01/07/2015
NEWS STORY
The initial results of the first (of several) fan surveys are in, and if nothing else they confirm that like drivers, teams bosses, designers and journos, everyone has a different opinion on the direction the sport should be heading.
For proof of how skewed F1 2015 is, look no further than the fact that the three most popular drivers - Kimi Raikkonen, Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button - are each said to be seriously considering their futures beyond this season, the media in a particular frenzy as to who should replace the Finn at Ferrari.
This, of course, is also at odds with Bernie Ecclestone's view that Lewis Hamilton is the best F1 champion ever and the sport's greatest asset.
Ferrari is the most popular team, ahead of McLaren and Williams, Red Bull no doubt blaming Renault for the result and eyeing the exit door.
Whilst Bernie Ecclestone insists that most F1 fans are of a certain age and unaware of social media, the GPDA survey claims that more than half the respondents were between 25 and 44, with an average age of 37.
As the Strategy Group met at Biggin Hill, seeking a solution for the sport's current malaise, Christian Horner bravely urging his colleagues to put self-interest aside - or else Red Bull will quit the group - respondents to the survey seem equally confused as to how best to take the sport forward.
32% of fans said the 2000s produced the best-looking cars, which means that 68% didn't. 60% said in-race refuelling should be reintroduced, which means 40% don't.
74% believe the rules should be relaxed to allow greater diversity of cars and technology while 73% still believe the sound of the engines is important.
"The fans are clear," said GPDA chairman Alex Wurz in a statement, "they don't want a radical overhaul of grand prix racing that takes it away from its historic roots.
"It may sound simple, but the best drivers and teams fighting on track in the most exciting cars is their priority," he continued. "And we, the drivers, passionately share that view. They want competitive sport, not just a show, and they think that F1's business has become too important, jeopardizing our sport."
Meanwhile Bernie Ecclestone, CVC and Jean Todt are 100% convinced that the sport will continue as they want it to and the results of the survey won't make a blind bit of difference, though they thank the fans for their interest… and money.