Selection box - Two clear sides to this argument - Zipping around the web to follow the latest debates
Published by Christine
The British Grand Prix weekend gave us plenty to think and talk about, with the live in London event still causing a stir, the race under-delivering give or take a couple of surprising laps towards the end, and the huge swing in the championship battle. Along with that, we've got the recent announcement that the halo is, after all, the chosen cockpit protection device to be put into practice next season. This year is nothing if not packed, so here are a few links from the past week to keep you up to speed.
First up, let's begin with the fallout from the FIA's announcement about the halo device.
There are two clear sides to this argument as far as I can make out. Firstly, the opinion that if we don’t introduce further protection then we are at risk of drivers dying and no matter what the aesthetic cost it is worth it. Secondly there is the opinion that by taking this move F1 is losing touch of it’s fundamental DNA and history.
The implementation of compulsory cockpit halo devices in Formula 1 from next year is already – and predictably – proving hugely unpopular with the fans, if reaction on the various forums is any guide.
Next up, some great interviews with fab women in F1, particularly including one of the last chats with Monisha Kaltenborn before she left Sauber. Hope she comes back soon!
For decades it has been a man’s sport, with few women in important roles or behind the wheel. Only six women have driven during grand prix weekends, and of those only two actually participated in the race itself, with Lella Lombardi of Italy the last one. That was more than 40 years ago.
A case in point? Claire Williams, the deputy team principal of Williams - the team her father established 40 years ago. She is currently serving inspiration to thousands of women on a bi-weekly basis as she shares her knowledge, her expertise, and her confidence at taking on what traditionally would be deemed as a man's job live from the garage.
A fundamental difference in opinion between Kaltenborn and the team’s new majority shareholders, Longbow Finance, appears to be at the origin of her unexpected departure. Despite this turn of events and her change of status, I wish to share Kaltenborn’s words regarding Sauber, Honda, Liberty Media, the Strategy Group and the general state of Formula 1.
Next up some thoughts about Silverstone, from a fan's point of view, and from someone on the ground.
It’s a classic venue yet its time is numbered – Silverstone hosted yet another intriguing and exciting British Grand Prix with plenty of bang for it’s buck. Read on to find out our Top 5 stories coming from the afternoon’s events!
Formula 1 is seen by many as the pinnacle of motorsport, so when I first started Marshalling and had conversations with other marshals, F1 became a personal goal. To get to Marshal at the British Grand Prix isn’t easy, to even apply, yes apply, you need to be a minimum grade of Green Badge (Track Marshal), and have done a minimum number of days (usually 12) in a specific duty as well.
Finally, three unconnected but still brilliant links covering three hot button topics: Roborace, Lewis Hamilton and the future of Formula One.
The sleek, low-slung driverless Roborace car was on display in New York City for the Formula E races this weekend, but it was the workhorse DevBot that took to the track. You can recognize DevBot by its bubble-like cockpit, where a human sits ready to take the wheel if the autonomous car needs a literal hand.
Like Jedi slaloming through canyons on their jumpspeeders—only ground-bound, and revving roughly 210 miles per hour around a world capital—Formula One racers have to be equal parts Zen master and unabashed daredevil.
“We sit here today and we have five sponsors, Liverpool has over 30, Manchester United has over 90. I don’t think we’re going to get over 90, but there’s an opportunity to engage sponsors who are looking to activate their brands,” Bratches said ahead of an event in central London to promote the sport last week.
