F1 presentation on TV
Discussion
I may well be alone on this - but as a casual 'fan' of F1 I find it very frustrating not to be presented with more facts and info about the sport during its presentation on TV. There seems to be plenty of opportunity to broaden the presentation (given each race is a three day affair) but it inevitably seems to consist of three people sitting on stools nattering to each other or driver /TP interviews.
Now I know I could Google and find out a lot more stuff on line but it seems there is wasted opportunity to provide more insight in to what is actually going on during the TV broadcast time. Things I would love to hear more about would be (randomly):
Basic tech of an F1 car - how are they designed and built - how about a factory tour and interviews with technical folk in the team.
What are the FIA rules that control the design of the cars?
What do the legions of people in the garages actually do during the race?
How about more insight in to how the pit stop crews work - this is rarely even mentioned.
What are the people doing who spend the entire race watching monitors with different buttons with the drivers names on them?
Whats the Team Principals role exactly, during a race weekend and at other times - is he allowed to talk to the drivers on the radio during the races (it only seems to be one person talking to each driver - presumably their race engineer. Is that a rule or a preference)?
Whats the drivers engineers roles exactly?
What about the engines - I don't even know what kind of engines they use apart from them being hybrid ICE's - nobody seems to mention it.
What about that hybrid aspect - that could be discussed and explained.
OK maybe the TV people just don't see any of this as being essential or significantly contributing to the their presentation - but surely it must alienate the casual viewer who may get 'in to it' given more info and background?
I took a while to figure out what the often mentioned 'DRS' system is and had to Google it in the end - and I still only have a basic understanding - how about a bit more explanation on that and how the system works on a track, what hardware/software is needed etc?
Anyway maybe I am just being an idiot or do others share my frustration?
Now I know I could Google and find out a lot more stuff on line but it seems there is wasted opportunity to provide more insight in to what is actually going on during the TV broadcast time. Things I would love to hear more about would be (randomly):
Basic tech of an F1 car - how are they designed and built - how about a factory tour and interviews with technical folk in the team.
What are the FIA rules that control the design of the cars?
What do the legions of people in the garages actually do during the race?
How about more insight in to how the pit stop crews work - this is rarely even mentioned.
What are the people doing who spend the entire race watching monitors with different buttons with the drivers names on them?
Whats the Team Principals role exactly, during a race weekend and at other times - is he allowed to talk to the drivers on the radio during the races (it only seems to be one person talking to each driver - presumably their race engineer. Is that a rule or a preference)?
Whats the drivers engineers roles exactly?
What about the engines - I don't even know what kind of engines they use apart from them being hybrid ICE's - nobody seems to mention it.
What about that hybrid aspect - that could be discussed and explained.
OK maybe the TV people just don't see any of this as being essential or significantly contributing to the their presentation - but surely it must alienate the casual viewer who may get 'in to it' given more info and background?
I took a while to figure out what the often mentioned 'DRS' system is and had to Google it in the end - and I still only have a basic understanding - how about a bit more explanation on that and how the system works on a track, what hardware/software is needed etc?
Anyway maybe I am just being an idiot or do others share my frustration?
As with many things these days, YouTube is the best option if you want a deep dive.
This is a good one, from the drivers themselves: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twAlqtvVMdc
There are loads more, some from the official F1 channel and plenty more from independent producers.
Admittedly I have no idea why the Sky Sports F1 channel cycles through the same stuff half the time, you'd think they'd have access to this stuff (and possibly even produced it for F1) and would show it more often.
This is a good one, from the drivers themselves: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twAlqtvVMdc
There are loads more, some from the official F1 channel and plenty more from independent producers.
Admittedly I have no idea why the Sky Sports F1 channel cycles through the same stuff half the time, you'd think they'd have access to this stuff (and possibly even produced it for F1) and would show it more often.
It's always a challenge, this side of things.
To a new fan / casual viewer all of that would be interesting. Anyone "into it" already knows most of the bits you've asked / suggested. It'd be kind of like the football match show explaining the offside rule, I guess.
The BBC coverage used to have good tech insights for a lot of what you're asking for interspersed esp. early season, but C4 obviously doesn't because it's just highlights. You might be interested in some of the stuff the F1 organisation produces? Covers much of what you want
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=f1+ex...
