Man vs Machine

As the Bahrain GP stands cancelled and the Formula 1 season is postponed for the first time in 21st century, I hear that the Bahrain economy would have to absorb a loss of estimated $100mn due to this decision and it might spurt equally severe repercussions for the Formula 1 teams and committees alike. But even with such alarming figures/discussions circumventing the sports world, I can’t stop but notice the awe-inspiring similarities between a human being and a formula 1 race car.

Both need proper fuel (weight and type) to propel properly
We all know that F1 racing cars can’t run on kerosene, they need a special high octane gas to make them fly on the race track. A follower of F1 would also tell you how it’s important to not fill tank till the brink and why it’s important to in F1 to leave a little in fuel tanks (in order to lower the car weight). In the same fashion the human body can’t just carry-on on a low fat, high fiber diet forever. And being over-weight or under-weight can cause problems.



Both have craving for nice bodies
It takes months and multiple simulations/meetings between F1 car owners and sponsors to decide upon the position, size and combination of logos to be put across the chassis of the car. And not surprisingly what comes out on the race track as the final product is “loved by many and envied by a few”, to the pleasure of the car owners. Rule that applies to men/women of this era, especially the ones with good bodies is “if you got it, then you gotta flaunt it”. Few too many who do not possess a good body spend a fortune to gain that shape & body.

Both have tendency to upset fans and followers
In the more recent times Mika Häkkinen (when he retired abruptly), Michael Schumacher (when he made an unsolicited comeback), Fernando Alonso (for simply being himself, i.e. a jerk) have upset the fans and followers world over. The common factor in the above mentioned examples and many other not mentioned is “great F1 car drivers”.

Both are part of a never ending race to supremacy
Which is fiercer, fight between McLaren and Ferrari or fight between Alonso and Hamilton?? I can’t answer that one!!

Both ascertain that to be a true winner its important what you have inside (engine/soul) and not what you showcase to the world outside (body/clothes)
Between Swami Vivekanand and Gaddafi (he is a default guinea pig these days, for obvious reason I guess), who is a greater leader?? I hope your answer matches mine i.e. the one with a pure soul and greater wisdom. Wearing Gucci sunglasses or Prado shoes doesn’t make anyone winner, it’s what inside you that counts. Same applies to F1 cars. Even though historically the competition has been primarily between McLaren and Ferrari and they have always been overwhelmed with sponsors, the underdog Red Bull won 2010 season. Red Bull had better engine. Period!!

Both amplify the fact that behind success of every individual car/human, there is a huge effort from a team of well-wishers

I believe this is most important comparison. The cars don’t win the race on their own; they all need support of relentless crew members and technicians. In absence of herculean hours spent by technicians the cars are mere metal boxes. Just like how man doesn’t become great and/or successful on his own.

Partner plays a pivotal role in both F1 race and man’s life.
Both establish a fact that to be a winner you need to have very fine tuning with your partner. Your partner can break or make you career/life


Both are bound by boundaries, regulations and ethics
Both are expected to change and adapt to every changing environment and to cope with the newer demands every day. It’s a constant struggle; some give up whereas some move on to a higher level.

Last but not the least, the players keep changing BUT the games remains the winner!!

- Contributed by Varun Sharma