F1 in Schools, have you heard of F1's efforts to promote STEM among school students? Yes, it is like F1 Academy but for engineers, project managers, marketing and sponsorship managers and so on. It is a unique global platform for the promotion of Formula 1 and partners to a youth market. F1 in Schools is not-for-profit and the only global multi-disciplinary challenge in which teams of students deploy CAD/CAM software to collaborate, design, analyse, manufacture, test, and then race miniature compressed air powered cars made from F1 model block.   EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/insideline Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! In the first off-season episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil Arora speaks to Andrew Denford, the Founder and Chairman of F1 in Schools about the program that has been operational for over 20 years.  F1 in Schools is present in over 60 countries and sees over 20,000 schools participating. The engineering challenge, which schools students from age 6 to 19 can participate, involves designing and building a model race car that is made from a block of wood and propelled by compressed air.  The challenge inspires students to use IT to learn about physics, aerodynamics, design, manufacture, branding, graphics, sponsorship, marketing, leadership/teamwork, media skills and financial strategy, and apply them in a practical, imaginative, competitive and exciting way.  Teams must raise sponsorship and manage budgets to fund research, travel and accommodation. This episode will shed light on how youngster can pursue a career in Formula 1...outside of the cockpit. Tune in! (Season 2023, Episode 64) Follow our host on Twitter: Soumil Arora Image courtesy: F1 in Schools

That's all for the on-track action from the 2023 Formula 1 season. But the action will continue on the Inside Line F1 Podcast into the off-season of the sport. We've got a few Team Principals lined up as guests followed by Daryl Goodrich (Director of the Brawn GP documentary) and Andrew Denford (from F1 in Schools). But in this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil Arora, Kunal Shah and @f1statsguru review the 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Was the race fitting as a finale for the 2023 Formula 1 season? Or was it underwhelming at best? Frankly, the Feature Race of Formula 2 in Abu Dhabi was far more fun! EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/insideline Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Max Verstappen's 19th win of the season, his overtaking of Sebastian Vettel's win tally of 53 races, his leading more than 1,000 racing laps this season and more. The 2023 Abu Dhabi was yet another race of dominance by Verstappen and Red Bull Racing. However, it was also another classic for Sergio Perez. Checo lost positions yet again, this time due to a post-race time penalty! It's the third consecutive race in which he's lost positions on the final lap! McLaren's missed opportunities with Lando Norris and their slow stop giving George Russell and Mercedes vital track position and points in their battle for P2 against Ferrari, Charles Leclerc's Sainz-esque approach to clinch P2, Tsunoda-Hamilton's last lap scrap and Fernando Alonso's brake-testing of Hamilton. A lot happened in the 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix even if the overall race wasn't as exciting. 'Tyre management' was the name of the game, unfortunately. Btw, did you notice the new podium at the Yas Marina Circuit? Also, AI was in action for 'track limits' this race. Lots to talk about, lots to tune in for! (Season 2023, Episode 63) Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah Image courtesy: Mercedes

Red Bull Racing may have wrapped up a 1-2 finish in the Drivers' Championship for the first time in their Formula 1 history, but the battle for 4th in the Drivers' Championship is still wide open. Carlos Sainz, Fernando Alonso, Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc are separated by 12 points for P4. Similarly, the battle for the 2nd in the Constructors' Championship is tightly contested. Ferrari and Mercedes are separated by 4 points only. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/insideline Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! And finally, if the minnows interest you (which we are sure they do!), then only 16 points separated Williams in 7th to Haas in 10th. Yes, they might not be heavy points scorers, but this is Formula 1 and in Abu Dhabi, you never know what result is thrown up!  In this week's episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal preview the 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. It's the 15th race in Abu Dhabi - time flies! But what do you remember the most about the Yas Marina Circuit? The pit lane tunnel exit? Or the fact that it is one of the most-expensive circuits to be ever built...with little to offer for on-track entertainment? Also, if you're worried that Formula 1 will be over and done with after Abu Dhabi, worry not. The start to the 2024 Formula 1 Season will only be 97 days after the chequered flag drops in Abu Dhabi.  A Red Bull Racing-Max Verstappen win might be certain. And if so, Red Bull Racing will only be 1 win behind Williams' all-time race wins in Formula 1 (114). Also, Verstappen will overtake Sebastian Vettel to be the third-highest race winner in the sport - after Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher. Of course, he will extend his current record of most wins in a season to 19! But will Sergio Perez lose a spot on the final lap of a race for the third consecutive time? Can Ferrari finally perform in Abu Dhabi? They have scored neither a pole position nor a race win here ever! If they score pole on Saturday, it will be their 250th pole overall. Who will win the qualifying head-to-head in Mercedes? George Russell and Lewis Hamilton are both tied 11-11.  Haven't we already given you all the reasons for tuning in to this weekend's 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and of course, this episode, too? (Season 2023, Episode 63) Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah Image courtesy: Mercedes

