The Downshift AU F1 Podcast

Welcome back to The DownShift! As we gear up for an exhilarating 2026 Formula One season, join us as we delve into the latest developments, team changes, and livery reveals that are sure to shape the year ahead. With fresh faces on the grid and exciting innovations in the pipeline, this season promises to be one for the books. The F1 buzz is back with the 2026 season kicking off! In our latest epi...

As the lights go out on the 2025 Formula One season, the hosts of The Downshift podcast come together to reflect on an exhilarating year of racing, predictions, and camaraderie. In this final episode of the season, they not only crown their own champion in the Downshift Predictions Battle but also review the standout rookies and look ahead to the 2026 season. Thank you to all our listeners and vie...

The thrilling conclusion of the 2025 Formula One season, highlighting the final race in Abu Dhabi where Lando Norris was crowned World Drivers Champion. Reflecting on the key hihlights and lowlights that brought Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen to the first 3 way drivers battle since 2012 with all three putting in a valiant effort where there can be only one with the win seperated by...

The DownShift team preview the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, discussing the track dynamics, overtaking opportunities, and reflecting on the chaotic events of the previous year's race. They delve into the current championship standings, the implications of driver changes, and the weather conditions expected for the race. With the unvieling of the Perpetual DownShift Predictions Trophy the conversation...

The DownShift team review the Qatar Grand Prix that saw Oscar Piastri return to form, almost dominating the entire weekend if it wasn't for a major strategic blunder from McLaren that disabled both drivers as they fight for the World Drivers Championship with only one race to go. The second last race of the season that leaves Lando Norris with a 12 point lead over Max Verstappen and 14 points...

The DownShift team preview the Qatar Grand Prix, with the newly added Cockpit Driver Through discussing the unique challenges of the track, tire strategies mandated by Pirelli, and the implications of weather conditions on race performance. Analyzing team and driver performances, particularly focusing on McLaren and Red Bull, and delve into the championship standings as they make their predictions...

The DownShift team review the Las Vegas Grand Prix, discussing the impact of weather conditions, the use of wet tires, and the strategic decisions made during the race. They analyze early incidents, the controversial disqualifications of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, and the implications for the Drivers' Championship. The conversation also touches on the shifting dynamics in the midfield and...

In this episode of The Downshift, the team preview the Las Vegas Grand Prix, discussing the latest developments in Formula 1, including Audi's livery reveal, the challenges faced by Ferrari, and Toto Wolff's 5% sale of his share in the Mercedes F1 team and what that means for valuations across the paddock. With F1's latest colab with FORTNITE this is another step into expandign their r...

The DownShift team review the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, highlighting Kimi Antonelli's impressive performance, Max Verstappen's remarkable comeback from P19 to P3, and the drama of the sprint race. Discussing the unexpected qualifying results, Bordoleto's crash, and the implications for the championship standings as Norris leads Piastri. Delving into the penalty given to Piastri and the sta...

The Downshift team preview 2025 San Paulo Grand Prix, the anticipated excitement surrounding the event, the drivers' championship, and predictions for the race. In a first ever, taking viewers on a virtual hot lap around the Interlagos circuit to get a feel for how the drivers see the track from the cockpit and the driving inputs required to tackle the undulating conditions and camber changes....

After a disappointing end to the Mexican Grand Prix The DownShift team review the highlights and low lights of possibly a championship defining race that saw a change in the World Drivers Championship and the door being left wide open for a possible late surge by Max Verstappen. With the best performance by rookie driver Ollie Bearman and frustration over team radio for George Russell what was hea...

The DownShift team preview the Mexican Grand Prix, discussing the unique characteristics of the track, the impact of weather on race strategy, and McLaren's critical decision-making as they vie for the championship. The conversation also delves into driver contracts, team dynamics, and predictions for the race outcome.

