect on the action on the mountain at the Bathurst 1000 before diving into the the preview of the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas.
Will weather play a part, only our resident weather guru knows and the predictions heat up as we approach the pointy end of the season with a mix of favorites for the first race on US soil.
Covering Bathurst 1000 a must-see event for motorsport fans with a thrilling finish with close competition.
The Circuit of the Americas features a unique layout making it a very cornery track that includes a sprint weekend, YAY with additional points up for grabs as McLaren grapple with "fairness" with Max Verstappen breathing down the neck of the papaya teammates.
Be sure to let us know in the comments your predictions for the race and what your thoughts are what's happening behind the scenes at McLaren.
The DownShift team reviews the Singapore Grand Prix, highlighting George Russell's dominant performance, McLaren's Constructors' Championship win, and the controversial incident between teammates Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
A podcast record for the number of rants as KT threatens to switch teams if McLaran continues the "clown show" around Papaya rules and the ongoing frustration at the poor broadcasting of the race, opting for featuring drivers girlfriends over actual race footage.
A surprise prediction result brings two team members neck and neck for The DownShift prediction standings alongside the tightening battle for the Drivers' Championship as the season reaches the business end.
In this episode of The Downshift, the team discusses the upcoming Singapore Grand Prix, focusing on the physical demands of the circuit, driver performances, and team dynamics.
They analyze the impact of weather on the race, the current championship standings, and McLaren's recent valuation and stake sale.
The conversation also touches on Max Verstappen's debut in GT racing and concludes with predictions for the race.
The DownShift team review the chaotic Azerbaijan Grand Prix, highlighting Max Verstappen showcased a masterclass performance in Baku under weather conditions that significantly impacted the race and qualifying.
A race of highs and lows as Oscar Piastri's jump start was a costly rookie mistake while Carlos Sainz's celebrates a podium finish was a significant emotional moment.
Mercedes managed to leapfrog Ferrari in the Constructors' Championship.
Liam Lawson impressed with his defensive driving throughout the race.
The lack of overtakes highlighted the challenges of the Baku circuit.
The team anticipates an exciting Singapore Grand Prix next week.
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is known for its high-speed straights and tight corners, weather, especially wind this year, and that starting from pole position may not guarantee a win at this track.The DS Team preview the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, discussing the unique characteristics of the street circuit, and the impact of team orders on driver performance. They delve into tire strategies and the historical context of the race, while also making predictions for the outcome. Highlighting the competitive dynamics between teams and drivers, particularly focusing on McLaren and Red Bull, and emphasizes the importance of consistency in the championship race.
The Downshift team review Monza, "The Temple of Speed" highlighting Max Verstappen's record-breaking performance and the intense competition among drivers.
A deep review of the strategy within McLaren and the importance that the team isn't seen to favor one of its drivers given the "No #1 Driver" and "Free to Race" philosophy of the team and how this can affect strategic decisions, team dynamics, and the implications of team orders on driver relationships.
Ferrari's performance is analyzed, along with notable incidents during the race.
The DownsShift championship standings with the next race at Azerbaijan in two weeks time.
Welcome to THE TEMPLE OF SPEED - Monza
Ferrari's home race that see's Lewis Hamilton realizing his dream as a boy watching Michael Schumacher winning for Ferrari at Monza. Can Lewis snare a win this weekend while Mercedes nips at the heals of Ferrari for 2nd place in the constructors championship.
Piastri looks to extend his lead in the Drivers Championship as team mate Lando Norris will try to make amends for Zandvoort with a DNF due to engine failure.
With drivers hitting the top speed of their vehicles with the chance to overtake with minimum downforce.
The DownShift team review the Zandvoort Grand Prix, discussing the thrilling race, key incidents, and driver performances.
Analyzing qualifying results, Lance Stroll's consistent performance in crashing the car, the impact of mechanical issues, and the implications for the championship standings.
The conversation also covers team dynamics, midfield battles, and the effects, or lack of effect, of weather conditions on the race.
The excitement builds as we return to Formula One racing after an excruciating 3 weekends with no racing with the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort.
Lachy speaks to his "people" who have spoken to "their people" and announces the worst kept secret over the summer break.
Previewing the race, Max Verstappen's home race, McLaren's internal competition, and the impact of weather on race strategy.
With predictions and expectations for an exciting race weekend.
The DownShift team discuss the significant regulation changes coming to Formula One in 2026, the largest since 2022. They explore the implications of these changes on tyres, chassis, aerodynamics, power units, and safety enhancements, providing insights into how these modifications aim to improve racing performance and driver safety.How these changes may or may not favor experienced drivers versus the rookies and how teams will adjust and adapt to the changes.
