The return of Formula 1: conspiracies, critics, and prophets

Ah, the first Grand Prix of the season: Ferrari scores a lucky win, Haas gains momentum before crashing out, conspiracy theories emerge, and new regulations come under fire… That's Formula 1 for you.

Last weekend gave us everything that makes the first race of the Formula 1 season so special: a strange starting grid, grumbling about the spectacle, discontent with the changes introduced since last year, and a new wave of conspiracy theories. Yes, those familiar conspiracies. Rumor has it that the Haas team is nothing more than a cheating black sheep, at the center of a conspiracy linked to Italy, with team boss Gene Haas portrayed as a ruthless manipulator. The outcry over the Haas cars driven by Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen near Silverstone stems from their striking resemblance to the 2017 Ferrari SF-70H. The American team drew heavily on the second fastest car of 2017, a model with which Haas has a technical partnership. Rather than following the fate of short-lived newcomers such as Caterham, Virgin Racing, or HRT, Gene Haas chose to purchase as many components from Ferrari as FIA regulations allow. It is therefore not surprising that the rest of the chassis reflects the Italian brand, right down to the airflow generated by the front suspension, a part sourced directly from Ferrari. This paints Gene Haas as a shrewd, even devious strategist. His ties to Italy don't end there. According to some allegations, the American boss orchestrated Sebastian Vettel's victory in Australia by sabotaging the tire-changing guns on his own cars, forcing both drivers to retire at the opportune moment, even at the expense of the best possible result for the team. History does not say whether the mechanics were complicit or simply unaware of their boss's alleged plot. The image of an American owner tampering with equipment is certainly ironic. But the real controversy, the one that arouses the most hatred, concerns the Halo. This safety device, which resembles a flip-flop, has even inspired some teams to promote sponsors selling this same item, which is very popular with vacationers. In the eyes of many, it has ruined the visual spectacle for millions of people, destroying the magical moment when drivers climb into their cars, a moment that once kept viewers glued to their screens until the start of the race. Critics claim that it hinders overtaking, arguing that drivers can no longer “see” in front of them, despite Valtteri Bottas' attempts to reassure us. The drama surrounding the Halo seems almost as intense as a 25 kg wheel crashing into a cockpit. One wonders what could have been done to avoid it.

To top it all off, we were treated to the first post-race verdicts from the usual experts, pundits, and analysts. After just one race on a very atypical circuit at the start of the season, while the drivers are still getting to know their new cars, they quickly established a ranking and promised winning bets on certain drivers. Yet, week after week, they will continue to revise their predictions, hoping to get closer to the reality that will eventually emerge after the return to Spain. Ah, the opening weekend of Formula 1… And yet, how little has really changed since last year.