Formula 1 podcast: From Fernando Alonso's Indy 500 preparations to upcoming Russian Grand Prix

At the end of 2014, Red Bull Racing were denied a competitive Ferrari or Mercedes engine and they approached Honda for their power units. Luckily for them and for Formula 1, McLaren vetoed a Red Bull Racing–Honda partnership. Thank you, McLaren, for vetoing a Red Bull Racing-Honda partnership a few seasons ago. If not, we would have had six GP2 cars (or more) racing in Formula 1. By the way, there’s now talk of Mercedes helping Honda with their power unit. This is after Bernie Ecclestone suggested that Mercedes helped Ferrari. If that’s the case, why not help Renault too? Or better, let’s just give everyone Mercedes engines. [caption id=“attachment_3411126” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] McLaren’s Fernando Alonso answers journalists’ questions ahead of the Russian Grand Prix. AFP [/caption] On this week’s episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Mithila Mehta and Kunal Shah discuss Fernando Alonso’s Indy 500 preparations. The Spaniard’s PR and social media team are making the most of the positive discussions around his switch while he has gone and signed up Gil de Ferran as his coach. Also on the podcast, Ecclestone and Sebastian Vettel’s friendship, Niki Lauda’s support of every Lewis Hamilton challenger, Renault’s 2030 F1 concept and whether Alonso will retire his McLaren-Honda in the upcoming Russian Grand Prix too. The Sochi Autodrom has a a lovely track, and we are looking forward to another exciting race. Let’s hope the Ferrari vs McLaren battle resumes this weekend. Will the cold weather in Russia hold Ferrari back? Among other things to watch out for in Russia — will this race be the first GP since many years where Mercedes will outright back their No 1 driver, Hamilton? Will Kimi Raikkonen and Valtteri Bottas further strengthen their number two status? The biggest question though is will Vladimir Putin visit the circuit even if his friend Ecclestone is absent? Tune in to listen to the full podcast: The Inside Line F1 Podcast is available on iTunes or audioBoom for more news and interviews.