In this episode, we dive into the defining moments of the thrilling 2024 Formula 1 season, wrapping up with the high-stakes Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. McLaren claimed their first Constructors' Championship since 1998, signaling a resurgence of the team’s legacy. We analyze how strategic brilliance, driver performances, and key partnerships propelled them to the top.
The season wasn’t just about titles—it was personal too. We discuss Max Verstappen’s surprise pregnancy announcement and its potential impact on his 2025 season, reflecting on how drivers manage life off the track while staying competitive. From the glitz of the Las Vegas Grand Prix to how it compared with its inaugural 2023 event, we explore the sport’s growing footprint in America.
Finally, we look ahead to 2025: rising teams, shifting rivalries, and challenges on and off the grid. Will McLaren continue their dominance? Can Verstappen defend his title amid new responsibilities? And which mid-grid teams are set to upset the status quo? Tune in for all this and more, as we blend race analysis with a behind-the-scenes look at the business and future of Formula 1.
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The conversation covers various topics including the excitement in the current Formula One season, the potential driver changes and the marketability of drivers. The hosts discuss the performances of Daniel Ricciardo and Logan Sargeant, and speculate on their future in Formula One. They also touch on the importance of marketability and sponsorship dollars in the sport. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the upcoming British Grand Prix and the challenges faced by the Silverstone circuit in selling tickets. The conversation discusses the rising ticket prices for Formula One races and the potential impact on fan attendance. The hosts highlight the increasing cost of attending races, particularly in Europe, and the challenges faced by loyal fans. They also explore the role of promoters and the need for empathy towards fans. The conversation touches on the importance of long-term fan retention and the potential for other motorsports to capitalize on Formula One's pricing issues. The hosts suggest that Formula One should focus on accessibility and creating a unique experience to keep fans engaged.
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In this episode, we highlight the Monaco Grand Prix, from Charles Leclerc's emotional win and the positive changes happening at Ferrari, to the lack of overtaking in Monaco and the need for changes in the cars to improve racing. Could the potential solution of having a Monaco spec car for street races be the solution? We discuss the importance of attracting and retaining fans, and the need for fans to explore other motorsport series. We also discuss the potential for changes in Formula One regulations and the impact of the cost cap on teams and drivers. The conversation concludes with a mention of Kyle Larson's attempt at the double race and the excitement of seeing drivers push their limits.
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Summary
In this conversation, Vincenzo and Vanessa discuss Lando Norris' victory at the Miami Grand Prix and the controversy surrounding former President Donald Trump's presence at the race. They highlight the double standards and hyper-partisanship in politics and how it affects the perception of the sport. They also touch on the role of politics in Formula One and the impact of politicians attending races. Overall, they emphasize the need to focus on celebrating Norris' achievement and not let politics overshadow it. The conversation discusses the reactions of President Donald Trump at the McLaren garage during a race weekend. It highlights the lack of understanding of politics and motorsport in discussions on social media. The conversation then shifts to the pricing of VIP areas and concessions at the Miami Grand Prix, emphasizing the concept of supply and demand. It also touches on the different experiences and price points available to fans and the importance of understanding the value of participating in the F1 experience. We discuss the value of networking and the perception of luxury experiences in Formula 1, and the viewership numbers for the Miami GP.
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In this episode of The VF1 Show, we discuss Ferrari's recent title sponsorship deal with HP which is a significant move that levels the playing field between Ferrari and its biggest competitors. We discuss the recent changes and developments in Formula 1, including the potential departure of Adrian Newey from Red Bull. We also talk about the launch of a free streaming channel in the US and the importance of engaging with content creators to attract and retain fans, and emphasize the need for Formula 1 to listen to its fan base and make changes to keep the sport exciting and appealing.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Apology for Hiatus
08:46 Stability and Future of Red Bull's Driver Lineup
34:14 The Launch of a Free Streaming Channel in the US
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In this episode of The VF1 Show, Vanessa and Vincenzo delve into the complexities of the F1 calendar and its impact on audience engagement. They also explore driver free agency, dissecting rumors and potential scenarios for how they'll impact existing contracts. The conversation then turns to the intriguing news of Liberty Media acquiring a majority stake in MotoGP, examining logistical challenges, potential benefits with Formula 1, and obstacles. Marketing strategies, sponsorship deals, and fan involvement are thoroughly analyzed, including the feasibility of crossover events and shared race weekends. Moreover, the hosts emphasize the importance of attracting fans to various motorsport series and discuss the potential for expansion in North America. They conclude by underscoring the necessity of careful planning and logistics for the success of any collaborative ventures.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Discussion of F1 Schedule Challenges
09:16 The Impact of Declining Viewership and the Role of Drama
26:03 Balancing Driver Moves and the Importance of On-Track Action
31:45 The Power Play in Formula One and MotoGP
33:09 The Complexity of F1 Free Agency
35:54 The Potential Impact on Drive to Survive
37:45 The Benefits and Challenges of a Partnership
41:25 Turning Joint Race Weekends into Spectacular Events
44:26 Attracting More Money from the US
48:36 The Appeal of Multiple Motorsport Series
53:10 The Logistics Challenge for Joint Ventures
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In this episode, we talk about the issues fans have with the FIA and F1 in light of the Susie Wolff and Mohammed Ben Sulayem news. We also talk about the Australian GP and Williams’ decision to ground Logan Sergeant this weekend in favor of Alex Albon. If Formula 1 is the “pinnacle of motorsport” then how is it acceptable for teams to be so unprepared by not having critical components such as spare chassis? Perhaps, instead of pushing the issues with the spending cap, the series focus its attention on mandating a spending floor.
