The Race F1 Tech Show

The Race F1 Tech Show returns, with Edd Straw and legendary former F1 technical director Gary Anderson discussing all the big tech talking points heading into 2026. Gary gives his assessment of each team heading into the new season, plus shares his thoughts on the new power units, deployment regimes, energy harvesting, the start sequence and more. He also answers questions from listeners on bargeboards (or should that be floorboards?), the loss of the MGU-H, the weight limit, and lift wings vs downforce wings. If you'd like to ask Gary a question, you can send it to podcasts@the-race.com Want bonus F1 podcasts, extra content and ad-free listening? Join The Race Members' Club on Patreon today and get 90% off your first month! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Race F1 Tech Show is still on a winter break at the moment, but its sister podcast - The Race F1 Podcast - is packed with plenty of tech talk at this time of year, so we thought we'd re-post the latest episode here. So, join Edd Straw, Gary Anderson and Mark Hughes for an in-depth look at the technical and design trends that have stood out so far on the 2026 cars. They take a close look at the approach to active aero, in particular the choices made by teams like Mercedes only to adjust one element of the front wing. The sidepod designs and bargeboard details at the front of the floor are also delved into, as a well as a look at the bold suspension geometries chosen by teams - particularly Aston Martin. They also ask why the Racing Bulls airbox intake is so massive, and what the reason is for the slots in at the back of the floor leading into the diffuser on some cars. Finally, Edd, Mark and Gary pick out the best and worst performers from testing, and nominate the most interesting, and most concerning, of the 2026 cars. Get your 7-day free trial to The Race Members' Club on Patreon today and enjoy bonus F1 podcasts and ad-free listening. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the final tech show of the year, former F1 technical director Gary Anderson gives his verdict on the outgoing F1 regulations, and explains where he thinks the incoming regulations have missed a trick. He also answers questions from listeners about how to write better rules, the lack of geometry tweaks by the FIA, and whether active suspension should have returned. We also bring you the second part of our interview with Atlassian customer CTO Andrew Boyagi, who explains how the company’s AI technology is helping Williams reach new performance levels. Get information when you need it with Atlassian Rovo. AI that knows your business. Click here to get started today. Join The Race Members' Club on Patreon today and enjoy bonus F1 podcasts and ad-free listening. GET YOUR 2026 WALL CALENDAR TODAY - Go to shop.the-race.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the latest episode of The Race F1 Tech Show, Edd Straw and Gary Anderson discuss the unusual taste of 2026 we got with the tyre-test running in Abu Dhabi after the grand prix. That was done using the definitive 2026 Pirelli tyres, but with 'mule cars' adapted to replicate downforce levels, so how useful - or not - will that running have been? Edd and Gary discuss. Gary also answers questions from listeners about whether teams should be able to develop their own tyres, whether a return to simplified aero would solve F1's dirty air issue, and on the fine margins used to control plank wear. Plus, Edd and Gary discuss Williams' progress this season, with Atlassian's customer CTO Andrew Boyagi joining to explain the company's role in Williams' step forward. Got a tech question for Gary? Send it to podcasts@the-race.com Get information when you need it with Atlassian Rovo. AI that knows your business. Click here to get started today. Join The Race Members' Club on Patreon today and enjoy bonus F1 podcasts and ad-free listening. GET YOUR 2026 WALL CALENDAR TODAY - Go to shop.the-race.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the latest edition of The Race F1 Tech Show, Edd Straw and Gary Anderson discuss whether Adrian Newey's impending switch to the team principal role at Aston Martin will blunt the impact he'll be able to make on the technical side of things at the team. Before that, Gary has his say on McLaren's baffling Qatar strategy, and he also discusses why teams are having to 'make do and mend' with car parts at this late stage of the season. As ever, Gary also gets stuck into answering questions from listeners, which this week are on tyre graining, plank skids, and Oscar Piastri's low-grip struggles. Got a tech question for Gary? Send it to podcasts@the-race.com Get information when you need it with Atlassian Rovo. AI that knows your business. Click here to get started today. Want bonus episodes and ad-free listening? Join The Race Members' Club on Patreon today - we even have an 'F1-only' tier! GET YOUR 2026 WALL CALENDAR TODAY - Go to shop.the-race.com and enjoy 20% of everything with the code BF20 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode