While Lewis Hamilton's unabated early season dominance has boosted ticket sales for next summer's British Grand Prix at Silverstone, the circuit's managing director Patrick Allen believes F1 must be made more attractive or run the risk of driving off fans.
Speaking to the Guardian, Allen vented his concerns regarding the sport's current lack of excitement and uncertainty.
“If I can predict, before I get out of bed, that Lewis will win by four seconds, followed by Rosberg followed by Vettel followed by Räikkonen followed by Bottas followed by Massa, and that’s every race, then the product isn’t good enough."
Silverstone is contracted to host the British Grand Prix until 2026 and its boss has undertaken many initiatives to increase access by offering cheaper tickets and better facilities. But Allen believes F1 itself must also deliver on its promises.
“My opinion is we need a sport that’s a bit more exciting than that. We mustn't lose sight of what the fans come here for, and they come here to watch their heroes in a gladiatorial sense, not a guy on a data screen. When it gets to that, we’ve lost the very soul of the sport."
Patrick Allen also emphasized the prominence of technology in F1 which, in his view, almost invalidates driver talent. “If the car is always about technical expertise and reliability then we might as well have the technical directors up on the podium."
Speaking about F1's global expansion and the risk its development poses to Grand Prix racing's historic race venues, Silverstone's boss has urged European promoters to join forces and work together.
“This is a heritage site so it strengthens our hand. But you can’t rely on it. As you get fewer and fewer, it becomes like the World Wildlife Fund – you need to protect it."
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