BEVERLY HILLS, February 23, (THEWILL) – There has been an upswell in the voices raised against an uneven playing field in the the highest class of international auto racing for single-seater racing cars, the Formula one (F1). Most of the competition has pointed at Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 racing team as being in the advantage, which has resulted in their many podium triumphs.
The project to have F1 introduce a new era of racing has been ongoing for some time and is now scheduled to commence in 2022 with cars aimed at promoting more overtaking opportunities due to a decrease in the turbulent air for one car following another.
Recently, the Chief Executive Officer of Formula 1, Stefano Domenicali confirmed his belief that cycles of domination will always be rife in the sport when he expressed his hope that, at least, next season’s regulations overhaul will bring a more even playing field to the circuit and produce tighter racing across board.
The Italian, who took over from the Irish-born American Chase Carey in January, was quick to acknowledge the harmful effects long periods of dominance can have on the sport’s attempt to grow its audience, but is hopeful the new rules will help drivers to become the star attractions with all the benefits that can accrue to racing as a result.
The 55-year-old former CEO of Italian sports car manufacturer Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. said: “Formula 1 has always been with cycles, with victories for teams or drivers. It is true that the longer this cycle, the less attractive it is for a lot of people.
“But there has been a lot of work done around the new regulations, and I don’t want to take any credit for that because I was not involved.
He expressed the hope of many racing fans: “But there was a clear objective the new regulations would enable the competition to be tight and give the chance for the drivers to be more of a differentiating factor than you may see today with the cars that are very impressive in terms of performance.”
The lopsidedness of what currently operates is too obvious to disguise. Under the current turbo-hybrid era since 2014, Mercedes has won every drivers’ and constructors’ title available, with the power unit a major factor in its dominance. It cannot be a coincidence.
Whilst optimism is high the new cars next season will assist in reeling in Mercedes, Domenicali feels the sport must prevent a repeat scenario.
“I think what is important to do is that, if a team [is dominating], and when it is clear that the regulations are evolving, then we need to avoid it happening again.
“I think that from the [new] simulations, we will have a clearer understanding from what has [already been] simulated.
“This is an important phase where we have to be very close together because the target is critical for everyone.”
From 2008 to 2014, Domenicali was the team principal of the Scuderia Ferrari Formula One team and under his leadership Ferrari won their last Formula One World Championship to date. His appointment to the F1 CEO position was greeted by enthusiastic cheer across the racing circuit for his forthrightness and administrative qualities.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
