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LETTER | Why I haven't watched a full F1 season since 2006

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(FILES) In this file picture taken on May 1, 1994 Brazilian F1 driver Ayrton Senna adjusts his rear view mirror in the pits before the start of the San Marino Grand Prix in Imola, Italy. - May 1, 2019 marks the 25th anniversary of Ayrton Sennas death during the San Marino Grand Prix, raced at the Imola circuit in Italy. (Photo by JEAN-LOUP GAUTREAU / AFP)
(FILES) In this file picture taken on May 1, 1994 Brazilian F1 driver Ayrton Senna adjusts his rear view mirror in the pits before the start of the San Marino Grand Prix in Imola, Italy. - May 1, 2019 marks the 25th anniversary of Ayrton Sennas death during the San Marino Grand Prix, raced at the Imola circuit in Italy. (Photo by JEAN-LOUP GAUTREAU / AFP)
JEAN-LOUP GAUTREAU / AFP

• Wheels24 reader Nick T says he has not watched a full F1 season since 2006.

• The driver says he lost 3kg during the Spanish GP race on Sunday.

• Wheels24 readers share their views about the current state of F1.

• For more motoring stories, go to www.Wheels24.co.za

For me, Formula 1 started to lose its sparkle around 2006 with the introduction of the three-part "elimination" qualifying system. Back in the 'good ole' days' Saturday qualifying used to be almost as exciting as race day itself and settling in for a qualifying session included a few friends, plenty of snacks, some friendly arguments and Murray Walker.

Sunday's race was anticipated by more snacks, unpredictable pit-stops, more 'friendly' arguing & some more Murray Walker, whose enthusiasm kept us glued to the screen long after the race was done and dusted.

My interest waned even more with the arrival of what can only be described as mildly-talented, spoilt brats made to look good by millions of technology dollars poured into their cars.

I doubt whether fans of today's Formula 1 money factory will revere the likes of Sebastian Vettel, Lewis Hamilton or Max Verstappen the same way us old fans remember Niki Lauda, Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost, Nelson Piquet, Nigel Mansell, and Michael Schumacher, to name but a few.


How do you think F1 can become exciting again? What needs to change? Please email us your thoughts and we'll publish it.


The 'new guy' with the big moustache has also contributed to the demise of the sport, by making ex die-hard fans feel, now, more than ever, Formula 1 is no longer about racing, but rather about buying titles. 

ayrton senna

Image: JEAN-LOUP GAUTREAU / AFP

Make no mistake, Bernie Ecclestone was also 'about the money', but he knew how to market the thrill of racing while taking the fans' cash.

To answer your question – I have not watched a full Formula One Season since 2006 and probably no more than three full races a season for the last eight years.

Disclaimer: Wheels24 encourages freedom of speech and the expression of diverse views. The views of contributors/columnists published on Wheels24 are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent the views of News24 or Wheels24. 

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