What will F1 look like in 2032 – By Joe Murphy
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Formula 1 has seen a number of changes over recent years, and some would even argue that the sport looks completely different to it did even a decade ago. Changes whether in the name of safety or money (it is inevitably one of the two), are commonplace in most sports, but they are arguably more obvious in motor racing. That being said, Wheel2Wheel are getting our crystal ball out of the loft, dusting off the Back to the Future DVD as we attempt to predict the future. Specifically, how Formula 1 will look in 2032. This could go one of two ways.
#1 – F1 goes Carbon Neutral
I’ll start with the prediction that looks almost guaranteed to happen by 2032, if not before then. 2030 is the target that the FIA released last year. Long gone are the days of the petrol (I refuse to call it gas for our American readers) guzzling engines of yester year. The engines of modern F1 cars are already encompassing a vast amount of electrical input and its only a matter of time before this becomes a more dominant framework. As we know, F1 requires a huge amount of air travel and is therefore responsible for a huge amount of carbon emissions. However, with the ever increasing funding available, the sport’s governing body will find ways to invest in green technology that secures the long term prospects of the the sport.
#2 – A new look calendar as classic races disappear
My job here is not to say what I want to happen, more what I think will. I intend to remain completely impartial for the most part, although I will indicate that I would not be in favour of this next entry. Through the 2030’s, F1 will have a different calendar to it does now. That’s just a fact. What is up for debate is just how that will look. A solid estimate would be that we will lose races such as Monaco, Spa and Silverstone. Whether it be down to money issues or just efforts to rebrand the sport, these events have already been at risk in recent years, and could face the bullet over the next decade. In place of these classic tracks, we could see an African replacement, and don’t be surprised if we have more races in the States and Middle East. I’ll put it this way, Grand Prix at Abu Dhabi and Miami are probably among the most secure in the sport. Silverstone, could be a victim if Formula 1 prices out such venues. There is, of course, the argument that F1 without Monaco isn’t F1. Charles Leclerc said as much earlier this year, albeit with hometown bias. That being said, money talks and may reshape the sport to a completely different mould to how we know it today.
#3 – Formula E, F2 and The Women’s Division to get more mainstream attention.
Let’s be honest, these three brands are well below F1 in terms of audience, funding and media attention. Whilst they may always be inferior to the number one brand, they will surely grow and develop in their own right. The W Series, for example, will surely have the same number of races in future years. As for Formula E, the crowds will surely continue to grow and pour money into this strand of the sport. Perhaps even Netflix may include them in series 27 of Drive to Survive?
#4 – No more era’s of domination.
Schumacher did five in a row, then Alonso went back to back. After this, aside from Button, Rosberg and Raikkonen, only two drivers won 11 of the next 14. Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton enjoyed almost unparalleled levels of domination during their respective era’s. However, this was recently ended by Max Verstappen and this could set the trend for the future. Whilst it’s certainly true that the Dutchman does look set to make it back to back title wins, don’t expect this sort of form to continue. Teams are all going to fluctuate in terms of pace and investment. Moreover, the talent of Lando, George, Pierre, Charles and Max, among others, means they could very well trade title wins over the next 10 years and beyond. I wouldn’t put any money on any of these drivers to match Schumacher’s or Hamilton’s seven World Championship wins, put it that way.
#5 – More is More
F1 went big with their deal on Netflix. And I can see the organisation pandering to demand by adding more EVERYTHING. More cars and therefore more drivers on the grid. More races over the course of a season from more countries. More money from increased sponsorship. More series of Drive to Survive giving audiences more glimpses into the ‘backstage’ running of the sport. If you think this sounds terrible, there is also the implication of more jobs, more merchandise and more opportunities for fans to get to an F1 Grand Prix.
WHEEL2WHEEL REPORTS 
About time if it is true
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