What a race, just what a race! The inaugural 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix was Formula 1 hitting a jackpot, at least on-track. Just the way a manhole hit Carlos Sainz on-track on Thursday. If the racing is good, do we forget the teething issues that Formula 1 faced in Las Vegas? Well, at least, in the first half of this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, we've chosen to do so. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/insideline Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! When last did we see the top-3 battle for the lead of the race in the way Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc and Sergio Perez do so in Las Vegas? Could Charles Leclerc have won the race if not for the second Safety Car? Why could Sergio Perez not keep the lead of the race ahead of Leclerc? How is it that Ferrari suddenly had better tyre wear than all their rivals, Red Bull Racing included? Why did Ferrari choose to not pit Leclerc under the second SC, just as Red Bull Racing did? Was Max Verstappen justified in taking pot shots at the Las Vegas Grand Prix overall? And of course, his shots at everyone who came in his firing range of opinions about everything Formula 1? How did Lance Stroll and Esteban Ocon recover from a Q1 elimination to a top-5 finish? Also, is the five-second time penalty justified or should the FIA necessitate a swap on-track? Just how was the racing so good? How did McLaren mess up the weekend? How was Red Bull Racing unbeatable despite being only-second quickest in both, the slow speed and straightline? And finally, the key insight as to why Red Bull Racing and several other finishers in the top-10 chose fresh rubber for the Safety Car restarts. Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah bring to you our 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix review episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast. Tune in! (Season 2023, Episode 62) Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah Image courtesy: Red Bull Content Pool

Formula 1's most-hyped Grand Prix in history is here - the 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix. Yes, we mean in history. In fact, this race could change the course of Formula 1's business in the future. It's the first time that Liberty Media turns 'race promoter' for a Formula 1 race.  The 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix is so much more than just Formula 1. Fans will experience engagement and entertainment like never before. This race does have a 5-day paddock pass because there are activities spread over five days - from Wednesday to Sunday. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/insideline Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Did you know? Formula 1 is hosting a post-race 'recovery brunch' on Sunday. No, it's not for the drivers, who will race at odd-hours of the day and in cold temperatures. It's for the (paying) fans and patrons.  The 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix will be the longest race in terms of lap distance @ 309.9 kms. We harbour a guess as to why the long distance and yes, it is got to do something with the number of laps for the Grand Prix. On Tuesday, there's the 'Swing to Survive' golf tournament between Formula 1 drivers (Gasly, Albon, Sainz and Norris) and golf stars. Wednesday will see a grand opening ceremony followed by Thursday-Friday-Saturday of on-track action. Yes, the race is on a Saturday so bring back all your on-track action by a day! Will the cold weather bother Pirelli's ever-so-sensitive tyres? Will the high-speed circuit configuration favour a few teams over the others? Will reliability be an issue for the power units? And yes, can Lewis Hamilton out-score Sergio Perez by 6 points to keep his hopes for P2 in the Drivers' Championship alive? (Season 2023, Episode 61) Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah Image courtesy: F1 Las Vegas on Twitter

Max Verstappen may be running away with wins and re-writing records and history books in 2023, but there is so much more to this season than Verstappen's heroics. Lando Norris and Fernando Alonso, two of the several others who deserved their share or praise and limelight from the 2023 Sao Paulo Grand Prix. In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah review the F1 Sprint and Grand Prix that was hosted at Interlagos. The temperature effect was at play, yet again, as we saw teams with different fortunes and outcomes through the three day weekend. Either way, Interlagos entertained. Yes, built on land unsuitable for housing, Interlagos is definitely most-suitable for racing; irrespective of the race format. The F1 Sprint entertained, as did the Grand Prix. In fact, the last lap drag race between Alonso and Sergio Perez was super fun, too. Are Mercedes going backwards? Did Daniel Ricciardo and Oscar Piastri's opening lap retirement and subsequent rejoining after the Red Flag expose yet another flaw in Formula 1's rule book? They joined the 2023 Sao Paulo Grand Prix a lap down...despite starting from the pit lane on the same lap. Yuki Tsunoda was another such hero through the weekend. In the AlphaTauri, Tsunoda was battling the likes of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. If anything, Mercedes faced a Ferrari-esque race in Sunday's Grand Prix. Usually, Mercedes go quick in race trim, but that wasn't the case at Interlagos. Lots of narratives and fun moments from the 2023 Sao Paulo Grand Prix. Tune in and re-live most of them.  (Season 2023, Episode 60) Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah Image courtesy: Aston Martin F1 Team

3 races to go for the 2023 Formula 1 season to conclude...or make that 4 if you are one of those who counts a Sprint as an extra race! Btw, is it the Brazil Grand Prix or the Sao Paulo Grand Prix - what name did you grow up to? Interlagos is a very popular racing venue. It stands for 'between the lakes' in Portuguese. If there's one circuit we don't mind the Sprint at, it's this. Lewis Hamilton's charge to the front in the Sprint and Grand Prix in 2021 is still fresh in our memory. In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah preview the 2023 Sao Paulo Grand Prix. Will we see a different team step up to claim P2 behind Max Verstappen? Will Verstappen's dominant win-all-races continue at Interlagos? Yes, Red Bull Racing messed it up at Interlagos last year. But most Formula 1 teams don't repeat mistakes.  But what do the stats say? As @f1statsguru points out, the pole sitter of the Hungarian Grand Prix has gone to win the Sao Paulo Grand Prix since many years. If this trend continues, Lewis Hamilton will win top honours this Sunday. In this episode, the trio talk about the unique characteristics of Interlagos, expectant weather this weekend, Williams' chances and if Aston Martin's decline in form and results will continue. We've see three different pole sitters in the last three years - remember Kevin Magnussen? And we've had three different race winners in the last three years. Let's see who takes top honours this weekend...two times over! Tune in! (Season 2023, Episode 59) Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah Image courtesy: Red Bull Content Pool

