High Performance Racing

The best drivers in the world were ready to race in Malaysia. Then a software glitch got in the way. Jake, Rob and Otmar ask how F1 can call itself the pinnacle of motorsport when an untested software failure can stop drivers from doing their jobs, and why fans deserve to know what’s happening when things go wrong. The guys also debate Kimi Antonelli’s 84-point lead, George Russell’s terrible luck, and whether there’s any way back. Rob explains why Red Bull’s latest upgrade could make them a threat everywhere, while Otmar and Rob tackle Ferrari’s latest strategy mess and why Lewis Hamilton was right to ignore the team and trust his instincts. Plus, Otmar defends Esteban Ocon’s F1 career, while the guys debate whether Williams really are victims of the cost cap, or simply not making enough of what they have. AG1 👉 Grab the Autumn Wellness bundle at https://DrinkAG1.Com/Racing - Get a free welcome kit and shaker, a month's supply of Omega 3 capsules, a bottle of Vitamin D3K2 and five travel packs, plus an…

Baku belonged to George Russell. He took pole, fastest lap and the win, and led every lap for the first Grand Slam of his career. Otmar tells the guys about the rather unusual gift he showed George after qualifying. Rob explains why one crash on a street circuit can knock a driver's confidence for the rest of the weekend. And the guys do the maths on whether George can still catch Kimi. The answer isn't what you'd expect. Otmar also tells the story of the Instagram post from Malaysia that nearly got Checo Pérez a five-year ban. We hear about the steering change that made Max say "I want that". And the Engineering Dark Web returns with the seventh-gear trick that won Mercedes Baku. Plus, Lando, Colapinto and the ugly side of F1 fandom, a proper A-list Bullshit Corner nomination from Richard Hammond, Jake's Brad Pitt Zoom disaster, and a phone call with the man behind bscorner.com. The guys are also offering to send a family to the British Grand Prix next year, so get in touch if you'd like to be considered. A…

Baku is back, and it’s one of the strangest challenges on the F1 calendar. You want maximum downforce through the castle section, then almost none for the longest straight in Formula 1. Get the setup wrong and you’re either slow through the corners or a sitting duck down the straight. Jake, Rob and Otmar explain how engineers solve that impossible compromise, why driver confidence can be worth more than the numbers in the simulator, and how active aero is changing the game. They also tackle a much bigger question: has F1 become entertainment with a motor race attached? With record revenues, huge team valuations and F1’s push to bring the sport to new audiences, the guys debate what’s been gained, what’s been lost, and why the sound of a V10 still matters. Plus, Otmar reveals what really happens when a driver gets injured at the last minute, Rob shares some incredible reserve-driver stories, they debate whether Fernando Alonso will actually retire, and Bullshit Corner gets into Lando Norris, Coca-Cola and the…

£151 million, three years of design, 17 months of construction, 353,000 fans… and four overtakes. Madrid certainly put on a show, but Jake, Rob and Otmar have a question: did anyone remember to build a race track? The guys debate whether F1 has become too obsessed with bringing the sport to the people, why fans will happily travel for a great race, and why the best circuits on the calendar were built long before computers, simulations and AI got involved. Rob makes the case for old-school tracks like Suzuka, Spa and Monza, while Otmar argues that Tilke has produced some great circuits, but modern tracks still struggle to match the classics. Plus, Otmar questions how Spain ended up with two races and Germany with none, while the guys ask why Madrid can look spectacular and still feel like almost anywhere else on the calendar. AG1 👉 Head to http://drinkag1.com/hpracing to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit and five travel packs Eight Sleep 👉 If you’re ready to upgrade your nights and unlock…

Nobody wins from 19th at Monza. Well, Kimi Antonelli did, the internet immediately called it the drive of the decade… and Rob would like a word. He agrees it was brilliant — he just thinks everyone's watching the wrong part of it. The guys pull the race apart properly: why the real brilliance happened in the first four laps, why George Russell was a sitting duck long before Kimi ever arrived in his mirrors, and whether Mercedes should have pitted the other car under that virtual safety car. Jake makes the case that this was actually a good weekend for George. Otmar explains what a home win does to a 20-year-old, including the time he watched Kimi's mum tell him to push his chair in. Then it's Ferrari's turn — what that garage felt like on Sunday night, Rob's theory that Charles had a puncture before he ever reached the Parabolica, and a mid-season mark out of ten that doesn't survive contact with Monza. Plus Rob was in the Ferrari garage in 2006 and explains why Michael Schumacher really walked away, Otmar…

