As we stand on the dawn of a new season, with a paddock full of excited potential, it is the ideal time to stand back and take stock of what works and what we can do better. As long as we don't mention qualifying, it's all going to be okay.....
In no particular order, here are six ways I would change F1 for (I think!) the better if given the opportunity to do so...
Redraft the race weekend format
The best races we've had recently have been those in which the teams have gone in blind, thanks to chaotic weather that prevents decent running in practice. We get mixed up grids, drivers out of position, and some teams whose set-ups are more like set-downs.
So why not force the situation by dropping Friday running altogether? The idea's not a new one, and has previously been discussed with regard to cost-saving, but let's revisit it with a view to securing regular 2015 COTA races (albeit with less chance of trench foot).
Invite dozens of new countries to join the calendar
As I wrote last May, creating a World Cup-style calendar draw to determine each year's F1 calendar not only provides extra income opportunities for the CRH as interested countries would have to pay a registration fee, but it also creates an F1 story that can hit the media at a designated dead time of year, be it the August summer shutdown or the winter break.
As a bonus, circuits will be able to spread the cost of their hosting fee over several years, reducing the per-event cost and possibly even allowing for a reduction in ticket costs.
Bring an end to driver contracts
Whether or not you believe that all publicity is good publicity, it's hard to argue against neutral publicity. The driver contract rumours that make up silly season sustain media and fans alike throughout much of the summer period, but every once in a while silly season is dull as ditchwater because everyone interesting is under contract and no decent seats are available.
So kill the notion of long-term driver contracts, and only allow single-season contracts between drivers and teams. Not only does that allow for the possibility of a full-on game of musical chairs on an annual basis, but it also generates more F1 coverage in the mainstream sports media.
Think the NFL's draft picks, but for motorsport. If done properly, the driver announcement can be presented as a TV event in the middle of the summer shutdown. It could even be monetised -- think 'brought to you by Emirates, the official F1 seat shuffle'.
Rewrite the broadcasting model
One of the arguments most often used to counter any suggestion of online subscription services straight from FOM to the consumer is the existing contracts with broadcasters. Online access straight from the commercial rights holder (CRH) to the fan would violate existing contracts and cause all manner of legal headaches.
Unless we change the approach, that is. Why can't FOM use its relationship with Tata Communications (official sponsor of the sport and something of a big deal when it comes to comms infrastructure around the world) to try a version of the NBA's subscription model?
For a monthly or annual fee, fans could access a geo-unlocked online subscription service that shows all sessions on a 24-hour delay. FOM can profit from the volume of individual low-cost deals, while the one-day delay should prevent any legal trouble with the existing broadcasting contracts.
Monetise the archives
Part of F1's appeal is the sport's rich history. Many of those currently working in the sport fell in love with F1 via races that took place before they were born, thanks to the British Pathe archives and the odd clip that survived FOM's YouTube take-downs. The same can be said for many fans.
Given that the archives exist, and there's a definite interest in old race footage, why not profit from it? Set up an official F1 online archive and charge a monthly or annual access fee. There would be initial setup costs in creating the archives and putting systems in place to prevent fraudulent access, but once that's done it's just money for old rope.
Invest in centralised marketing and promotion
This one's pretty obvious. While F1 has a loyal fanbase, the sport needs to make a concerted effort to attract new fans. More fans equals more money for everyone, so the funding for centralised marketing and promotion should be taken from the teams' prize fund (with a matched contribution from FOM) before the spoils are divvied up.