By Joe Murphy
Formula 1, often celebrated as the pinnacle of motorsport, is not without its criticisms. Despite the excitement it generates, there are several aspects of the sport that leave fans and experts frustrated. These issues range from the lack of on-track racing and the dominance of a single team to the financial barriers, overregulation, and environmental concerns.
One of the most common complaints about modern F1 is the decreasing amount of actual racing. Over the years, Formula 1 has become increasingly reliant on strategies such as tyre management and fuel saving, leaving little room for pure on-track battles. In the 2023 season, for example, there were only 23 overtakes per race on average. This contrasts sharply with the 1990s, where races often saw well over 50 overtakes per event. Former F1 driver and commentator Martin Brundle noted that, “We used to see racing, now we see strategy. F1 has become more about who can manage their tyres the best rather than who has the fastest car.” This shift in focus from raw speed and driver skill to tactical decisions has led to many races feeling like processions, particularly when the top teams, such as Red Bull, are far ahead of the competition.
The dominance of a single team in recent years has also been a significant issue. Red Bull Racing has won 17 of the 22 races in the 2023 season, and their supremacy has been evident since 2022, when they secured both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships. Yes McLaren ended this streak but now looks set to be their turn. Like Mercedes before that and Ferrari before them, aside from Renault and Brawn anomalies of course. The scale of their successes has led to predictable results, and the lack of competition at the front of the grid has made races feel less exciting. F1 journalist Lawrence Barretto pointed out, “When one team wins as often as Red Bull has, it risks turning fans away. The unpredictability that makes F1 so exciting is often absent when one team has an unbeatable advantage.” This dominance is partly due to the team’s heavy investment in technology and their innovative approach to car design. Red Bull’s budget for 2023 was reported to be around $400 million, an amount that only a handful of teams in the sport can match.
Financial disparities have become another point of contention. Formula 1 is an expensive sport, with teams pouring millions into car development. In fact, the top teams like Red Bull, Mercedes, and Ferrari spend upwards of $400 million annually, while smaller teams struggle to keep up. The 2023 season saw Ferrari and Red Bull’s budgets reaching an estimated $450 million, while smaller teams like Williams and Haas operated with budgets of less than $150 million. James Allen, an F1 journalist, noted, “The gap between the haves and the have-nots is bigger than ever. Smaller teams are struggling to keep up, and it’s no longer just about driving talent, but how much money you can pour into the sport.” This financial disparity makes it increasingly difficult for underfunded teams to be competitive, and it limits the sport’s ability to attract new entrants.
The regulation of the sport has also become an issue. F1 is one of the most heavily regulated sports in the world, with strict rules governing everything from car design to race procedures. In 2021, the FIA introduced over 70 technical changes to the cars in a bid to improve safety and reduce porpoising, a bouncing phenomenon caused by ground effect aerodynamics. The constant changes have led to confusion and inconsistency, particularly when technical directives are altered mid-season. In 2022, for example, teams had to adapt to new floor designs in a matter of months, leading to widespread adjustments and increased costs. Damon Hill, a former F1 driver, expressed concerns, stating, “Sometimes it feels like the sport is more about adhering to rules than celebrating the thrill of racing. F1 has become too technical for its own good.” The constant changes can frustrate fans and teams, detracting from the excitement of the sport.
Finally, Formula 1’s environmental impact remains a significant issue. While the sport has made efforts to become more sustainable, such as introducing hybrid engines in 2014 and committing to a net-zero carbon footprint by 2030, critics argue that the sport’s emissions are still substantial. In 2022, Formula 1’s total carbon footprint was estimated at 256,000 tonnes of CO2, a figure that remains high due to the sport’s reliance on fossil fuels and international travel. Despite initiatives like sustainable fuels and a push for hybrid technology, the carbon emissions from F1’s global calendar of races, which includes nearly 30 events in 2025, are difficult to offset. F1 fan and environmental activist Sarah Jones argued, “How can a sport that burns through vast amounts of fuel and emits enormous levels of carbon be considered sustainable, even with hybrid engines? The spectacle is thrilling, but at what cost to the planet?” While the sport aims to cut its emissions by 50% by 2030, the environmental concerns are still prevalent.
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