To a new fan / casual viewer all of that would be interesting. Anyone "into it" already knows most of the bits you've asked / suggested. It'd be kind of like the football match show explaining the offside rule, I guess.
The BBC coverage used to have good tech insights for a lot of what you're asking for interspersed esp. early season, but C4 obviously doesn't because it's just highlights. You might be interested in some of the stuff the F1 organisation produces? Covers much of what you want
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=f1+ex...
Merc AMG release weekly videos on their race and are quite enlightening about the inner workings and decision making from a top F1 team.
https://www.youtube.com/c/MercedesAMGF1/videos
I don't think any of the other teams are quite as forthcoming with information.
https://www.youtube.com/c/MercedesAMGF1/videos
I don't think any of the other teams are quite as forthcoming with information.
A cursory glance through the F1 section here will reveal that satisfying everyone in terms of TV coverage is impossible.
Too much information and you can put off most of the casual watchers. Too little or dumbed down and you stand accused of patronising the avid follower.
Sky F1 tends to cater for the more 'avid' follower (not enough IMO although their coverage is quite good on the whole). C4 provides something a little more accessible to a wider audience. Any gaps and as others have said, the internet provides your answers.
Too much information and you can put off most of the casual watchers. Too little or dumbed down and you stand accused of patronising the avid follower.
Sky F1 tends to cater for the more 'avid' follower (not enough IMO although their coverage is quite good on the whole). C4 provides something a little more accessible to a wider audience. Any gaps and as others have said, the internet provides your answers.
Mark V GTD said:
I may well be alone on this - but as a casual 'fan' of F1 I find it very frustrating not to be presented with more facts and info about the sport during its presentation on TV. There seems to be plenty of opportunity to broaden the presentation (given each race is a three day affair) but it inevitably seems to consist of three people sitting on stools nattering to each other or driver /TP interviews.
Now I know I could Google and find out a lot more stuff on line but it seems there is wasted opportunity to provide more insight in to what is actually going on during the TV broadcast time. Things I would love to hear more about would be (randomly):
Basic tech of an F1 car - how are they designed and built - how about a factory tour and interviews with technical folk in the team.
What are the FIA rules that control the design of the cars?
What do the legions of people in the garages actually do during the race?
How about more insight in to how the pit stop crews work - this is rarely even mentioned.
What are the people doing who spend the entire race watching monitors with different buttons with the drivers names on them?
Whats the Team Principals role exactly, during a race weekend and at other times - is he allowed to talk to the drivers on the radio during the races (it only seems to be one person talking to each driver - presumably their race engineer. Is that a rule or a preference)?
Whats the drivers engineers roles exactly?
What about the engines - I don't even know what kind of engines they use apart from them being hybrid ICE's - nobody seems to mention it.
What about that hybrid aspect - that could be discussed and explained.
OK maybe the TV people just don't see any of this as being essential or significantly contributing to the their presentation - but surely it must alienate the casual viewer who may get 'in to it' given more info and background?
I took a while to figure out what the often mentioned 'DRS' system is and had to Google it in the end - and I still only have a basic understanding - how about a bit more explanation on that and how the system works on a track, what hardware/software is needed etc?
I can't highly recommend Merc F1's YT channel enough for technical and team insight https://www.youtube.com/c/MercedesAMGF1/videosNow I know I could Google and find out a lot more stuff on line but it seems there is wasted opportunity to provide more insight in to what is actually going on during the TV broadcast time. Things I would love to hear more about would be (randomly):
Basic tech of an F1 car - how are they designed and built - how about a factory tour and interviews with technical folk in the team.
What are the FIA rules that control the design of the cars?
What do the legions of people in the garages actually do during the race?
How about more insight in to how the pit stop crews work - this is rarely even mentioned.
What are the people doing who spend the entire race watching monitors with different buttons with the drivers names on them?
Whats the Team Principals role exactly, during a race weekend and at other times - is he allowed to talk to the drivers on the radio during the races (it only seems to be one person talking to each driver - presumably their race engineer. Is that a rule or a preference)?
Whats the drivers engineers roles exactly?
What about the engines - I don't even know what kind of engines they use apart from them being hybrid ICE's - nobody seems to mention it.
