F-1 cant go back to its roots, because those roots don't exist like they did in the past.... sad but true. just look at new car launches - they are all glitz and glamour - even for a Kia! F1 needs to cater to fans with differing levels of interest. for the casual fan - there needs to be a full day with the family type of day, a place for singles, and then a place for hard core car nuts and then finally a place for the F-1 die hards... all of which need different degrees of data and access. and which can be sold for different prices. you will always have the exclusive VIP areas - that you can charge $$$ for, but if you want to make F-1 work you have to sell it to those who actually turn up... and tune in. if you sell it to those different markets, then the sponsors will show up, and you will get more money = better show and more teams.... as much as it would be great to go back to the cars of the past, there is no way people will like that ... F-1 of the past is dead. the history can be preserved but the future is where it's got to be. F-1's lack of any real innovative digital platform is the main problem... it has to get up to speed with the times - and surpass them. I think F-1 could become the " place of the future" ... and the F-1 event a massive occasion for each city it visits.... but it will take leadership and vision for that to happen.
JANUARY 4, 2017 No 2017 return for Haryanto Rio Haryanto has dropped out of the running to return to F1 in 2017. The Indonesian rookie's 2016 season ended prematurely with sponsor trouble, and now his main backer Pertamina has pulled out completely. Haryanto, 23, had been in the running to return this year with either Manor or Sauber. But his mother, Indah Pennywati, told the Asian news source Rappler that her son "Will not be in F1 this year". "The deadline with the Sauber team is up," she added, referring the Swiss outfit that is believed to have now signed Pascal Wehrlein. Pennywati said her son is now likely to work in 2017 with the family's popular stationary business, Kiky. Deputy Indonesian sports minister Gatot S Dewa Broto commented: "I was of course very sorry when I heard that Rio could no longer compete in F1. "We hope that Rio's career does not end just because of a lack of funds," he added.
And in a further release, his Mom confirmed that until Rio secures some sponsorship, he'll be grounded with no desserts after dinner.
"Just because of a lack of funds"? That is literally why just about everyone's racing career ends. LOL
What do you guys think about Nasr? Apparently Bernie wants to help him so Brazil will have at least one driver on the grid when Massa (finally) retires.
Stroll now doing secret test in Malaysia (presumably 2014 car with 2016 engine upgrades). Papa Stroll's bill so far since last year are 150m
Im wondering why Williams did not elevate Paul rather than keeping Massa. I like Di Resta - Paul Di Resta to reprise Williams reserve driver role in 2017 | F1 News
They need driver continuity during regulation changes. Paul hasn't driven these PU's and the other driver is a rookie.
Fernando Alonso confirms Mercedes contact over 2017 drive but wants to win at McLaren | F1 News Interesting insights from FA on his situation this year.
Yeh but Merc realised that it would be too toxic to bring him back,after what happened previously. Would be hilarious if Van Doom can match him straight out of the box.
Could be too. Time will tell,i am not a big fan of Van Doom,but he is very highly rated .If Bottas does a good job at Merc this year then the options for Fernando in 2018 are looking a bit limited outside of McLaren.
