Formula 1 once again shows it lacks respect for fans' wishes
Column
- Ludo van Denderen
Madrid means another street circuit on the Formula 1 calendar; how would Max Verstappen like it? The three-time world champion is definitely not a fan of these types of tracks. The Dutchman would much rather see F1 on traditional tracks, places that have made the sport what it is today. Verstappen is certainly not alone in this: many fans also prefer to see F1 stay away from street circuits. And yet another street circuit will be added to the F1 calendar.
Of course, it is not a valid survey. However, it is an indication: from a poll on the Dutch version of GPblog shows that more than ninety per cent of readers think there are too many street circuits. Despite this, Formula 1 decided to commission yet another new track through a city - in this case, the Spanish capital.
F1 shows finger raised
When I first saw the layout of the circuit, it reminded me of a fist with a finger raised. In this case, Formula 1's symbolic middle finger to its fans? After all, why does the sport persist so much in racing on street circuits, when the core of its following has no need for it at all? The answer is (unfortunately) simple: money.
Hosting a Grand Prix is the ultimate promotion of your city or region, a status symbol even. But permanent circuits are not everywhere, and then building a street circuit is the simplest solution. Blinded by the (oil) dollars or euros F1 receives when the sport actually comes next (see Jeddah or Las Vegas), F1 bosses eagerly sign long-term contracts.
But no one who asked fans - in this case in Spain - 'Would you prefer such a street circuit in Madrid, or would you rather see Formula 1 stay at that now historic circuit in Catalonia?' Chances are that the survey has the same outcome as GPblog's modest poll: so prefer racing on a real circuit.
Madrid won't be as much fun as people think
Visiting the future Grand Prix in Madrid sounds attractive, but in reality it certainly is not. Hotels will be prohibitively expensive on race weekends, tickets virtually unaffordable for the common man - after all, the sky-high investment has to be recouped - and visibility on a street circuit is generally nil. Much can be said of the track near Barcelona, and improvements are definitely needed. But you do get value for your entry fee. With a bit of a grandstand seat, you can still see the drivers at work for around 30 seconds per lap.
There may come a time - and it seems ever closer - when Formula 1 alienates itself too much from the fans. The sport may excel by the grace of its viewers, but if they have had enough of those street circuits, they may simply abandon F1. Gone revenue, gone Formula 1. Hopefully, the offices of Formula One Management in London realise this too....