Formula One: Ferrari’s Drivers in Trouble after Swapping Drivers for No Apparent Reason
Ferrari’s drivers switched their positions in Germany by clearly crossing over the Formula One rules. The blatant drivers did not even attempt to portray their act as their immediate need. This gave rise to a huge controversy and disbelief among thousands of fans. Now that the news is everywhere, is there any way that the officials can still boost up the Formula One spirit by mending the team orders?
Formula One is basically considered to be a team based sport, in which individual performances are out washed by collective efforts. Although team orders have a long history with Grand Prix, they were banned in 2002. This led to drivers making unobvious moves to switch their positions during the race. Mechanical issues, lead drivers decision and rash entry into pits were a few ways to swap the drivers. However, Ferrari’s drivers have left no excuse for the officials to tag their action as “unintentional.” The ban of swapping drivers declares, “Team orders that cause a disruption in the race are prohibited.”
Thus, according to the ban, any move that interferes with the race is not allowed on the course. However, some drivers and critics regard holding station to save fuel or engine, interference as well. Although a large number of fans find these excuses objectionable, the officials are willing to accept them, after giving a thorough consideration. Since checking out whether the auto has sufficient fuel or not, is solely the responsibility of the driver, it cannot be treated as a delay for switching over drivers. Many are of the view that Formula One is a team game; regardless of the fact whether teams are changing or not. Therefore, the officials shouldn’t bother the drivers for team orders at all, lest they reside to lame options such as fuel shortage or technical fault with the auto.
However, Red Bull and McLaren are trying to split the team spirit into a ferocious individual battle. They are focusing on letting their drivers chase one other in the race. Although it may sound as an interesting twist, the idea will not last long. Fans criticized Red Bull when their drivers crashed in Turkey for their insanity. The hype was even bigger when Sebastian Vettel lost his precious points to his native, Silverstone. Majority of the fans were of the view that putting your best players at competition is just like wasting your strength. Critics argue that drivers should utilize their strengths instead of wasting them by competing with each other.
The best or the worst part of Formula One is the importance of the team. The prize of the winning team is far greater than the individual prize the racer can possibly grab. Still the title is emphasized upon by highlighting the player who managed to get it. It is just like Manchester United giving a d**n about Champions League as long as their heroic Wayne Rooney makes it to the Player of the Tournament.
If rules are rules, then Formula One should be treated as a team play, rather than an individual victory. The best way to please the fans without messing up with the team orders controversy is to consider the Formula One’s golden boot, rather than the individual royals. As edgy as it sounds, this might be a rational solution to the officials’ problems right now...
Another way to tackle the scenario is to allow a team order for the first third of the racing season. This would put the teams under regulations and allow them to fight for as many points by staying within the lines. The points can then determine the toppers and the second comers. Then again, if team orders are allowed, the number two driver would concede to number one, whenever they are close to getting competitive.
Have some views to share? Let us know what you think about team orders and the unimagined step by Ferrari drivers..
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