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The Downshift AU Podcast

The Downshift AU Podcast
Author: The DownShift Podcast
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It's lights out, drop the clutch and lets get RACING!!!
Join Huppy, Lachy, Schwags and KT, four Aussie mates passionate about motorsports as they talk all Formula One leading into each race and reviewing the thrills, spills and drama following. Join the statistician, the straight man, the joker and the newbie (you can decide who's who) for tongue in cheek banter as we reflect on the events, the personalities and the moments that make us go ooh and ah, and sometimes wake the house in the middle of the night with cries of frustration as we watch broadcasts from half a world away.
Join Huppy, Lachy, Schwags and KT, four Aussie mates passionate about motorsports as they talk all Formula One leading into each race and reviewing the thrills, spills and drama following. Join the statistician, the straight man, the joker and the newbie (you can decide who's who) for tongue in cheek banter as we reflect on the events, the personalities and the moments that make us go ooh and ah, and sometimes wake the house in the middle of the night with cries of frustration as we watch broadcasts from half a world away.
51 Episodes
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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 - MonzaFerrari'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.
Mid-season report card for Formula One teams, evaluating their performances based on the first half of the championship. The team discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each team, including McLaren, Ferrari, Mercedes, Red Bull, Williams, Sauber, Racing Bulls, Aston Martin, and Alpine. Prior to the news that Christian Horner was sacked from Red Bull the team pose the question of what would you do if you were Christian Horner for a day?Maybe an insight into the thoughts on the potential future of Christian Horner and whether he should be looking elsewhere, hmmmmmmm.
What a difference the rain makes at the Silverstone Grand Prix.From accurate weather predictions from Lachie, our resident weather expert to the performance of key drivers like Max Verstappen, Oscar Piastri, and Lando Norris.From a race weekend that was awash with contract rumors surrounding Max Verstappen and question marks hovering around the future of George Russell moving into a race that saw more tyre and position changes than a barnyard dance.As a tough penalty puts Oscar Piastri into 2nd place in a race he mostly dominated, gifting the win to his team mate and rival Lando Norris. The DownShift team reflect the REAL winner of a very eventful British Grand Prix, Nico Hulkenberg who celebrates his first podium finish after 239 race starts.
As three quarters of the team review the F1 Movie released in cinemas this week. The Hollywood tale of Sonny Hayes, the washed up has been who seeks redemption in a last ditch bid for a failing F1 team and Team Owner's last chance to seek glory in the greatest show on earth.The team also preview the upcoming Qatar Airways British Grand Prix at the iconic Silverstone raceway where F1 began 75 years ago.Lewis Hamilton campaigns for his 10th win at his home Grand Prix as the battle for World Champion is separated by only 15 points.We have made it to the halfway point as F1 reaches the peak of the current regulations.
The team review the Austrian Grand Prix, discussing the technical issues faced during the race, the impressive performance of McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, and the impact of Ferrari's upgrades. The discussion also touches on the challenges faced by Max Verstappen and Red Bull, the importance of communication and strategy within teams as communication with the pit wall continues to be a challenge for Lewis Hamilton.Not a great weekend for the team at Williams. While a number of the rookies fair much better making it into the top 10 and an epic battle for 1st and 2nd and 7th and 8th in the final laps.
Formula one takes us to a track that always delivers action and drama as we edge closer to the middle of the season with McLaren dominating the Constructors Championship and their driver come off a bit of a tussle that saw Lando Norris finishing worse for wear.The DownShift team continue to discuss the controversies from the Canadian Grand Prix and preview the upcoming Austrian Grand Prix. Analyzing the performance of teams and drivers, delving into the dynamics between teammates, particularly focusing on Oscar Piastri who is looking to be the favorite for World Champion and Lando Norris who is struggling with the pressure of hunting for points in a hope to be a contender. With the battle for second between Mercedes and Ferrari being separated by only 16 points, Ferrari is the only team where both drivers have completed every lap od the season and Mercedes holding on to second place thanks to Mr. Consistency, Handsome George and the rise of their young gun Kimi Antonelli.Wrapping up with the teams predictions for the race, Schwags continuing to put his faith in "the hat of destiny" and Lachy inspired by Schwags unorthodox methods adopting another less scientific method. All on the same weekend where the F1 Movie screens across the globe this weekend is all for the F1 fans with plenty of drama on track and on screen. No doubt there will be plenty for The DownShift team to talk about net week.
The team review the recent racing events, briefly mentioning Ferrari's victory at the Le Mans 24 Hours, Shane Van Gisbergen's win in NASCAR before moving onto Mercedes' dominance at the Canadian Grand Prix. McLaren's team dynamics are under scrutiny of Lando Norris's rookie error that impacted the race outcome and any chances McLaren may have had at a podium.George Russell is proving to be a consistent performer for Mercedes without a contract for 2026 and beyond.And the team question Lance Stroll's performance and his future in F1.Results for the predictions of the weekends race and will Schwags hit double figures???
In this episode, we discuss the upcoming Canadian Grand Prix and the Le Mans 24 Hours, analyzing the current driver standings and team performances in Formula One. We delve into the dynamics of Red Bull and Ferrari, the impressive performance of McLaren, and the implications of Lance Stroll's injury on Aston Martin's strategy. We also explore the potential return of Valtteri Bottas and the competitive landscape of the Constructors' Championship, with Ferrari and Mercedes vying for points. The conversation shifts to predictions for the upcoming Canadian Grand Prix, highlighting the strengths of various drivers and teams, including Max Verstappen and the McLaren duo of Piastri and Norris. The episode concludes with light-hearted banter about our predictions and the excitement surrounding the race.https://www.youtube.com/@24heuresdumanshttps://www.24h-lemans.tv/en