Formula 1

Car racing is a form of sports and sports appeals to people because of the excitement it provides. So where is the excitement in Formula 1 if the winner of each race can be forecast? Back then, during the Michael Schumacher era, forecasting the winner is exactly what all of us can do. Back then, Formula 1 was such a bore, I fell asleep while watching the live telecast. Back then, Formula 1 is not a sports. It was a stage for one man and his team to showoff their skills.

Then, Fernando Alonso appeared. For 2 years (2005-06), the young Spaniard driving a second tier car from a relatively new constructor denied the reigning champion of his crown. Formula 1 is starting to feel like a sports and my interest grew - I started looking out for reports in The Straits Times every Monday after a race.

2007 is by far the most exciting year for Formula 1. Lewis Hamilton, the first Black driver in Formula 1 renewed numerous rookie records. This young man has talent! However, rashness came along with the talent he was endowed with, and he started making headlines on and off the track. All of a sudden Formula 1 was hot! I never missed even one race result and the report that accompanied it. I was hoping and looking forward for this rookie to win the championship title and set yet another record. Unfortunately, disappointment as his rashness robs him of the title. Yet, a race is not a sports if there is no disappointment.

2008, Formula 1 became addictive. Determined to overturn the disappointment, I became obsessive - going online as soon as the race finishes to get the result and the commentary. Lewis now leads with 1 point over rival Massa, no thanks to bias judgment by race officials at the Belgium Grand Prix.

To be continued..

*Note: I do not have access to live Formula 1 telecast since sports channels were cancelled earlier this year.