Where's The Challenge?

Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari, AGP. (C)

    Ever wonder why Formula One drivers speak so fondly of a track like Japan's Suzuka? Or perhaps Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium? Both challenge the drivers. Not simply because of their configuration, but because driver errors are punished. Get it wrong and they're beached in the gravel trap, or uncontrollably skidding across the grass into the barriers and out of the race. Conversely, construct a near perfect lap on the edge and their job satisfaction skyrockets.
    The last F1 race in Canada had a shroud of controversy draped over the result. Relentless pressure from Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton resulted in race leader, Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel missing the Turn 3 + 4 chicane, skating across the grass and rejoining just in front of Hamilton who took avoiding action. Deeming the rejoining on track unsafe, the stewards handed Vettel a 5 second penalty, gifting the race win to Hamilton at the chequered flag. It's been debated ad nauseam, but technically the penalty was a slam dunk. Morally, well, you decide. 
    We could add to the debate, or even comment that Vettal made another mistake when the pressure was on. It did however got us thinking about circuit layout. Modern day circuits have replaced grass and gravel traps with tarmac runoffs. Now if a driver makes a mistake, they can just continue on. Where's the penalty in that? Time lost perhaps or driving around a bollard to rejoin the circuit? Imagine if the grass that Vettel drove over at Canada was covered with asphalt. You could conclude he gained an advantage. Then what's he supposed to do? Cede the place to Hamilton? After his mistake, upon sliding across the grass Vettel should be applauded for barely avoiding crashing himself. We understand that circuit safety is the reason for tarmac runoffs, but is it eliminating a challenging element for the drivers? Look at Monaco. St Devote at Turn 1 and the entrance to the swimming pool section were both guarded by the walls and made a formidable challenge. Now the walls are moved back. Don't fans deserve to see F1 drivers challenged to the best of their ability, or are the punters unable to see clearly because they are too far from the action due to the tarmac runoffs?
    Cynically yours....

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