What about that hybrid aspect - that could be discussed and explained.
OK maybe the TV people just don't see any of this as being essential or significantly contributing to the their presentation - but surely it must alienate the casual viewer who may get 'in to it' given more info and background?
I took a while to figure out what the often mentioned 'DRS' system is and had to Google it in the end - and I still only have a basic understanding - how about a bit more explanation on that and how the system works on a track, what hardware/software is needed etc?
Another good channel is Chain Bear https://www.youtube.com/c/chainbearf1/videos
Mark V GTD said:
Anyway maybe I am just being an idiot or do others share my frustration?
Just be thankful of what's available out there.A lot of us veterans grew up with BBC coverage that only showed the races and the press conference if you were lucky or home Grand Prix would broaden coverage.
Then we'd wait for Thursday for Autosport to be published or head down the local library for F1 101.
I grew up not knowing much about tyre compounds and why there was no quali tyres anymore in the 90s; what fly-by-wire throttle and active suspension was or how it worked, no understanding of ground effects.
I still have a Dorling & Kindsley book from the mid-90s which I bought when I was a teen. I've kept not only for sentimental reasons but always amazes me visualizing how F1 has moved on.
I don't know what's available on F1's subscription channel but judging by what does end up on MotoGP's YT channel there seems to have a plethora of behind-the-scenes documentaries made for its subscription channel.
ch37 said:
This is a good one, from the drivers themselves: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twAlqtvVMdc
Off topic but that was quite funny to watch with the different personalities trying to explain an apex. They should have just asked Carlos to do the whole video, if the driving thing doesn't work out he could be a teacher. And I've never seen anybody thinking wtf I am doing here more than Kimi in that video
Some very simplistic explanations and a few links to follow:
(We’ll come back to the engine in a moment)
Engine techs – monitoring engine performance
Tyre techs – monitoring tyre performance
Strategists – working out how best to run a race for max’ performance
Sponsors
Personal trainers
Journalists
JK out of Jamiroquai
It’s normally the race engineer that will talk to a driver. No rules on who can and can’t but it’s best to keep comms one-to-one during a race.
https://motorsport.tech/formula-1/f1-engines-expla...
Mark V GTD said:
Basic tech of an F1 car - how are they designed and built
There’s a set of technical regulations and designers consider how best to design a car that maximises these regulations. This is principally a process of designing the surfaces to achieve a balance between aerodynamic efficiency (minimal drag) and downforce. This is all done on a CAD system and programmes predict what the results will be. When they arrive at a shape that gives some good theoretical results, they’ll make a 1/3rd scale model (3D printing) and build a car (1/3rd scale) and put it in a wind tunnel. If that shows good results, they’ll commit to full production – patterns, carbon laying, assembly….and Robert’s your Father’s Brother – you have an F1 car!(We’ll come back to the engine in a moment)
Mark V GTD said:
how about a factory tour and interviews with technical folk in the team
Most of the F1 teams organise this for fans. Join their fan club and you can get to go on a tour of the factory. Highly recommended!Mark V GTD said:
What are the FIA rules that control the design of the cars?
There you go: https://www.fia.com/regulation/category/110Mark V GTD said:
What do the legions of people in the garages actually do during the race?
Mechanics – build the car up, run it, keep it going, pit stops, etc.Engine techs – monitoring engine performance
Tyre techs – monitoring tyre performance
Strategists – working out how best to run a race for max’ performance
Sponsors
Personal trainers
Journalists
JK out of Jamiroquai
Mark V GTD said:
How about more insight in to how the pit stop crews work - this is rarely even mentioned.
Give this a watch: https://www.channel4.com/programmes/speed-with-guy...Mark V GTD said:
What are the people doing who spend the entire race watching monitors with different buttons with the drivers names on them?
They watch how a race is unfolding and make calls on when a driver needs to push, cruise, stop, etc.Mark V GTD said:
Whats the Team Principals role exactly, during a race weekend and at other times - is he allowed to talk to the drivers on the radio during the races (it only seems to be one person talking to each driver - presumably their race engineer. Is that a rule or a preference)?
If he’s done his job well, then the Principal will have little to do once the lights go out.It’s normally the race engineer that will talk to a driver. No rules on who can and can’t but it’s best to keep comms one-to-one during a race.
