What do the Racers of the Round Table love about F1?

[Deleted]

Hi Knights, Kings and others,
Thanks for inviting me into your community. I'm enjoying the interaction and ethos, and wanted to ask you guys a question.
I raised this same question in the other F1 community I most frequent, 'The Park Ferme'. They run a podcast and website, with a similar interaction policy to yours - 'share your opinion,  but do it with decorum and civility'.

The question was written a little out of frustration that the TPF podcasts and articles tend to focus on the things they don't like about various aspects of F1, the FIA, and L.M. On the other hand I find lots of fantastic things to enjoy about F1, current and past, and would prefer to focus on them.

So to paraphrase my TPF question; 
"What do the Racers of the Roundtable love about F1?
We’re all obviously passionate about motorsport, particularly F1, and we keep watching reading and listening.
So what is it about F1 that the community love and keeps them coming back?"

The responses from the hosts at TPF were a little disappointing, lots of things they wanted to see changed abou F1, but very few they love.
I suspect you guys have a more obvious passion and positive outlook. 

For me the list could be extremely long, but I'll keep it to a few key ones, to get the ball rolling; 

The Technology! Its the pinnacle of motorsport technology and, for me, just about every aspect, in every era is fascinating - hybrids, aero, tyres, all brilliant (i don't even mind Halo's, amazing pieces of engineering)
The History! the Cars, the Teams, the Designers, the Drivers, just fantastic,  so much to learn and celebrate. 
The Coverage! these days, through the websites, podcasts, video, TV, magazines, books, there is so much information available to learn more about F1, and all aspects of motor sports really. 
The Communities! Forums like RotRT, TPF, Motorsport, have been fantastic in allowing me to interact with other F1 fanatics, to learn more, share opinions and ideas, discuss events, etc, etc.

Thats my question, and some of the things I love about F1, what about you guys?

[Jamie]

Hmmm, there’s lots of things I’d want to change but lots to love as well 😁
Things I love about F1:

Drivers - the best in the world at the very top and the little differences between them I find fascinating.
The speed - when one of those babies come past at full chat......woahh
The history - love it, love it, love it
Technology - some of this I don’t like but F1 cars are deeply impressive bits of kit
Antisipation - butterflies in my stomach just before the lights go out....god knows why, I’m not driving 😌

[René]

Great post Jim!

For me, Formula 1 has been an important part of my life for almost as long as I can remember. I fell in love with the sport in the mid seventies as a kid and it has been my favourite sport (by far) ever since.

I love the fact it is the absolute pinnacle of racing. The technology is mind blowing as are the speeds. Standing on top of the Raidillon or at Pouhon and see the cars at full speed gives me shivers every time I go to Spa. Nothing compares.

Another aspect that has always fascinated me is the visual overdose of colours and shapes. As a graphic designer I love all the advertisements, sponsor logos and different liveries. Already as a kid I did not only make drawings of the cars but also of the sponsor logos like Agip or JPS, a harbinger of my later profession I guess.

The history of the sport is also unique I feel. Due to the ever developing technology it is so interesting to look back in time with the ever changing cars, much more than any non motorized sport. And F1 in particular with so many beautiful and interesting cars and amazing drivers. A never drying source for another hobby of mine, collecting and building slot cars.

I am still super excited before each race, cheering on my beloved red cars and always wearing a Ferrari shirt.

[mikael]

I go to just one GP each year; but that is always a highlight of the year - also when the weather gods are unkind. Most of all I love to stand at a challenging corner and enjoy the level of precision that the best drivers in the World display. I can never get enough of marveling at how the distance to the curb is exactly the same, and how the engine, the downshifting, the squeaks from the turbo, etcetera, sound exactly the same, lap after lap. 

[Deleted]

For me it was the cars, then the drivers, the chargers really – Regazzoni, Peterson etc – and when Clay left Ferrari I realized I wasn’t a Ferrari fan after all. Then the history, of course.

But the main thing has always been the cars, the technology, I wanted to be a F1 designer. Few years back I found in a garage of mine a folder with my “designs” of the second half of the ‘70s and there was this sport prototype, I almost choked for the emotion, so good it was I couldn’t believe it was me who did it, and at 16.

