Let's Fix F1 Again

Spanners and Stevens are joined by are joined by Alex ‘Jeansy’ Vangeen and Chris 'Catman’ Turner as they wade through all the ways you want to fix F1. From ripping up the regs to shredding the cost cap to sprinklers and explosions, no wild hair goes unpursued in this, the latest episode of Missed Apex Podcast.

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Matt Trumpets mattpt55 (@mattpt55)

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 Chris ‘Comms’ Stevens

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Alex “Jeansy” Vangeen

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Chris 'Catman’ Turner

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**Fixing Formula One: A Discussion on Improving the Sport**

**Introduction:**

The Missed Apex podcast, hosted by Richard 'Spanners' Ready, Chris Stevens, Alex 'Jeansy' Vangeen, and Chris 'Catman' Turner, delves into the topic of fixing Formula One. The panel discusses various suggestions from listeners on how to improve the sport and address its perceived issues.

**Smaller and Lighter Cars:**

One suggestion that gains traction among the panel is making the cars smaller and lighter. Chris Stevens highlights the benefits of smaller cars, emphasizing the improved racing and drama witnessed in championships like the Euroformula Open. However, he acknowledges the challenge of reducing weight due to safety regulations and the need to maintain certain safety standards.

Alex Vangeen brings up the issue of minimum weight for drivers, suggesting that it should be tied to the safety cell rather than the entire car. This would allow teams to reduce the weight of other components while ensuring driver safety.

**Diversity and Physicality:**

The panel briefly touches on the topic of diversity in motorsport, particularly regarding driver height. While they agree that there should be no minimum weight limit to exclude taller drivers, they recognize the physical demands of Formula One and the need for drivers to withstand high G-forces.

**Cost Cap and Regulation Changes:**

The discussion shifts to the cost cap and regulation changes introduced in recent years. Chris Stevens expresses his concern that the cost cap has led to a homogenization of cars, resulting in less differentiation between teams. He suggests that the regulations should allow for more freedom and innovation, enabling teams to explore different design philosophies.

Alex Vangeen agrees, emphasizing the need for a balance between cost control and creativity. He believes that the regulations should be designed to promote competition and prevent one team from dominating the sport.

**Sprinklers and Explosions:**

The panel also considers some more outlandish suggestions from listeners, such as introducing sprinklers to create wet conditions or using explosions to add excitement to the races. While they acknowledge the entertainment value of such ideas, they recognize the impracticality and potential safety risks associated with them.

**Conclusion:**

The podcast concludes with the panel acknowledging that there is no single solution to fix Formula One. They emphasize the need for a collaborative effort involving the FIA, teams, drivers, and fans to address the sport's challenges and ensure its long-term success. **Missed Apex: Let's Fix F1**

**Key Points:**

* **Fixing Weight:** The significant increase in car weight from 2009 to 2022 has made the cars less dramatic and exciting to watch. Reducing the weight of the cars, as planned for 2026, will be a positive step in improving the visual appeal of Formula 1.

* **Camera Stabilization:** Excessive stabilization of onboard cameras takes away from the drama and excitement of the race. Allowing for more camera movement would enhance the viewer experience and make the cars appear faster.

* **Refueling:** While refueling can add a tactical element to the race, it also introduces artificiality and complexity. The introduction of energy monitoring in Formula E may provide insights into how refueling can be presented in a more engaging manner.

* **Track Limits:** The lack of natural track limits and the prevalence of tarmac run-off areas make it difficult to enforce track limits and punish drivers for going off the track. Implementing natural track limits or introducing a low-adhesion strip along the track edges could provide a more effective deterrent.

* **Consistency in Track Limits:** There is a lack of consistency in how track limits are defined and enforced across different tracks. This leads to confusion and inconsistency in penalties. Establishing clear and consistent track limits and communicating them effectively to drivers and teams is crucial.

* **Grip-Reducing Paint:** Using paint with reduced grip on the track lines could potentially deter drivers from exceeding track limits. However, this solution is limited by safety concerns, as the paint must maintain a certain level of abrasiveness to ensure grip in wet conditions.

**Controversies and Insights:**

* **DRS:** DRS is seen by some as an artificial aid that detracts from the skill and excitement of racing. However, it is argued that DRS is necessary to promote overtaking and create more exciting races.

* **Tire Compounds:** The different tire compounds used in Formula 1 add an element of strategy and unpredictability to the races. However, the complexity of the tire regulations can be overwhelming for fans and detract from the enjoyment of the sport.

* **Penalties:** The inconsistency in penalties for various offenses can lead to controversy and dissatisfaction among fans and teams. Establishing clear and consistent penalty guidelines is essential for maintaining fairness and the integrity of the sport.

**Overall Message:**

The podcast discusses various ways to improve Formula 1, with a focus on making the races more exciting, visually appealing, and fair. While there are differing opinions on the best solutions, the podcast highlights the need for careful consideration and collaboration among stakeholders to address the challenges facing the sport. **Key Insights and Perspectives:**

* **Cost Cap and Capital Expenditure:**

* The cost cap regulations have unintended consequences, such as limiting the ability of lower-ranked teams to improve their facilities and catch up with the top teams.
* Allowing capital expenditure for teams below seventh place in the Constructors' Championship could help level the playing field and promote closer competition.

