Improving Formula One for the spectators - some suggestions

Come 2014 and you are bound to see a few of the biggest changes in Formula One in recent times with respect to technical regulations.

The teams would have to start from scratch, especially on the engines. While it probably would present an opportunity for some of the teams to spring a surprise, at the same time, would make it really interesting for spectators if a few of the mid-field runners or even back-markers can move ahead in terms of their performances.

After all, it is getting monotonous to see Sebastian Vettel on the podium with his dreaded index finger gesture not just on the track, but also on Television sets.

Formula One has seen an increase in TV viewers but has seen decline in audience at the stands at some of the circuits

But is there anything else that can be done to improve and increase the race weekend experience for spectators as well as those watching on TV? Here are a few suggestions which might help improve the whole experience of watching Formula One:

Do we need really DRS and KERS?

The debate on the technology that helps to overtake still holds.

While some people term DRS as artificial overtaking which gets the fizz out of pure racing, others feel it is required in modern day Formula One cars and helps.

But the questions need to be answered are – do the technological revolutions actually help in overtaking or are these just mere gimmicks?

That’s because the fact remains the car using DRS has an advantage while the one in front is pretty much a sitting duck. While KERS probably makes a lot of sense to have (thanks to it being environment friendly), DRS remains a bigger culprit.

So, if we need to use technology, let’s make it fair for all, which keeps the spirit of Formula One alive and more importantly, keeps the fans in the grandstands on the edge of their seats and those watching in their living rooms glued to their TV sets.

Bonus points for overtaking

Why not reward the drivers for their hardwork? Just a thought out of the box that can help see spirited efforts to get that extra point into the bag.

The risks are obviously there with the drivers trying aggressively to overtake, but they do it any how if given an opportunity. It may be called as the Bonus point zone for the first ten laps and the final ten laps of the race.

Calendar and Track changes

The whole Formula One experience can be made exciting by shuffling the calendar around. It might make sense to stick to the European and Asian schedules. Having a switch among the circuits from the regular dates could bring in a hint of uncertainty from the predictable weather conditions every year.

Also, if financially viable, a couple of circuits may switch alternately once a year for hosting a race, thereby sharing the humongous costs (best example is maybe India and Korea).

Also, adding a couple of street circuits (like Singapore and Monaco) might add more spice to the whole spectator experience.

Ticket costs and infrastructure

Ticket costs are quite exorbitant in some of the venues like India. Compare the ticket cost of watching a cricket match and it does seem like a hefty amount. The cost of a Formula One ticket has to be brought down if the attendance in the stands has to be increased.

Also, the infrastructure facilities in and around the circuit should be improved to provide the spectators a hassle-free and comfortable race experience.

Stop the money games on TV

While the British fans find it quite tough to watch their races thanks to a high cost of broadcasting by one of the leading sports channel, in India and some of the south east Asian countries fans (like me) have to watch advertisements during the race that spoils all the fun of watching the race on television.

With sponsors dying to get the eyeballs during sporting events, broadcasters cash in on the money but the viewers on television get really irritated with unwanted commercial breaks.

After all, you are bound to miss an exciting moment in race such as a fantastic overtaking manoeuvre as the action never stops for the two-hour period unlike a break in between overs in cricket.

Maybe an on-screen graphical ad fits the bill because at least the spectators don’t miss the action on track.

Get local and global celebs

Something to learn here from Singapore which manages to get quite a few popular celebrities from the global music industry in addition to their nationally popular artists to perform during the race weekend. This would help in attracting the fans on to the track and add variety to the whole Formula One weekend.

Can you think of some changes that could improve the Formula One spectator experience? Have your say in the comments.