Visibility and recognition

[JeremySmith]

However as spectators attending a race we need to be able to identify the drivers ..
Lewis was always an easy one because his helmet looked like Senna's

[MoMedic9019]

Originally Posted by wdave0

And still, all they need is larger numbers. After all, driver branding phooey - they aren't interviewed in their helmets.

I've never understood the lack of number panel, or consistent color/placement/size on the car.

[chillibowl]

Originally Posted by JeremySmith

However as spectators attending a race we need to be able to identify the drivers ..

i found that the quieter engines helped with this as people can actually talk to and hear each other at the track.

a few from my group had 2014 subscriptions for the live telemetry app so questions about running order, reshuffling after pit stops, split times etc were all easily communicated to those around us.

it actually made for a much more social GP and i would like to think that those with less F1 knowledge around us also had a better time because of that.

[JeremySmith]

Originally Posted by chillibowl

i found that the quieter engines helped with this as people can actually talk to and hear each other at the track.

a few from my group had 2014 subscriptions for the live telemetry app so questions about running order, reshuffling after pit stops, split times etc were all easily communicated to those around us.

it actually made for a much more social GP and i would like to think that those with less F1 knowledge around us also had a better time because of that.

Agreed I had a much better experience watching the race at COTA last year than the year before.. You are able to think for a start I found the V8's way to loud for my taste, I would still prefer that the helmet designs stay consistent
Especially when a car it whipping by you at 200MPH ...

[Mike Harte]

Originally Posted by JeremySmith

Especially when a car it whipping by you at 200MPH ...

I can see it now in my mind's eye

[chillibowl]

Originally Posted by JeremySmith

Especially when a car it whipping by you at 200MPH ...

thats your problem right there.

i dont sit along the straights anymore. give me a hairpin or a complex of corners where the cars slow down/change direction because for me thats where the action is. just my personal preference though.

plus the seating along the straights are more expensive for some reason.

[wnut]

Originally Posted by MoMedic9019

I've never understood the lack of number panel, or consistent color/placement/size on the car.

A shark fin on the back of the car, or a "rudder plate" in the middle of the back wing would be perfect for numbers, but yet the luminaries that run the sport decided no?

[Paradise City]

The advertising space argument is a joke. And the empty spaces on some of these cars! It's a pity the FIA can't compel the teams to relent on number sizes. A good size of number like in the 80's and 90's would help certainly marketing.

[JeremySmith]

Originally Posted by chillibowl

thats your problem right there.

i dont sit along the straights anymore. give me a hairpin or a complex of corners where the cars slow down/change direction because for me thats where the action is. just my personal preference though.

plus the seating along the straights are more expensive for some reason.

I sit at turn 2 into 3 at Austin .. It's a very technical part of the track..I would still prefer drivers helmets to be more consistent...

[chillibowl]

Originally Posted by JeremySmith

I would still prefer drivers helmets to be more consistent...

apparently i am incapable of agreeing to disagree on this!

[JeremySmith]

Originally Posted by Mike Harte

I can see it now in my mind's eye

Lol ... Your a great poster Mike

[JeremySmith]

Originally Posted by chillibowl

apparently i am incapable of agreeing to disagree on this!

Yes sir cheers !

[Mike Harte]

I feel compelled to resurrect this thread as I believe that the FIA needs to take immediate action in relation to the Mercedes' drivers.

I have noted that they drivers keep changing the colours of their caps, and as a result, I am finding it increasingly difficult to differentiate between the two. And if it's confusing to me, can you just imagine how difficult it msut be for Rolex wearing, Ferrari driving octogenarians who, according to BCE are the target audience.

This behaviour by the two drivers is intolerable, and must be stamped out immediately, failing which Mercedes should excluded from the World Championship. (Should cheer up Mr Horner)

[chillibowl]

might also make for a more exciting season.

on one hand i think its silly that you cant draw attention to an important sponsor in their country during their own home race but on the other hand, does the ban actually help to draw more attention to specialized message?



one of my favorite Kimi quotes:

Interviewer: The helmet has a special meaning for many drivers. How important is it to you?

Kimi: It protects my head.

[Paradise City]

Originally Posted by chillibowl

might also make for a more exciting season.

on one hand i think its silly that you cant draw attention to an important sponsor in their country during their own home race but on the other hand, does the ban actually help to draw more attention to specialized message?



one of my favorite Kimi quotes:

Interviewer: The helmet has a special meaning for many drivers. How important is it to you?

Kimi: It protects my head.

You can allow for sponsor changes on the helmet. Some of you have very silly ideas about what is an unremarkable and sensible regulation on helmet design consistency.

[chillibowl]

apparently not otherwise LH would be allowed this helmet:

[Paradise City]

You can put whatever sponsor you like on the helmet. You just can't change the entire livery of the design of that helmet.

[Mike Harte]

Please note that I referred to hats not helmets; even I know the difference between the two! It's their baseball type caps that they wear in various different colours, black, silver/grey and others I think. And now, Hamilton is sporting one that supposedly represents the Petronas allegience.

All terribly confusing, and should be banned without delay!

[chillibowl]

from what i have read it is helmet design and not a ball cap that has to do with the sponsors.

from what i can tell the design elements/pattern are basically the same as the helmet he wore in OZ with the difference being only colour...which is against the rules.

i guess im the sort that like complicated things and i like variety,. simple is not appealing to me.

[Mike Harte]

Obviously my humour is wasted on here

[chillibowl]

Originally Posted by Mike Harte

Obviously my humour is wasted on here

lol, my bad

[wdave0]

If their appearance is so important to the "brand" drivers should not be allowed to change their facial hair or doos during the season Underwear should require prior notice.

[bjohnsonsmith]

Originally Posted by wdave0

If their appearance is so important to the "brand" drivers should not be allowed to change their facial hair or doos during the season Underwear should require prior notice.

If they had see-through overalls, then underwear might be a factor.

[ECW Dan Selby]

Honestly, i'm glad we don't see helmets changed every race, especially when it's for sponsorship purposes. Just utter tat. Change the car liveries slightly, not the personal I.D of the drivers themselves.

Selby

[Mike Harte]

Originally Posted by wdave0

If their appearance is so important to the "brand" drivers should not be allowed to change their facial hair or doos during the season Underwear should require prior notice.

David Coulthard anticipated this suggestion about under-garments; for at least the first few years of his F1 career, he always wore the same pair of "lucky" underpants for each race. It is rumoured that to remain projecting the same image that they were unwashed throughout their lifetime.

Good man, that