The F1 winter - with James Vowles + Lawrence Barretto

The F1 winter - with James Vowles + Lawrence Barretto

From F1 Explains by Formula 1

December 12, 2025 · 36 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the preparations of Formula 1 teams during the winter months leading up to the new season and the significant changes expected in 2026.

In the months between the chequered flag in Abu Dhabi and the five red lights in Australia, Formula 1 teams are still be racing. They're building in factories, testing on simulators and wind tunnels, working flat-out to get their cars ready for a new era. New car design and power unit rules will change the game in 2026, so the work F1 teams do this winter is more important than ever. Williams Team Principal James Vowles and F1 Correspondent and Presenter Lawrence Barretto join Christian Hewgill to explain all. Lawrence tells us why the teams have less time than in previous winters to be ready for the new season, starting with the first of three pre-season tests in January. James explains the work taking place at F1 team factories, and why 2026 is such a big change. Get your question answered on the podcast If you have a question for F1 Explains email F1Explains@F1.com Listen to more official F1 podcasts In-depth interviews with the stars of Formula 1 on F1 Beyond The Grid Expert insight before and after every Grand Prix on F1 Nation

People in this episode

Host: Christian Hewgill

Guests: James Vowles, Lawrence Barretto

Topics covered

  • F1 winter preparations
  • car design
  • power unit rules
  • team factories
  • pre-season testing

Keywords

  • F1
  • winter
  • James Vowles
  • Lawrence Barretto
  • car design
  • power unit rules
  • pre-season tests
  • team factories

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Formula 1

Places: Abu Dhabi, Australia

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