This weekend, we approach the mid-point of the Formula 1 racing season as the 11 teams attack the Magny-Cours, France. I have to admit that I had lost my interest in F1 years ago but some 5 years ago, a friend sparked a renewed interest in a larger set of horsepower than I usually enjoy.
Formula 1 is far from the most popular racing here. NASCAR dominates most water cooler discussions and only hosting two events on the North American continent does little to increase interest. The recent changes in format though I believe have done much to increase fan interest, the addition of several new teams and more importantly, qualifying. The old method of parading the cars, three at a time onto the track to make one run at a qualifying time was more than boring in my opinion. The simple change to actual racing to qualify has me on the edge of my seat again on Saturday.
Sadly, timing seems to have worked against Michael Schumacher this year. I believe he will continue to be one of the greatest drivers of F1 but unfortunately, there never seemed to be a driver to really challenge him and build the rivalry that is growing this season. Jithin Jerald at The Kerala Articles has a wonderful post of his opinion on this matter. I do have to differ though with some of his points.
There is a developing rivalry that the sport of F1 has been sorely lacking in past years but I believe it is more than restricted to McLaren-Mercedes and their drivers Alonso and Hamilton. Ferrari has been struggling through the beginning of the season but I can see much the same rivalry existing within their team. The added bonus to racing is Ferrari not giving an inch to McLaren-Mercedes and allowing them to drive away with the championship.
Hamilton arrived at the McLaren-Mercedes as the rookie and most probably believed he would take the back seat to Alonso's throne there. His ease at adapting to the car and their program has allowed him to show his rearend to Alonso on several occasions. The added fact that he shows no fear in pursuing a win for himself and the team has set up a thrilling competition within McLaren-Mercedes and will serve to keep both drivers at their best on the track.
Raikkonen arrived this year at the Ferrari stable and most probably felt that he was the heir to the Schumacher throne with his reputation and large contract in tow. Massa, the former test driver and second seat to Schumacher last year, has proven otherwise so far. He also has shown no fear of driving for his own wins. I believe that is the driver he is, even though it can be seen by Ferrari's uneven performances this season, that they need every point they can get.
Both rivalries can only benefit the fan base that may have been stuck in the doldrums as of late and the addition of having two teams, four drivers all driving hard for the next win can only lead to better racing. It is unfortunate that timing has left Michael Schumacher out of a season that could have been only more nail-biting and explosive in my opinion. It may have been the year he could have "closed the book" on the doubts of his being the greatest driver in Formula 1 racing. I can only hope that what is beginning to take form as rivalries this year, will continue to solidify through the second half of this season, increase with a more consistant Ferrari performance and continue into the years to come.
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