...By Henry George for TDPel Media.
Former F1 racer Johnny Herbert has proposed a radical rule change that would take the sport back to the days of Ayrton Senna, Damon Hill, and Nigel Mansell, when drivers managed their own races without constant input from their teams.
In those times, mechanics would use pit boards to communicate key messages such as when to pit and the time gaps.
Herbert believes that such a change would place the responsibility back on the drivers, making the races more exciting.
According to Herbert, radio communication should be banned on race days, which would mean that drivers would need to make their own decisions in the cockpit.
He acknowledged that the current strategy software is excellent, but he believes that the drivers should be able to make calls in the heat of the moment, as drivers did in the past.
Herbert reminisced about how he, Senna, Hill, and Mansell would discuss their plans and have them written on their pit boards, but they would also have to think on their feet at times.
Herbert went on to say that drivers are now only reacting to what they are told on the radio, which comes from what the software is telling the team.
He would like to see a return to the days when teams could do what they wanted on Fridays and Saturdays, but on race day, the teams should just give the drivers the car and let them manage the race themselves.
Herbert’s proposal would remove a layer of technology from the sport and add an element of uncertainty, making the races more exciting and placing more emphasis on the drivers’ skills.
While the move might be controversial, it could be just what F1 needs to keep fans engaged and ensure that the sport remains exciting and unpredictable.
Commentary:
Herbert’s proposal to ban radio communication on race days would be a significant change for the sport.
F1 has become increasingly reliant on technology, and radio communication is a key part of that.
It allows teams to give their drivers detailed instructions and feedback, which can help them make strategic decisions and avoid mistakes.
However, it can also take away from the drivers’ responsibility and skill, as they are heavily reliant on their teams for guidance.
By removing radio communication, Herbert’s proposal would put the focus back on the drivers and force them to make decisions on their own.
This would make the sport more exciting and unpredictable, as drivers would need to rely on their instincts and experience to manage their races effectively.
It would also add an element of risk and uncertainty, which could lead to more exciting races and surprise results.
While some fans and teams may resist this change, it is important to remember that F1 has always been a sport that values innovation and change.
Herbert’s proposal is not the first time that the sport has undergone significant rule changes, and it is unlikely to be the last.
If implemented correctly, it could be just what F1 needs to keep fans engaged and ensure that the sport remains exciting and unpredictable.
