Despite some funny moments, Thursday’s F1 press conference has received some criticism online as fans voice their issues with the format. This collides with the general misery painted on the faces of the drivers in attendance – barring Daniel Ricciardo, who would probably even light up a press conference announcing the end of motorsport.
The drivers are usually well-practised at giving muted, bland answers in response to most questions, some of which are designed to create conflict and be difficult. The whole concept seems to need a rethink as the general reaction, as you can see, hasn’t been great:
New stools for the drivers this year to discourage them from slouching during the FIA press conference. #AustralianGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/5Qf3lGbtxf
— Phil Duncan (@PhilDuncanF1) March 22, 2018
Surprised by how flat both Lewis and Sebastian were today talking to us lot (media). I know its not their favourite part of the job but it would be nice if they were a bit more excited about the start of the season for the cameras and microphones.
— Jennie Gow (@JennieGow) March 22, 2018
Having worked with a number of very jaded drivers, it is unfortunately nothing new. The love of the peripheral aspects goes first, followed eventually by not enjoying driving unless a win is a realistic prospect each weekend. One day they wake up & the love affair is over #F1 https://t.co/Gk2KbqV4bT
— Mark Gallagher (@_markgallagher) March 22, 2018
Compare it to the MotoGP press conferences, a complete world of difference! It's just how the whole of F1 is these days – utterly soulless.
— Martin J (@86MDJ) March 22, 2018
Considering how things get taken out of context and blown out of all proportion I’m not surprised they are monosyllabic.
The same old questions don’t help. The only variation is how the press can work Max Verstappen into a question.
— Tony Morel (@tonymorel) March 22, 2018
Just watched the @F1 driver's press conference. What a complete waste of time. Banal questions and disinterested drivers, except @danielricciardo of course!
— TIM HARVEY (@timharvey7) March 22, 2018
twelfth year in a row for the pair of them being asked variations on the same questions week after week. I'm not surprised they can't fake being excited about it.
— Karla (@KarlaGeorge) March 22, 2018
If the press stopped asking stupid questions to them both to try and ignite their supposed feud and hatred towards each other, maybe they'd be more enthusiastic about talking to you guys.
— F1 Everything (@F1__Everything) March 22, 2018
Unless there’s a real talking point I'd like to see those press conferences changed. Maybe make them more of a laugh, like local challenges dependent on the country we’re in…and Id definitely open it up to some fan questions. That’s what it’s all about after all… #F1
— Jennie Gow (@JennieGow) March 22, 2018
F1 journalists have an obligation to ask questions on behalf of the audience and harvest insight. They should want their input to be regarded as fan-sided. The solution isn’t visible as of yet, but there is a clear precedent for the format to change. Having glum sounding drivers on the eve of the first race weekend when everyone should be hyped is a bad advert for F1, and a shame if it is being caused by something that could be tweaked fairly easily.
What do you think of the official press conferences? Is it a case of specific drivers not committing because they’re wary of their words being abused? Are the wrong questions being asked altogether? Should it be a fan forum? Let us know your thoughts on what should be done below.
