I think that specific commentary from David Croft exemplifies the purpose and intensity of Formula 1, as it shows the risks the drivers take.
I started watching F1 in 2022, when I was in middle school. I never watched the true races, and only watched the highlights.
How the drivers interacted with each other in the races and the strategies they posed was amazing. It taught me one thing: to do whatever it takes to get what you want.
“If you no longer go for a gap, you are no longer a racing driver,” McLaren and Williams Racing driver Aryton Senna of Brazil said.
This quote always pushes me to do the most impossible things even with withstanding odds.
Now my favorite team is The McLaren Formula 1 Team because of an enchanting story: their way to victory. In Bahrain 2023, the McLarens scored 17th place and one car did not finish the race.
Currently, they are on top of the leaderboard of the Drivers and Constructors, acclaimed to be the best before the 2026 new regulations. But it also represents me at the same time; their story drives me hard for competition and reminds me to work hard whenever the work becomes hard.
Like most motorsports besides NASCAR, it is usually unrecognized. Formula 1 only became apparent due to the F1 movie and the Netflix show, ‘Drive to Survive.’ They are done extremely well but both dramatize the real experience of the sport. The movie showcases realism, especially in the last sequence in particular. The show really portrays it like a documentary to non-F1 fans, but highly embellished.
F1 is not a niche fandom by any means, it is less popular compared to basketball or soccer. However, there is a difference between genres: Motorsports’ competition can be individual while other sports can be more team-based competition. The World Driver’s Championship is much more exciting than the Constructors sometimes, it is a matter of high stakes.
“I’ve heard of it before, I like Hamilton and Verstappen all day,” staff photographer Prisha Hooda said.
This quote is from a non-F1 fan, someone who knows nothing about the sport. Fair warning: do not approach me with this.
Formula 1 is the pinnacle of motorsports, and it will continue for centuries. F1 has a global impact on others, such as people like me. I learned competition is good sometimes, and got me out of that ‘play for fun’ headspace. F1 taught me that in the Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE), a high caliber competition, I was able to duke out the competition. Even though everyone hated the photo the day before, I earned the Gold Seal and my right to photography.
I am ambitious and eager to work as an engineer in The McLaren Formula One team as that is my entry to the sport, and I will do anything to get there.
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