Opinion: Should F1 Scrap Practice?

Ah, yes. That same old debate surrounding practice sessions is back and it looks as if F1 bosses have some "profitable" plans lined up for the future race weekend format.

With the ever increasing popularity of the sport, F1 CEO; Stefano Domenicali, believes that all three practice sessions need to be made more engaging for the fans. That, or should be scrapped altogether as fans supposedly, "don't like them." Either way, could changes be on the way?

For some time now money seems to be the main focus for F1 and it's more than likely the reason behind the proposed practice session changes. Practice usually takes place during two sessions on a Friday and a session on the Saturday morning. However, ticket sales are not as popular for these days compared to race day and what Domenicali see's is that with increased action and fan engagement on what would be practice days, tickets may be more likely to sell thus resulting in a profitable profit.

What we need to remember though is that racing drivers, in any motorsport category, are very limited in the amount of practice they get before each race. Is it totally wise that practice gets shunned completely? Try telling a gymnast, for example, that they only have access to their equipment every other weekend? It's pretty much the same.

However, many current F1 drivers seem to like the idea of less practice sessions. Williams driver; Logan Sargaent, deemed three practice sessions "unnecessary" whereas current Red Bull reserve driver; Daniel Ricciardo says "I'd prefer no practices." So, are the practice sessions not as important as they seem?

Quite possibly. Let's look at the Saturday sprint race. It was introduced at a select few races in 2021, which carried on into 2022 and now 2023. With one practice session dropped and a "sprint" race added, which would build the grid for the main race the following day, there's been very little

effect on driver performance on the Sunday - race day. This pretty much backs the opinions of the drivers that three practice sessions are just too many.

But what are my thoughts, exactly?

Well, to begin with dropping every practice session may not be the best idea. The point of it is that gives the driver time to learn. Learn the car, learn the setup, learn the track. Without it, things may get crazy but I suppose that is what Domenicali is looking for - the entertainment value.

On the other hand, three sessions are a bit extreme. Although practice makes perfect, the thought of going into a race in the unknown is kind of fun. It's a challenge for drivers and teams alike. I may have just completely contradicted myself. Nevertheless, one practice session is sufficient enough, in my opinion. And, as for fans, I don't think they mind practice. I like it, anyway.

However, F1 needs to calm it down a bit on the "money" side. I won't go into that too much now but they can't keep changing things to heighten the entertainment value and make a profit. Despite the sports new found popularity, it is, in some way, killing the sport. And, unfortunately, scrapping every practice session may just add to that. I'm sure I'll write an article on that someday. But, what's your opinion on practice? Should it stay or should it go?

The History of Street Circuits in Motorsport and Why They Are As Popular As Ever

Street circuits have been around in the world of motorsport since the early 1900's and some of them, such as Monaco and Le Mans (is part street circuit), have become so infamous that any Tom, Dick or Harry could associate it with racing. However, avid motorsport fans may have noticed that in recent years these particular motor racing circuits are becoming ever more popular. Take Formula One, for example. In the inaugural 1950 season of the World Championship there was 1 street circuit; Monaco. In 2023 there are 8. The most there has ever been in a single F1 season. But, before I delve into why there is a much a higher number of street circuits, I'd thought I'd take a look at the history of them as way to teach myself more about them because, if I'm being honest, I'm one of those motorsport fans that has quite a dislike for them.

History on street circuits seems to be quite sparse when researching online, with the earliest recorded races being from the 1920's. However, one of the first and most infamous places to hold a motor race on a street circuit was in Monaco. The idea came from Antony Noghés, the president of the Monegasque Motor Club with the support of Prince Louis II of Monaco. The inaugural race took place in 1929 with a field of 16 drivers who got to take part by invitation only. The race lasted for 100 laps and was a relative success with only one crash and a handful of retirements due to mechanical failures. 9 drivers eventually crossed the finish line. To this day, Monaco still appears on the calendar of many motorsport series. From Formula One to Formula E to Karting. It's the one that everyone wants to win. And, since then many other cities have followed in their lead in creating street circuits of their own.

But, what we need to remember is that motorsport is the type of sport that is constantly evolving and the increasing addition of street circuits is a prime example of how this is happening. But why exactly is this? Why are they becoming ever so popular?

A city's own infrastructure is a big factor in the creation of a street circuit with the connection of existing streets and roads to make a very unique track. With a combination of straights and turns, some of them tight and narrow, a driver's skill and ability are tested to the max. This can lead to some of the most entertaining racing that we, as fans, have seen. Some street circuits are even slowly becoming fan favourites. Take Azerbaijan, for example. The circuit made it's F1 debut in 2016 as the European Grand Prix before changing it's name to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix for the following year. The inaugural race isn't well remembered due to it's slow pace. But, the 2017 one was the polar opposite with high-end entertainment and on the edge racing. It's what fans are looking for.

