2021 French Grand Prix Shows True Red Bull Racing Strength, Alex Palou Wins in Indycar again at Road America, and I Interview Racing Legend: Scott Pruett

·1 hr 4 min·5 clips

Mercedes' new chief strategist Christopher Roche joins to dissect Red Bull's surprising French GP win and Scott Pruett's 50-year racing career.

The episode opens with host Robin Warner introducing guest Christopher Roche, the new chief pit stop strategist for Mercedes F1. They begin by discussing pre-race tyre pressure changes from Pirelli after failures at Baku, which affected teams like Aston Martin and Red Bull. Qualifying for the French GP saw Verstappen take pole over Hamilton, with Bottas and Pérez completing the front rows. The race analysis focuses on Mercedes' strategic error: delaying Hamilton's pit stop allowed Verstappen to undercut him, gaining 1.2 seconds on his out lap. Hamilton's tire wear from chasing Verstappen early on left him vulnerable, and Verstappen passed him with 1.5 laps to go. The hosts debate whether Mercedes' recent mistakes stem from lack of pressure in past dominant seasons. They review the midfield, highlighting McLaren's strong performance with Ricciardo and Norris, and Ferrari's poor race pace. The conversation shifts to IndyCar, where Alex Palou won at Road America, and Jimmie Johnson's spin sparks criticism of his transition from NASCAR. An interview with Scott Pruett covers his 50-year racing career across IndyCar, NASCAR, and sports cars, including his time with Lexus. The episode concludes with previews of the upcoming Styrian GP and a plug for Warner's YouTube review of a Toyota Highlander Hybrid.

As heard by us

A focused race-analysis episode tying the French Grand Prix title picture to IndyCar and Scott Pruett.

Fun With Cars uses the 2021 French Grand Prix as a tidy way into the title fight, keeping Red Bull's position, Mercedes' setup and strategy questions, and the tire-pressure fallout from Baku in one lane.

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Why you'd press play

Want French Grand Prix strategy, Road America, and Scott Pruett in one motorsports stop?

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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