There is no denying that motorsports and F1, specifically is dangerous prima facie. Hurtling through space at 250kmph-300kmph is no amateur feat. It requires immense physical and mental strength. The level of speed naturally brings in an element of risk. The risks involved are one of the main factors that draw drivers and fans alike to the sport.
But human life is paramount and F1
has seen numerous advances in driver safety over the years, regulations have
also been moulded and re-moulded to penalize drivers who overstep limits. The
modern monocoque is a true testament to advances on safety. Not just
technology, F1 culture itself has evolved to prioritize driver safety from the
Prost-Senna era.
Yesterday, Verstappen and
Hamilton collided in the British GP, sending Verstappen scurrying towards the
barriers. It was later known that Verstappen took a 51G impact as he hit the
barriers. A big, big hit. Verstappen was understandably winded. Thankfully,
Verstappen is alright now and hasn’t been injured, which is an immense relief.
While I do not expect zero blame game around the crash, I think the term “racing incident” slots in perfectly here. Max was aggressive, so was Lewis. Either of them could have done things differently to avoid the crash. It was a battle of wits and neither shirked.
If every driver gives in and
flinches away from taking risks, F1 becomes a purely technical game where the
superior car wins. I don’t think even F1 drivers are built that way- F1 is as
much a battle of the minds, as it is a battle of machines. Didn’t Niki Lauda
slip into a coma after a fiery crash, only to return to the track ~45 days
later? Bravo
Safety features and regulations should embolden and enable a driver to take risks responsibly and drivers who knowingly cause crashes should be heavily penalized. Winning does not outweigh human costs but all of us know that racing is not chess; let’s not act like it is.
Risks, aggression and mindsets are as much a part of the sport as are the
different tyre compounds.
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