Will McLaren's secret weakness end its winning run?

Will McLaren's secret weakness end its winning run?

Author: Motor Sport August 27, 2026 Duration: 56:21

Mark Hughes has found the piece of the jigsaw that explains McLaren's stunning Zandvoort form - and it isn't just the upgrades. 


Breaking down why Lando Norris's car was three tenths quicker through the high-speed sector but three tenths slower on the straights, Mark reveals the gearing trade-off baked into McLaren's concept since day one, and why it could leave the team badly exposed at Monza, where the Mercedes and Ferrari are geared to run all the way to 190mph before the fuel flow starts throttling back. 


Mark and Bryn Lucas discuss whether this is enough to put Norris back in a genuine title fight, or whether it's simply the right car turning up at the right circuits twice in a row. 


They also unpack Ferrari's clumsy team orders call that may have cost Lewis Hamilton a podium, why Mercedes' Toto Wolff says the development budget has run dry, and the reasoning behind Red Bull's surprise decision to hand Liam Lawson - not Yuki Tsunoda - the seat vacated by an injured Hadjar.


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Each week, the Motor Sport F1 Show with Mark Hughes cuts through the noise of the Formula 1 paddock. Hosted by Bryn Lucas and featuring the unparalleled insight of grand prix editor Mark Hughes, this podcast offers a clear-eyed analysis of what truly defines the sport’s relentless narrative. The conversation moves beyond mere headlines and podium finishes to examine the technical innovations, strategic gambles, and human stories that decide races. Regular guests join the discussion, providing depth to the latest events and previewing the critical topics on the horizon. It’s a dialogue for those who appreciate that F1 is as much about engineering genius and political maneuvering as it is about pure speed. This Motor Sport production delivers authoritative context, whether breaking down a controversial ruling, a rival team’s sudden performance leap, or the long-term implications of a new regulation. For listeners seeking a sophisticated and nuanced take, this show serves as an essential weekly debrief. The feed also features other series from Motor Sport, with contributions from iconic figures in the racing world, making it a comprehensive hub for motorsport audio. Tune in for a consistently detailed and engaging perspective on the world’s fastest competition.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Motor Sport F1 Show with Mark Hughes
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