Formula 1 is like all motorsports: the goal is to drive fast and make it across the finish line first. When Formula 1 was first invented in 1950 by Bernie Ecclestone, it was both an incredibly dangerous sport and a very homogenous one. It used to be so dangerous that in the 1950s, fifteen drivers died. Thanks to advancements in technology and efforts to diversify the sport, Formula 1 is slowly changing for the better.

Cars

The sport today is much safer thanks to more advanced cars. These developments also mean that cars are now the main deciding factor in the outcome of the championship, unlike in the 1950s where drivers’ skill was what mattered most. The cars have to be light with good aerodynamics and have reliable engines. Teams now have a much bigger gap in terms of the difference between the quality of the cars. With these advancements come new problems and inequities: the teams with the greater budget for the cars will make it on top. If an amazing driver isn’t hired by a top team, they probably won’t get very far. 

Drivers and Diversity

 Since the 1950s, almost all drivers who have made it into Formula 1 have been rich, white, European men. At the moment, the only person in the sport who is different is Lewis Hamilton. He is the first and only black person in the sport, and he constantly fights for more diversity within the sport. Recently there hasn’t been much change with this, except for an 11 year old girl, Luna Fluxa, who has been recruited into the Mercedes’ Junior Program. Hopefully she’ll make it into F1, becoming the first woman in the sport.

A Brighter (and less bitter) Tomorrow 

In addition to diversity, toxicity in F1 also needs to be changed. There’s often a lack of sportsmanship between drivers, teams and even teammates, which often creates a malignant sport. For example, during 2014-2016, Lewis Hamilton and his teammate Nico Rosberg had a strong hatred for each other which constantly caused more damage than good for Mercedes, and may have even been a factor leading up to Rosberg’s retirement. 

Formula 1 has changed greatly since 1950, but there’s still lots of work to be done. As safety continues to improve and there’s more diversity and sportsmanship within the sport, it is sure to become more enjoyable for those involved and the audience!