I hardly wrote on this blog this year.
What’s the point? Where is the intrigue?
Some drivers might not love other drivers. Losing teams and their staff have a few things to moan about.
I’ve been a big fan of Lewis Hamilton since 2007. But I still found this season boring.
He’s the best driver (according to F1 ex-drivers, commentators, experts), and he’s obviously in the best car.
The only way he won’t win is due to bad luck in the car.
So what changes are needed to make F1 more interesting?
- There must be less emphasis on the cars
Obviously this is difficult. The teams want to guarantee (as much as is possible) a return on their investment. But just like salary caps in sport, there must be a cap on the skill of engineers using the funds.
The rules must be restrictive in terms of aerodynamics and engine difference. The cars must be brought closer in line.
2. Cheaper Tickets
The tickets are too expensive. Crowds are low at several races because not many people want to pay that much for a weekend watching sport.
3. That’s it
Oh. Yes, this isn’t a list of 10 things for the sake of it.
The point is addressing how to maintain a ‘pinnacle’ sport, maintain interest from teams, AND make it possible for more than only one team per year (or two at a stretch) have a chance of winning.
Ferrari and Schumacher had the financial advantage for years. Then it mixed up a little, before Newey’s aero genius and then Mercedes engine power have given us just the same thing: less of a spectacle. Less intrigue. Less fun and less excitement.
One other factor is key: the tyres. They need to be less of a factor, because drivers must be able to push hard for the whole race.
Yet that is one smaller issue.
The car rules simply have to be tighter. Teams will have to ‘prove’ that they are smarter. Better at recruiting drivers.
Restrictions on cars will mean that it won’t be necessary to have pay drivers.
The ‘big teams’ can leave in a sulk if they think they must have the right to buy success in F1.
Other teams will enter if the costs are reasonable.
Other car manufacturers will want the massive exposure if they think they have the skills to enter at affordable costs and show their engineering and HR/management skill to win without only buying it.
The fans must feel that it is the human element, the human interest story of a driver’s skill that can win the race.
F1 addicted 