The popularity of Formula 1

The popularity of martial arts or team sports is not surprising. After all, it has everything the spectator needs – blood and sweat, genuine longing and happiness in the eyes of the athletes. In addition, the football pitch, for example, is most often perfectly visible, not to mention the boxing ring. But what is the reason for so much excitement around Formula 1 races?

What is so interesting about these races?

Indeed, on the face of it, a rally or derby might seem more interesting and entertaining. However, it is the Formula 1 drivers who are among the top five earning athletes. In 2017, Michael Schumacher was voted by Forbes magazine as the world’s highest-paid racing driver – he earned over $1 billion during his career. The struggles of millionaires are always of interest to ordinary viewers, whose number is only growing. You can follow Formula 1 news here.

In 2017, these car races ranked 8th in terms of number of fans, including visitors to the races themselves. Moreover, the financial component of Formula 1 amounts to hundreds of billions of dollars. Therefore it is super difficult to become a participant. Even availability of big money does not guarantee admission of a newly established team to motor racing. Connections in the design and advertising environment mean no less. 

Competition between the teams (designers) is another reason for the relevance of Formula 1. We all remember the long-standing leadership of Ferrari, which could not be eclipsed by other developers. Only changes in the racing regulations gave the competing teams a chance to win. Civilian car manufacturers spare no money for research, which is tested on the racetrack.

For example, the efficiency of the power units in racing cars exceeds 50%. For comparison, the efficiency of civil engines usually does not exceed 30-35%. This is also where other components and materials are tested for viability. Including rubber, glass, electronics, hardware, plastics, metals, etc. 

Formula 1 or Formula E?

Of course, the answer is obvious – Formula 1: here is the big money, here are the star drivers, here is where every car maker wants to be, here are the sound engines (though they lost the “atmospheric rigidity”, but gained the whistle of the turbine), here are the huge speeds, here is the real risk to life. This is what ‘Formula One’ means.

However, it seems that Formula E has also come seriously and for a long time: its own unique niche of electric racing; famous car brands and famous pilots; a truly global reach in the geography of racing stages. With the right development, Formula E could well become a very important, complex and interesting championship. Today, we are only at its beginning, but imagine in the future saying that you have followed Formula E since its early seasons – and that would be as “cool” as saying you have followed Formula 1 since 1950.

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