Formula 1 enthusiasts have expressed their concerns about the 2024 season in a recent poll, which garnered over 150,000 responses. The majority of respondents, approximately 61%, stated that they were less enthusiastic about the remainder of the 2024 F1 season compared to their initial expectations. In contrast, 32% claimed that their level of excitement remained the same, while a mere 7% admitted to being more excited now. The poll also generated over 1,100 comments, with several popular responses highlighting disappointment and dissatisfaction with the current state of F1.
One user, @johanfernandez4616, expressed their low expectations and subsequent disappointment. Another user, @definitely_not_nick41, criticized the lack of changes in the official driver line-up, absence of new tracks, and Red Bull’s dominance, suggesting that F2 and F3 should take precedence over F1 as the premier events. @kityhawk2000 found the internal drama within Red Bull more entertaining than the on-track action, while @momoloco99rh claimed that the 2024 season felt like an extension of the previous year. Some criticism revolved around the absence of a title fight and a predictable winner, frustrating even those accustomed to periods of F1 domination.
@amato5232, a devoted F1 fan since 1996, expressed their love for the sport but admitted that Max Verstappen’s dominance was testing their enthusiasm. They compared Verstappen’s reign to previous eras of domination by Michael Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel, and Lewis Hamilton, but felt a sense of foreboding this time. @ablordenutefe2046 shared a similar sentiment, stating that their decreased excitement stemmed from the absence of a proper rival for Verstappen, which would make the competition more interesting. On the other hand, @evaspadt2055 lamented the lack of thrilling battles, overtakes, and drama in the races.
@ZedEdd, already looking forward to 2025, expressed their impatience just two races into the 2024 season. Furthermore, a concerning number of fans indicated that they were no longer willing to pay to watch F1. @RedWagon888 mentioned their decision not to renew their F1 TV subscription, while @invisiblekid99 revealed that they had canceled their Sky Sport subscription, which broadcasts F1 in the UK. Red Bull’s dominance and predictable results were cited as the primary reasons for the diminishing excitement among fans.
It is important to note that Red Bull’s success and Verstappen’s exceptional performance cannot be attributed to any fault on the part of F1. Red Bull has consistently built the best car under the current regulations for three consecutive years, earning their rightful place at the top. Verstappen’s exceptional talent has propelled him far ahead of his teammate Sergio Perez and any other competitors, with 19 victories in the last 20 races. It would be unfair to penalize Red Bull for their success by implementing drastic measures to hinder their performance. Instead, it is the responsibility of other teams to catch up and match Red Bull’s level of performance.
Efforts have been made to level the playing field through the implementation of a cost cap, resulting in a closer grid from front to back. However, the gap between the first and second positions remains significant. Closing this gap will require time and potentially significant changes, possibly in 2026. However, the question remains whether F1 fans have the patience to endure an entire 24-race season before witnessing a change in the competitive landscape. This concern is compounded by the possibility of another 24-race season in 2025 if Red Bull’s rivals fail to bridge the gap before the new regulations come into effect in 2026. The commercial rights holder of F1 will undoubtedly be considering the patience of fans, as indicated by our poll results.
In the short term, F1’s options for addressing these concerns are limited, and finding solutions is far from straightforward. However, there are areas where improvements can be made. For instance, race broadcasts should ensure that fans are presented with the most exciting moments and on-track action throughout the entire field. At times, it feels as though F1 races are portrayed as more boring than they actually are due to missed key moments. Additionally, F1 can capitalize on its array of talented drivers and provide them with more opportunities to engage with fans beyond the usual press conferences. The driver market has already generated significant excitement and is likely to continue doing so throughout 2024. Despite these potential improvements, the dominance of one team and predictable outcomes overshadow many positive aspects for fans.
This increasing temptation to intervene in a more artificial manner may lead to changes in the weekend format, such as reverse grids, to challenge Verstappen’s path to victory. Alternatively, technical rule adjustments could be implemented to disrupt Red Bull’s dominance, as seen in the ban on changing tires during races in 2005, aimed at thwarting Ferrari and Michael Schumacher’s dominance. Another possibility is to further adjust the disparities in allowed wind tunnel times between teams during the next reset of aerodynamic testing restrictions. However, all of these solutions come with their own complications. Moreover, artificially ending Red Bull’s dominance through such measures would not be ideal, as fans are eagerly awaiting the well-thought-out 2026 regulations.
Nevertheless, a significant portion of fans has made their dissatisfaction clear, and their opinions will undoubtedly continue to be voiced through social media, surveys, subscription cancellations, ticket sales, and viewing figures. Finding solutions to these concerns is far from easy, but it is essential for F1 and, arguably, Red Bull’s rivals to address them promptly. Failure to do so may result in fans disengaging from the sport until 2026 or even permanently.