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The images of Sebastian Vettel becoming World Formula 1 champion for the 4th straight time at India were the final clicks that will go down in memory lane. It will be goodbye for Indian GP from the next year, at least up to 2015.
Fans and organizers are expecting for it’s second coming but history tells otherwise. Mexico, Turkey and Hungry are some examples to prove the depressing future. Russia and South Africa are strong bidders for an edition in their nation. USA wants another carnival on their land. Interestingly, Berlie Ecclestone is serious about these.
Indian GP started in 2011. It drew a lot of celebrities to the stadium and it was a hot talking point among media. But it got no favour from the Central Government. Jay Pee Group didn’t ‘invite’ then sports minister Ajay Maken due to ‘certain’ political reasons. He went on to open synthetic athletic track for P T Usha academy in Kerala on the same day. There, Maken lambasted his frustration by calling himself a cheerleader for non invitation. M S Gill, his predecessor questioned whether Formula 1 is a sport or an ‘entertainment’.
F1 is not a sport which showcases strength of machine only, as many believe. More than 100 engineers work night and day throughout the year and add more than 1000 parts to make a 4 wheel machine. Pit members have to complete the job in seconds. Drivers battle against all odds, weather and even his teammate. A single mistake at any turn can cost you dearly, even your life. That’s why this game is popular and global.
Those of few who believe it as a mere sport are seeing only one facet of the diamond. One can get the worth of each team by simply looking at the long sponsors list of a team. Look at the variety of involved teams. They represent all the nook and corner of life. Pirelli, Red bull, Casio, Mobil, Rolex showcases their state of the art technology here. If total worth of the companies is added then as per rough calculation, it shoots upto 100 billion and covers all the countries under the sun.
Unlike other sports, private companies directly and actively participate by their name. Ferrari is called ‘Jewel in the crown’ among all. Red Bull is making serious inroads in terms of popularity. We Indians have our connection by Force India. National anthem of the countries due to private companies is played in this game only.
Recently we have seen a trend that hosting a F1 has bought more than fans to a country. It has enhanced and consolidated their image as an economically powerfull-investment friendly nation. Malaysia, Qatar, South Korea and Singapore are some examples.
In India, all the teams learnt bitter lessons of Indian Bureaucracy and wasted realms of paper and time. No relaxation in heavy taxes added insult to injury. It never was in the list of priority of the sports organizers of the country. Such casual and lackadaisical attitude was enough to frustrate F1 organizers and pack their tent.
Departure of F1 from Indian soil has some serious implications and sports organizers of the country must consider these. The sport can return as India is among BRIC nations, if we try.