It’s Monza week, which means Ferrari fever, Tifosi everywhere and absolutely no pressure whatsoever… Jake and Otmar tackle the big Italian dilemma: would the Tifosi rather see Lewis Hamilton win in red, or Kimi Antonelli win at home? For Otmar, it’s not even close. The guys debate Mercedes’ ruthless decision to give Kimi an engine penalty at his home race, why Jake thinks that mentality could win them both championships, and whether Ferrari can keep treating Hamilton and Leclerc as equals. Otmar also revisits the chaotic 2020 Monza race that Force India could have won. Plus, Jake and Otmar reveal their very different routes into Formula 1, tackle the brutal calendar facing F1 staff and ask whether rising ticket prices are pushing out the fans who built the sport. And Rob checks in from the Mediterranean with a classic Ferrari Monza memory, before the guys make their predictions for Sunday. Eight Sleep 👉 If you’re ready to upgrade your nights and unlock more energy in your days, start with Eight Sleep. Use…

Jake and Otmar react to Zandvoort, where McLaren found the answers, Mercedes didn’t, and Ferrari once again left everyone wondering what exactly the plan was. Otmar explains why Mercedes can’t just throw upgrades at the car every weekend, how teams replay races to find out what they should have done differently, and the simple team orders rule he thinks could save a lot of headaches at Ferrari. Then there’s Lewis Hamilton. Otmar sets the record straight on his work ethic, while Jake makes the case that Lewis has done something no other F1 driver has managed: become bigger than the sport itself. Plus: are the 2026 cars turning drivers into pilots? Does Red Bull’s sister-team setup give them an unfair advantage? And Otmar’s solution to one of F1’s most annoying problems is surprisingly simple: colour the entire halo. Eight Sleep 👉 If you’re ready to upgrade your nights and unlock more energy in your days, start with Eight Sleep. Use code RACING for £350 off the Pod 5 Ultra here:…

Jake, Rob and Otmar go inside the minds of some of Formula 1’s greatest drivers - Michael Schumacher, Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel - to understand what really separated them from the rest. Rob shares the moment he first realised a teenage Fernando Alonso was something special, why he tried to play down just how quick he was, and what made Alonso such a formidable competitor. Otmar explains the relentless preparation and work ethic that made Sebastian Vettel a four-time world champion, while Rob reflects on what Michael Schumacher was really like inside Ferrari, as a leader, teammate and competitor. They also explore the idea of “spare capacity”: the ability to drive at the limit while still thinking about strategy, reading the race and spotting opportunities others miss. From Schumacher watching the big screens while racing, to Vettel’s obsessive preparation and Alonso’s consistency, this is a deep dive into the habits, mentality and ruthlessness behind F1 greatness. Plus, Rob and Otmar reveal the…

You asked, Otmar answered...and then kept going! The former Force India, Aston Martin and Alpine boss spills all to Jake and Rob for a summer break episode that starts with your questions, moves on to Drive to Survive, and ends somewhere near a polo mallet. Otmar explains why Ferrari and Mercedes originally said NO to Netflix, and what made them come crawling back. He reveals the strip of tape he stuck across his forehead on the pit wall and why it worked better than any NDA. There's Ron Dennis banning him from sharing a spy photographer. There's the Mercedes engine call that saved Force India and the one man in the building who didn't want to make it. Otmar also gives the proper explanation for Vettel's Hungary disqualification — the one nobody's told before. The guys discuss why the most stressful job in the world is the one with full accountability and no control. And why both Otmar and Rob have turned down team principal jobs since. Plus Jake's A-level results — E, N and U — and the BBC executive who…

Formula 1 heads into the summer break, so Jake, Otmar and Rob hand out their mid-season report cards, grading every team out of 10 and explaining exactly why. Mercedes earned top marks after the strongest first half of the season, but George Russell's reliability issues sparked a debate over what might have been in both championship battles. They then assess Ferrari, McLaren and an underperforming Red Bull, before turning their attention to Alpine, Racing Bulls, Haas, Audi, Williams and Aston Martin. Plus, they rate the drivers, examine whether Kimi Antonelli's championship lead can still be overturned, and welcome back Bullshit Corner, complete with its own leaderboard and your latest nominations. AG1 👉 Head to http://drinkag1.com/hpracing to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, a month's supply of Omega3 capsules and five travel packs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lando Norris’ Budapest victory confirms McLaren’s resurgence, but as championship rivals continue to take points off each other, Kimi Antonelli emerges as the biggest beneficiary, extending his lead at the top of the standings to 50 points. Meanwhile, George Russell’s title challenge suffered another setback after a team-related anti-stall issue compromised his start, leading Otmar to question whether Mercedes can overcome their recent run of misfortune. Rob Smedley uses the data to reveal why Aston Martin’s 16-part B-spec upgrade has delivered genuine progress, while Otmar examines the deeper structural issues that have shaped the team’s trajectory over the past five years. The trio also analyse Williams’ difficult weekend, Carlos Sainz’s growing frustrations, and the return of Sepang to the calendar, revisiting Kimi Räikkönen’s infamous 2009 Malaysian Grand Prix strategy gamble. Eight Sleep 👉 If you’re ready to upgrade your nights and unlock more energy in your days, start with Eight Sleep. Use code RACING…