Nowadays, I am not so interested anymore, don’t watch it on TV. I follow a bit the politics, the threats, and every once there is a driver – like Ricciardo – who reminds of those mentioned above and gives me some hope - until the next disappointment, that is.

But an F1 all played out with the software, from design to the race, and risible expedients, fundamentally doesn't interest me.

[robmarsh]

Rene, Jakob, Jamie, Lucio and Mikael, you have pretty much mentioned every thing that I would have. Rene you could have been my twin, so close are my views to yours. I also drew racing vehicles and I love corporate logos, especially on an F1 car, not to mention Ferrari.
Although I got a bit tired of F1 during 2015, the next two years have really brought me right back in with a bang. Sure there are things that could be improved but I don't think they are insurmountable. I think the biggest problem that F1 has is the element of secrecy that all the teams hide behind. Even though I dislike all the twirly bits and bling on the modern F1 car because to me they take away the purity of the shape, they are true technical works of art. It is only when I read Adrian Newey's book did I realise the thinking and purpose that is behind all these little bits and it is truly impressive the dedication and attention to detail that goes into them. Likewise with the thinking and technology involved in the engines, suspension etc even down to the airguns for the wheels. Sadly it has taken me about five years to get to hear about this. I warrant though, that had the reams been more open as to how and why they do things then the interest in F1 would be even higher. As one of you said, even the halo, ugly as it may be, is a work of art and technical thinking. I am sure I wouldn't miss it if it wasn't there but I would love to know the thinking behind all the little bits they have put on it.
Aerodynamic gain is so small these days we hardly notice it, not like the days before the 1969 Spanish GP when it was so in your face, but it is nevertheless interesting to know why.
I guess as long as F1 exists I will book my diary out for the races at the beginning of each year.

[René]

Apr 26, 2018 15:14:11 GMT robmarsh said:

Rene you could have been my twin, so close are my views to yours.

Haha, cool.
Well, we surely have a few common interest! 

[Deleted]

Fantastic responses guys, it's great to see that we share so many common themes of interest.
There will be lots to talk about and share on the forum, and in my case so much to learn from your combined knowledge.
For the Members who haven't responded yet, looking forward to hearing what it is about F1 that you love.

[Carl]

What I love about Formula One is the outstanding quality of the drivers. Less control of strategy by computer algorithm and the elimination of all regulations that interfere with drivers' ability to race as they would like will enhance the sport nicely.

Racing should be all about driving control. By drivers. Let the bureaucrats focus their talents elsewhere. 

There.  Entirely positive. 

[chrisb]

Morning Jim, good thread mate, interesting, as you quite rightly say there are many many things wrong or need changing in F1 and a bit like what I say elsewhere - what are the positives?, well, I don't have to get sad at the sight of another funeral, of another one of these wonderful people who are taken from us - needlessly in so many instances, and that is something I am very grateful for,

I love F1 history, not all of it but so much of it, the golden times, the awesome skills, of drivers, mechanics, engineers, manager, innovators and wives.

I love the discussions that can be answered and the fact you can have your opinion and that is ok, for instance Jimmy Clark was simply the best of the best [paraphrasing someone else's opinion] but one could argue others have better results, which is why i am so fond of this forum, we do it with style, we may not all agree with certain subjects or certain drivers but it is done with decorum,

I adore Spa and Suzuka, Monza and COTA too, but I love so many of the older circuits, just wish they'd been a touch safer - like the Ring, 'old' Silverstone, Brands, Donnington, Rheims, Rouen, Clermont, Dijon and Paul Ricard to mention a few.

the speed is like a drug that is both pleasurable and stressful, the adrenalin that flows, the anger that erupts when an idiot tries something or blocks someone, or the joy in someone doing something really well and my respect for their abilities to do this 

the engineering from the concept of the car onwards, it is just fantastic to watch how innovative people are, the charisma they have to believe in themselves to do these incredible things and the technology that is breathtaking at times 

but most of all I think the world of the personalities, both likes and dislikes, and that my current favourite drivers being German and an Aussie...well, I can admire the Sicilian part anyway - seriously i can support people or teams of different nationalities and it is ok [think football and nationalism] and when you think back, since the inception of WDC, my 'heroes' include an Argentinian, an Italian, a Scot, Austrian, Swede, French-Canadian, French, Brazilian, English, etc, and that is cool 

[René]

Apr 27, 2018 4:16:11 GMT Carl said:

There.  Entirely positive. 