Staying on the subject of "fans," street circuits are, at times, designed with them in mind. Holding the races in a metropolitan area is ideal for easy access and viewing and opens up the world of racing to a diverse range of people who may not experience it other wise. Are non-F1 fan city folk more likely to go to a race in their city and experience the atmosphere of a race? Most likely. It's the accessibility to old and new fans alike which are playing apart in attracting the sport to new cities.

And then, with fans comes money, a benefit, not just for the sport, but also for the city with tourist figures getting a major boost on race weekends. Hotels and restaurants are booked up and race merchandise is flying off the shelves. It's attractive, extravagant and the perfect money maker.

Let's take a look at Formula E. The series predominately holds it's races on street circuits. Of course, the main reason of this is because of the complex requirements a Formula E car needs. Put one on a traditional, old-school track and the mechanics become complex. But still, with good racing and fans at the centre of the action, the series is thriving and it's no surprise that other series are also heading in the same direction. Is the traditional race track slowly dying out?

However, as much as I love Formula E, besides cost, I can't fathom as to why the likes of Formula One need to drop the traditional circuit for "extravagant," over the top street circuits. After being brought up in a world where F1 only really raced on the old-school circuits (bar Monaco, but that can stay), it's new found love for street circuits is frustrating, despite some of the interesting races we get. Therefore, I decided to get some more insight into peoples love/hate relationships with this kind of circuit and held a poll on Twitter to see the ratio of people who like street circuits compared to those who don't. Surprisingly, the majority were in favour. Are racing series giving the fans what they want? I can't say I'm convinced.

However, as mentioned above, motorsport is constantly evolving, so is it time for us to accept this change and learn to love them? It's very plausible. The future of racing circuits looks to be heading in the direction of the inner city tracks and I fear that we will one day lose the historic tracks that we have come to love. F1 CEO, Stefano Domenicali said himself that“to be arrogant and believe that you have a granted race because you had a race for 100 years, to be very honest, is not enough.” I get his point and it ties in with the evolution factor but for long time fans like myself, it's a worrying time to see our sport evolve in ways that we believe will not benefit it in the long run. Until then, we wait and watch and enjoy the racing that we get to experience in the present day.

Opinion: Should Tyres Be Changed During A Red Flag

Ok, so I wrote a draft version of this article on a plane to San Francisco. I then rewrote it a few days later while waiting in the airport for a flight to New York City. I'm not sure if you need to know this information, but for context, if it doesn't make sense, I'm exhausted and over dramatic when it comes to suffering with jet lag so please don't turn it off because you don't know what the heck I'm going to say next.

So, red flags. Every red flag period during a race we find ourselves having the same discussion time and time again - "should teams really be allowed to change tyres during a red flag?"

Some fans will see no problem with this and other's may view it as an unfair advantage. Either way, it's a regulation, if you could call it that, that looks as if it here's to stay.

For any newbies to the sport, a red flag is shown when the race needs to be halted due to dangerous track conditions. This could be due to a crash, the weather or a technical fault amongst others. If you're interested, Wikipedia has a list of every red flag period in the history of F1.

In recent years, especially, a number of drivers have fallen victim to loosing out during a red flag. Remember the 2020 Italian Grand Prix? I'm sure Carlos Sainz does. He was driving for McLaren at the time when a late race red flag cost him his first victory in Formula One. However, for Pierre Gasly in his Alpha Tauri, the red flag was shown at the right time as he was yet to pit for new boots. Effectively, the red flag gave him a "free pit stop" - where he could change tyres without loosing position. Therefore, he continued to lead and won the race. For Sainz, however, without the red flag he would have won. And we all remember his now infamous quote from that race. "I want this win, Tom." But alas, the Spaniard had to settle for 2nd. Is that really fair?

When it comes to all forms of motorsport in can, at times, be luck of the draw. Is it fair that a driver can have a DNF through no fault of his or her's own? Of course not but it's motorsport and in some ways, this tyre regulation during a red flag is, in a way, the same scenario. It's just one of those things, right?

The obvious frustration drivers show when loosing out this way is understandable. And, for fans, seeing their favourite drivers drop down the order because of this is heartbreaking. There is no other way to describe it. However, in a more positive light, it can turn a boring race around. It can give motorsport fans what they want - an adrenaline packed motor race.

As a self proclaimed Sainz fan, I'm more than happy to admit that THAT Italian GP in 2020 was indeed frustrating and would have probably been at the front of a picket line in favour of abolishing this tyre reg. But, I don't think it needs abolishing. Maybe it's more in need of a review and a slight tweak. Should drivers still have to make a mandatory pit stop whether there's a red flag or not? It's an idea that the FIA while probably never consider.

In the meantime, let's enjoy the racing that this regulation gives us, at times. That's what motorsport is about right? The adreneline and element of surprise. That's what we're here for, right?

Tell me, what's your opinion on this matter?