of The Race F1 Tech Show, Edd Straw and Gary Anderson discuss what it really means when certain drivers are described as having 'good technical knowledge' or 'excellent feedback'. Before that, Gary shares his thoughts on a range of topics, including his latest thinking on improving overtaking in F1, Mercedes' potential pace in Las Vegas, and how he would have taken Ferrari chairman John Elkan's recent 'talk less' comments if he was an engineer at the team. The episode concludes with our regular questions section, where Gary answers questions on flags, F1's future, and the loss of the MGU-H. Got a tech question for Gary? Send it to podcasts@the-race.com Want bonus episodes and ad-free listening? Join The Race Members' Club on Patreon today - we even have an 'F1-only' tier! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of The Race F1 Tech Show, hosts Edd Straw and former F1 technical director Gary Anderson discuss Red Bull's impending decision on which of its drivers race where in 2026, and ask whether the senior team's technical direction is giving it an unnecessary headache when promoting drivers from Racing Bulls. After that, Edd and Gary discuss the title run-in, and in particular Oscar Piastri's struggles on low-grip surfaces compared to team-mate Lando Norris. Will we see a change of fortunes for Piastri on the higher-grip Interlagos circuit? As ever, the episode is rounded out with a bumper questions section, with Gary answering questions from listeners about 1970s F1 budgets, overheating on the grid, and missing F1 tech. FREE WEEK: Want to sample bonus episodes and ad-free listening for FREE? Until the end of Tuesday 11th November, everything new that we publish for The Race Members' Club on Patreon is available to view FREE OF CHARGE, including our in-car insights podcasts over the Brazilian GP weekend. Go to Patreon.com/therace Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Just how big a project is designing a 2026 Formula 1 car given the brand new chassis and power unit regulations? Aston Martin CEO and team principal Andy Cowell explains that to host Edd Straw in an interview in the latest F1 Tech Show. We also hear former F1 technical director Gary Anderson’s insight on such projects, how they have changed as F1 has evolved and the challenge of knowing what you are aiming for in terms of performance. Red Bull’s revival and the ‘tape on pitwall’ controversy from Austin are also discussed, with Gary offering a technological solution. Your questions on Cowell’s engine expertise, rain in the cockpit, engine degradation and fuel suppliers are also fielded. Want bonus episodes and ad-free listening? Join The Race Members' Club on Patreon today - we even have an 'F1-only' tier! Check out the new items in The Race Shop - members get a 15% discount! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lewis Hamilton’s brake problems late in the Singapore Grand Prix turned a potential fifth place into eight place, but why exactly did Ferrari hit trouble? That’s one of the questions we answer in the latest episode of The Race F1 Tech Show. Gary Anderson joins Edd Straw to look at what happened to Ferrari in Singapore, as well as tackling the warm-weather improvement of Mercedes and Red Bull’s high-downforce form. We also tackle listeners questions on a range of topics from oscillating wings and F1 car ride to 2026 expectations and Gary’s brief dalliance with Coloni. There’s also a chance to catch up with the progress of A2RL, the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League, with head of operations Josh Roles joining us to tell us all about it. Don't miss A2RL at Yas Marina circuit on November 15. Get your free tickets now at https://a2rl.io/ Want bonus episodes and ad-free listening? Join The Race Members' Club on Patreon today - we even have an 'F1-only' tier! Check out the new items in The Race Shop - members get a 15% discount! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why was the gusty wind that hit Baku such a challenge for the drivers? And why are some cars more sensitive to wind than others? Gary Anderson joins Edd Straw to explain all on this week's edition of The Race F1 Tech Show, and also to shed light on where Red Bull's recent gains have come from, and whether they could also be evident at upcoming tracks - in particular Singapore. Gary also tackles listener questions on zero sidepods, 'cake tins', and mechanical grip. Got a tech question for Gary? Send it to podcasts@the-race.com Try Sentry today. Want bonus episodes and ad-free listening? Join The Race Members' Club on Patreon today - we even have an 'F1-only' tier! Check out the new items in The Race Shop - members get a 15% discount! