In the latest episode of the “Speed Formula” podcast – analysis of the Italian GP, 2026 power unit puzzles, and a look into F1 history.
Read more German Chancellor Friedrich Merz leveled accusations at AfD
This time, rally co-driver, event host, and motorsport enthusiast Laurynas Matonis joined the two Arūnas. And there was no shortage of discussions – in some places, the hosts’ opinions diverged radically.
Among the most interesting topics:
• Kimi Antonelli – victory from 19th place and a historic evening for Italy. The young Italian not only fought through almost the entire field but also became the first Italian in about 60 years to win an F1 race in Italy. Are we already seeing what Toto Wolff saw in Antonelli’s talents much earlier?
• Does Mercedes already have its own “Red Bull” problem? Antonelli’s duel with George Russell and the young Italian’s pace raise an uncomfortable question: perhaps Russell’s limit is simply lower than his teammate’s? The discussion also includes a parallel with the times of David Coulthard and Kimi Räikkönen at McLaren.
• Leclerc versus Hamilton – have ego battles started inside Ferrari? Their sharp rivalry already cost the team many points at the first corner in Monza. Why do two drivers, whose positions in the team are not threatened, fight so fiercely against each other?
• Who was really to blame for the Ferrari collision? One opinion is that Leclerc simply left no room for Hamilton. Another is that Hamilton consciously created a situation where any outcome was favorable to him. And, of course, in the discussion, the blame ultimately falls on… Verstappen.
• Why did McLaren not perform as expected in Monza? The observation that a car with a full fuel tank is not as strong was confirmed once again, but towards the end of the race, as the car lightened, McLaren’s pace clearly increased.
• Verstappen’s braking – where physics ends and talent begins? Late but surprisingly gentle braking, where the car does not lock the wheels yet still hits the corner, becomes a separate discussion about the four-time world champion’s confidence in the car and ability to drive on the edge.
• Which 2026 F1 engine is truly the most powerful? The latest ADUO evaluations place Red Bull Ford Powertrains first, followed by Mercedes, with Audi, Ferrari, and Honda trailing further behind. But why do the internal combustion engine numbers alone not tell the whole story about the power unit’s capability?
Read more Eitvydas Bajarūnas. Europe has discovered another strategic dependency. This time – in the cloud
• How did Gasly manage to get pole with Alpine, but lose pace in the race? The episode presents two versions – different hybrid system energy limits in qualifying and the race, or simply a failed hard tire.
• Was Ferrari afraid of the hard tires? A strange decision to put medium compound tires on Hamilton after the red flag and run with them until the finish raised questions – perhaps Ferrari simply did not trust the white-marked set?
• Is Monza still worthy of the title “Speed Sanctuary”? According to this year’s maximum speed numbers – not necessarily. At the Hungaroring, F1 cars reached a higher top speed than in Monza, and the absolute season maximum was recorded in Barcelona. The paradox is explained by the energy management of the new cars.
• How do F1 brakes really work? Viewer Q&A – why can a driver adjust brake balance between the front and rear axles but does not have a separate button for each wheel, and why braking from 350 km/h is much more complicated than it looks on TV.
• The new Madrid circuit and the Red Bull car in the metro tracks. Approaching the Madrid stage – about the track’s location, its accessibility to spectators, and an unusual Red Bull promotional ride in the Madrid metro.
• In the F1 history section – Patrick Head. One of the most important people in Williams’ history, who helped the team exploit ground effect, developed increasingly stiff cars, and contributed to active suspension, electronic systems, and even experiments with a six-wheeled F1 car and CVT transmission.
Also in the episode – a special Ferrari Monza livery and tribute to Michael Schumacher, statistics of the best F1 team principals of all time, a recommendation of Günther Steiner’s book, Laurynas’ plans for the Saaremaa rally, and his “Hot Lap” challenge at the “Simulator Academy.”
The full discussion, arguments, and much more – in the latest episode of “Speed Formula”:
Read more The grandson of Garastas revealed the coach’s wish spoken before death