Mark V GTD said:
Whats the drivers engineers roles exactly?
They are responsible for the engineering of ‘their’ driver’s car during a weekend. Essentially, they are the boss of the team of people looking after a particular car.Mark V GTD said:
What about the engines - I don't even know what kind of engines they use apart from them being hybrid ICE's - nobody seems to mention it.
What about that hybrid aspect - that could be discussed and explained.
1.6 Litre conventional petrol engine – V6, turbo charged (I use the word ‘conventional’ in its broadest sense). Coupled to two electric motors. What about that hybrid aspect - that could be discussed and explained.
https://motorsport.tech/formula-1/f1-engines-expla...
Mark V GTD said:
I took a while to figure out what the often mentioned 'DRS' system is and had to Google it in the end - and I still only have a basic understanding - how about a bit more explanation on that and how the system works on a track, what hardware/software is needed etc?
Driver activates a switch which activates a servo which opens a plane on the rear wing reducing drag at permitted parts of the circuit. Monitored to ensure it’s not used where it shouldn’t be.Sir Bagalot said:
We used to have Gary Anderson. He went.
Ted moved to Sky.
I'll get slated for this one, but Eddie Jordan, yes up himself, but he brought many ground breaking stories. Where's he gone?
But we do have Steve Jones
and Billy monger
I really like Channel 4's coverage. Steve Jones is somewhat irreverent, but given how desperately seriously F1 takes itself, I don't think that's a bad thing. As for Billy monger, I actually think he's been a real find. Some really interesting insight.Ted moved to Sky.
I'll get slated for this one, but Eddie Jordan, yes up himself, but he brought many ground breaking stories. Where's he gone?
But we do have Steve Jones
and Billy monger I do agree with you and Eddie Jordan and his "in my oh-pinion....", however - he still has his finger on the pulse of F1.
Mark V GTD said:
I may well be alone on this - but as a casual 'fan' of F1 I find it very frustrating not to be presented with more facts and info about the sport during its presentation on TV. There seems to be plenty of opportunity to broaden the presentation (given each race is a three day affair) but it inevitably seems to consist of three people sitting on stools nattering to each other or driver /TP interviews.
Now I know I could Google and find out a lot more stuff on line but it seems there is wasted opportunity to provide more insight in to what is actually going on during the TV broadcast time. Things I would love to hear more about would be (randomly):
Basic tech of an F1 car - how are they designed and built - how about a factory tour and interviews with technical folk in the team.
What are the FIA rules that control the design of the cars?
What do the legions of people in the garages actually do during the race?
How about more insight in to how the pit stop crews work - this is rarely even mentioned.
What are the people doing who spend the entire race watching monitors with different buttons with the drivers names on them?
Whats the Team Principals role exactly, during a race weekend and at other times - is he allowed to talk to the drivers on the radio during the races (it only seems to be one person talking to each driver - presumably their race engineer. Is that a rule or a preference)?
Whats the drivers engineers roles exactly?
What about the engines - I don't even know what kind of engines they use apart from them being hybrid ICE's - nobody seems to mention it.
What about that hybrid aspect - that could be discussed and explained.
OK maybe the TV people just don't see any of this as being essential or significantly contributing to the their presentation - but surely it must alienate the casual viewer who may get 'in to it' given more info and background?
I took a while to figure out what the often mentioned 'DRS' system is and had to Google it in the end - and I still only have a basic understanding - how about a bit more explanation on that and how the system works on a track, what hardware/software is needed etc?
Anyway maybe I am just being an idiot or do others share my frustration?
If your new this id say watch chain bear on your tube very easy to watch and understand, Now I know I could Google and find out a lot more stuff on line but it seems there is wasted opportunity to provide more insight in to what is actually going on during the TV broadcast time. Things I would love to hear more about would be (randomly):
Basic tech of an F1 car - how are they designed and built - how about a factory tour and interviews with technical folk in the team.
What are the FIA rules that control the design of the cars?
What do the legions of people in the garages actually do during the race?
How about more insight in to how the pit stop crews work - this is rarely even mentioned.
What are the people doing who spend the entire race watching monitors with different buttons with the drivers names on them?