Well done Carl!

[René]

Apr 27, 2018 4:41:07 GMT chrisb said:

Morning Jim, good thread mate, interesting, as you quite rightly say there are many many things wrong or need changing in F1 and a bit like what I say elsewhere - what are the positives?, well, I don't have to get sad at the sight of another funeral, of another one of these wonderful people who are taken from us - needlessly in so many instances, and that is something I am very grateful for,

I love F1 history, not all of it but so much of it, the golden times, the awesome skills, of drivers, mechanics, engineers, manager, innovators and wives.

I love the discussions that can be answered and the fact you can have your opinion and that is ok, for instance Jimmy Clark was simply the best of the best [paraphrasing someone else's opinion] but one could argue others have better results, which is why i am so fond of this forum, we do it with style, we may not all agree with certain subjects or certain drivers but it is done with decorum,

I adore Spa and Suzuka, Monza and COTA too, but I love so many of the older circuits, just wish they'd been a touch safer - like the Ring, 'old' Silverstone, Brands, Donnington, Rheims, Rouen, Clermont, Dijon and Paul Ricard to mention a few.

the speed is like a drug that is both pleasurable and stressful, the adrenalin that flows, the anger that erupts when an idiot tries something or blocks someone, or the joy in someone doing something really well and my respect for their abilities to do this 

the engineering from the concept of the car onwards, it is just fantastic to watch how innovative people are, the charisma they have to believe in themselves to do these incredible things and the technology that is breathtaking at times 

but most of all I think the world of the personalities, both likes and dislikes, and that my current favourite drivers being German and an Aussie...well, I can admire the Sicilian part anyway - seriously i can support people or teams of different nationalities and it is ok [think football and nationalism] and when you think back, since the inception of WDC, my 'heroes' include an Argentinian, an Italian, a Scot, Austrian, Swede, French-Canadian, French, Brazilian, English, etc, and that is cool 

What a fantastic post Chris! One of the best I've read and one that we can all agree with I am sure.

I am so glad with how this forum has developed and the way you describe it even makes me feel a bit proud of what we have created here!

[charleselan]

I have been mulling over whether to make a comment or not, for the simple reason I do not wish to appear to be one of the people that Jim refers to as negative about current F1. However it could also be construed as churlish of me as one of the founders of this site not to comment.

Due to age I would probably be correct in saying that I (along with Carl) have followed motor sport for longer than anyone else on the site. Without wishing to get anecdotal (heaven forbid) I saw my first motor sport event in 1957 which was a British motorcycle Scramble (later to take the European name of Motocross) meeting and from that day on I was hooked. As the years progressed I became aware of other forms of motorcycle, and car racing, and although material was very limited in the late 1950's, there were some nuggets to grab hold of.

From the early 1960's my interest became a very broad church, I just couldn't get enough of any motor sport, and that has been the main focus of my life ever since, and might I add to the detriment of many other things. The passion was all consuming and must have worried my parents at times, but they always supported me in my interests. Hero's developed both in person and machinery wise, even from that very first motorcycle scramble; and every one of them remain with me to this very day.

That is a brief summary of my interest. Today I cannot feel any empathy with most forms of car racing, even though I never missed a televised F1 race until the end of last year. For me the introduction of the "Toilet Seat" was the final straw; it may be a fantastic bit of design in so far of how it is constructed, but it is a physical obscenity.

For me the one thing that made the sport so appealing was the human hand. The great designers like Colin Chapman; Jim Hall; Tony Southgate; Gordon Murray; Mauro Forghieri; John Barnard to name but a few, all produced their designs by hand and not with multiple banks of computers, and offices full of support staff. I celebrate the genius of these men and the inspired creations they produced.

The drivers and riders were all amazing, with some very special individuals like Jim Clark; Mike Hailwood; Ronnie Peterson; Jochen Rindt; Jackie Stewart and Gilles Villeneuve; and not until the mid 1990's did I actually grow to dislike a competitor.

[chrisb]

thank you Rene, your words are most kind and really are appreciated - cheers

[chrisb]

John, you beat me by a few years my friend, My first 'live' event that I can recollect was 1964 - but it wasn't a bad start, the British GP at Brands, climbing under the fence with my patient brother and sneaking in