Time Machine Alert:
It is still 2023
Time is supposed to be one of those things that is constant but it seems like in 2024 F1 land, we are stuck in a ground hog day scenario replaying 2023. In the recent past, each season had a different feel.
2020 was an awful year. Covid wrecked normal life, governments proved their contempt for the people they “serve”, business either lost everything or grew with extraordinary speed. The extraordinary speed that we usually discuss here was also taken from us for a few months. Eventually it geared up and we saw a fan-less but fast season crowning Mercedes and Hamilton as the champions.
In 2021, the dumpster fire grew as political lines were painted on the track and there were severe social penalties for crossing them. Formula 1 came through as maybe the only true winner of the year. People were still staying in so viewership grew despite having fewer fans in the stands. No team was perfect and there was a fight to the very end of the season that was truly fun to watch. Much has been said about the drama and the epic battle of good vs evil and the FIA picking favorites. This was the kind of season that fans tell their kids about. For those of you without kids, find one that you like and tell them. #spreadthespeed
So, then there was a winter break and…I’m not sure I can remember anything about the 2022 season. Something about a Ferrari vs Redbull fight that didn’t really happen. The biggest story to me was how Mercedes failed to make a dent except in the midfield. The world was getting back on track although the cracks in fabric of humanity and culture grew…if you are worried about those sorts of things.
2023 was a long one for me and probably for many of you as well. I moved cities (the great migration from blue to red) to avoid falling into some of those cracks that Covid exposed and accelerated. Several of the usual F1 suspects moved locations in the pack. It felt like everyone wanted to be, and therefore was, more competitive than in 2022. That was a nice change though Verstappen remained well ahead of the struggling contenders for second. The real stars of the year were the tracks. Full crowds everywhere. Vegas was what we (red, white, and blue-blooded Americans) hoped for and it was scheduled at the right time of the season, near the end when the results were mostly settled. It felt good to have three US races, an American driver on the track, and a feel that America is becoming the most important fanbase for high performance racing!
While 23 was a win for the US, the only driver who seemed to be able to win was Max. Though Max is clearly a member-in-good-standing of the Empire, he did try to present a softer more “lovely” side. I suppose it is easy to be in a “lovely” mindset when you are miles ahead of everyone but it also feels a little like a marketing ploy from the Empire to make Darth Max a little more palatable for the masses.
We are two races into 2024 and again the Empire seems to be unbeatable. There is no clear second best so the other teams are racing and struggle for silvers so that is nice, I guess. We have a bright green car on the track this year which is something. Honestly, I’m not sure how I feel about it where we are two races in.
I want to watch but come Saturday my interest does wane away because we know what the result will be. Another 2023 seems like a waste of a season. Do we need different rules or a change to the car? Maybe the tire count reduction will help? I by no means want injuries but we haven’t seen as many crashes of late and those always add excitement. Should I just shut-up and focus on the good things like the venue hosts entertainment experiences and Netflix dramas?
We have a whole season to watch unfold…in the middle of a boring presidential campaign. My hopes that the other teams would upgrade in the off season has been replaced with a sinking feeling that I already know the outcome of the rest of races. My last complaint is that, while improved, the team that I want to succeed the most (Haas) can’t seem to get its act together.
Life doesn’t have to be all excitement all of the time but I was hoping that the great minds in racing would have cracked the aerodynamic code and would build some cars that could keep up with last years champion. It’s a long season so there is hope that the teams can step up to challenge the toro. If not, it is a real possibility that one person could win every race and while that is historic, it isn’t fun. There are several drivers that, given a better machine, could challenge Max. Let’s all say a few prayers for the constructors to quickly upgrade their rides and let the talent push the limits.
My Based Fan Friends, I believe as we head into the Australia GP that things will get better. I can’t wait to watch and see what happens.