A very quiet summer break Summer Break so far.
F1 confirms that Sprint races are here to stay and how they are "open to experimentation" to bring more excitement and unpredictability to Formula One with the potential for reverse grid racing.
The DownShift team consider what it would take to make F1 more interesting and even offer to throw their hat in the ring bringing some fun, excitement and bingels to the race track.
The team also look at the upcoming changes to the 2026 track calendar looking to bring some SPICE to the 2026 season with the addition of the Madrid MADRING Grand Prix and tracks that cannot "pony up" with the big bucks dropping off the calendar.
Summer break in Formula 1, what this means to drivers, teams and fans and how the FIA regulates a complete halt to team operations.
The DownShift team delve into the 'Silly Season' where contract negotiations take place, particularly focusing on driver movements and performances.
Who should be a little nervous and when are Mercedes going to give George Russell the contract he deserves.
Pirelli's tire testing for the upcoming 2026 season and the success in the 2025 compounds.
Cadillac announces it's first major sponsor and how close are they to confirming their driver lineup for 2026, Valtteri Bottas has all but told us he's in the seat so who's going to be driving alongside him?
And finally where will Christian Horner "pop" back up in the Formula 1 paddock?
The DownShift team welcome a "new" member to the panel as we gather at DownShift HQ to watch the Hungarian Grand Prix in the final race before heading into the summer break.
Laughter ensues as Schwags addresses some listener feedback to correct some lighting issues for our YouTube viewers with a makeover for Lachy.
Discussing the race's highlights, emotional reactions from fans, and the performance of key teams and drivers.
Delving into Ferrari and the mixed frustrations from their drivers as LeClerc questions the teams strategy and Hamilton questions himself.
McLaren's success, in the midst of online tensions on the treatment of both drivers and the developing dynamics between teammates as both have their focus firmly fixed on the Drivers Championship as the team have all but locked up the Constructors.
The conversation also touches on post-race interviews of the other double points getters, ASTON MARTIN!!!
With the drivers looking for a much needed break and perhaps some reflection and self care with the mental health aspects of racing in the pressure cooker that is F1.
The team discuss the upcoming Hungarian Grand Prix, reflecting on the previous race's highlights, controversies, and team dynamics.
Delving into the performance of key drivers, particularly Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, and the implications of team orders within McLaren.
At a track that is more like a go karting-style circuit, Oscar Piastri's victory marked a significant moment for McLaren where team orders played a crucial role in the race dynamics.
While Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton came to blows last year will we see them come together again before we lead into the summer break and possibly some major announcements.
In the end Formula 1 continues to be unpredictable and exciting especially as the team try to determine who will take out the race win.
The DownShift team review the Belgium Grand Prix at the famous Spa race track, analyzing the performance of drivers, race strategies, and tire management.
Taking us through:
- Piastri's record lap leading McLaren's strong performance.
- The influence of weather conditions and tire choices.
- Hamilton's early pit stop strategy that paid off significantly.
- Lando Norris's mistakes that cost him time.
- Ferrari's pit strategy was one of their best decisions this season; and
- The midfield battle is heating up with several teams close in points.
With Oscar Piastri's impressive record lap during qualifying, the dynamics of the sprint race, and the challenges faced during the main race.
The conversation also delves into the championship standings and predictions for future races, emphasizing the competitive nature of the season and the evolving strategies of various teams coming into the second half of the season that sees teams looking to 2026 while battling in one of the most competitive seasons in F1 in years.
As two of the team sun themselves on on a beach somewhere, KT and Schwags reflect on what has been a busy couple of weeks without any racing action but plenty of action in F1.
With the ousting of Christian Horner from Red Bull and secret rendezvous rumored between Toto Wolff and Max Verstappen on the Italian hideaway of Sardinia the mini break between Silverstone and Spa has been anything but boring.
With chins wagging on the possibility of Max Verstappen considering a move to Mercedes what does this mean for the team and one of our favorites, Handsome George?
The team reflect on the downfall of Christian Horner and what this means for his future after 20 years of success and challenges that took a fizzy drinks manufacturer to World Constructors Champion 6 times.
Finally previewing the iconic Belgium Grand Prix at Spa Francorchamps, a fan and driver favorite on the longest track of the calendar seeing drivers push through the famous Eau Rouge in a race that promises action, drama and a battle between teammates separated by only 8 points.