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Gary Anderson on holiday, Edd Straw is joined on this episode of The Race F1 Tech Show by Mark Hughes to delve into the reasons behind Red Bull’s dramatic turnaround to win at Monza, 12 months after struggling badly at the same track. We also discuss whether the 2025 regulations have delivered on their objectives in terms of improving the raceability of the cars, and what to expect from next year’s rules on that front. There’s also questions from listeners about push-to-pass, low-downforce configurations and how much weight could be removed from F1 cars. Try Sentry today. Want bonus episodes and ad-free listening? Join The Race Members' Club on Patreon today - we even have an 'F1-only' tier! Check out the new items in The Race Shop - members get a 15% discount! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fuel and lubricants are often taken for granted by F1 fans, but it’s a crucial battleground that has a big impact not only on performance, but also reliability. We hear from Exxonmobil’s Fiona McKewan, whose role as Red Bull technical advisor means she attends races and closely monitors and analyses the various fluids that are essential to the operation of the car and power unit. She explains the rigorous processes that ensure not only are the products working as intended, but also how the trackside lab can be used to warn of and prevent imminent reliability problems. Gary Anderson explains why the competitive order will change after F1’s August break despite the focus being on 2026. And we also tackle listener questions on AI, tyre pollution, attitudes to reliability and containing outwash. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Edd Straw interviews Nick Wirth, founder of Wirth Research, about how his company is using CFD technology sharpened over his decades in motorsport to tackle wider-world problems. Wirth, boss of the Simtek team that raced in F1 in 1994-95, who also had stints with Benetton and Virgin, has long been an evangelist for the power of CFD. He offers some characteristically strong opinions on why it should have replaced the use of windtunnels in F1, as well as explaining the ever-growing potential of the technology. We also get Gary Anderson’s insight on windtunnel research versus CFD aero testing, as well as answering your questions on calculations, the cost of manufacturing parts, the plank and Ferrari’s troubles. Got a question for Gary? Send it to podcasts@the-race.com Want bonus episodes and ad-free listening? Get 90% off your first month's membership to The Race Members' Club on Patreon today - we even have an 'F1-only' tier! Check out the new items in The Race Shop - members get a 15% discount! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode of The Race F1 Tech Show, Edd Straw and former F1 technical director Gary Anderson reflect on the rain-delayed Belgian Grand Prix, and whether anything can be done to solve F1's current problems with cars running in severe wet weather. After that, Edd and Gary discuss whether Ferrari has really turned a corner with its suspension upgrade, and whether Gary would have appreciated the feedback documents Lewis Hamilton has been creating and sending to colleagues at Ferrari. And finally, Gary tackles another batch of questions sent in by listeners, covering topics including dampers, materials science, driver weight, tyre changes and the point of TPC running. Want exclusive bonus episodes and ad-free listening? Enjoy a 7-day free trial to The Race Members' Club on Patreon today - we even have an 'F1-only' tier! Check out the new items in The Race Shop - members get a 15% discount! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the latest episode of The Race F1 Tech Show, former F1 technical director Gary Anderson explains what impact Christian Horner’s sudden removal as team principal could have on Red Bull technically, both in the short and the long-run given the team’s longstanding balance issues. Host Edd Straw then quizzes Gary on what he thinks of FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s vision for F1’s future, built around a lighter, V8-powered car with standard gearboxes designed to lower costs and increase the spectacle. Is it a good direction, and does it leave enough room for technical innovation? Gary then answers your questions on several topics including how much lighter F1 cars could be while maintaining safety standards, the management of qualifying laps, intermediate to slick crossover points and how a team can go from midfield mediocrity to the front in F1 as McLaren has in recent years. Got a question for Gary? Send it to podcasts@the-race.com Want exclusive bonus episodes and ad-free listening? Enjoy a 7-day free trial to The Race Members' Club on Patreon today - we even have an 'F1-only' tier! Check out the new items in The Race Shop - members get a 15% discount! