Call it the credit crunch, call it the sub-prime crisis, whatever you call it, I call it trouble. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what the consequences of the developing global economic downturn will be for Formula 1. But it’s hard to imagine them being good. And to the pessimists it could look very bad indeed.
Cost cutting articles archive
Cost cutting
The Ben Evans column: Slowdown
Posted onAnyone with even a passing interest in the non-motorsport world cannot failed to have noticed a global recession is on the horizon. Those who like their economics with a whiff of F1 will have noted that the teams are finding it harder to pull in those all important sponsorship dollars. A disaster, surely? In the … Continue reading The Ben Evans column: Slowdown
F1’s new reason for cost cutting
Posted onCost cutting used to be about allowing the smaller teams to compete. But now the justification is different.
Mosley wants standardised F1 cars
Posted onMax Mosley’s words highlighted in bold in the FIA president’s latest letter to the teams spells out his position on green technologies, entertainment and costs as plainly as possible: All items on the cars which are not known, visible and understood by the public should be standardised and manufactured at minimal cost. The technical contest … Continue reading Mosley wants standardised F1 cars
New row over McLaren ECUs
Posted onF1 team bosses are split over the new Electronic Control Units set to be introduced into F1 next year.
Debate: Postpone energy recovery rules?
Posted onBMW’s Mario Theissen wants the FIA to delay rules planned for 2009 that would require teams to use energy recovery systems on their cars. FIA president Max Mosley is pushing for kinetic energy recovery systems to be mandatory on F1 cars to make them more environmentally friendly and road relevant. Do you want to see … Continue reading Debate: Postpone energy recovery rules?
Video: Rev limiters preventing overtaking
Posted onRules brought in to reduce costs are making it harder for drivers to overtake. Engine rev limiters were imposed this year to reduce engine failures. But it’s clear from looking at videos from the United States Grand Prix that it’s made it even harder for one car to get past another.
New F1 support race for 2008
Posted onEuropean F1 rounds will benefit from an expanded support race package next year. Formula BMW, the championship BMW rookie Sebastian Vettel won in 2004, will join the bill. Vettel won the German category, which is set to merge with its British equivalent, to create Formula BMW Europe. The sub-GP2 single seater category will have a … Continue reading New F1 support race for 2008
Green F1: Right idea, wrong approach
Posted onMax Mosley is on a mission: F1 must became the vanguard of environmentally friendly car technology. Mosley wants F1 to be a showcase for the world’s car manufacturers to display their environmental credentials. And he wants a radical set of F1 rules for 2011 to enshrine that. It’s deeply divisive and controversial. I agree with … Continue reading Green F1: Right idea, wrong approach
Banned: Traction control
Banned!
Posted onMany F1 fans were pleased to hear traction control is being kicked out of the sport. But this is not the first time it has been banned.
The Ben Evans column – Which path to F1?
Posted onAt this time of year I’m usually foaming at the mouth in anticipation of the new Formula Three season. But this year I can’t summon up the enthusiasm for a trip to Oulton Park to see the British series get underway – much less the Eurories later in the year. Both series seem low on … Continue reading The Ben Evans column – Which path to F1?
Banned: Four-wheel-steering
Banned
Posted onOf all the exotic technologies to be banned from Formula 1 through the years, four wheel steering is perhaps be the only innovation to have been developed after it was outlawed.
Debate: Your verdict on Max Mosley
Posted onOn 9th October 1991 Max Mosley defeated incumbent FIA President Jean Marie Balestre by 43 votes to 29. In the 16 years that have passed with Mosley at the helm the sport has changed dramatically in character. But has it changed for the better? Has Formula 1 been efficiently and professionally managed under Mosley’s stewardship? … Continue reading Debate: Your verdict on Max Mosley
FIA’s two-page Autosport ‘correction’
Posted onAutosport has printed a substantial retraction of an earlier article following intervention from the FIA. Next to a feature on independent teams a small column titled, “The Max Factor” claimed FIA President Max Mosley’s stance on the issue of car manufacturers in the sport had “yo-yoed for the past five years.” (Autosport, February 8th 2007) … Continue reading FIA’s two-page Autosport ‘correction’
F1 2007 Preview: Toyota
Posted onWhich problem do you think angers Toyota’s management more: Their complete failure to deliver on the enormous investment pumped into the team for six years – or the fact that no-one cares? For Toyota are not only one of the least successful teams compared to the amount spent on their F1 campaign – they are … Continue reading F1 2007 Preview: Toyota
Help make motor sport better
Posted onWhat does the future hold for motor racing? How can more people be encouraged to take part? Is grass roots motor sport too expensive? Or elitist? Motorsport Development UK are at the heart of endeavours to ensure Britain retains its place at the forefront of international motor racing. You can help them with their efforts … Continue reading Help make motor sport better
Red tyre revolution
Posted onThe first half-baked, half-assed shambles of a ruling for 2007 has got the F1 community chattering. Formula One will borrow the ‘Red Tyre Rule’ from Champ Car this year – albeit with one key difference that almost appears designed to make the whole thing as confusing and opaque as possible. For all this we have … Continue reading Red tyre revolution
F1 in the news 18
Posted onIn the F1 news this week the Brazilian Grand Prix was the fifth most-watched sporting event of 2006 and the Sepang and Nurburgring circuits give clues on the popularity of their races. Plus, another win for Michael Schumacher and a new record for Juan Pablo Montoya. Read on for the rest.
Another insidious FIA conspiracy?
Posted onThe FIA needed a supply of standard engine control units (ECUs) for the new, 2008-era F1. But instead of getting a third party to supply them, they’ve got one of the teams to do it. It’s a stinking great controversy! No doubt they’ve palmed off the contract to bosom buddies Ferrari, who’ll steal a march … Continue reading Another insidious FIA conspiracy?
F1 in the blogs
Posted onIn this week’s round-up of stories in the F1 blogs there’s scepticism on the FIA and GPMA announcement, speculation on the return of Mika Hakkinen, anticipation for the return of Spa-Francorchamps next year and incredulity at the Dubai F1 Theme Park. (All blog links external)