So we’re on a break from F1. I thought this would be a great time to recap my thoughts about the new regulations. Or is this just DRS all over again?
These new regulations have most definitely changed the way drivers approach the sport, and while that’s not always a bad thing, I have to agree with the overwhelming majority that the current format is not working. During testing, when I saw only a few cars successfully get off the grid during practice starts, I could not help but think this was a bad omen for the year ahead.
With that niggling feeling and the drivers expressing their dislike of the cars, we all continued towards Melbourne. I, like many, hoped that these teething problems had been solved and that the racing would be amazing, with everyone perhaps just sandbagging. Sadly, that was not the case. I will admit I watched the replay, well through closed eyes, the first race I have ever fallen asleep watching, and it certainly did not live up to the expectations placed on the sport.
As a McLaren fan, I was heartbroken to hear that Oscar had crashed out before the race had started at his home Grand Prix. I do not have a favourite between Lando and Oscar, but I would like to see each driver win their own home race. Sorry Lando, it is Oscar’s turn to win. But that did not happen. After about 20 laps, I found myself drifting off. It seemed Mercedes had the speed, and while Ferrari were able to overtake on merit, you knew that Mercedes would simply use their deployment to overtake and lead again.
The gaps between the rest of the grid seemed bigger than last year, almost turning the race into a parade. I also hate seeing cars break down, and with so many cars having to retire due to technical issues at the beginning of a new year and new regulations, it seems so unfair, especially to the drivers.
So Melbourne was complete, and I think judging on just one race is unfair. Let’s see what happens in the next. On to the next race, surely things would get better. Nope. Double DNS for McLaren. God, this is going to be a long year. Mind you, it could be worse; I am sorry, Aston Martin fans. Max out with an engine issue, Aston retiring both cars, and a new race winner crowned. It was nice to see Kimi crowned and to witness the love and support from his family.
The race itself seemed to fall into the same trap as the previous one: slow and predictable. I am not saying this as a bitter McLaren fan, as I like to see good racing from everyone. It would be boring to assume I want easy wins. Mind you, I think that, at the very least, starting a race would be a good start. I enjoy seeing amazing overtakes based on skill and not just who has what battery left to use.
And then the third and final race of this early stretch, Japan. I love Japan for many reasons. First, it is an old-school track, one of those I hope never leaves the calendar. It normally produces great racing for all and tests a driver’s skills in unique ways. Secondly, I love the fans. They go all out with the outfits they wear. It is one of those races where you can play spot the funky hat or judge who has the best costume. We also saw Kimi win his second race taking him to the top of the table. Pretty impressive being the first teenager to lead a world championship.
But this year’s race did not deliver. Overtaking felt artificial and predictable. If the car behind has more battery to deploy, the car in front simply becomes a sitting duck. And, of course, the biggest news from the Grand Prix: Ollie Bearman’s crash. Seeing him struggle to limp up the slope with the help of the marshals is not something I enjoy as a fan.
That crash was a massive 50G impact and clearly caused pain to the young driver. Don’t get me wrong, it is a testament to the improvements in safety and car design that he was able to get out of the car. I also think the larger run-off area definitely helped in this particular incident, but I agree with Carlos Sainz that this would be a different story on tracks such as Monaco, Baku, or Las Vegas. The speed difference between Bearman and Collipinto was a whopping 45 km/h, a difference we have not seen in F1 before. This can be attributed to the new energy harvesting and deployment of the hybrid engines, which is a dangerous situation for all drivers.
With the conflict in the Middle East between Israel, the United States, and Iran, the next two races have been cancelled. Rightfully so. This gives the FIA nearly five weeks to review the new regulations and try to make the sport more enjoyable for both fans and drivers, and actually listen to the drivers in order to make it safer and more authentic. I want to see battles and exciting, dynamic racing, not obvious and inevitable moves. Most of all, I do not want to see drivers unable to start a race or retiring due to technical issues. That is not racing. Sure, it might make great drama for Drive to Survive, but it is not good for the sport. F1 is meant to be the pinnacle of motor racing, the highest-level race series in the world, but right now it is certainly not giving that impression.
What are your thoughts on the new regulations? Let us know in the comments below.
Sincerely,
Catherine
Add comment
Comments