The Pickle Post

by Rahul Chopra on 18 Sep 2009

The fantastic and glorious sound created by the engines has been suppressed this year by the constant bickering, fighting, name-calling, and whining of almost all the F1 teams, their owners, and the FIA. Those magical men in their mean machines have been upstaged by their so-called bosses and superiors. Is this how it is supposed to be?

Formula 1 has been the most glamorous sport in the world for over 50 years but this season looks far less than a sport and more like a bunch of old men arguing about (team) size. Whose (pocket) is bigger? Who can stay in longer? With the likes of Honda and BMW calling it quits, the latter question suddenly has tremendous value. Are we heading towards a disgusting amalgamation of F1, GP2, and F3? If so, I would much rather watch some bumbling idiots trying to stay alive in some godforsaken jungle by eating and feeling every known animal.

Luckily for me, and for a lot of you, the Concorde Agreement has been signed, which guarantees us spectacular F1 action until 2012. Or does it? Who does Bernie Ecclestone think he’s kidding? Can he actually do everything he wants? Cut costs? Change rules? Include new, sub-standard teams? Ditch historic tracks? He seems hell-bent on cutting down on viewer fun more than anything else. F1 Supremo my a**! Money money MONEY! How much greedier can a 5-foot frame get? I can’t wait for the day he retires, although including Lotus as a new team next year seems to be a good move, regardless of the fact that Bernie must have made $$$ from the deal. Another Indian (ok, an NRI/Expat or whatever) is moving from owning an airline (Air Asia) to owning an airline AND an F1 team (Lotus). Way to go Tony Fernandes!

Formula 1 is more about rumours and controversies than races. Some are baseless, some boring, but most are apt for generating eyeball attention when required! This season has been one of the most controversial in recent decades, and there are still 4 races to go! Because of the diffuser row at the beginning of the season, we’ve witnessed a brand new (Brawn GP) team winning race after race in the beginning (and off late), a midfield (Red Bull Racing) team racing the socks off their competitors, last year’s world champions being continually outclassed and out driven (except for Hungary, which was really lucky for Hamilton), an Indian team showing how capable they can be, and the red team finally showing shades of their true colour. Mid-season driver switches have suddenly made viewing a lot more interesting, with an Italian driver in an Italian car at Monza (Italy) after decades.

Jenson Button has had the worst fall (in points) of any championship leader after 6 races. He is now only 14 points ahead of his own team mate, Rubens Barrichello, who is now on a mission to capture his maiden world title at 37!

And ‘Crash-Gate’??? That has to be the biggest rumour/scandal to rock F1 this year. Imagine making a driver crash deliberately, just so that a team with no hopes of winning ANY of the Championships last year, gets to win a race. Absolutely ridiculous and appalling, if it is indeed true. Flavio will be out of a job, and Renault will be left out of F1 with their shamed cars. The big decision awaits us all on September 21st!

With more downs than ups, this season needs an invigorating change. Driver safety has been a pressing issue and Henry Surtees’ death and Massa’s horrific accident are not helping the cause. And the stewards! Oh my god! Did they suddenly feel enlightened? Who on earth gave them so much power and importance AGAIN, as though last year was not bad enough? Why are they actually doing exactly as they please? Almost not letting Alonso race in Spain because Renault allegedly let him drive earlier with a loose wheel? Goddamn you, Charlie Whiting! Max Mosley also finally needs to let go of the FIA reins and hand them over to the more affable Jean Todt. I for one think he will serve F1 much better as President of the FIA. Ferrari anyone?

And speaking of rumours again, isn’t it about time Fernando Alonso admits his move to Ferrari in 2010/2011? We’ve been hearing it for years and I am really hoping it happens. That’ll be a real kick on the big, billionaire Briatore backside! Who’s hoping that Heikki gets replaced by Nico? I know there will be many at the McLaren camp awaiting this switch. For me, though, the men of the moment are many of the drivers, with even 6 different drivers winning 6 different races in a row! Now when did that happen last? This season has definitely proved competitive - finally.

From the usual Ferrari vs. McLaren vs. BMW vs. Renault in the previous years, it was Brawn vs. Red Bull vs. Williams vs. Toyota (to an extent) in the first 6 races, with the seasoned teams finally showing their winning tactics in the next 6. Is it too late now to challenge Brawn or Red Bull? Will Ferrari only be fighting the remaining races for a third place overall?

I hope it all goes down to the wire in Abu Dhabi, which will be a spectacular new track to watch the final race at. Formula 1 may have its close (tarnished) calls and egos, but it still never ceases to amaze people like me!