Why new era F1 is still dogged by its old world problems

Formula 1’s countdown to the unleashing of its new era cars is well underway, as teams begin making space in their diaries for what will be one of the most anticipated launch seasons in years. But despite all the excitement for new rules that F1’s owner Liberty Media believes will make the racing more exciting, it hasn’t taken long to be reminded that grand prix racing is not quite ready to focus completely on the future just yet. There are still some past problems that need to be sorted first.

Much air time is still being given to the fallout from the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with many both within and outside of F1 still perturbed by the nature of the events and the potential impact decisions made that day have had on the championship’s reputation. Just like the UK government only gets truly alarmed with controversies when they break out of the Westminster Bubble and make cut through with the voters, so too should the FIA be alarmed by the way in which the Abu Dhabi controversy has resonated with the wider public for all the wrong reasons.