F1rst: An F1 Podcast

Band-Aid or Fix? — Miami's Return & The 2026 Regulation Shake-Up | S3E6

We're back. After four race-less weeks, the 2026 F1 season is finally returning and Miami cannot come soon enough. But let's be honest, it never really went quiet. In this episode I'm unpacking everything from the break. Red Bull's struggles, Verstappen's frustrating start, the Lambiase move to McLaren, Ferrari's busy April, and some interesting calendar speculation around a potential Saudi GP return. But the two biggest topics for me heading into Miami are: The ADUO System — what it is, why it matters, and why Ferrari potentially qualifying for it could be one of the biggest storylines of the season. The new Miami regulation changes — what the FIA has changed, what it means for racing, and why a lot of it for me feels more like a band-aid than a real fix. This one's a mix with confirmed facts, rumours worth discussing, and my honest take on all of it. F1rst: An F1 Podcast is an independent fan podcast. Opinions are personal. Some information discussed may include rumour and speculation. Music credit: "⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Be Free⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://pixabay.com/music/beats-be-free-112355/]" by Music Unlimited

Promise or Problem? — Japan GP & The 2026 Regulation Debate | S3E5

The Japanese Grand Prix delivered on-track action — but more importantly, it gave us our clearest look yet at how Formula 1’s 2026 regulations are really shaping up. In this episode, I recap the key moments from Suzuka before diving into the growing debate after the first three races of the season. On one side, there are real positives: improved racing entertainment, certain tracks feeling revitalized, and a noticeable reduction in the performance gap that once defined dominant eras. But the concerns are just as clear. Ongoing issues with battery deployment, inconsistencies between power units, reliability questions, and a fundamentally different racing feel are raising serious doubts about the direction of this new era. So where does that leave us? I break down both sides of the argument and share my perspective — cautious, slightly skeptical, but still optimistic… depending on how the FIA responds. Because ultimately, the success of these regulations may come down to whether the right adjustments are made before these early issues become long-term problems. Music credit: "⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Be Free⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://pixabay.com/music/beats-be-free-112355/]" by Music Unlimited

A New Dawn for F1 — Australia Tests the 2026 Era | S3E4

In this episode I take a first look at the new era of Formula 1 as the 2026 regulations make their debut at the Australian Grand Prix. The new cars have brought a completely different dynamic to the sport, and Australia may have already lifted the sandbags from Mercedes, showing why George Russell is already being talked about as a championship favorite. But it is not all one-sided. Scuderia Ferrari showed promising pace in Australia and could still be in the fight if development heads in the right direction. I break down the early pros and cons of these new regulations and what this “new dawn” might mean for the future of F1. Curious to hear your take on the new era of the sport. Thanks for listening. Music credit: "⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Be Free⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://pixabay.com/music/beats-be-free-112355/]" by Music Unlimited

Testing Truths & DTS S8

Testing gives us hints, not answers. In this episode, I sort through the noise from pre season testing and share what I’m actually buying into ahead of Australia, from potential dark horses to early warning signs for some big teams. Plus, thoughts on Drive to Survive Season 8, what worked, what felt overproduced, and what the future of the show might look like as F1 continues to evolve. Music credit: "⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Be Free⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://pixabay.com/music/beats-be-free-112355/]" by Music Unlimited

Why 2026 Could Define Ferrari — The Defining Duo

In this episode, I continue my personal reflection on why 2026 could define Ferrari, beginning with my thoughts on the recent shakedown and why I feel much of the media attention and early analysis has been exaggerated. From my perspective, we won’t truly know where each team stands until Melbourne. But more importantly, this season feels crucial for both Charles Leclerc and Frédéric Vasseur. If Ferrari falls short again, I fear it could put Leclerc’s future with the team at risk — something that would be devastating — while also creating real uncertainty about Ferrari’s leadership and direction moving forward. From my perspective as a fan, I truly hope this is the season where Ferrari delivers and rewards the faith that has been placed in them. But there is still that underlying uncertainty about what happens if it becomes another year of missed expectations. This is Part 2 of my personal take on why 2026 could define Ferrari. Music credit: "⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Be Free⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://pixabay.com/music/beats-be-free-112355/]" by Music Unlimited