Jake, Rob Smedley and Otmar react to a Belgian Grand Prix that reshaped the championship. Twelve months after admitting he'd "probably reached the bottom" at Spa, Kimi Antonelli returns to the same track and delivers a flawless win over Charles Leclerc, extending his title lead to 45 points. George Russell doesn't survive the first corner. Rob takes us into the Engineering Dark Web to explain exactly why George is losing time to his teammate — and Otmar and Rob put the theory to the test that's dividing the Mercedes garage: is this a car problem, a George problem, or both? Toto Wolff says it's "50% the car." George isn't fully convinced. Rob's verdict is blunter still: beat your teammate, or leave. Also in this episode: The Daniel Ricciardo/Max Verstappen parallel that explains exactly what's happening to George right now Why Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen's contract clauses both come to a head this weekend in Hungary Fernando Alonso's Aston Martin verdict — an 80% new car arrives in Budapest with zero…

Lawrence Stroll's dramatic Force India buyout began with Sergio Perez intentionally pushing his own team into administration to save it. This week, Jake, Otmar and Rob trace Perez's journey from a lonely 14-year-old living in truck-stop motels to his difficult final months at Red Bull, asking what his story reveals about the pressure modern F1 drivers face. The trio also unpack the fallout from Silverstone. Rob explains the clever technical trick Mercedes used to out-engineer their customer teams on the straights, while Jake shares fresh insights from a Monday morning debrief with George Russell at Soho Farmhouse. With Russell cutting Kimi Antonelli's championship lead to just 25 points after the rookie's costly learning moment, they debate whether the title race is now wide open heading into Spa. AG1 👉 Head to http://drinkag1.com/hpracing to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, a month's supply of Omega3 capsules and five travel packs Eight Sleep 👉 If you’re ready to upgrade your nights…

Otmar, Jake and Rob break down the chaotic ending to the 2026 British Grand Prix at Silverstone, live in front of a crowd for the first time ever. Charles Leclerc took the win as Ferrari and Mercedes made contrasting strategy calls under the late safety car, sparking fierce debate over whether the FIA should have red flagged the race instead. Lewis Hamilton, George Russell and Kimi Antonelli all played a part in one of the most talked-about finishes of the season, plus Bullshit Corner, dad jokes, and an Ayrton Senna helmet reveal. What did you make of the race finish? Let us know in the comments below! Thanks for hosting us Optima 1! www.optima1.com Explore Optima 1's award-winning mobile event spaces designed for brand experiences, broadcasting, VIP hospitality, and exhibitions with customizable features and cutting-edge technology: AG1 👉 Head to http://drinkag1.com/hpracing to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, a month's supply of Omega3 capsules and five travel packs Hosted on Acast.…

What a weekend at the Red Bull Ring. George Russell is officially back after a dominant pole-to-win victory in Austria, turning the 2026 title fight completely on its head and trimming Kimi Antonelli’s championship lead. In this episode, Jake, Rob, and Otmar break down a thrilling Austrian Grand Prix, from Kimi cracking under pressure to Ferrari’s upgraded engine completely flopping on Sunday. The trio also dissect a paddock bombshell: Max Verstappen’s management having informal chats with McLaren, alongside an exit clause that could trigger before the summer break. Finally, the guys look ahead to a massive homecoming at Silverstone, where Lewis Hamilton chases a historic 10th British GP win and the pod prepares for their huge live show in front of 300,000 fans. AG1 👉Head to http://drinkag1.com/hpracing to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2 and five travel packs Eight Sleep 👉 If you’re ready to upgrade your nights and unlock more energy in your days, start with Eight…

