25,000 times Y donut reasons to hate the FIA...

"Menebrio" (menebrio) 10/27/2013 at 13:34 • Filed to: F1, MotoGP, FIA, Sebastian Vettel

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People are complaining about F1 celebrations being dull. And I agree. It is not the first time this topic is or will be address, I'm sure, but it's time for the FIA to stop being such dimwits. Drivers like to celebrate, and more so when they achieve a milestone in their careers, a win at their favorite circuit, or a victory for that sake. Celebrations can range in their manner, but the result is that it's a way for the driver to show his love for the sport and fans other than the typical podium jumping and champagne sipping that is somewhat "traditional" to the sport.

Because most drivers are PR driven machines, we need more ways for them to be personable to the fans, other than by the means described above or the display of that dreaded #1 finger.

Valentino Rossi celebrating victory at Jerez, Spain in 2007.

Take MotoGP for example. Drivers set up celebrations in all sorts of style and misdemeanor. They are funny, well intention-ed and its a way for the public and racer to connect. Rossi for example loves a good laugh, and we have seen him even celebrate with a chicken after it took him a while to conquer his last title. Or go on the podium with some donkey ears (his helmet had the Shrek donkey painted on after he accidentally fell in the wet of the previous race). Lorenzo celebrated a victory at Laguna Seca by faking a moon landing (or reenacting it if you are a conspiracy advocate) and planting his Lorenzo Land flag on the hill; he demonstrated his love for comics as he carried a Captain America shield on his Victory lap at Indianapolis.

Lorenzo quickly stop during his Victory lap to change into his moon gear and once and for all claim Laguna Seca.

And this is why I once again offer a stern Wag of my finger (a la Colbert) to the FIA for fining the defending champ; Sebastian Vettel for clamping down on his celebration after achieving a 4th title in a row [with a €25,000 fine). Something that is essential to sportsmen and fans alike, and that is a good celebration. Because nothing tells the rest of the world that on that occasion [or the whole year in this case], you where better than them.

Yes I know, that is from Jerry Mcguire

On a side note; Bernie, you want to succeed in America? Make sure the drivers are free to celebrate. Just watch the end of a Nascar race, a [American] Football touch down, and you'll see Americans love celebrations, burning rubber in celebratory donuts, dances, you name it.

Probably the hardest athletic prowess any Nascar driver has attempted (other than turning right).

Hoccy > Menebrio 10/27/2013 at 13:43

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I don't understand this either. In rallycross donuts are perfectly normal as a celebration, and why shouldn't it be that in F1, or any other motorsport?

Victorious Secret > Menebrio 10/27/2013 at 13:45

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Don't you get it?

Bernie wants to protect the cars from breaking down so NO BURNOUTS!!!

TheBloody, Oppositelock lives on in our shitposts. > Victorious Secret 10/27/2013 at 13:50

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but making the tires explode when they hit a curb is cool? Oh Bernie, you so silly...

Victorious Secret > TheBloody, Oppositelock lives on in our shitposts. 10/27/2013 at 13:50

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YOU GOTTA THINK OF THE CHILDREN!!!

TheBloody, Oppositelock lives on in our shitposts. > Victorious Secret 10/27/2013 at 13:51

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The man in the iron mask > Menebrio 10/27/2013 at 14:24

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123456 > Hoccy 10/27/2013 at 14:36

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Because the Frenchies in the FIA are a bunch of commies who like to make stupid rules and over-regulate things.

Hoccy > 123456 10/27/2013 at 14:45

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And they only care about F1? That actually makes perfect sense.

But what if Vettel did that every race he won, what would FIA do?

The Transporter > Menebrio 10/27/2013 at 15:25

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I know I just slammed NASCAR on Oppo not 15 minutes ago, but they do know how to hold a victory celebration. At most tracks Victory Lane is down low where it can not only be easily visible from the fans still in the stands, but easily accessible to those fans who want to leave the stands to see their hero up close and in person. When the winning driver exits his car in Victory lane, he's surrounded by his pit crew, his friends and family, usually the team owner, and honest to God, no bullshit, no lie, regular Joe fans.

Now, in the FIA the fans are kept something like 30 feet from the car and the driver for safety reasons. Safety for the fans because you never know when those Pirellies will do an impersonation of a hand grenade. For the safety of the demigod-like winning driver, they are hoisted on a podium far above the heads of their adoring fans so they may shower the peasantry with the fruits of their victory. You need to keep the proletariat happy like that, lest they grow restless and overthrow the aristocratic upper class and their $300 million race cars.

At lest that's how it appears from my American point of view.

Icemanmaybeirunoutofthetalents > Menebrio 10/27/2013 at 15:36

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What is worse is the fact that they don't give the championship trophy to the winning driver or team at the circuit but in a stuffed up suited booted ceremony! I mean WTF. Its not the fucking academy awards is it?!

Jeremy Bloyd-Peshkin > Hoccy 10/27/2013 at 15:52

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Probably just keep fining him.

TBicklez > Menebrio 10/28/2013 at 09:10

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" Just watch the end of a Nascar race, a [American] Football touch down"

Eh the NFL is hardly a sterling example (in fact its probably the worst) of player celebration...what with that inane excessive celebration rule. Try soccer instead.

TBicklez > Icemanmaybeirunoutofthetalents 10/28/2013 at 09:15

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Thats probably because that while the Championship may be mathematically over, it isn't over till its over. Vettel could yet do a stupid move and get disqualified from the entire Championship (ala Schumi in 97), or illegal components could be discovered on the Red Bull and the entire team thrown out of the championship (ala Tyrell in 1984).

Menebrio > TBicklez 10/28/2013 at 11:59

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I chose American Football because of the excessiveness. I want to see the drivers celebrate in their own style. If they want to be a bit excessive, well let them be the guy everyone loves to hate. You see, if not we'd have every driver just doing donuts.

That and I just wanted to post that Jerry McGuire scene (its a bit excessive in celebration, but its also funny). We already have Vettel and his magic finger, but imagine Kimi throwing personalized ice-creams at the crowd, Hamilton busting out some moves Nicole [Scherzinger] taught him, etc. The celebration and podium ceremony could definitely be more lively.

TBicklez > Menebrio 10/28/2013 at 13:11

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Well my point was is there is nothing really excessive about American football touchdown celebrations at all, and especially so when compared to soccer.

Menebrio > TBicklez 10/28/2013 at 13:21

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I have the word at the tip of my tongue (english is my second language), sorry it's not excessive per say, but Football has a very "in your face" style of celebration. Imagine a driver scoring a win, and going up to whomever came in second and just go with his hands in a "suck on this motion." That is what I meant; most would go "What a douche" while other fans would love it in a hatred kind of way.