Is Formula One a sport or a Soap Opera?

Don’t you find it funny that every time there is an F1 scandal documents or interviews are ‘accidentally leaked’ to the media?  This does little for the credibility of the sport, let alone the FIA. 


First, Nelson Piquet Junior’s statement makes it’s way to the press. This naturally aggravates Renault team boss Flavio Briatore, who in return announces he is suing Piquet Junior for blackmail via a press conference. Yesterday, Pat Symonds FIA interview accidentally-on-purpose lands in the hands of the media. Today I see in the Daily Mail the radio transcripts from Renault, wonder how they got hold of them….;)
The whole ‘crashgate’ situation is being played out  like a soap opera, every retaliation announced over dramatically, every available document given out freely. It’s hardly the most dignified way to act. 


For a sport that is trying to improve and bring in more viewers you’d think the FIA would have a bit more grace. How do they expect anyone to view Formula One as the pinnacle of motor sport when the governing body always makes a mockery of it? Why not keep the evidence and documentation they have to themselves ready for the court hearing. Then, if Renault are found guilty, the FIA needs to ensure they are punished adequately.  Although, perhaps, like Pat Symonds, they will all be offered immunity in the case - why bother going to court at all?
If the FIA start acting professional then others might start to view Formula One as a professional sport, and not a playground. 


This season on track has been lacklustre to say the least. If the FIA is trying to compensate for the on track monotony with off track dramatics then they are going about it wrong. 
All we will remember this season for is politics and scandal. Playing out Formula One like a soap opera  does nothing to attract new viewers to the sport. Who wants to watch a so called sport with a steady stream of  ‘sex/spy/cheat/crash gate’ episodes (delete as appropriate!). You couldn’t make it up if you tried. 
If we heard more about the racing and less of the politics it would be a start. 


What will happen in the next episode of ‘crash gate?