2017: The turning point for F1?
Declining numbers of visitors at Grand Prix weekends, a decline in TV viewers, complaining fans and organizers about the engine sounds, no appealing car designs, and mid field cars without major sponsoring. And on top of that, the owner of F1 said that he wouldn’t buy a ticket to a Grand Prix himself because of the predictable outcome.
Over the last few years F1 was in decline on all areas. Could 2017 be the turning point?
Three major events that will have influence on the new season, and could mean a new positive trend. First is the new owner of the F1, a global media company that have a new approach for communication and media channels for the sport. The former owners were investment groups, that were in the sports to make money. The new owners seem to add value to the sports by applying their expertise of media.
Another change is the new car regulations for 2017. In favor of the fans and looks of F1 a new design and a more daring will improve the smiling factor of fans. After the ugly noses of previous years, the ‘tables’ of rear wings, they are heading in the right direction.
And obviously a new design will level the field a bit more as they all need to find new ways of improving the car instead of building on their previous ones. Towards 2018, the additional safety surrounding the cockpits, will hopefully be more in line with the whole design of the car. Currently is seems to be developed as a separate item.
At the end of December the first news of teams that could struggle to be there at the first start of the season were published. And soon after the Manor Racing team announced that they were not able to start the new season because of financial issues. The loss of 10th place in the World Championship, ruined their plans. Despite some potential new owners, it is most likely they will not make it to the first race. For all young and inexperienced drivers, that’s a big loss. Because another 2 junior seats are gone. On the other hand, all teams that are now on the grid (10) will receive prize and TV broadcast money. Sauber, who have been in financial trouble over the last couple of years should be relieved by this. They could even look ahead into the future and make long term investments. And with the junior Mercedes driver Wehrlein joining them, they can expect some more support.
More info: F1 2017 Model
Over the last few years F1 was in decline on all areas. Could 2017 be the turning point?
Three major events that will have influence on the new season, and could mean a new positive trend. First is the new owner of the F1, a global media company that have a new approach for communication and media channels for the sport. The former owners were investment groups, that were in the sports to make money. The new owners seem to add value to the sports by applying their expertise of media.
Another change is the new car regulations for 2017. In favor of the fans and looks of F1 a new design and a more daring will improve the smiling factor of fans. After the ugly noses of previous years, the ‘tables’ of rear wings, they are heading in the right direction.
And obviously a new design will level the field a bit more as they all need to find new ways of improving the car instead of building on their previous ones. Towards 2018, the additional safety surrounding the cockpits, will hopefully be more in line with the whole design of the car. Currently is seems to be developed as a separate item.
At the end of December the first news of teams that could struggle to be there at the first start of the season were published. And soon after the Manor Racing team announced that they were not able to start the new season because of financial issues. The loss of 10th place in the World Championship, ruined their plans. Despite some potential new owners, it is most likely they will not make it to the first race. For all young and inexperienced drivers, that’s a big loss. Because another 2 junior seats are gone. On the other hand, all teams that are now on the grid (10) will receive prize and TV broadcast money. Sauber, who have been in financial trouble over the last couple of years should be relieved by this. They could even look ahead into the future and make long term investments. And with the junior Mercedes driver Wehrlein joining them, they can expect some more support.
More info: F1 2017 Model