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the latest episode of The Race F1 Tech Show, host Edd Straw and former F1 technical director Gary Anderson take a closer look at two of the big tech stories coming out of the Austrian Grand Prix. The first is Mercedes' ongoing struggle to extract performance in high ambient temperatures, with George Russell finishing over a minute down on the race winner at the Red Bull Ring having won commandingly in Canada two weeks earlier. The second is the potential breakthrough Ferrari have made with its upgraded floor. Edd and Gary discuss the changes and ask whether a genuine step forward has been made, and whether upcoming changes to the rear suspension of the SF-25 should bring a further performance step. And as ever the episode is rounded out with Gary answering tech questions sent in by listeners. This time the subjects covered include whether teams can measure brake pressure and whether anti-dive is adjustable or not. Got a question for Gary? Send it to podcasts@the-race.com Want exclusive bonus episodes and ad-free listening? Enjoy a 7-day free trial to The Race Members' Club on Patreon today - we even have an 'F1-only' tier! Check out the new items in The Race Shop - members get a 15% discount! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the latest episode of The Race F1 Tech Show, Edd Straw and former F1 technical director Gary Anderson discuss what losing '20 points of downforce' really means, after Lewis Hamilton suffered that fate in Canada, when his Ferrari collided with an unfortunate marmot. There's also chat about the revised suspension geometry on Lando Norris's McLaren in Montreal, including what the team hope to accomplish with the change, and why Norris's team-mate Oscar Piastri didn't (and may not ever) run it. And finally, in the regular 'Ask Gary' section, our tech chief answers questions on tyre warm up, the increasing complexity of aero shapes, and the idea of forcing teams to reveal design secrets... Got a question for Gary? Send it to podcasts@the-race.com Want exclusive bonus episodes and ad-free listening? Enjoy a 7-day free trial to The Race Members' Club on Patreon today - we even have an 'F1-only' tier! Check out the new items in The Race Shop - members get a 15% discount! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the technical directive reducing the permitted flexibility of the front wings the big talking point of the Spanish Grand Prix weekend, why didn’t it shake up the competitive order as some hoped? Former F1 technical director Gary Anderson explains that, and the reasons why he always expected the effects to be more subtle, as he looks back at the big technical stories from the Spanish Grand Prix weekend. That includes a look at the steel skid block tests run in Friday practice and the potential impact of the change from titanium for selected races. And whether it makes sense to make such a change given the alternative means to reduce the chance of grass fires ignited by sparks. Host Edd Straw also fires listener questions to Gary on a variety of topics, including active suspension, core versus surface tyre temperature and the Venturi effect. Got a question for Gary? Send it to podcasts@the-race.com LAST CHANCE: Get 75% off your first month of access when you join The Race Members' Club on Patreon. Use the code RACE75 when checking out! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the latest episode of The Race F1 Tech Show, host Edd Straw and former F1 technical director Gary Anderson look back on Imola and ahead to Monaco. First, they discuss how Red Bull turned the tables on McLaren at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, asking whether this was a track-specific change in the pecking order, or whether Red Bull have made a significant step forward. Next, Edd and Gary turn their attention to Monaco, looking at the specific setup that the street track demands and then the debating how the teams will approach race strategy, with two pit stops mandatory for every driver in this year's race. And as usual, the final part of the podcast is dedicated to Gary answering tech questions sent in by listeners. This week the selection includes questions on gears, pitstops, underbody aerodynamics, and track evolution. Got a question for Gary? Send it to podcasts@the-race.com Get 75% off your first month when you join The Race Members' Club on Patreon today - we even have an F1-only tier! Head to patreon.com/therace Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With five wins from a possible six in 2025 (plus another victory in the Miami sprint), you might be forgiven for thinking McLaren’s MCL39 is without fault. But listen to drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, and its clear the car isn’t always perfect to drive, - especially in qualifying trim, and on this podcast host Edd Straw and former F1 technical director Gary Anderson look at the reasons for that. Following that, we’ve been inundated with tech questions from listeners recently, so the rest of the podcast is dedicated to answering them. As ever, it’s an interesting and varied selection, with questions on dirty air, engine modes, brake callipers, visor tear offs, and Lewis Hamilton's current struggles improving with the change of formula for 2026. Want to ask Gary a question? Send it to podcasts@the-race.com Get 75% off your first month when you join The Race Members' Club on Patreon today - we even have an F1-only tier! Head to patreon.com/therace Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.