Podcast: The hidden detail that can explain Red Bull's sensational F1 pace

Max Verstappen wins in Malaysia, Red Bull‘s rough-track advantage, and a restart that took two hours: Mark Hughes and Bryn Lucas look back on the Sepang Grand Prix and ahead to Singapore.

This week, Mark explains why Verstappen’s first win of the season came in the fastest car on the grid, and why Fernando Alonso‘s eighth place was the drive that impressed him most.

Mark also explains how a rough track surface changes a car’s underbody aerodynamics, and why that may have helped Red Bull.

They discuss Lewis Hamilton‘s slicks gamble, Mercedes‘ upgrade that nobody can quite judge, and what George Russell should do with the rest of 2026, including whether he could ever play Rosberg-style mind games with Kimi Antonelli.

They also cover Rafael Câmara’s likely move to Haas, Red Bull Powertrains’ win in its first season, and the software glitch that stalled cars on the grid and left everyone arguing over whether they should keep their places.

There are viewer questions on tyre graining and McLaren‘s gearing, plus a look at who could be quick in Singapore and what the haze might do to the cars.

We’ll feature more listener questions next week. Don’t forget to post yours below.

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