In this episode of Downshift, the hosts review the United States Grand Prix, discussing the dramatic sprint race, the main race highlights, and the implications for the championship standings. They analyze the performances of key drivers, the strategies employed by teams, and the impact of recent incidents on driver dynamics. The conversation also touches on future predictions and the developments...

The DownShift team reflect on the action on the mountain at the Bathurst 1000 before diving into the the preview of the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas. Will weather play a part, only our resident weather guru knows and the predictions heat up as we approach the pointy end of the season with a mix of favorites for the first race on US soil. Covering Bathurst 1000 a must-see...

The DownShift team reviews the Singapore Grand Prix, highlighting George Russell's dominant performance, McLaren's Constructors' Championship win, and the controversial incident between teammates Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. A podcast record for the number of rants as KT threatens to switch teams if McLaran continues the "clown show" around Papaya rules and the ongoing fru...

In this episode of The Downshift, the team discusses the upcoming Singapore Grand Prix, focusing on the physical demands of the circuit, driver performances, and team dynamics. They analyze the impact of weather on the race, the current championship standings, and McLaren's recent valuation and stake sale. The conversation also touches on Max Verstappen's debut in GT racing and concludes w...

The DownShift team review the chaotic Azerbaijan Grand Prix, highlighting Max Verstappen showcased a masterclass performance in Baku under weather conditions that significantly impacted the race and qualifying. A race of highs and lows as Oscar Piastri's jump start was a costly rookie mistake while Carlos Sainz's celebrates a podium finish was a significant emotional moment. Mercedes manag...

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is known for its high-speed straights and tight corners, weather, especially wind this year, and that starting from pole position may not guarantee a win at this track. The DS Team preview the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, discussing the unique characteristics of the street circuit, and the impact of team orders on driver performance. They delve into tire strategies and...

The Downshift team review Monza, "The Temple of Speed" highlighting Max Verstappen's record-breaking performance and the intense competition among drivers. A deep review of the strategy within McLaren and the importance that the team isn't seen to favor one of its drivers given the "No #1 Driver" and "Free to Race" philosophy of the team and how this can affec...

Welcome to THE TEMPLE OF SPEED - Monza Ferrari's home race that see's Lewis Hamilton realizing his dream as a boy watching Michael Schumacher winning for Ferrari at Monza. Can Lewis snare a win this weekend while Mercedes nips at the heals of Ferrari for 2nd place in the constructors championship. Piastri looks to extend his lead in the Drivers Championship as team mate Lando Norris will t...

The DownShift team review the Zandvoort Grand Prix, discussing the thrilling race, key incidents, and driver performances. Analyzing qualifying results, Lance Stroll's consistent performance in crashing the car, the impact of mechanical issues, and the implications for the championship standings. The conversation also covers team dynamics, midfield battles, and the effects, or lack of effect,...

The excitement builds as we return to Formula One racing after an excruciating 3 weekends with no racing with the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort. Lachy speaks to his "people" who have spoken to "their people" and announces the worst kept secret over the summer break. Previewing the race, Max Verstappen's home race, McLaren's internal competition, and the impact of weathe...

The DownShift team discuss the significant regulation changes coming to Formula One in 2026, the largest since 2022. They explore the implications of these changes on tyres, chassis, aerodynamics, power units, and safety enhancements, providing insights into how these modifications aim to improve racing performance and driver safety. How these changes may or may not favor experienced drivers versu...

A very quiet summer break Summer Break so far. F1 confirms that Sprint races are here to stay and how they are "open to experimentation" to bring more excitement and unpredictability to Formula One with the potential for reverse grid racing. The DownShift team consider what it would take to make F1 more interesting and even offer to throw their hat in the ring bringing some fun, exciteme...

Summer break in Formula 1, what this means to drivers, teams and fans and how the FIA regulates a complete halt to team operations. The DownShift team delve into the 'Silly Season' where contract negotiations take place, particularly focusing on driver movements and performances. Who should be a little nervous and when are Mercedes going to give George Russell the contract he deserves. Pir...