Formula 1: the eternal conflict between sport, entertainment and engineering

The eternal dilemma of Formula 1: is the sport itself more important, or is it the entertainment value? These areas are wrongly seen as separate, but in truth, they are more interconnected than one might imagine. Despite this, some consider them as isolated compartments or even as rival elements in a conflict that shouldn’t even be theorized.

In the pinnacle of motorsport, there’s another factor that merges with the two aforementioned ones: the technical aspect. The balance among these three domains is what makes our sport so distinctive and captivating. Yet, there are those who would like to touch – and compromise – these self-regulating balances by adding weight to the entertainment side in this imaginary three-plate scale.

Recently, we’ve seen several suggestions: from abolishing DRS during qualifying, to the forced use of all available tire compounds during the race – a mechanism that would expand the alternative tire allocation that debuted in the Hungarian GP qualifying. Adding to this list is the idea from David Croft, the face of British broadcaster Sky Sports, who stated that it might be time to get rid of blue flags. This tactic should help make races more diverse and unpredictable.

F1: Destiny Determined by a Blue Flag?
We all know the role of the blue flag, now supplemented by illuminated panels that light up when a front-runner is about to catch up with a lapped car, signaling the slower driver to facilitate the faster car’s passage. Failing to heed these instructions can lead to penalties, although such instances are rare, as drivers generally adhere to the rules quite punctually.

Croft, with his unique perspective, believes that the pursuing driver should overtake the lapped car through a real overtaking maneuver. Why? To enhance the entertainment! “We should put entertainment first and every now and then say ‘no’ to blue flags because if you’re good enough to be leading the race, you’re good enough to be able to pass a car that isn’t leading the race.” He shared this opinion on the Sky Sports F1 podcast.

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The journalist is so convinced of his idea that he ventures onto mysterious paths leading to unexplored heights. It’s all so audaciously fascinating. Let’s read along: “It could make things a lot more interesting, and you could do it without any investment in the sport, without any engineering challenge at all. You could just wave something goodbye that I don’t think is necessary. Other categories of motorsport don’t have blue flags.” A masterpiece!

In essence, Croft’s proposition is a complete overhaul that would disrupt F1’s traditions. This viewpoint aligns with another brave assessment: that the FIA should step aside and allow Liberty Media to draft the rules of the game.

“I would take the FIA out of writing the rulebook. Liberty Media, who have the commercial rights, can have a little bit of influence, but they don’t have the authority to make the rules. I think it’s time to balance the roles of these two entities much more. We have to think about the entertainment and the spectacle. Marketing sometimes has to be a bit more important than engineering.”

Perhaps, in thinking about entertainment, Formula 1 lost some of its credibility by the end of 2021 or when it made other controversial decisions in which the sporting sphere was marginalized in favor of prepackaged spectacle. The FIA isn’t flawless as it has contributed to creating embarrassing moments (such as the recent discussion around Felipe Massa’s appeal for the crashgate scandal) that haven’t benefitted the sport. However, thinking of rationalizing the regulations and completely trusting those who prioritize business and entertainment isn’t the brightest idea.

Formula 1, a legal microcosm that replicates complex systems on a smaller scale, should perhaps pursue the separation of powers instead of imagining centralization in the hands of ownership. The division between those who hold the majority of shares and those who write the rules of the game is a necessity that should be reinforced, not softened.

The principle of non-interference is the guiding star that Formula 1 must follow to truly gain credibility. Only then will mistakes be evaluated as such, without endless speculations. Just like what happened in Abu Dhabi 2021. Mr. Croft, your ideas have been dismissed by this jury.