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What matters most in Formula 1?

In the first part of a major new series of features, BEN ANDERSON and leading paddock figures try to pin down Formula 1's fundamental appeal to fans. What really matters - is it drivers, cars, racing, technology, politics, or something else?

What is F1

Formula 1 is battling an identity crisis that will only end if it faces the challenge of understanding the qualities that define it. Each week, Ben Anderson and leading paddock figures will try to pin down Formula 1's fundamental appeal to fans.

Some people just don't 'get' sport. They say it's pointless, facile, that it doesn't matter.

But they are wrong. They are wrong because sport, like so many things in life, is much more than the sum of its parts. Sport matters because it means something to people.

So it is with Formula 1, which outwardly seems simply a collection of rich blokes shipping expensive cars around the world to drive around in circles as fast as they can for a few hours every other weekend.

Previous article Mercedes F1 team forced into problems by Ferrari threat
Next article Why should F1 be life-threatening?

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