The Ringer F1 Show

Megan Schuster and Spanners break down the rain-soaked, delay-filled 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang, where Max Verstappen earned his first victory of the season ahead of Kimi Antonelli and Lewis Hamilton. They examine the FIA software failure that forced a lengthy restart, the grid’s split wet-tire gamble, Ferrari’s costly strategy decisions, Hamilton’s improbable recovery from 15th to the podium, and the late safety-car sequence that shaped the finish.

(00:00) Intro

(03:37) Delays, delays, delays

(05:54) Silly cars need a software update

(14:10) Which tires to use

(31:19) Albon’s crash

(41:20) Mercedes has upgrade troubles

Hosts: Meg Schuster, Spanners Ready

Senior Producer: Steve Ahlman
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Meg and Spanners preview the unconventional 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix at Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit, breaking down the returning track’s long straights, heavy braking zones, punishing heat, and potential for sudden rain. They also unpack Ferrari’s latest turmoil, from Charles Leclerc’s accidental engine reveal and the Christian Horner rumors to the ominous vote of confidence in Fred Vasseur. All before discussing Lando Norris’s apology to Franco Colapinto, Fernando Alonso’s Aston Martin return, and Esteban Ocon’s uncertain F1 future.

(00:00) Intro

(01:54) News and notes!

(5:20) Horner to Ferrari?

(16:25) “Wrong” Said Fred

(24:39) Lando vs. Franco

(36:56) Driver news!

(54:08) Previewing the Bahrain GP

Hosts: Megan Schuster and Spanners Ready

Senior Producer: Steve Ahlman
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Meg and Spanners break down the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where George Russell capped a dominant weekend with a lights-to-flag victory ahead of Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar. They debate Red Bull’s reluctance to release Hadjar despite his pace, Kimi Antonelli’s championship setback, and the safety car restart chaos sparked by Franco Colapinto’s collision with Pierre Gasly and Lando Norris, before examining the dramatic late battles that enlivened an otherwise quiet Baku race.

(00:00) Intro

(01:30) George and his big win!

(11:03) Big Red Bull drama!

(37:26) Time for the second restart

Hosts: Meg Schuster, Spanners Ready

Senior Producer: Steve Ahlman

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Meg and Spanners preview the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, examining Baku’s narrow castle section, enormous main straight, and potential to produce either safety-car chaos or a processional one-stop race. They also discuss Isack Hadjar’s Red Bull extension, McLaren’s controversial logo redesign, Max Verstappen’s 100-driver karting challenge, the addition of a Monaco sprint, and Ferrari’s efforts to rebuild its power-unit department for 2027.(00:00) Intro(02:11) Isack remains with Red Bull(11:30) McLaren’s new and weird logo(18:52) Max vs. 100(28:54) 2027 Sprint race rant(39:53) Ferrari continues to step on rakes(49:02) Previewing the Baku City Circuit

Hosts: Megan Schuster, Spanners ReadySenior Producer: Steve Ahlman
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Meg and Spanners use Madring’s disastrous, overtaking-starved debut as a springboard to examine what makes a truly great Formula One circuit. They discuss the importance of flow, character, challenging and raceable corners, runoff and track-limits enforcement, how modern aerodynamics can undermine classic tracks, and the tension between creating an impressive live venue and compelling racing for viewers.

(00:00) Intro

(01:50) Final notes on Madring

(10:01) What makes a great track?

(15:16) “Flow state” vs. “tight” tracks

(22:17) What makes a good corner?

(41:47) How cars and regulations play a role

(51:23) Spectacle vs. design

Hosts: Megan Schuster and Spanners Ready

Senior Producer: Steve Ahlman
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices