Formula1 is quite like cars going on round and round. Overtaking is less too. So what makes people watch it?

Answer 1

yea i know, the competition stinks.... often the starting lineup and finishing order are the same! Who cares about all the technology crap, I want to see some good competitive racing!

Answer 2

People enjoy watching different sports for different reasons. And as you narrow that field down to just Formula 1 racing, you'll still find a wide variety of reasons that people enjoy it. Given the large international audience that the races attract, clearly alot of people enjoy it.

There is a long history to the sport (moreso than for most forms of motor racing). Which is seldomly a reason unto itself, but it lends a framework in which a fan may enjoy the contrast to times gone by. As a sport it reporesents the high bar for driver ability and automotive technology. While the cars have become progressively easier to drive, the road to having a chance to drive in F1 is such that only the best make it that far... and the technology is, and always has been, the leading edge of all automotive technology. There are no doubt many people that watch based on this alone.

As recent days have proven, there is also often a good deal of intrigue around the sport, the interaction of the teams, and their relationships with the sports organizers and governing bodies. This also plays out to the stategic elements of the race, which are almost a game within the game, and often can be the deciding factor in a good season versus a bad one.

And there is the action. Yes, there is on course action. Just because a pass doesn't take place doesn't mean that you don't have the long work of one driver working to setup a possible pass. I would think it's akin to a pitchering duel in baseball! Just because everyone that comes to the plate isn't hitting a homerun doesn't mean it's a lesser game, though it often takes an educated and somewhat hardcore fan to really appreciate it. The lengthy setup and work to make a pass is a thing of beauty when it finally comes together and works.

Ultimately though, nothing MAKES anyone watch it. Any of the above, or other reasons entirely are why they CHOOSE to watch it.

Answer 3

Just going round and round?

Looks like you have a housewives opionion on the sport (No offense to F1 fan home makers, the reference was about housewives who criticize what they dont comprehend)

4 G lateral port, two seconds later 4 G lateral starboard, silky smooth through these extremities, that is how a F1 driver pushes his ride and this requires control, physical fitness and car capabilities that is beyond any other form of racing. You are wondering why there is not much of overtaking, right? Maybe it is because the top cars are well matched and the drivers seldom make mistakes. And down the order where it isnt quite that matched, there is enough overtaking.

Driving skills, technology and strategy, F1 reigns unmatched and thats why we watch it.

Answer 4

Having read all the answers i feel like enough has been said about the greatness of F1. I like the baseball analogy as well. not every minute of every race is exciting but the overall experience leaves you thrilled and euphoric. Seeing these cars race live is an experience you'll never forget and will surely make even the indifferent sit up.

As with all sports, and most other things as well, the more you know - the better it gets. If you want to see one of the greatest races ever, watch the 2005 Japanese grand prix at Suzuka. Theres plenty on youtube. this is the race for ppl who want to see dramatic scenes, crashes, frantic armwaving and namecalling, lightning fast pitstops and overtaking maneuvres at 200mph. It will have you reeling!

Answer 5

There is overtaking and a lot of track strategy, sadly televised races follow the leader(s) and ignore the back field where all the passing is going on. Just look at Massa's work last Sunday, that's racing.

Now I don't think F1 is on par with NASA as far as technology goes, there are no life support issues in racing, but the level of innovation is tremendous as is the physical and mental acumen of the crews and drivers.

Answer 6

Formula 1 racetracks have different characteristics and not just a simple round track. Also, some tracks allow overtaking opportunities. The pit stop strategies also play a major role especially between cars whose time gap is minimal. Another thing to watch out for is how great cars like ferrari, mclaren and bmw outdo each other in terms of engineering capabilities. As soon as you get to familiarize with the mechanics of the race, you'll appreciate it more.

Answer 7

Formula1 is the top of the top. It is more high tech than what NASA does. The drivers are the best in the world! Ask any driver for his dream and they will tell you that they dream of driving in a F1 car. The top driver in the Nascar series would be on the back of the grid in F1.

Maybe it does not look as interesting as other racing competition, but if i can make the comparison with football/soccer: it is like watching Champions League (Formula1) compared to watching a 2nd league game (IRL or Nascar). The top is always the most interesting, however it might not always be as exciting.

Answer 8

i watch Formula 1 because they race on road courses or street circuits. Not to mention it is pretty amazing how they can get 19,000 rpm`s out of a 2.4 liter engine....and the cars sound awesome. The standing start is pretty spectacular too. But after it is all said and done, I watch it because of all the technology that is put into a Formula 1 car.

Answer 9

Interesting Circuits - with corners in both directions, of varying speeds.
Great Technology, which is constantly evolving.
Overtaking is actually a challenge - it doesn't just happen by default
Drivers need to be racing to perfection all the time to win - it is the pursuit of perfection.
It has a rich and interesting history.

Answer 10

I love racing and i've tried watching F1 but just can't get into it. Yeah, technology is great but they're just playing follow the leader out there. Boring! As far as the drivers being the best in the world. How come Juan Pablo Montoya can't keep up with the NASCAR guys. He won one race by taking out his teamate and another on fuel mileage.

Answer 11

I love the high technology of the sport and the strategy used by different teams. It's definitely not for everyone, but I enjoy watching how events unfold. It is amazing how well orchestrated events during the race are.