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But you're missing the point. This sport is about engineering teams competing to build the best machinery. It's probably the best manifestation of technology ap

But you're missing the point. This sport is about engineering teams competing to build the best machinery. It's probably the best manifestation of technology applied as a sport.

overcast 10y ago
Then why don't we just forgo human drivers, if it's only about the engineering teams. Just have self driving cars battling it out. In my opinion, F1 should go back to manual transmission, and no driver assists. Do whatever else you want to make the car perfect, but the driver must be in control of the entire machine. Just look at the 80's in those monstrous turbo V6's approaching 1500HP, no traction control, no power steering, and manual transmission. THAT was driving.
- DVassallo 10y ago
  It's not only about engineering teams... but about teams (engineering + driver). Obviously the human drivers, and the drama they generate, is what makes the race worth watching. But giving the driver a good car is a fundamental part of the game.
  - overcast 10y ago
    Thus my response.
- freeflight 10y ago
  >Then why don't we just forgo human drivers, if it's only about the engineering teams. Just have self driving cars battling it out. Because driver personalities are also a very big draw for a lot of people watching these races and self-driving tech probably ain't fully there yet as most of the research/development is still focused on the, far more lucrative, transportation sector. But I can easily fathom a future with a racing league that doesn't involve any human drivers but instead self-driving racing cars that won't be bothered by massive G forces while having inhumane reaction times during passes/maneuvers.
- chadgeidel 10y ago
  Not sure if you are aware of it, but there is a group trying to do just this (with electric cars): http://roborace.com/ http://roborace.com/ I've been following it on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/roborace https://www.youtube.com/roborace) but it seems like there's a long way to go for even a full stint.
InitialLastName 10y ago
I think of it as the closest thing I can find to a general engineering competition, on a professional scale. Build the device that best optimizes the problem space, and then give it to the most accomplished users you can get and see which device is the best.

But you're missing the point. This sport is about engineering teams competing to build the best machinery. It's probably the best manifestation of technology applied as a sport.

overcast 10y ago

Then why don't we just forgo human drivers, if it's only about the engineering teams. Just have self driving cars battling it out. In my opinion, F1 should go back to manual transmission, and no driver assists. Do whatever else you want to make the car perfect, but the driver must be in control of the entire machine. Just look at the 80's in those monstrous turbo V6's approaching 1500HP, no traction control, no power steering, and manual transmission. THAT was driving.

DVassallo 10y ago
It's not only about engineering teams... but about teams (engineering + driver). Obviously the human drivers, and the drama they generate, is what makes the race worth watching. But giving the driver a good car is a fundamental part of the game.
- overcast 10y ago
  Thus my response.
freeflight 10y ago
>Then why don't we just forgo human drivers, if it's only about the engineering teams. Just have self driving cars battling it out. Because driver personalities are also a very big draw for a lot of people watching these races and self-driving tech probably ain't fully there yet as most of the research/development is still focused on the, far more lucrative, transportation sector. But I can easily fathom a future with a racing league that doesn't involve any human drivers but instead self-driving racing cars that won't be bothered by massive G forces while having inhumane reaction times during passes/maneuvers.
chadgeidel 10y ago
Not sure if you are aware of it, but there is a group trying to do just this (with electric cars): http://roborace.com/ http://roborace.com/ I've been following it on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/roborace https://www.youtube.com/roborace) but it seems like there's a long way to go for even a full stint.

InitialLastName 10y ago

I think of it as the closest thing I can find to a general engineering competition, on a professional scale. Build the device that best optimizes the problem space, and then give it to the most accomplished users you can get and see which device is the best.