Is F1 Losing Its Edge by Catering to Young Viewers?
- By Dr. AK Rana
Max Verstappen was barely a few minutes out of the car. The adrenaline still fresh in his veins, no analysis done, no debrief, no time to breathe—and bang! What’s happening in F1?
A reporter shoots the question:
…
“Was that collision with George Russell intentional?”
Seriously?
And just when you think it couldn’t get more absurd, the reporter adds:
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“What would you like to say to all the people and kids watching you?”
Kids?
Now F1 drivers need to tailor their raw, emotional, post-race reactions for a PG audience?
Let’s be honest here—Formula 1 is not Bluey. It’s not an animated feel-good fantasy designed to raise your kids.
It’s a high-stakes, ultra-competitive sport where machines fly at 300 km/h, and emotions sometimes fly even faster.
It’s the parents’ job to explain things to kids.
Or hey, here’s a wild idea:
…
Change the channel if you’re worried little Timmy might hear an F-bomb or see a frustrated reaction.
Do people really believe 6-year-olds are watching post-race press conferences by themselves, latte in hand, analyzing Verstappen’s media etiquette?
Let’s get real: kids aren’t watching post-race interviews. And if they are, they’re probably sitting next to an adult who can put things into perspective.
This isn’t just about one awkward question.
It’s about the larger trend of turning Formula 1 into a reality TV show, where raw emotion isn’t embraced but exploited.
…
Let’s poke him, let’s press him—let’s see if someone loses it on camera.
Let’s make it “go viral.”
All wrapped up in a “think of the children” disguise.
But here’s a thought: how about conducting interviews after a few hours or even the next day?
Let drivers cool off, digest the race first!
Imagine this:
…
A reporter walks up to you right after you’ve had an argument in a cafe, camera in your face, and asks,
“Do you regret it? And remember, kids are watching.”
Absurd, right?
That’s F1 media now.
And if we’re so concerned about what kids learn from sport, how about looking at football?
Players diving, faking injuries, yelling at refs—it’s basically a masterclass in dramatics.
Should that be banned too?
Let’s not sugarcoat this—F1 is turning into entertainment content with a motorsport skin.
Constantly tightening regulations, forcing kid-safe narratives, and policing every emotion… it’s not just the drivers who are frustrated. Fans feel it too.
So what’s the fix?
Two simple solutions:
1. Let post-race media interactions happen later, with a clearer mind.
2. If you’re worried about your kid, just switch off the TV after the race. It’s that simple.
Let F1 be what it’s meant to be—raw, fast, real.
Not another overproduced, over-sanitized product.
Don’t you agree?
Share your views in the comments.
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also read Max Verstappen just One Penalty Away from Race Ban?