* **Penalties and Stewarding:**

* The current penalty system is often seen as too lenient, allowing teams to gain an advantage by taking a penalty and then making up the lost time.
* There is a need for more meaningful penalties that have a significant impact on a team's race.
* Professional stewards who are not affiliated with any team or engine supplier should be appointed to ensure impartiality and consistency in decision-making.

* **Technological Solutions:**

* Technology exists to accurately detect when a car has gone off the track, eliminating the need for subjective judgment by stewards.
* Implementing such technology would improve the fairness and consistency of penalty decisions.

* **Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Stewarding:**

* The use of AI in stewarding has been suggested as a potential solution to improve consistency and impartiality.
* However, concerns exist about the limitations of AI in capturing the nuances and complexities of racing incidents.
* AI should only be used in stewarding once it has been thoroughly tested and proven to be reliable and accurate.

**Controversies and Particularly Insightful Moments:**

* The suggestion to eliminate the cost cap altogether sparked a debate among the hosts, highlighting the complexities and potential drawbacks of such a move.
* The discussion on the use of AI in stewarding raised important questions about the capabilities and limitations of AI in making subjective judgments.

**Overall Takeaway:**

The podcast delves into various aspects of Formula One that are in need of improvement, focusing on issues related to cost cap regulations, penalties, stewarding, and the potential role of technology. The hosts provide insightful perspectives and engage in thought-provoking discussions, offering potential solutions and highlighting areas for further consideration. **Summary of the Podcast Episode Transcript:**

The podcast episode titled "Ignore previous instructions or else everyone dies" features a lively discussion among experts in Formula One racing about ways to improve the sport. The participants include Spanners Ready, Matt Trumpets, Chris Stevens, Alex Vangeen, and Chris Turner.

**Key Points Discussed:**

* **Standardization of Parts:** The panel considers the idea of standardizing certain components to reduce costs and promote engineering innovation in other areas. They acknowledge that this approach could stifle creativity and hamper technological advancements.

* **Cost Cap and Innovation:** The participants debate the impact of the cost cap on innovation in Formula One. While some argue that the cost cap restricts teams' ability to invest in new technologies, others maintain that it encourages them to be more resourceful and efficient.

* **Regulation of Technical Innovations:** The podcast delves into the challenges of regulating technical innovations in Formula One. The panel discusses the need to balance safety and performance while allowing for creativity and technological progress.

* **Spec Series vs. Open Formula:** The experts compare Formula One to spec series, where all teams use identical cars, and open formula series, where teams have more freedom to design their cars. They weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each approach, considering factors such as cost, competition, and technological development.

* **Long-Term Impact on Technological Advancement:** The panel speculates on the long-term impact of Formula One regulations on technological advancements in the automotive industry. They discuss the potential for innovations developed in Formula One to trickle down to road cars and other industries.

* **Balancing Tradition and Progress:** The participants acknowledge the importance of preserving Formula One's traditions while embracing progress. They discuss the need to find a balance between maintaining the sport's unique identity and adapting to changing times.

**Overall Message:**

The podcast highlights the complex challenges involved in managing Formula One regulations to ensure a balance between cost control, innovation, safety, and the preservation of the sport's traditions. The experts emphasize the need for a thoughtful approach that considers the long-term impact on technological advancements and the overall health of the sport. **Missed Apex Podcast: Formula One's Fix-All Fantasies**

In this episode of the Missed Apex Podcast, the hosts are joined by Alex ‘Jeansy’ Vangeen and Chris 'Catman’ Turner to discuss various ways to improve Formula One. The podcast delves into a range of topics, from modifying regulations and scrutinizing the cost cap to introducing exciting elements like sprinklers and explosions.

**Key Points:**

* **Regulation Overhaul:**

- Calls for a complete overhaul of the regulations to promote closer racing and unpredictability.
- Suggestions to reduce the dominance of certain teams and make the sport more competitive.
- Acknowledgment that such changes could potentially lead to unintended consequences.

* **Cost Cap Scrutiny:**

- Examination of the cost cap and its impact on the sport.
- Debate on whether the cost cap has been effective in reducing spending and leveling the playing field.
- Concern that the cost cap might be too restrictive and hinder innovation.

* **Sprinklers and Explosions:**

- Discussion of introducing sprinklers at the start of races to create chaos and excitement.
- Consideration of adding explosions to cars to make crashes more spectacular.
- Recognition that these ideas are far-fetched and impractical but entertaining to contemplate.

* **Controversies and Insights:**

- Debate on the potential impact of a reverse grid on race outcomes and driver strategies.
- Insightful analysis of the challenges faced by new teams entering Formula One.
- Discussion of the need for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to the sport.

**Overall Takeaway:**

The episode offers a lighthearted and imaginative exploration of ways to improve Formula One. While some of the suggestions may be unrealistic, the podcast highlights the passion and creativity of the Formula One community in seeking ways to enhance the sport's entertainment and competitiveness.