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In this episode, we touch on the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and Ollie Bearman’s incredible drive for Ferrari, and briefly talk about some of the latest gossip from around the paddock. Adrian Newey to Ferrari?! Light the prayer candles, Tifosi! From team and driver domination, to fans not understanding the technical aspects of the sport, we talk about some of the issues the series has with fan retention—especially as viewership numbers worldwide are down after just two races. And should drivers have more say in the direction?
From VF: Apologies for the mispronunciation of Ollie Bearman’s last name!
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DEATH! TAXES! MAX VERSTAPPEN AND THE DUTCH NATIONAL ANTHEM!
In this episode, we recap the season-opening Bahrain GP and who the immediate winners and losers are. We take a deep dive into the latest in the Christian Horner scandal from an unexpected legal and ethical angle, and how content creators could be sabotaging future opportunities in media by putting personal bias and opinions over due process. We conclude the episode by discussing why the spending cap is failing the sport and why this sport will never be “equal;” the new DRS rule; and we read fan responses from X!
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With the first race of the season one a week away, we discuss observations from testing, and how Formula 1 could increase fan retention despite the predictability of the sport. We talk about the Christian Horner drama and why February 28th could be a critical day for his future in F1. And Could Carlos Sainz end up at Red Bull? We talk about why that seat is both the most and least desirable one on the grid, and the “musical cars” that will be free agency this season.
"There are two religions in Italy; there's the Catholic Church and there's Ferrari." -- Will Buxton (Drive to Survive, S6:E8 "Forza Ferrari")
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In this week’s episode, we unpack the details about Lewis Hamilton’s decision to move to Ferrari in 2025 and what that means for the rest of the grid. With fourteen drivers’ contracts up at the end of the season, who fills those coveted spots, and who’s likely out of a seat? We also discuss Formula 1’s rejection of the Andretti bid—and why they’ll continue to forge on.
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Welcome to season three of The VF1 Show! On this episode, we discuss the new Visa CashApp RB rebrand and whether it confirms the narrative with Red Bull. We talk about McLaren’s triumphs in the sponsorship and development arena and why they’re the team to pay attention to this season. Side Bar: What does McLaren's success mean for Lando Norris’s future? And should Guenther Steiner become Red Bull’s new press officer?!
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Easing back into the season and coming off a relatively uneventful ‘silly season’, we talk about gaming numbers from the Las Vegas GP, and have an in depth discussion about the latest comments around the new Stake f1 Team name change and controversies involving sponsors. We also talk about the influence of Zac Brown, and discuss how Taylor Swift could have an impact on fan growth for the sport in 2024.
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On this episode, we recap the Las Vegas GP and what FOM could do to improve it for 2024. We also discuss the recent drama between Susie and Toto Wolff and the FIA and ask: is there more to this, and is it time for Formula 1 to go on its own? We finish up by talking about the new sprint race schedule for this upcoming season and talk Marketing 101. Why? Just press play!
It's Las Vegas GP race week and VF is in the heart of it all.
On this week’s episode, VF talks about initial thoughts on the Las Vegas Grand Prix and the circus that is F1. She's out in Vegas for the race and will give us a boots-on-the-ground perspective of what is actually happening.
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On this week’s episode, we recap the United States Grand Prix and discuss it from VF’s point-of-view as an Austin local. We talk about the news and inconsistencies from the USGP and how these things could impact viewership for the rest of the season. We ask: Is the desire for spectacle hurting the sport? And are all of these nuances hurting or helping the growth of the sport at a point when F1 has to be focusing on its longterm growth strategy?
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This week on The VF1 Show, we talk about the teams the FIA recently rejected bids from and discuss why Andretti's approval makes the most sense for Formula 1. We also talk about F1's social media engagement report and why those numbers might not matter as much as people think.
The VF1 Show is back after a nice break, and on this week’s episode, we go in details discussing the Singapore GP. We talk about Williams and whether its gamble on Logan Sargeant was the wrong move; if James Vowels should give Sargeant another year; and ask why Williams isn’t doing more to market the team and Sargeant in America. We close out the episode talking about Fernando Alonso’s recent comments on why the quali format needs to change, and discuss our recommendations.
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On this week’s episode, we talk about Silly Season and ask, is this part of the marketability hype for Formula 1? We discuss the TV numbers and how they might not tell the whole story about the sport’s growth. We then get into Toto Wolff’s defense of Williams and moving the Capex goal posts, and why it behooves other teams to get on board with strengthening the sport, rather than gatekeeping. We conclude with a discussion on life after F1 for drivers and why careers hinge on teams getting it right with new regulations.
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On today’s bonus episode, we talk about a few things that came out over the weekend, including the Spa-Francorchamps track and safety concerns. Is Fernando Alonso right? We also discuss F1 Academy and the big news that will bolster brand awareness with the help of Formula 1 teams. We finish the episode by talking about the recent rumors about the new 2026 engine regulations, which could make teams turn to American sports tricks unless other measures are taken.
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