Well, the first ever Saudi Arabian GP was…..interesting. Messy is probably the correct word. Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton have come to blows at multiple times this season, they find themselves level on points as they approach a mouth watering finale in Abu Dhabi.
The levels of controversy has not been short in Formula 1 this season, it rarely is, but it seems to have gone beyond existential levels.
Valentino Rossi donned a ‘Sun and Moon’ on his helmet and racing leathers to represent the two sides of his personality on and off the bike. The same applies to racing drivers, obviously. You can argue, this is almost a perfect depiction of Verstappen. Normal and jokey outside of the car, but in the car he is able to become a complete animal. However, his driving in Jeddah has seemed to frustrate many.
Of course, this added more fuel to the fire with the title fight. It got dirty quite some time ago, but this race came across more sinister.
Plenty of energy from the ones involved in the sport have said their pieces on the matters, and not a lot more needs to be spent. Formula 1 is a pressure cooker – end of. The stewarding in Formula 1 is the biggest problem, not the drivers. The ones in the car, especially Verstappen, is pushing the limits from the precedents set by the stewards and the FIA in the last couple of seasons. The inconsistencies in decisions leads to multiple talking points with the on track actions.
The moment it turned soar in Jeddah was the now famous clash between the two title challengers on lap 37. After Verstappen’s adventure over the run off, he had been asked to allow Hamilton past at a request of the stewards, whilst Mercedes and Hamilton had not yet been told. There’s a simple reason why this was such a mess. In a strategic way, Verstappen slowed to let Hamilton through before the DRS detection point. Hamilton seemed to catch onto that, and the two began playing an aggressive game with each other. However, they both seemed to change their minds on what to do at similar times, causing the clash. It was a farce. They both caught on to what the other was doing, but the Dutchman then slowing down at a sudden and more aggressive rate was frowned upon and did not help matters. However, that farcical incident has blame on both drivers which happened due to a big misunderstanding – which is slightly condescending.
There were so many things wrong with the race, and the rules itself. Nobody knows them it seems. Another thing that does not help is the communication between the ones implementing the rules and the teams. Teams need the law setters to be firm, not negotiate and tip toe around situations. It has got to a point where teams have to be intimidated when they have a radio call from the ones upstairs. But, they’re not. Look at the way the teams talk to Michael Masi on the radio, it appears to be that the teams feel that the louder they speak, the higher chance of their needs being granted.
Football and Formula 1 have little similarities, but footballers have to treat the referee with respect, otherwise they get a yellow card. The same needs to apply to Formula 1, but it is not.
The whole weekend was a mess when it came to stewarding, yet mistakes have happened on plenty of occasions in recent times. Without a doubt, the FIA lost control of the race. Decisions need to be more consistent and quicker, especially when it comes to safety car decisions – but the question can be asked if the red flag is needed as frequently.
The radio messages from the teams to the FIA should not be aired, full stop. Sure, many find it entertaining. But, referring to a Villeneuve quote you will read shortly, Formula 1 is too ‘Hollywood’. It is a similar situation to when the drivers briefings were filmed and uploaded; at least for a couple of races. Although interesting, certain drivers would speak out more because they knew a camera was on them. The same will happen with these radio messages.
Now the Villeneuve reference. Jacques Villeneuve is one who knows what it is like to be on the receiving end on another driver trying to take them out to win the title, and Villeneuve as recently gone to say that Formula 1 is becoming too much like ‘Hollywood’ and is less about the principles of racing. Which, is a valid point.
Now there is a large discussion across the vile place that is Formula 1 social media that Verstappen could take Hamilton out purposely to achieve the title, in a similar vain to Ayrton Senna’s antics against Alain Prost in the 1990 season finale race in Suzuka. A very famous incident. One of the most controversial moments in F1, if not the most.
Anyway, drivers are happy to stretch the line of what is sporting when it comes to crucial situations. Look at Hamilton at Abu Dhabi in 2016. But, it is hard to imagine Verstappen to take that choice in taking Hamilton out to achieve the biggest success. Both drivers and teams have said at multiple times across the year that they want to win it on track. They do not care about that, they are more then happy to win it in the stewards room if it means they win.
A deliberate incident at the final round would soar many things, including the reputation of Verstappen. He does not need to do that, and he’ll know that. Of course, it is more advantageous for him if both drivers fail to score. But, it is hard to see him stoop to that level. If the cars are even on speed, which could be tough for Red Bull, their racing won’t change. Verstappen will take his usual risks, but he himself will want to show he knows how to win. He does not need to cause an incident.
But, people love drama. Both drivers have taken the role of villain at time this season, which is perfectly normal in a title fight as intense this season. A problem is the effect of social media.
The social media side to the sport is a problem. It has become fanbases just launching attacks at others, and even the ones who report on the sport. And the drivers are at the focus of most attacks, which is wrong. Yes, have an opinion. No, don’t force the said opinion down someone else’s throat. And no, not that many people care about said opinion. The phrase ‘Grow Up’ seems to come to mind.
Contrary to many of the mindsets of the viewers now, crashes aren’t the type of entertaining that many think it is. Formula 1 is the pinnacle of racing, not crashing. It is supposed to be the series with the best racing drivers in the world taking part. Race, although that can be difficult in this era of cars. So, fantastic job there….
The Motorsport Formula 