What used to be better in Formula 1 (according to Jackie Stewart)
01/01/2017
Roger Benoit's interview with Sir Jackie Stewartin "Blick" about today's Formula 1 says a lot about the current situation and shows that our thoughts do not differ greatly from those of the professional.
When asked what is missing from today's F1, Stewart replies: "Excitement, defects, mistakes and accidents! Don't get that wrong. Nobody wants to see deaths, but they want to experience thrills."
That is exactly what has been completely lost. The cars are so perfect and correct the drivers' mistakes. When the cars were still shifted by hand and with a clutch pedal, the error rate was much higher. One wrong gear and the race was over. That no longer happens today.
Back then, almost every slip ended in the planks or at least in the gravel. That doesn't happen anymore either, as there is a huge, cleanly asphalted parking lot almost everywhere for coasting and turning.
The cars have become so perfect that a race result is hardly influenced by defects. In 2017, only Hamilton was a victim of technology and he probably lost the championship as a result. More such defects would add a lot more spice to the races.
Stewart saw the only highlight of the season in rookie Max Verstappen (which also coincides with our view). "The Dutchman reminds me of the first races of Mario Andretti, Jochen Rindt or François Cevert. They all shook up the business back then," says Stewart. Stewart can only laugh at the drivers' moans about the long season: "In 1971, when I became world champion for the first time, I flew across the Atlantic 86 times. That's 43 trips to America and back. For the Can-Am series, ABC television and as a Ford representative. I also drove around in Formula 2, as well as sports cars and touring cars."
On Mercedes' superiority and whether the coming season will be more interesting: "F1 is never even. Every year, one team has a certain advantage. Even during my time from 1965 to 1973, when I could have been champion six times in a row with a bit of luck and without a stomach illness. Ferrari never won a title then. Back then they failed because of the Ford-Cosworth super engine. Everyone else drove this engine. Ford was the best example of great F1."
How good is Verstappen? "That's an interesting question. I always put Alain Prost ahead of Ayrton Senna. For me, the Brazilian was the most exciting driver of his time. But in the end, the Frenchman won more races. Alain never looked like he was exceeding his limits. But Ayrton did - that's my criticism. If you look at the onboard cameras, you immediately notice that Senna worked three times harder at the wheel than Prost. Senna was super-fast, but Prost had the cleaner driving style. Even today, many drivers still try to use the crowbar - that makes them slower."
And who is the best driver now? Stewart: "Fangio, if you look at the World Championship since 1950. He always looked for the best car. When he was in the Mercedes, he already felt that he had to switch back to the Maserati. That's how he became champion five times."
....and then? "My compatriot Jim Clark, who always drove for Lotus."
...and who will finish third on the podium? " I don't know. Yes, Prost."
The question about the new face of F1 through Liberty Media: "There will never, ever be another Bernie Ecclestone. He is unique - in the entire world of sport. Never has a man made so much money. For himself and the wider world. If he cooperates with the new owners, then that's great. For everyone, including the fans, who finally have to come to the fore again." Where he's right, he's right.
