The Australian Grand Prix, the opening race of the 2020 Formula One season, was abruptly cut short due to the Covid-19 outbreak. While the decision was necessary to ensure the safety of all involved, it left F1 drivers feeling frustrated and disappointed. The race had already been hit with multiple delays, with the start delayed by 20 minutes, and two safety cars sent out in the first 13 laps. Then, on lap 11, the race was halted due to a crash, resulting in the first red flag. After a further two laps were completed under yellow flags, the red flag was waved for a second time, before finally being called off after only 25 laps. This article explores how F1’s drivers reacted to what some described as a “waste of time.”
The 2023 Australian Grand Prix will go down in history as one of the more chaotic and eventful races of all time. It featured three red flags, multiple crashes, tense restarts, and over an hour of waiting for rule clarifications. Max Verstappen emerged as the winner after a grueling race that saw him navigate through the chaos without much incident. However, not all drivers were as fortunate or satisfied with the FIA’s decisions.
One of the main points of contention was the multiple red flags and how the FIA handled them. Verstappen himself criticized the racing organization, stating that the second red flag was unnecessary and could have been handled with a virtual safety car or a safety car at worst. He also argued that the FIA had created the problems it was trying to solve.
Other drivers, such as Carlos Sainz, were furious at their penalties, which they deemed unfair and excessive. Fernando Alonso questioned the reason for the red flags, while Lance Stroll voiced his concerns about the danger of the restarts, especially with tires that were still cold.
One of the most vocal critics was Lando Norris, who accused the FIA of trying to make the race more exciting and ruining the efforts of those who had done a good job. He called for a limit on restarts, stating that they can easily hurt people and ruin their races. He also criticized the FIA’s decision-making process, arguing that they do not have a complete understanding of what is happening inside the car.
In general, the 2023 Australian Grand Prix will be remembered for its chaos and controversy, rather than its racing. While Verstappen emerged victorious, it was not without controversy, and many drivers left the race feeling frustrated and dissatisfied.
In the end, it’s safe to say that the Australian Grand Prix was a waste of time for everyone involved. From the drivers who saw their hard work and preparation go to waste, to the fans who were left disappointed in a race that never really got going. But sometimes, these things happen in sport. Sometimes, regardless of how much preparation goes into an event, circumstances beyond anyone’s control mean that it just doesn’t work out. As frustrating as it might be, all we can do is take it on the chin and move on. The F1 season is long and there are plenty of races left to come, so let’s not dwell on the disappointment of Australia and look forward to what promises to be an exciting and unpredictable season.
