Formula One is the pinnacle of motorsport, exhilarating action, jeopardy and impressive racing that excites the fans – except on the frequent occasions it isn’t.
Many believe F1 to be a very processional sport with no real action and just ‘cars going around in circles’. I do disagree with this oversimplification however the 2023 season has so far done little to go against this view.
In the second season of the new technical regulations to improve overtaking, we have long DRS trains, drivers getting stuck behind slower cars are many dull races so far.
In 2023, we have had a Red Bull winning every race and the same few drivers on each podium with the only variable and source of excitement being how big a lead they can build up as they easily pass the rest of the field.
Of course we should commend their excellent engineering achievement and how they have maximised the potential of the rule change but there’s a difference between domination and having no competition to the point where even the other teams think they’re in a league of their own.
We have had this situation before which was supposed to be resolved to some extent by the cost cap and aerodynamic testing restrictions however we still have the same teams at the back and the front with the only team making actual inroads is Aston Martin backed by an über-rich owner in the form of Lawrence Stroll.
As the racing isn’t providing the action needed to satisfy Liberty Media, they are attempting to reinvigorate the sport (supposedly for the benefit of the Americans) through events, more races and pointless gimmicks like the dismal driver announcements in Miami.
The drivers in F1 are now celebrities and personalities in themselves which is great but they are athletes first and foremost which does not mean they should be reduced to performing seals just to suit the needs of a sponsor and aggressive promoter.
The excessive commercialisation of F1 is also posing problems to the real fans who are being priced out of the sport they love. Swathes of people have now become F1 fans and the stands are now filled with people who have paid extortionate sums to see a sport they know little about (seeing it as popular) leaving the true, loyal fans behind.
Of course, Liberty Media is a business and need to make money but their relentless pursuit of profiteering from F1 is making it a worse experience for the fans who are watching a sport which is deteriorating in quality.
This poses the question of how to fix F1 and to be honest, I have no idea. Red Bull’s technical achievements have contributed to the slightly more dull racing which they cannot be penalised for and the new tracks pay humongous fees so can’t be ditched either.
As for the fans, we currently have the best solution that covers everyone’s costs. We could lower ticket prices but that would mean the circuits get less revenue and there’d also be more demand meaning even more F1 fans would be disappointed.
F1 is in a quagmire but with no clear way of getting out.
Do comment your thoughts below.
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