There's not been much racing since our last podcast, so as a bit of a special we decided to answer a burning question: has F1 become over-simplified in recent times? Well, to answer this we look back at the 1990s, 2000s, 2010s, and the current season's Japanese Grand Prix and determine all the decisions teams were allowed to make throughout the Grand Prix weekend. From running a 3rd driver in practice to automatic energy deployment, we go full in on a topic for the first time in a while. Let us know what you think, should we do more of this? We really enjoyed it.

In this week's episode we discuss:

• Toyota on Top: Toyota start the world endurance championship on the same form they finished last year, a victory against Ferrari on home soil.

• Genesis Rising: Newcomers Genesis broke all expectations in their first outing in Imola, can they continue this form for some good points later?

• Heartbreak for McLaren: With half an hour to go, the leading Garage 59 car pulls over and allows a titanic battle between BMW and Corvette to occur.

• F1 Decisions: F1 teams have it simple now right? It was much more complicated in my day, right? Come on the journey back in time with us as we discuss if teams really had it easier back then.

Stay Ahead: Get the latest reports from the Australian and Chinese GPs at ⁠aheadattheapex.com⁠ or visit out ⁠linktree⁠.

Music: Action Racing Car Speed Motorcycle Automobile Drift Music

Audio File URL: ⁠⁠https://pixabay.com/music/rock-action-racing-car-speed-motorcycle-automobile-drift-music-286246/⁠

Licensed to use for YouTube and other platforms. License available on request.

There may not be much racing going on at the moment but that hasn't stopped certain figures in positions of power or influence getting involved in the discussions surrounding how two of the biggest motorsports in the world should be governed. First up is F1, where perhaps the most famous voice of F1 in the modern era, Martin Brundle, has been making some noise about Max Verstappen retiring. Then we have the FIA, who are busy frantically making changes to their precious 2026 regulations following the horrible crash in Japan for Haas' Oliver Bearman. As if that wasn't enough, the FIM are currently under media scrutiny for the "new" track surface at the Brazilian GP that began to disintegrate on the first day of the weekend. It just isn't good enough, and we're going to have a good moan.

In this week's episode we discuss:

• Brundle's Blunders: Martin's been making some noises about Verstappen and Norris, but his opinions don't seem to be consistent.

• Max In or Out: Will this be the final season for Max Verstappen, has he got one more left in him or is GT racing drawing him away?

• Where did the Track Go?: Why was the track surface such a nightmare at the Brazilian GP and can we trust the FIM to introduce a street circuit?

• Battery Problems: F1's 2026 regulations haven't had a week without scrutiny, Bearman's crash should be enough to raise some red flag.

Stay Ahead: Get the latest reports from the Australian and Chinese GPs at ⁠aheadattheapex.com⁠ or visit out ⁠linktree⁠.

Music: Action Racing Car Speed Motorcycle Automobile Drift Music

Audio File URL: ⁠⁠https://pixabay.com/music/rock-action-racing-car-speed-motorcycle-automobile-drift-music-286246/⁠

Licensed to use for YouTube and other platforms. License available on request.

It certainly is a good time to be an Italian in motorsport. Whether you're Marco Bezzecchi leading the MotoGP title, Aprilia dominating on 2 wheels, Fabio Di Giannantonio coming in as the top scoring Ducati rider, Andrea Kimi Antonelli securing back-to-back wins and leading the F1 title, or Ferrari turning up with another strong season ahead, it's all coming up Italy this year.

In this week's episode we discuss:

• Simply the Bez: Bez leads the way and seems unbeatable on Sundays, can he go the full distance?
• Aprilia on top: Aprilia have turned up with an absolute rocket ship, will infighting tear them apart?
• Fabiooooo: Nobody expected the VR46 rider to be Ducati's best hope.
• Can Kimi do it: Kimi could become the youngest F1 champion this year, can he beat Russell to the honours?
• WEC: With WEC right around the corner, can Ferrari defend their title?

Stay Ahead: Get the latest reports from the Australian and Chinese GPs at aheadattheapex.com or visit out linktree.

Music: Action Racing Car Speed Motorcycle Automobile Drift Music

Audio File URL: ⁠https://pixabay.com/music/rock-action-racing-car-speed-motorcycle-automobile-drift-music-286246/

Licensed to use for YouTube and other platforms. License available on request.