Early Memories
It all began in the late 90s over my grandparent’s house on a Sunday afternoon, a 7 or 8 year old boy glued to the TV as ‘the cars’ went racing. I cannot remember exactly when I first started taking an interest, but I do remember those afternoons, the yellow timing bars, the famous red cars, Murray Walker’s iconic commentary.
Then followed Saturday mornings playing F1 1997 on the PS1, Hockenheim being a personal favourite track to go racing around. A few years down the line I have a clearer memory, this time from a stroke rehabilitation home as my Grandad recovered. It was from these moments, and countless more during the years, that my love of F1 grew into what it is today.
The Racing
It is not always an easy sport to love. Some races can be challenging even for the most avid of fans, but for me there are two key aspects of the sport that keep me engaged even during a season of domination by one driver. First you have the racing and the sport itself, the thrilling overtakes, successful out of the box strategies, surprise winners and podiums, inspired pole laps. Those moments that make you clench your first, leap out of your seat, or shout ‘Nooo!’ at the screen.
The Stories
Then you have the stories, the personalities, the historical references weaved into the modern day, the famous races and circuits. There is a treasure trove of history that only gets vaster the more you dig into it. Learning the history and how the cars, rulesets, circuits, drivers, and teams have developed over the years helps to inform views on the present and predictions on the future.
Engagement
With so many newer fans brought into the F1 family recently through Liberty Media’s efforts and Driver to Survive the importance of content focused on the past that these fans can access is even greater. Flashpoints like deliberate crashes are put into context by looking back through the sport’s history, and serve as great inspiration for article ideas connecting the past with the now.
Do you have a favourite historic F1 moment or driver that you would love to know more about? Perhaps there’s a legendary race or controversial incident you would like explained. Drop us a message so we can explore it together!