With Otmar away, Jake Humphrey and Rob Smedley preview the upcoming Austrian Grand Prix. Rob dives deep into his legendary career, breaking down what it really takes to lead the technical side of an F1 team, the old-school mindset shift he brought to Williams, and what the current team is lacking on track. The duo also debated a massive F1 "what if", whether Michael Schumacher would have swept the 2007 and 2008 titles if Ross Brawn hadn’t retired. Plus, Rob reveals the incredible reality behind Felipe Massa’s terrifying 2009 Budapest crash, the chaos of engineering the unpredictable Jean Alesi, and a highly questionable new entry into Bullshit Corner. Want to guide the next episode? Reply in the comment below with your questions for Rob and Otmar, or nominate an F1 moment for Bullshit Corner! AG1 👉Head to http://drinkag1.com/hpracing to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2 and five travel packs Eight Sleep 👉 If you’re ready to upgrade your nights and unlock more energy in…

Jake, Rob, and special guest Claire Williams react to Lewis Hamilton's emotional 106th Formula 1 victory in Barcelona, debating whether Ferrari and Hamilton are genuine title contenders in 2026. Rob brings the maths to settle the biggest question in F1 right now - could Hamilton have won without the safety car? - while Claire and Rob go head to head on whether Lewis or Leclerc finishes the season on top. The panel also break down Ferrari's upgrade package, Mercedes' strategy calls, and what the Barcelona result really means for the championship. Claire gives her honest take on George Russell's season, Fernando Alonso's future at Aston Martin, and what it actually takes to beat Lewis Hamilton as a teammate. Plus: Claire takes her shot at Bullshit Corner, taking aim at online criticism, keyboard warriors, and why less than 10% of what really happened at Williams has ever been made public. AG1 👉 Head to http://drinkag1.com/hpracing to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2 and…

Jake, Rob, and Otmar react to a chaotic Monaco Grand Prix, discussing Kimi Antonelli’s fifth consecutive win, George Russell’s disastrous weekend, and whether the 2026 Formula 1 title race is already over. Rob and Otmar break down Russell’s chances for the rest of 2026, the ADUO verdict that’s sent shockwaves through the paddock - and why Red Bull being declared F1’s benchmark engine is great news for Mercedes. After yet another podium for Lewis Hamilton, the guys debate his place among the all-time Formula 1 greats. The trio also look ahead to the Barcelona Grand Prix, and whether the championship is truly still up for grabs. Plus: Rob makes his case for keeping Monaco on the 2026 F1 calendar in ‘Bullshit corner’ - and defends his socks! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Monaco isn't just a race weekend; it's where F1's biggest deals, secrets, and scandals collide. This episode dives into the unique pressure of the Principality, from the opulence of Vijay Mallya's legendary boat parties to the corporate politics that saw one host blindsided by Alpine management, only to answer back with a defiant Monaco podium. This conversation goes deep into the paddock's "dark arts," revisiting Michael Schumacher's infamous 2006 Rascasse parking scandal, the frantic phone calls to the FIA President, and Ross Brawn's chilling insight into Michael's psychological state. But there's another side to Schumacher, the humble man who sent handwritten birthday cards to his mechanics, a world away from the ruthless competitor. From a fiery qualifying argument that shattered Felipe Massa's Monaco mental block to the murky world of paddock spy photography used to pinch Red Bull's floor secrets, this one's pure grit, glamour, and the relentless pursuit of an edge. Hosted on Acast. See…

In this week's episode of High Performance Racing, Otmar, Jake and Rob break down the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix and the growing tension at Mercedes as George Russell and Kimi Antonelli go wheel-to-wheel. Was George unlucky, or is Kimi now a genuine title threat? The trio discuss Mercedes’ rules of engagement, whether Toto Wolff needs to step in, and why Antonelli is already being talked about as a generational talent. Plus, we look at Lewis Hamilton’s breakthrough P2 for Ferrari, what it says about his confidence, why Charles Leclerc may be feeling the pressure, and whether McLaren made a major strategy mistake by starting on intermediates. And... as always - some dad jokes to close. Let us know what you think and leave us a comment, question or message! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Jake, Rob and Otmar look ahead to the Canadian Grand Prix, and explore why despite regulation changes, the drivers still don't trust their cars. Looking back at previous regulation changes, Rob and Otmar debate whether 2009 Brawn GP success really about a "double diffuser," or have we been looking at the wrong part of the car for seventeen years? Rob Smedley peels back the aero layers to reveal the true McLaren-inspired secret that rivals missed, proving why there is never a "silver bullet" in F1, only the total package. The trio shifts to the high-stakes "chaos" of the 2026 regulations. Otmar explains why the current uncertainty is a goldmine for teams brave enough to find marginal gains now, while the group warns why Canada’s infamous "Wall of Champions" is an even deadlier psychological trap for drivers struggling with this generation of cars. We also get an unfiltered look at the evolution of Sergio Perez. Otmar shares stories from the Force India garage, revealing how Checo’s instinctive…

