In a sport obsessed with lap times and trophies, does personality matter, or should we focus on who’s fastest?
In this article, we will go over just this!
Why Personality Counts
Contrary to popular belief, racing is not just about the sport. Racing, from F1 to MotoGP and IndyCar, requires a lot of different talents.
Fan Engagement
In racing, having a fanbase as well as support from fans is beyond important. You have to be likeable in order to gain this, hence why personality goes hand in hand with racing. Think of Daniel Ricciardo – he
is not in F1 now, however during his active days he didn’t win a title.
Despite this, because of how he acted and presented himself, he is still one of the most well-known and favoured drivers in Formula 1. In fact, many prefer him over the current grid!
Media Appeal
Charisma can build a driver’s brand up from scratch. If you perform well on the track and also in front of the camera, then your presence is going to grow. This can land you cameos in TV, brand deals, more screen-time, a larger following online, in turn this creates a higher demand and so much more.
Sponsorship Value
If a driver is relatable and can capture an audience quickly, big sponsors will jump at the opportunity to work with them. For example, Lando Norris and Quadrant.
Do Results Still Rule?
Don’t get me wrong, results still play a big part in driver perception as well as legacy. Some of the best drivers in Motorsport history were the best simply because of their impressive track records. For example,
Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher are first remembered for their amazing record-breaking careers.
Teams will also often prioritise a quiet driver who rakes in the best results over a charismatic mid-fielder. Points matter in the constructor standings too, so choosing a long-term investment rather than a possibly
short-term popularity hire seems practical.
A Balance
In racing, it is not just about one or the other. It is about finding that delicate balance between points and personality. You have to be good enough on the track to stay on the team, and charismatic enough to get the funding, sponsors and fans.
Throughout history a select few have reached this balance. These include Ayrton Senna (a machine on the track, but deeply human off it), Valentino Rossi (a PR master as well as a 9-time world champion) and Fernando Alonso; he has embraced social media, has the perfect mix of controversy and icon, and is also a world champion.
Overall, personality is an important aspect of racing. It is what draws sponsors and fans in, however good performances are what creates legacy as well as loyalty. A combination of speed, authenticity, and
marketability are needed for ultimate success.
What do you think? Let us know and read more here!