Whats the Team Principals role exactly, during a race weekend and at other times - is he allowed to talk to the drivers on the radio during the races (it only seems to be one person talking to each driver - presumably their race engineer. Is that a rule or a preference)?
Whats the drivers engineers roles exactly?
What about the engines - I don't even know what kind of engines they use apart from them being hybrid ICE's - nobody seems to mention it.
What about that hybrid aspect - that could be discussed and explained.
OK maybe the TV people just don't see any of this as being essential or significantly contributing to the their presentation - but surely it must alienate the casual viewer who may get 'in to it' given more info and background?
I took a while to figure out what the often mentioned 'DRS' system is and had to Google it in the end - and I still only have a basic understanding - how about a bit more explanation on that and how the system works on a track, what hardware/software is needed etc?
Anyway maybe I am just being an idiot or do others share my frustration?
Blimey - amazing response to this - thank you all for the great insights, suggestions and links... special thanks to Steve Bee for his patient answers to all my questions. If only the F1 Channel could do as well.
I will be sure to check all this stuff out. Re the factory tour - I regularly work a few minutes from Brixworth in Northants - I believe this is the Mercedes team engine facility so not sure if they are open for tours.
I will be sure to check all this stuff out. Re the factory tour - I regularly work a few minutes from Brixworth in Northants - I believe this is the Mercedes team engine facility so not sure if they are open for tours.
Mark V GTD said:
Blimey - amazing response to this - thank you all for the great insights, suggestions and links... special thanks to Steve Bee for his patient answers to all my questions. If only the F1 Channel could do as well.
I will be sure to check all this stuff out. Re the factory tour - I regularly work a few minutes from Brixworth in Northants - I believe this is the Mercedes team engine facility so not sure if they are open for tours.
No worries.I will be sure to check all this stuff out. Re the factory tour - I regularly work a few minutes from Brixworth in Northants - I believe this is the Mercedes team engine facility so not sure if they are open for tours.
Most of the teams are based in that part of the world. Red Bull are in Milton Keynes. McLaren down in Woking. The tours aren't a 'rock-up-and-go' type thing and you'll need to book and / or join their fan clubs. I did a tour of the Jordan (now Racing Point) factory a while back which was excellent. Obviously Covid has put a temporary halt on things such as this.
In the meantime: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VXJtrz1m9Y
I think the nature of the sport makes it difficult to explain everything each week. Over the course of a season they can do programs that cover most aspects of the sport. But if you tried to squeeze it all in during each race, you’d put off both casual and dedicated viewers.
As someone said above, it used to be the case that you’d buy Autosport on Thursday to understand the race you watched on Sunday. Now you get interviews and analysis in the paddock, follows by various online sources.
As someone said above, it used to be the case that you’d buy Autosport on Thursday to understand the race you watched on Sunday. Now you get interviews and analysis in the paddock, follows by various online sources.
So, are you suggesting that they go through these things every week?
Surely it would be the most boring repetitive bit of TV after you have heard it for the 10th time?
I'm sure they have covered a lot of things things over the years with different artickles, but they couldn't cover them every week!
The point of the broadcast is to show and discus the actual racing surely?
Surely it would be the most boring repetitive bit of TV after you have heard it for the 10th time?
I'm sure they have covered a lot of things things over the years with different artickles, but they couldn't cover them every week!
The point of the broadcast is to show and discus the actual racing surely?
Europa1 said:
Sir Bagalot said:
We used to have Gary Anderson. He went.
Ted moved to Sky.
I'll get slated for this one, but Eddie Jordan, yes up himself, but he brought many ground breaking stories. Where's he gone?
But we do have Steve Jones and Billy monger
I really like Channel 4's coverage. Steve Jones is somewhat irreverent, but given how desperately seriously F1 takes itself, I don't think that's a bad thing. As for Billy monger, I actually think he's been a real find. Some really interesting insight.Ted moved to Sky.
I'll get slated for this one, but Eddie Jordan, yes up himself, but he brought many ground breaking stories. Where's he gone?
But we do have Steve Jones
and Billy monger I do agree with you and Eddie Jordan and his "in my oh-pinion....", however - he still has his finger on the pulse of F1.
As for Gary, The Race do a podcast with just him where he's asked questions and gives his opinions, answers and experience on it. So he's still there giving great detail.
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