Episode 43 - Elizabeth Blackstock
Season three kicks off with a bang as we align with the opening round of the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship at the Australian Grand Prix. This isn't just a new season; it’s the dawn of a revolutionary era. We break down the massive shifts in the sport, from the debut of manufacturers Audi and Cadillac to the radical technical overhaul of the cars. With a move toward kinetic energy recovery, reduced dimensions, and the introduction of active aerodynamics to replace the unloved DRS system, F1 is leaner and meaner than ever. With the sport’s popularity exploding in the U.S. through Apple TV and the recent F1 feature film, we explore how the grid is transforming to meet this unprecedented global demand.
Joining us to navigate these changes is Texas-based journalist and motorsport expert Elizabeth Blackstock. From her Michigan roots to her roles at Planet F1, Road & Track, and Donut, Elizabeth has become a definitive voice in American racing media. We discuss her journey from being inspired by the film Rush to co-authoring the definitive book on the infamous Haas/Rich Energy saga. Elizabeth also pulls back the curtain on her hit podcast, Deadly Passions, Terrible Joys, which explores the darker, historical underbelly of the sport. Stay tuned until the end, as Elizabeth shares a "Dream Garage" that is as unique and high-octane as her career in the paddock.Follow Elizabeth on Instagram, X and BlueskyFollow Deadly Passions, Terrible Joys on Instagram, Substack and TikTokElizabeth Blackstock Website: https://elizabeth-blackstock.com/Deadly Passions, Terrible Joys Website: https://www.deadlypassionsterriblejoys.com/Listen to Deadly Passions, Terrible Joys on SpotifyThe Motor Dream Podcast Website: https://www.themotordream.com.auThe Motor Dream Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMotorDreamThe Motor Dream Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheMotorDream#TheMotorDream