The irony of it...! Daniel Ricciardo's perfect audition for Sergio Perez's seat at Red Bull Racing came at Perez's home race! A race in which Perez made an audaciously overambitious move at Turn 1 of the opening lap; a move that he thought would make him win the race. Instead, he found himself launched mid-air after colliding with Charles Leclerc's Ferrari.  In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah review the 2023 Mexican Grand Prix. Max Verstappen won both the races in Mexico - with rocket-like starts, to start with. Lewis Hamilton finished second to Verstappen again, only that this time around, his Mercedes W14 was legal. Yes, it passed all post-race scrutineering. After clinching yet another pole position, Charles Leclerc finished 3rd for Ferrari. From 1-2 at the start, Ferrari settled for 3-4 at the chequered flag. Did Ferrari's strategy for Carlos Sainz make sense to you? They let Lewis Hamilton undercut him in the pit stops. And of course, Ferrari's mis-reading of the crossover between the  medium & hard tyre - a crucial choice they made the restart. Did we witness 'Hammer Time' by Hamilton in Mexico? He drove a solid race on the medium tyre while his team-mate George Russell had yet another lacklustre outing. Russell only just fended off a resurgent Daniel Ricciardo in the AlphaTauri. Ricciardo's six points helped AlphaTauri jump two places in the Constructors' Championship. But did it also propel Ricciardo's chances at Red Bull Racing? Poor races from Perez only make the case to replace him stronger. Esteban Ocon and Nico Hulkenberg's tussle for 10th, Yuki Tsunoda's missed opportunity and of course, Lando Norris' recovery from a Q1 exit to 5th place at the chequered flag. Yes, Norris finished 12 places higher than his start position but he ended his 4-race podium finishing streak thanks to his errors in qualifying. A lot happened in the 2023 Mexican Grand Prix, including a fan brawl in the stands. Tune in! (Season 2023, Episode 58) Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah Image courtesy: Red Bull Content Pool

Will 'plank gate' continue to be a thing as Formula 1 reaches Mexico City for this weekend's 2023 Mexico Grand Prix? Yes, we think so - and it should be so. Is Formula 1 too complex for FIA to police it fairly? And 'fairly' is the word, especially with 50% of the cars scrutineered post-race in Austin failed the test. Does this system need to evolve, and if so, what's the most fair way to do so given Formula 1's logistical schedules? In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah discuss what sets the Circuit Hermanos Rodriguez apart - and why 'altitude' will be the buzzword this weekend.  The race to finish in P2 behind Max Verstappen is heating up. In the last 6 races, 4 different drivers have finished in P2. If Lewis Hamilton hadn't been disqualified in the 2023 United States Grand Prix, the number would've been 5. Also, Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the 2023 Mexico Grand Prix weekend are landmark days in Formula 1 history. Btw, this will be the 1099th Grand Prix in the history of the sport.  Will Ferrari's struggles in Mexico continue? Will Red Bull-Max Verstappen's dominance continue? They've won four out of the last five races. Will we see a new pole sitter for the eight year in succession? And of course, will Logan Sargeant celebrate his first Formula 1 point in Mexico? Lots to look forward to this weekend and in our 2023 Mexico Grand Prix preview podcast.  Tune in! (Season 2023, Episode 57) Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah Image courtesy: Red Bull Content Pool

Lewis Hamilton drove a mega race at the Circuit of the Americas. Yes, the 2023 United States Grand Prix certainly gave fans a lot of hope - that Max Verstappen's Red Bull might well be challenged in the near future. However, several hours post-race (when most fans were asleep!) the FIA deemed that Hamilton's Mercedes was illegal - as it had excessive plank wear than permitted in the regulations. As a result, Hamilton was disqualified and Ferrari's Charles Leclerc joined him on this list. In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah discuss the 2023 United States GP. The Sprint weekend did make it tough for the teams to fine tune their setup - in fact, four out of ten teams had setup issues. Haas & Aston Martin chose to start from the pit lane while Mercedes and Ferrari were too low and faced disqualification. But why does the FIA conduct post-race checks? How do they choose what cars to check and what do they eventually check? This topic is fairly technical but Soumil-@f1statsguru do well to explain the situation. Finally, the disqualifications saw a significant change in the final race result and the drivers who ended up scoring points. After 18 races in his debut season, Logan Sargeant finally scored his first race point! We are probably Lance Stroll's biggest critics, but credit where it's due - from the pit lane to the points is always a super result, especially when there are no mid-race interruptions.  There's a lot packed into this show, enjoy it!  (Season 2023, Episode 56) Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah Image courtesy: Mercedes