F1 EXPLAINS: How F1 teams avoid DNFs – with Sauber Reliability Engineer Laura Villadelprat

For F1 drivers to have any chance of scoring points, podiums or championships, first they must make it to the chequered flag, making reliability a crucial factor that determines success in the sport.

In the latest episode of F1 Explains, hosts Katie Osborne and Christian Hewgill are joined by Sauber Reliability Engineer Laura Villadelprat to dissect exactly how teams up and down the grid work to avoid the dreaded DNFs – standing for 'Did Not Finish'.

F1 EXPLAINS: What it’s like to switch between F1 and IndyCar – with McLaren racer Pato O’Ward

Dividing her time between the garage and the factory, Laura explains how teams decide when old car parts need to be swapped out for new ones, as well as how they monitor reliability in real time while the cars are out on track.

She also goes into detail about the precise steps they take to investigate exactly what caused a race retirement so that the problem can be avoided at future Grand Prix weekends.

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F1 Explains is the official podcast which answers your questions about the sport. If there's anything you're curious about, you can send your question to F1Explains@F1.com.

PRACTICE DEBRIEF: Why McLaren are in the box seat for constructors’ glory after strong Friday in Abu Dhabi

Episodes are released every Friday during the F1 season and are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all other podcast apps.

To listen to this week's full episode, hit go on the audio player above – or click here to listen on your preferred podcasting platform.