The 2014 Formula 1 season has been one of change. Everything from engines, to chassis, to entire teams have undergone massive transformations that have proven to be seismic in nature for the sport. Teams and drivers that had long stood atop the podiums have found themselves struggling in a quagmire of frustration as everything from electrical systems to tires have caused problems and sidelined past champions without discrimination.
It is not only teams, however, who have been struggling with the changes enveloping the sport. Fans also seem to be having a hard time coming to terms with the rules and regulations that threaten to strangle the innovative spirit that has long since marked F1 as the ultimate in racing. With the announcement that Formula 1 icon Adrian Newey would be retiring amidst frustration for the increasing level of regulation the sport is encountering, fans are feeling the exasperation as much as anyone, a fact evident by a decline in viewership over the last several seasons.
The increase in regulations, which some have argued have closed the gap in competition, has also created a situation in which innovation, at least from the spectators point of view, is suffering. For spectators, who are after all the ones who buy the tickets, it may seem as if the engine builders are the ones driving the series now, with no regard for individual creation or composition of the cars. Even the regulations regarding tires and fuel have become so complex and convoluted that announcers review them before the start of almost every race.
The impact of the rules and regulations have been startling on the cars. Kevin Magnussen was asked how he felt he would go around the Hungaroring seeing he had lots of laps there in lower formulae. “Not bad” said he, “but probably not as fast. The Formula 3.5 cars are faster around here than a 2014 F1 car.” Between the lack of speed and the lack of sound (one of the biggest complaints amid drivers and fans alike is the new sound that lacks the once familiar high pitched sound of the former engines), the rumblings of discontent are not ignorable.
What then can be done to usher in a new era of racing for Formula 1 and return the series to its innovative roots? Perhaps the answer is easier than one may think. A simplification of rules may be the salvation of Formula 1. Removing the rules that inhibit design and equalize the playing field will allow true talent, and indeed true racing, to emerge. Drivers, teams, and fans will be able to take part in races that are driven by the capability of the team, not their ability to follow rules. Racing will no longer be about the spectacle but about the race and that, after all, is what real race fans are there to see-a good, clean, hard driven, race. By simplifying the rules and allowing teams to truly race, the FIA will find the salvation of the sport.
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