Which F1 star is in this car? We have no idea
(AND THAT’S THE DRIVERS TALKING!)
ForMula one has been assailed on two fronts by an identity crisis going into the seasonopening grand prix. The spectre of a breakaway championship has gained ground here with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff claiming that it is a ‘realistic’ possibility, while former Mclaren driver Kevin Magnussen has said nobody will recognise who is driving which car because of the new halo safety device.
The cage-like halo, which is meant to protect drivers from flying debris, will be seen in competitive action for the first time in Melbourne, and Magnussen, who is now with the Haas team, said: ‘ When the whole field goes through the first corner you’re not going to have a clue who is who.
‘There’s definitely a problem recognising the driver. i have been watching Formula one my whole life, but when i went out on track i couldn’t tell who was driving. That’s not great. it’s going to be the same on television.’
Magnussen’s comments echo a general disgruntlement among fans and drivers about the halo — an ugly contraption but one that can withstand the weight of a london bus.
Wolff has admitted a rival series is a possibility, underlining the concerns of F1 chairman emeritus Bernie ecclestone, who raised the prospect of Ferrari leading a pirate gang if the rules coming in after 2020 are not to their liking.
Ferrari and Mercedes are unhappy with owners liberty Media’s vision beyond the Concorde agreement, the deal that binds the teams and stakeholders together for three more seasons.
Ferrari do not like the suggestion of a simpler engine and the redistribution of prize money. and Mercedes team principal Wolff said: ‘The idea of doing something else is a realistic one, and it could happen if we don’t align our vision. Sergio Marchionne (the Ferrari president) has a clear idea of what F1 should represent for Ferrari, which is a purist sport.
‘i would encourage the sport’s stakeholders not to provoke him. i agree with most of the things Sergio says because Formula one has a certain dna and it is a sport that needs to stick to its roots. So, don’t mess with Sergio Marchionne. F1 needs Ferrari much more than Ferrari needs F1. i’ll give it everything to align the vision among us by seeking consensus and accepting compromise.’