Forget the PR spin as Jake, Otmar, and Rob weigh George Russell’s relentless work ethic against Kimi Antonelli’s raw talent, even revisiting the famous PowerPoint deck George used to pitch his way onto the grid. The trio dives into the "dark arts" of the driver-engineer bond, from the psychology of delivering bad news to the tactical "slow-walking" of team orders. They also break down the exhausting new reality of mid-race energy management and why the partnership between a driver and their engineer is the ultimate weapon for icons like Max Verstappen. Otmar shares perspective-shifting lessons from his Force India days on why treating a world champion like a normal human being is the rarest, most effective skill in the paddock. It’s an unfiltered look at the grit, intellect, and invisible friction required to survive the F1 pressure cooker and lead the grid. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is the Red Bull empire finally cracking? Jake, Otmar and Rob break down the 2026 driver market, debate Max Verstappen’s potential move to Mercedes, and discuss how Mark Webber is shaping Oscar Piastri’s future at McLaren. Fresh from Florida, the guys react to the "Miami madness," with Otmar sharing his experience balancing F1 duties with his new role at Van Amersfoort Racing. They also unpack George Russell’s rise, Kimi Antonelli’s progress, and Ferrari’s ongoing upgrade struggles. Step inside the garage as Otmar and Rob expose the "Dark Arts”: the high-stakes, invisible side of Formula 1. From the extreme lengths teams go to for emergency spare parts to Michael Schumacher’s specific race-day rituals, the pair offer a unique technical and human perspective on the logistical chaos behind the pit wall. The trio also debate the future of F1 engine regulations, Otmar’s push for a return to V8s, and his bid to launch a 12th F1 team. It’s an hour of technical honesty, untold history, and a rare look at the human…

Jake Humphrey, Otmar Szafnauer, and Rob Smedley tackle the biggest power shift currently shaking the grid: the potential collapse of the Red Bull dynasty. With key figures departing and performance wavering, the guys discuss whether Max Verstappen is finally ready to pull the trigger on a move to Mercedes and what that means for the rest of the 2026 driver market. The conversation shifts from the boardroom to the "underworld" of the paddock, exposing the chaotic reality of life on the road. Moving beyond the headlines, the group explores the "dark arts" of the pit wall, sharing candid stories about managing intense driver rivalries and the extreme logistics required to keep a team racing. From the lengths teams go to for emergency spare parts to Michael Schumacher’s specific race-day rituals, Otmar and Rob offer a unique technical and human perspective on the sport. The episode concludes with a look at why team culture and psychological safety often matter more than fancy factories when it comes to winning.…

In our very first episode, Jake Humphrey is joined by F1 insiders Otmar Szafnauer and Rob Smedley for an unfiltered first look at the 2026 season so far: the boldest regulation reset in modern Formula 1 history. The trio cut through the early-season noise to assess which teams have genuinely cracked the new formula and which are already playing catch-up. From Mercedes' resurgence, to Aston Martin's alarming early struggles and Hamilton's long-awaited shot at redemption with Ferrari, Jake, Otmar and Rob break down what's real, what's hype, and what the data is actually telling us. They also reminisce about the V8 and V10 eras of F1, sharing fascinating stories of their early memories in the sport, as well as working with some of the sport’s most iconic characters like Rubens Barichello, Eddie Jordan and Michael Schumacher. This is F1 without the PR filter: technical, honest, and full of funny stories straight from the pit wall. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🚨 First episode out Wednesday 22nd April - follow the show so you don't miss a moment They say you can’t truly understand Formula 1 without real experts; High Performance Racing brings you the people who actually lived it. Hosted by Jake Humphrey alongside former Aston Martin & Alpine Team Principal Otmar Szafnauer and ex-Ferrari & Williams Race Engineer Rob Smedley, this brand-new show breaks down the sport's biggest news stories through the eyes of seasoned F1 personnel. Moving beyond standard race breakdowns, the show offers a front-row seat to the high-stakes world of the Formula 1 paddock, from team analysis & technical breakdowns to the unfiltered banter of the pit wall. High Performance Racing delivers the insider perspectives and uncovered moments that the cameras miss, straight from those who have built careers in the most competitive sport in the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.