Mercedes enjoys an unchallenged monopoly over the podiums and the championships. Trailing by almost 250 points ahead of Red Bull, they are en-route to clinch their eighth Constructor’s championship. However, even they are worried if their supremacy is making F1 monotonous.
Lewis Hamilton stated a few weeks back that F1 was getting boring again. If this is a fact, everyone on the board should be concerned about what to do to make the fast lanes exciting again.
Bernie Ecclestone, on his 90th birthday, reveals how he is also responsible for F1 turning out in this manner. In his interview with Sport 1 earlier, he recalls how he regrets the inclusion of hybrid engines in F1.
“Since hybrid engines have existed, Mercedes cannot be beaten. At that time I agreed to the engines, but after a short time I realized what a big mistake that was. I wanted to change it again, but fell on deaf ears.” recalled the former F1 boss.
It is not just Bernie who has accepted Mercedes supremacy in the world F1. Almost all the constructors have given up hope to catch up with Mercedes anytime soon. McLaren and Renault were already there. Recently, even Red Bull principal, Christian Horner agreed that the Silver Arrows have made the most complete car of the era.
Mercedes can’t be blamed for being better than others
The winning streak of Mercedes goes on and on making every race far less interesting. Although the races since the Italian Grand Prix did offer a lot of drama, none could challenge the AMGs from crossing the chequered line before everyone.
Even as Lewis grabs his world record with the Silver Arrows, even he looks ahead to the 2022 regulations. His hopes, at least some form of competition injected back into the sport. Though Bernie did not wish to express his boredom, it came across in his words.
On being asked whether he enjoys the races, the Briton replied, “To be honest, no. It looked artificial, with no atmosphere. It’s just not very nice to drive in front of almost empty grandstands. Those who are always in front [Mercedes] were also this time.”
It is actually injustice for blaming Mercedes in this entire case. Honestly, they did what they came to do. The supremacy they enjoy, the lead they nourish every race is long fought for. Therefore, they cannot take blame for striving harder than the others. It is like chiding Verstappen or driving better than his teammates.
