10 Suggestions Only Jeremy Clarkson Could Make to Fix Formula One
Jeremy Clarkson is never shy about sharing bold opinions on the state of Formula One. Across columns, interviews, TV shows, and social media, he has repeatedly critiqued F1 and suggested ways to make the sport more exciting, authentic, and fan-focused. Here are 10 fact-checked times Clarkson publicly proposed improvements—now with the exact platform mentioned in each point.
10. Axe Tracks Where Overtaking Is Difficult
On social media platform X (formerly Twitter) in 2025, Clarkson argued F1 should “stop using tracks where overtaking is difficult.” He posted after the Japanese Grand Prix that true spectacle depends on action and passing, and suggested the sport should focus on circuits that deliver genuine on-track battles.
9. Get Rid of Overactive Stewards—Reward Real Racing
Via X (2025), Clarkson recommended Formula One eliminate stewards who excessively penalize “hard, dangerous racing.” On the same platform, he said fans want drama, not endless penalties, and suggested awarding extra points for real, wheel-to-wheel action.
8. Bring Back Old-School Physicality
Also using X in 2025, Clarkson said he was “bored by safety exercises” and called for a return to thrilling, physical duels on track. He shared that prioritizing excitement over “excessive safety” would draw more viewers and re-ignite the sport’s unpredictable spirit.
7. Criticized ‘Drive to Survive’ for Making F1 ‘Boring’
In his 2024 Sun newspaper column, Clarkson claimed that Netflix’s ‘Drive to Survive’ convinced drivers to be less aggressive and more media-trained, reducing authentic on-track clashes. Writing in print, he argued F1 needs fewer curated narratives and more unscripted competition.
6. Bring Back Smaller, Lighter, More Powerful Cars
During interviews and public appearances in 2023, Clarkson advocated for smaller, lighter cars with better power-to-weight ratios. He told audiences that such machines would restore unpredictability and reduce the “procession effect,” making every race more entertaining.
5. Prioritize Fan Experience Over Political Correctness
In his 2022 Sun newspaper column, Clarkson argued that F1 should focus on the fan experience rather than endlessly regulating on- and off-track conduct. He called for less caution and more attention to what makes racing dramatic for spectators.
4. Allow More Freedom in Racing—Less Tech Reliance
On Top Gear and The Grand Tour (2021), Clarkson suggested that drivers should be given more liberty to race without constant interference from pit walls and sensors. Television, he argued, would be more exciting if outcomes relied on driver skill rather than relentless technical management.
3. Encourage Aggressive Driving, Dial Down Stewarding
On X and in interviews throughout 2020, Clarkson defended “elbows-out” racing and pushed for less nit-picking from officials. Both online and in conversation, he insisted viewers want risk and aggression, not penalty-focused officiating.
2. Return to Classic Elements: Refueling and Tire Changes
On YouTube and social media in 2019, Clarkson called for a return to in-race refueling and tactical tire changes, saying these elements brought tension and strategic drama that’s lacking in the sanitized, modern format.
1. Reduce the Calendar to Increase Quality
In his 2018 Sunday Times column, Clarkson suggested cutting the number of races per season. He argued in print that scarcity would increase excitement and anticipation, making each Grand Prix matter more to both fans and teams.
Conclusion
Jeremy Clarkson’s prescriptions for Formula One reflect a longing for genuine drama, bold racing, and a fan-first ethos. Whether in columns, interviews, on television, or social media, he consistently urges the sport to embrace its wild, unpredictable roots—sparking debate and echoing sentiments widely held among motorsport enthusiasts.
