Sidepodcast - All for F1 and F1 for all

Filed under F1 history

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The evolution of fireproof socks

Progress in F1 driver safety

Sidepodcast: The evolution of fireproof socks

by Bridget Schuil

Humans have used fireproof clothing for centuries. The earliest reliably documented use of fireproof clothing was in twelfth century Arabia; warriors would don silk undergarments, a cotton tunic daubed with a sticky fireproof substance, and a barrage of fireworks. Then, for some reason, the technology was forgotten until humans started venturing into space and incinerating themselves on race tracks.

The five greatest machines of F1

A look at some of the strongest cars that have participated in Formula One

Sidepodcast: The five greatest machines of F1

by Subhayan Mukerjee

With most of the teams having launched their challengers for the upcoming season, one wonders what path of evolution has resulted in the 700-odd bhp machines which shall line up at Melbourne come 17th March 2013. In an attempt to answer that question, here’s a look back at five of the most prominent racing cars that the Formula 1 community has seen over the six decades of its existence.

Simply imperious: The 1965 French Grand Prix

A recap of the action from the mid-60s racing

Sidepodcast: Simply imperious: The 1965 French Grand Prix

by Leigh O'Gorman

Before the 1965 French Grand Prix, Lotus driver Jim Clark was quietly confident. After three rounds, the legendary Scot had a three-point advantage over BRM's Graham Hill when they arrived at Clermont-Ferrand. With skill and smoothness a premium at the French circuit, Clark possessed an advantage that often superseded the superb engineering of his nimble Lotus 33. In the race, he would made it look so easy.

It never rains, but it snows

A race affected by the worst seasonable conditions

Sidepodcast: It never rains, but it snows

by Leigh O'Gorman

An unseasonal cold spell broken, a sodden and wintry base is revealed, as the snow in Ireland and the UK peels away feebly. The once pretty white sheets, now betray their subtle beauty as they age to a dirt riddled slush. This is what winter in Ireland is supposed to look like. Grey. Motorsport tends not to happen in these conditions. Smaller meets and track days would often be cancelled beforehand, while many Championships are deliberately scheduled to avoid such poor weather systems.

The best and the worst of Spa (since 2003)

Some recent events at the Belgian Grand Prix

Sidepodcast: The best and the worst of Spa (since 2003)

by Christine

Now that we're halfway through the summer break, it's almost time to start looking ahead to the Belgian Grand Prix. As it's a lazy Sunday afternoon, I was browsing through some videos of racing at Spa, and remembering the best and worst bits since I started watching. I thought I'd share them with you, and then perhaps you can let me know what your best and worst Belgian Grand Prix moments are since you switched on and tuned in.

François Cevert

A look at the history of the French F1 driver

Sidepodcast: François Cevert

by Steven Roy

François Cevert was born in Nazi occupied Paris in February 1944. He became interested in motor racing after meeting his sister’s boyfriend and future Monaco grand prix winner Jean-Pierre Beltoise. After completing two years of national service Cevert entered and won the Volant Shell competition in 1966. The prize was a sponsored season in the French formula three championship with Alpine.

Jim who?

A name in Formula One that should be remembered

Sidepodcast: Jim who?

by Steven Roy

There are people who believe that the thing that sets F1 apart from other classes of racing is technology. The theory is F1 has the best people and has always had a technological lead. Only F1 could have ever made the great breakthroughs in technology that have taken us from barely modified road cars to cars that, in theory at least, could run upside down on a ceiling.