- 06 Apr 10, 17:28#194750
Let me tell you why I ask...
I work as a software developer, usually working with legacy code that's converted to a modern platform. Old applications usually start off as a nice program, clean and tidy. But then, corporate requirements, tight deadlines, and debugging start messing them up, to the point where they become a hodge-podge of code, patched in all places, and a nightmare to fully understand. Sometimes the code can be salvaged and migrated, but in other occasions, you're better off rewriting the old code.
I think Formula 1 is approaching that same status, fast.
They come up with ideas on the fly, rules modifications, technology modifications. One year we have KERS, then next no, then again yes. Ribbed tires, then slicks, then smaller front tires, then there's talk of 17" wheels. Shortcuts (wtf?). Convoluted rules regarding flags, pit stops.
It has turned from "let's build a car that meets these specs and race its wheels off" to "damn, let's make sure we don't violate any rules, and in the meanwhile try to race a car" kind of thing.
Tech specs fly around wildly, cars get patched up, rules are made and then questioned...So, maybe it's the time to re-write the Formula 1 rulebook. Look a bit to the past, look at the best seasons ever, see the tech and race specs, get a bit from here, a bit from there, and like re-creating a brand-new clean software package based on old needs, they shoould be able to provide us a clean, clear, exciting racing series that truly represents the pinnacle of motor sports.
Comments?
I work as a software developer, usually working with legacy code that's converted to a modern platform. Old applications usually start off as a nice program, clean and tidy. But then, corporate requirements, tight deadlines, and debugging start messing them up, to the point where they become a hodge-podge of code, patched in all places, and a nightmare to fully understand. Sometimes the code can be salvaged and migrated, but in other occasions, you're better off rewriting the old code.
I think Formula 1 is approaching that same status, fast.
They come up with ideas on the fly, rules modifications, technology modifications. One year we have KERS, then next no, then again yes. Ribbed tires, then slicks, then smaller front tires, then there's talk of 17" wheels. Shortcuts (wtf?). Convoluted rules regarding flags, pit stops.
It has turned from "let's build a car that meets these specs and race its wheels off" to "damn, let's make sure we don't violate any rules, and in the meanwhile try to race a car" kind of thing.
Tech specs fly around wildly, cars get patched up, rules are made and then questioned...So, maybe it's the time to re-write the Formula 1 rulebook. Look a bit to the past, look at the best seasons ever, see the tech and race specs, get a bit from here, a bit from there, and like re-creating a brand-new clean software package based on old needs, they shoould be able to provide us a clean, clear, exciting racing series that truly represents the pinnacle of motor sports.
Comments?

For sure!