Post-race Formula 1 interviews were recently moved from the podium to Parc Fermé, just as the drivers have stepped out of the car. Great in theory, but this deprives F1 fans of the following:

• Cool-down room chats straight from the action. We’ve seen some classic moments in the cool-down room when the drivers have a moment to reflect, from “Multi-21” to “Hamilton Vs. Rosberg Hat Chucking”. Yes, you still get an element of this, but the buzz is somewhat killed by the interruption of the interview.

• Epic Celebrations. Drivers now have interview duties straight out of the car, meaning they can’t stray too far from Parc Fermé. No more running around like a loon, celebrating with team, family and friends.

• Shoeys. Yeah, Daniel Ricciardo hasn’t been on the podium since Monaco, but even if he made it onto the top step, F1 fans wouldn’t get to see the likes of Sir Patrick Stewart and Gerard Butler drinking out of his shoe.

• Good interviews. It seems that the drivers often haven’t had time to take everything in from the race, and the interviews in Parc Fermé seem to lack emotion, neglecting the fans of raw driver emotion.

• Live interviews for fans at the track. For Formula 1 fans, jumping over the fence and running down the track to get to the podium for the celebrations and interviews is one of the best bits about going to a Grand Prix. You really feel the adrenalin and feel as though you are part of the action. With the interviews in Parc Fermé you do get a little longer to get to the podium, but that takes some of the rush out of it… and, of course, you miss the interviews.

• A toilet break. Fans have just sat through an hour and a half of epic racing… it’s over and you want to pop to the toilet before settling down to take in the interviews with a fresh cup of tea and an empty bladder. No. Stay where you are and urinate in your seat like a real F1 driver… or just hold on.

We would like to see post-race interviews return to the podium for the enjoyment of the fans at home and at the track.

Thanks so much for your time,

Pit Wall Merch