Drama, excitement, heartbreak, fury, gratification, and relief are some adjectives that describe the now-concluded 2021 Formula One season. However, controversy is a most poignant description of the 2021 F1 campaign.
World championship defender, Lewis Hamilton, hoping for an eighth title. Max Verstappen, the adequately-hyped underdog, was confident to be crowned champion and end Hamilton’s dominant streak. Both drivers were tied in the championship standings going into the final race. No one could predict who would win. However, some decisions made by race directors near the end of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix seemed to be one of the key deciding factors in the final result of the 2021 Driver’s championship.
Verstappen has been crowned champion and overturning it seems unlikely despite protests and appeals from Mercedes. But the controversy is not what we aim to examine today. At this time, we can look at the events of 2021 and learn from them. Lessons Formula One and its governing body, the FIA, need to learn and not repeat in 2022 and beyond.
Changing Tires Under Red Flags
The rule that allows drivers to change their tires under a red flag situation in the pit lane has been debated repeatedly for years. Many drivers, teams, and former champions have agreed that the rule does more harm than good. It poses a significant disadvantage towards a driver who takes their mandatory pit stop under normal race conditions. Only to then have the race red-flagged after an incident and a rival to change tires with no jeopardy.
The rule may be designed leaning towards the side of safety, in case of slow punctures that could be caused by debris on the track. However, allowing drivers to take their mandatory pit stop and gain an advantage is unfair. It is a rule that needs to be revised in order for a fair and level playing field. As a safety precaution, drivers may be allowed to change tires, but still, require the mandatory stop once the race resumes have been suggested by many.
Must Keep Within The White Lines
Track Limits has been a topic of debate in equal measure. Currently, the race director and stewards only consider particular corners of a racetrack to monitor should cars go off track and gain an advantage. At some corners, the white line is considered the limit, while some include the red and white curbs as well. This inconsistency can easily be ruled out if at every track the white line that defines the racetrack is considered the limit. Whether they gain or lose an advantage should not be a concern. Going over the white line on the track in any situation should result in a lap time being deleted.
Additionally, the inconsistency of the rules being applied for track limit violations is also an element that must be scrutinized. A point proven by Fernando Alonso with his move in Turn 1 in Sochi where he went off the track on purpose, followed the set permissible path to rejoin the track, but gained an advantage. Lining the run-off areas with either gravel where possible or the abrasive materials like at Paul Ricard that shred tires should be a deterrent enough.
Soggy Waffles At The Belgian Grand Prix
Weather conditions are something out of the control of anyone. However, the debacle at the 2021 Belgian Grand Prix that rained out should have been dealt with appropriately. A 3-lap procession behind the safety car, and then classifying drivers based on qualifying, is an unacceptable race result. Like the rule for final classification at the end of a race, half championship points for such an event should only be awarded if the drivers complete a minimum of 25% race distance.
Consistency Is Key For The Future Of F1
Other notable issues that require to be solved include a better way to allow lapped cars to pass under the safety car. A solution to streamline and fast-track the process to reorder the pack is needed. Finally, the teams lobbying the race director over the radio, or by email in an attempt to influence the decision of the stewards and officials is unacceptable under any circumstances.
The debate of “letting them race” and “must follow rules by the letter” is a quagmire left at the hands of Michael Masi, the Race Director of Formula One. The task at hand for the Australian is monumental and arduous. With cars driving around at 200mph, Masi is required to respond at lightning speed. It is impossible to have a rule for every scenario. However, for the FIA and Formula One to move forward would require an overhaul of the rules from experience. Ambiguity must be eliminated from the regulations as much as possible to bind it to black and white. There needs to be consistency in treating the drivers fairly while letting them race.
Neither Hamilton nor Verstappen deserved to lose the world championship. The fight between Red Bull and Mercedes and their drivers in 2021 will forever be remembered as one of the greatest in the history of Formula 1. It is a shame it was not decided in the cleanest possible way. Now we must endure three months before the 2022 season gets underway, and we cannot wait.
Image Source: F1.com