2013 Formula1 Podcast: If Schumacher Turns TV Commentator

In the pre-season, while the Formula1 teams and drivers were testing, Rishi and I hosted our Formula1 Podcast Awards, introduced 11 new drivers to Formula1, paid tribute to Ross Brawn (his Last Formula1 Season?) and of course waited for ‘Testing to End, Racing to Begin’.  (Now, if you’ve not already heard our pre-season podcasts, go ahead and click!)

We are now in ‘the’ week when Formula1 fans wait anxiously for the first ever racing weekend of the 2013 Formula1 season. The week when suspense takes over with ‘who will be the fastest?’ and with the stat in mind that 60% of the Australian GP winners have gone to win the Drivers’ Championship that season!

Michael Schumacher (Image courtesy: Mercedes AMG)

Anyhow, we observed our Mondays as usual and recorded our podcast which is also our preview of the 2013 Australian GP. In this week’s Formula1 Podcast, here’s what we discussed: (YouTube channel: http://youtu.be/0YbZNqaPxwQ)

  • If Schumacher were to turn TV commentator…
    • We assess his competition
    • And what they ‘could’ end up facing from Schumacher!
  • And there will be new drivers on the grid of the 2013 Australian Grand Prix, we try and pronounce their names! (Schumachers in the making?)
  • We share our memories from the Albert Park in the last few years. Some exciting duels, accidents and near wins and misses! (Have some of your own? Share them with us!)
  • And we play darts in dark – hear our podium predictions for the 2013 Australian Grand Prix. Agree or disagree?

Still on TV commentary, I would love to see what Kimi Raikkonen can do! 😉

Over to Melbourne…

And all you Michael Schumacher fans should read my opinion post ‘Does Formula1 Need Michael Schumacher?

Inside Line Formula1 Podcast is produced by Rishi Kapoor and Kunal Shah. Follow us on Twitter!

Kunal Shah is an FIA-accredited Formula 1 journalist who has been reporting on Formula 1 for nearly two decades. He worked with the Force India Formula 1 Team for 6 seasons in Marketing, Sponsorship and Commercial roles. As a former single-seater racer, he was responsible for Force India's grassroots talent program, One from a Billion Hunt. Presently, he co-writes a regular Formula 1 column for Firstpost, speaks on Inside Line F1 Podcast & Pits to Podium and produces broadcast/OTT content for NENT Group (Viasport & Viaplay).

12 comments On 2013 Formula1 Podcast: If Schumacher Turns TV Commentator

  • Alonso
    Raikonen
    Webber/Massa

  • My wild guess: Alonso, Massa/Webber, Vettel.
    Not in any particular order though.

  • I think formula one should come up with some sort of “pseudonym” for each and every racer because it would make our lives easier not having to pronounce their actual names 🙂
    Also when it comes to commentary & interviews in the paddock the following four(Jake, Eddie, coulthard & Hill) are already doing a great job although Jake moved on to Soccer. Also Schumi’s ego would be hurt if he takes up the job, so he is better off hanging around with his family, I guess.
    This time around, I cannot side with Rishi, so here is my Podium Prediction – Australian GP:
    1)Numero uno – “Vettel”
    2)Hamilton – (I dunno he is damn confident and ruthless this time)
    3)Alonso
    Kunal, you can make this even more exciting for the readers by giving away an award or something to the perfect result soothsayer for every GP!
    What I mean by award is like a tag, points or an olive twig ka picture or something… By the end of the year, you can give away a grand prize or something for the reader with the maximum number of perfect predictions ;), think through!

    • Thanks Ritesh. From what I have heard and read in the past weeks, everyone is expecting the usual suspects to make it to the top 3 / 5. I reckon that a Hulkenberg, Maldonado and the Sahara Force India duo too could be in a good shot. I am really hoping that Adrian does. I had quite a long chat with him on Saturday and he is raring to go! And he’s fitter and fresher than he’s been in the past few years. Watch out for him!
      Pavithra, pseudonyms not yet, but we do use abbreviated names like HUL, VET, MSC, DIR, etc. for drivers. This year we shall have BOT, CHI, BIA, GAR, GUT being used 😉 Some funny names I tell you!
      Schumi said it right, if I am at the races, I would rather race than be in front of the camera. More than ego, he knows that if he’s going to spend so much time traveling, he’d rather make it worthy (more!).
      And interesting point on the award bit, let me ponder. Meanwhile, Rishi and I are inviting guests on the blog soon, this includes fans too! So be prepared you too! 😉

  • Boy, Will you ever let Schumi down! Good for you & him!
    Okie, about the awards that I was talking about: chuck it!
    I had a glass of milk, so that was talking yesterday. Now that I had my Caffeine fix, I’m back, I tell you what you can add a “Voting or Ranking Widget” along with the name or mail id in this blog. This way the readers can vote instead of writing their pick. Easier, I say. Just a suggestion. Mull over!
    Guests on blog: Oh rookies like me included. Hmm.. interesting!

    • Yes, can’t let Schumi down, ever! 😉 HAHA!
      And that widget bit, makes a lot of sense, need to find some IT help to be able to do that. Need a lot of changes on the blog to encourage more reading of content et al. Muchos Gracias!

  • Hey! Great podcast…didnt know about the unwritten rule between two drivers from the same team…coz u do see a lot of overtaking attempts sometimes.
    Looking forward to the the first race.
    Vettel, Hamilton & Alonso are on my list

    • Thanks Ruth for your comment. Yes, drivers have unwritten agreements at certain times and fans don’t always know about them. Let’s finally see who makes it to the podium. Going by today’s FP times, I don’t think you are way off on what the actual result could be. The Mercs however need to be in one piece if Lewis has to get there.

  • LOTUS SEEMS TO THE DARK HORSE THIS SEASON , OR SHOULD I SAY THE GOLDEN HORSE,,
    NAA , THE DARK AND GOLD HORSE OF THIS SEASON,
    TUG DUG TUG DUG TUG DUG
    INTERESTINGLY,,
    ERIC BOULLIER’S MESSAGES SEEMS TO ATTRACT SAME ATTENTION WHAT KIMI’S MSGS DID LAST YEAR.
    CAN WE HAVE A T-SHIRT DEDICATED TO ERIC N ROMAIN.. ??
    HULK SHOULD BE A SURPRISE PODIUM VISITOR THIS TIME AT MELBOURNE.
    AND REGARDING THE FANS POPPING UP,,
    M ALREADY ON SPRINGS

  • AUSTRALIAN GP MEMORIES TRACING BACK TO NARAIN’S DEBUT, IN 2005. IT WAS WON BY FISICO,,
    THOSE ONE LAP QUALIFYING FIGHT ,
    MISSING THEM TOOO.

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Hello,
Happy to share my passion for Formula 1 with you. If you have specific queries about the sport, feel free to ping me.

In the meanwhile, I welcome you to subscribe to the Inside Line F1 Podcast for insightful conversations around Formula 1. We release an episode every week.

Regards,
Kunal