April 20, 2012
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Almost Infinite Complexity
It is fascinating to push a science or technology to its furthest limits because when you start to reach the edge of those limits everything you know is challenged. That transformation is what makes technology fascinating and ignites curiosity, and that ignition is responsible for turning my passive interest in Formula 1 into an obsession.
Nothing about a Formula 1 car is normal or simple. To demonstrate this, I think it is reasonable to presume that to some degree a steering wheel indicates the complexity of a car. With that in mind, here is what a NASCAR steering wheel looks like.
Overall, that isn’t a complex steering wheel. It is similar to the bland, boring steering wheels we’re all familiar with. Now compare that steering wheel to a Formula 1 steering wheel:
That wheel is insane. Although most of those buttons and dials do not directly control steering, their presence indicates the number and complexity of systems that must be conducted by the driver. And if that much design goes into the steering wheel, imagine how much advanced technology goes in to the more complex parts and systems, such as the engine, gear box, brakes, tires, helmets, goggles, and such.
A massive benefit of those technologies is that the sport has become easier to watch. Although I would have found the technology of any previous F1 era fascinating, I would have found the sport too heartbreaking because prior to about 1983 the sport lacked much safety and drivers’ deaths were not uncommon. The previous eras were lethal for drivers and surely a wrenching time to have been a fan. Today the most recent driver death in Formula 1 occurred 18 years ago–Aryton Senna in 1994. In the 18 years prior to Senna there were 7 deaths. And in the 18 years before that there were 29 deaths. If losing 1 hero can be a tragedy, then losing 29 is utter devastation.
When my Dad actively followed Formula 1, Jimmy Clark reigned driving a Lotus. Of his 72 races in Formula 1, he started in pole position (first place) 33 times and won 25 races. Sadly, he died during a race in 1968. I can imagine how sad that must have been for my Dad and for the other fans. I am thankful to be a fan when vast improvements in safety have been made. Most likely I will never experience that loss as a fan. And I am thrilled to be a fan during such a period of excellent competition. This year is rare because 6 of the current contenders are former world champions and to see that many champions at once is incredible.
For anyone intrested, my favorite drivers are Lewis Hamilton and the legendary Michael Schumacher (although Schumacher really should have stayed retired). And my favorite teams are McLaren Mercedes and Mercedes. Yes, two different teams have the name “Mercedes”. And for anyone not interested, my favorite drivers are a Yoshi and Toad.
