Michael Schumacher at the 2010 Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park
The past two weeks have illustrated the fundamental frustrations and problems that are slowly leading to the decline of Formula One. Firstly, there was the insult that was the Ferrari 1-2 at the German Grand Prix.
Secondly, there was the truly dangerous and farcical driving of the seven time world champion Micheal Shumacher. And thirdly, there is the owner and governing body, who appear to have either no control or no interest in changing the culture of Formula One.
The farcical nature of the 1-2 finish at the Germen Grand Prix was not, in fact, the way it finished, but the way it was punished. A $110,000 fine from an organisation whose head was also the former head of the Ferrari operation is a disgrace.
What makes it mystifying is the fact that the FIA council found the team guilty of breaking the rules, but for some reason couldn’t disqualify the team from the result.
Then there is the never-ending issue of the driving habits of Micheal Schumacher.
The driving that was on display was truly horrendous. How, at over 200km an hour, a seasoned driver can decide that it is safe to push another driver over until he almost collects a wall is mystifying.
What is further mystifying is that the culprit seems to have escaped serious sanction and was even defending his move as a sensible racing decision.
It’s true that Formula One is now no longer about the competition but about the economic benefits to the economy’s that host this farcical racing series.
So how long for Formula One? Only Bernie Eccelstone knows the answer to that.
What?
Guest
F1 has always had arranged situations within teams. That is part of motor sport and part of the intrigue. In anycase, it doesn't matter a bit what Australians think about the sport. They are desperate to get it elsewhere. We matter very little in the greater scheme of things. South Africa is chasing the race, Russia wants it desperately, USA is getting it back, it goes on and on. If you don't get it, F1 simply doesn't give a damn. Millions of others do.
Colin N
Guest
That's as ridiculous as the article.
UPGRAYEDD
Guest
What race was it in the late nineties that Mika Hakkinen won after both his teammate and the two Williams drivers were ordered to let him past in the closing stages? I don't recall any Anglo/British autosports fans throwing these kinds of temper tantrums. Nor was it mentioned in an article I read on the Daily Mail's website (a British publication) in which the author made a list of scandals in recent F1 history, the earliest of which mentioned was the Benetton fuel-rig controversy of the '94 season. Also conveniently forgotten was the McLaren/Ferrari industrial espionage scandal of '07, dubbed "Spy-gate", as well as "Lie-gate", in which the McLaren tean advised Lewis Hamilton to lie the the race stewards after the Australian GP about passing another car under a full-course caution. This occurred while McLaren were still on probation for Spy-gate. It seems to me that British sports fans and journalists display an utterly remarkable bias in their viewing/coverage of international sports and their opinions should be roundly disregarded. And now it seems that this bias attitude is spreading to the colonies as well.
Shane Moore
Roar Rookie
"It’s true that Formula One is now no longer about the competition but about the economic benefits to the economy’s that host this farcical racing series." What an absurd comment to make. Try telling the drivers that they're racing for nothing but the economic benefit of others. Although we've been very lucky with serious injuries and deaths for the last fifteen years or so, make no mistake that these guys risk their lives every weekend, whether it's for victory, a single point, or just to finish ahead of your team mate for 21st place instead of 22nd. What about the mechanics who work until 1am every grand prix weekend - or all nighters if the driver has binned the car? Do you think they're working their arses off just to make Bernie and CVC a little richer? Not a chance. There is only one reason why the drivers and mechanics do what they do - competition. Whether it's one manufacturer beating another, one driver beating another, or one pit crew beating another, it's all about competition. Competition is what F1 always has been about, and what it will continue to be about. Long live grand prix racing.
Still_Waters_43
Guest
"Only Bernie knows"? as he sits in his ivory tower (i.e gilded ivory tower) he has neither a clue nor a worry. As to the "Team Ordersgate" whats the big deal? in the old days it was an honor to give up a spot for a teammate. In some cases they give their car to another teammate so they could finish better. And frankly so what? real fans dont care about this. Lunatic driving! suspend them for a race, that will stop that in a hurry (but that would take cahonies would'nt it?) LOL
Nick
Guest
...And to think, you've only touched the surface.
Douche Bag Hater
Guest
Why do people write this article, when everyone knows that F1 will continue strong. A true F1 fan knows that these kind of issues have been part of F1 for a long time, and they will continue with F1.
Colin N
Guest
One has to laugh.