6: F1 Testing: Merc's Two-Spec Approach Could Backfire

The pre-season tests of the 2019 Formula 1 Season have concluded. We share our summarised notes from #F1Testing - the bigger story being Mercedes' rumoured two-spec car approach for the season. As smart as it sounds, could such a strategy also backfire? While Williams struggled to build one car on time, Mercedes seems to have built two! We discuss this and more in this week's episode of the [Inside Line F1 Podcast](http://bit.ly/ilf1ponkf1b).  Also in this episode, Indy Car's usage of on-car LED panels to increase the visual experience - sounds cool! Are Formula 1's standarisation plans aimed at attracting privateer teams since no car manufacturers have shown interest? Like other professional athletes, should Formula 1 drivers have coaches as a part of their team setup? Why Kevin Magnussen hired Romain Grosjean's manager and lastly, the not-so-convincing reasons by organisers of the Dutch and Mexican Grands Prix to not host a Formula 1 Grand Prix. Tune in!  (Season 2019, Episode 06) 0:00-3:00: Our notes from the pre-season tests of the 2019 #F1 Season - whose rake was the biggest and deciphering the C-labelled Pirelli tyres 3:00-6:00: After failing to attract car manufacturers, is Formula 1 pursuing standardisation to attract more privateer teams? We discuss the possibilities, pros and cons. Also, the trailer of the Netflix documentary indicates a gross misrepresentation of the 2018 Formula 1 Season? 6:00-9:00: Indy Car to have LED panels on their racing cars from this season. Interesting addition? How soon before Mclaren's Indy Car driver Fernando Alonso tests the team's Formula 1 car in 2019? 9:00-12:00: Why Red Bull-Honda could plan to use five power units this season instead of the mandated three. Also, will Franz Tost walk the talk and give rookie driver Alexander Albon 2-3 seasons to settle in Formula 1? 12:00-15:00: Should Formula 1 drivers have driver coaches? Revealed: Why Kevin Magnussen signed Romain Grosjean's manager (Martin Reiss) as his manager too 15:00-18:00: How could Lewis Hamilton not have heard about the Triple Crown of Motorsport? Could Mercedes' two-spec car approach backfire in 2019? 18:00-end: The funny excuses from the organisers of the Dutch and Mexican Grands Prix for not wanting to host a Formula 1 race. In fact, could the USA Grand Prix be in trouble to?  The Inside Line F1 Podcast, a top-rated podcast on iTunes and audioBoom, is hosted every week by Mithila Mehta and Kunal Shah. This podcast offers a humourous view on the sport and business of Formula 1. Subscribe: [iTunes](http://bit.ly/insidelinef1podcast), [audioBoom](http://bit.ly/insidelineviarss) (RSS feed for all devices) and [Google Podcasts](http://bit.ly/ilf1pgooglepodcasts)  Official Pages: [Facebook](http://bit.ly/insidelineonfacebook)  Follow our hosts on Twitter: [Mithila Mehta](http://www.twitter.com/mith_m) and [Kunal Shah](http://www.twitter.com/kunalashah) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices