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Why Formula One must keep evolving

F1 must evolve (GEPA Pictures/Red Bull Content Pool).
Roar Guru
21st November, 2017
7

Evolution is a fundamental aspect of human development. Without it, humanity would never have come to stand where it does in this age driven by hyper-progression in technology.

Similarly, Formula One is an entity that is driven by evolution. From the large engines, bulky blocks with bicycle-esqe wheels to the aerodynamically terrifying, hybrid-powered jet fighters of today, the pinnacle of four-wheeled motorsport has evolved significantly over the last 50-odd years.

Once again, however, the sport finds itself in a situation where its fundamentals are being questioned – but is this a case of questioning what is an illustrious series bustling or rather questioning the reluctance of certain stakeholders’ views on change?

Following the announcement of the initial framework for Formula One’s 2021 engine regulations there was an inevitable backlash from manufacturers, pundits and fans alike. Despite the belief that the development of a cheaper power unit with standardised components and the removal of the complex MGU-H would have been the direction all existing parties would agree on, it has instead been the complete opposite.

Mercedes and Renault all fear that commercial rights holder Liberty Media and governing body the FIA’s intention to close the gap in performance with this revised power unit will backfire and instead “open an arms race again, and open up the field,” as summarised by Renault chief Cyril Abiteboul for Autosport.

Ferrari, the marque that is supposedly synonymous with Formula One, has lashed out stating that it “doesn’t want to play NASCAR globally,” in a war of words between president Sergio Marchionne and Liberty Media boss Chase Carey.

“We don’t plan to be NASCAR either. You need competition, you need the unknown, you need great finishes, you need great dramas – we’ve got to create that,” was Carey’s response to Marchionne.

(GEPA Pictures/Red Bull Content Pool).

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Liberty’s vision for Formula One is nothing short of encouraging considering the dictatorial regime that the sport has now been liberated from almost ran it into the ground.

From how it proposes to create 20-plus ‘Super Bowls’ at every event and broaden global engagement via streaming services to its grand ambition to level the playing field, Liberty on the whole seem to be sending the right message.

It’d be wrong to say that the Prancing Horse has had no opportunity to once again stand atop of Formula One. Since their last championship success in 2007 there have been three significant regulation changes and three chances to one-up the competition.

Yet the scarlet red Scuderia have been left red in the face, with 2017 the latest campaign to add to their list of defeats when they had the capability to win.

For an organisation that demands a substantial handout to even be present on the grid, they’ve had little success to back up that claim in recent times. Yet the notion remains that the sport is beholden to them.

A clean slate is what is feared by most, though it is necessary to ensure that Formula One continues to evolve. If it comes at the cost of Ferrari’s involvement, would that be such a sad thing? Especially if it meant that a host of new manufacturers arrived following the changes in 2021.

(Image: AMG Petronas Motorsport).

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The worst outcome for the likes of Ferrari and Renault would be the current predicament they find themselves in, but there is plenty to gain from working towards the turn of the decade, as the Silver Arrows did in preparation for 2014.

Why not relish a battleground upon which the incumbents can face the likes of Aston Martin, Porsche or Lamborghini for manufacturer supremacy should they be enticed to become involved beyond 2021?

Lest it be forgotten that what has been proposed on the power unit front has the potential of bringing forth the independent teams such as Williams and Force India. The desirable outcome would be to see these outfits as competitive as the satellite squads in MotoGP; whom can on occasion can be fast enough to win races.

Regardless of the desire to evolve, there are those in Formula One who wish to continue milking the past as opposed to embracing what lies ahead in a world where smartphones, Netflix and being eco-friendly are the dominant tropes.

Formula One, in the end, should be driven by innovating technology that will eventually filter down to everyday road cars and by 20 of the best athletes in the world competing at high speeds in intense wheel-to-wheel combat.

Inevitably the finite commodity of money will restrict certain facets of its growth, though it will just be another challenge that Formula One must overcome to prove that it is indeed the pinnacle of world motorsport.

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