The famous TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson proposes removing several Formula 1 races from the calendar altogether. This applies to circuits like Monaco, where overtaking is too difficult, according to him.
Jeremy Clarkson has a striking idea for the future of Formula 1. He simply proposes banning races on tracks where it is difficult to overtake.
Clarkson is known from the TV show Top Gear, among other things. He is an avid Formula 1 watcher and often shares his opinions about the sport, typically on social media or in columns.
Clarkson's latest opinion on the sport was shared in a post on the social media platform X.
"I have an idea that will make Formula 1 more exciting and sustainable." It quickly caught the attention of many fans.
He elaborated on this in a subsequent post:
– Avoid tracks where it is difficult to overtake.
The post got almost 50,000 users to 'like' it. So there's a lot to suggest that Clarkson isn't the only one who misses overtaking in Formula 1.
The idea that certain tracks are problematic is not entirely new. Modern Formula 1 cars contribute to the challenge of overtaking. The current ones have been heavily criticized for being too wide, too long and too heavy.
The aerodynamics of modern F1 cars is a challenge
This is where the cars' advanced aerodynamics play a crucial role. They are deeply dependent on unobstructed airflow, known as 'clean air'. This is necessary to create optimal downforce.
If a Formula 1 racer drives closely behind a competitor, problems arise. The car behind is hit by turbulent air vortices from the car in front. This is also what you might hear referred to as dirty air.
The dirty air is like poison for the car behind. Not only does being behind a competitor put more wear on the tires, it also significantly reduces the car's downforce.
Jeremy Clarkson doesn't specify exactly which F1 tracks he wants to remove. But it's easy to point to several candidates. Overtaking is often a rarity at tracks like Jeddah and Miami.
Even Barcelona has had laps with few overtaking. The Suzuka circuit in Japan also didn't offer much action during the latest lap there. If you follow Clarkson's logic, several circuits are in the danger zone.
Monaco Grand Prix: History vs. Excitement
The most obvious example, however, is the Monaco Grand Prix. The race is a jewel in the F1 calendar for many. But others see it as a spectacle without much real excitement.
The criticism of the race on the streets of the principality has been heard for years. Overtaking on the extremely narrow and winding streets is notoriously difficult. It often borders on the impossible for wide cars.
Yet many fans and F1 insiders defend Monaco's place on the lob calendar, highlighting the track's unique history and prestige. They believe Formula 1 cannot do without such an iconic lob.
A user on social media X also responded to the long-time TV host again.
"Jeremy, the cars used to be exciting to drive in Monaco. The track hasn't changed. But the cars have. Maybe the cars are the problem."
Clarkson acknowledges that cars have become bigger and more complex, but he insists that the solution is to adjust the calendar.
– We must accept the development of cars and only use suitable tracks, he believes.
He emphasizes the importance of the fan experience for the economy of sports.
"Ultimately, the revenue comes from fans. Always," he concludes his argument on X.
At the same time, the sport's leadership is also considering changes to increase excitement. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has recently floated several ideas.
Among other things, he will discuss with the sport's engine suppliers whether there is an idea in scrapping the current 1.6-liter V6 engines in exchange for V8 or V10 engines.
The idea is getting a lot of fans excited. Even drivers like Max Verstappen are said to be more than excited about the idea. Read more about it here .
