F1 is fine to a degree, but like you, I get tired of the nosebleed egos and the constant clashes between drivers and teams. I have very little actual F1 history to pull from but what it was in the past seemed much better to me in terms of the actual racing and the drivers than it does today. The cars were much more awesome too in so many ways - real machines with a life of their own. There seems to be a lot of spoiled participants and predictable racing - much seems stiff. Maybe I'm all wrong - I do like much about F1 and I keep an open mind.Bill in Bama wrote: Mon Mar 06, 2023 8:20 am Like many of you, I suspect, I first got interested in F1 from reading Henry Manuel's reports in R&T magazine( OK, you OLD Carpokeans). The last few years, not so much, it's usually a parade with little excitement, most of the drivers are egòtists of the first order, and the rules are stupid. But it's interesting to see that Hamilton isn't the wunderkind everyone thought if he doesn't have the very best ride.
I agree but what I don't understand is the worldwide explosion of F1 fan and media interest and the massive revenue growth, growth that continues to grow wildly. Did "Drive to Survive" do all of that? Maybe in the U.S. to a degree but certainly not elsewhere.Nofrills996 wrote: Thu Mar 23, 2023 8:03 am Totally agree with Bill from Bama. F1 over-regulated to the point of absurdity. I remember when a) there were fuel stops, b) you used whatever tires you wanted, c) funky wings/exhausts provided good/bad results from race to race. Fun to watch, and the element of unknown events that could snatch victory from the jaws of defeat (or vice versa). F1 today is like watching paint dry.
As far as the fans attending, you're absolutely correct, especially in the U.S. To your point, F1 is a new, prestigious toy.Nofrills996 wrote: Thu Mar 23, 2023 11:41 am Good points, but I wonder what “fan” is attending?
Scheduling of multi-day glamour events outside the race, plus the opportunity to see and be seen with celebrities is a $$$$$$ magnet for anyone who may or may not actually care much about nuances of F1 competition or the actual race. But I wonder what proportion of crowds are serious fans of F1 (I.e. who know the drivers, teams, and tracks) as opposed to the former?
As a serious fan of F1, I’m disappointed with the resulting product (the race); but F1 has assembled a brilliant entertainment package for lots of people who are paying the bills! They apparently think they’re getting their money’s worth, and should not be required to watch races throughout the season.
Gotta love autocorrect. Henry Manney. Great writer.Bill in Bama wrote: Mon Mar 06, 2023 8:20 am Like many of you, I suspect, I first got interested in F1 from reading Henry Manuel's reports in R&T magazine( OK, you OLD Carpokeans). The last few years, not so much, it's usually a parade with little excitement, most of the drivers are egòtists of the first order, and the rules are stupid. But it's interesting to see that Hamilton isn't the wunderkind everyone thought if he doesn't have the very best ride.