I’ve followed Indycar and Nascar races for many, many years but have only recently started watching F1 races. I’ve seen 3 consecutive races now, starting with the Chinese Grand Prix then the Spanish Grand Prix and most recently, the Monaco Grand Prix.
I have watched the full race on each occasion and over those 3 races, I have never seen a SINGLE LEAD CHANGE! The only thing I would call real racing during all of those races was Ricciardo’s challenging Hamilton for second place during the Monaco race yesterday and even that was never really all that close.
Is F1 always this way or did I just catch it at a bad time when Mercedes is running away with everything?
It doesn't have as much passing and never will. Monaco is kind of a paradox, while it is the most glamorous the cars are too technically advanced for the old circut, and there is just no room to pass. It is the most extreme example of the winner almost being virtually assured by who wins turn one of lap one.
But if you are more of a techo or mechanical nerd you might find their cars more interesting even with few passes. It is a matter of taste or a subjective thing.
The passes are often more strategic as well, verses on the actual track exchanges. If a faster car is running behind another car, passing can still be difficult and they may have to rely on better tire management. The tires are different grades, and teams are forced to run the different grades during the event. So race management is also a big part of the competition or position changes.
As for time I would think many would prefer the open wheel era of the 80s and prior.
1. Technology had not exceeded the circuts ability to handle the speeds. The restrictions were far less, and the creative ceilings were higher.
2. Nascar and Indy cars are closer to spec cars. While F1 cars are more regulated then ever they still are more techically advanced.
If you want more side by side and passing racing Nascar will probably be preferred.
If you are more of a purist with some patience, F1 may be more preferable.
Note. All of the above is just my opinion. Your milage will vary.
BTW, I like both and I hope they both will continue to be distinctively different.
Edited to add:
A dominant car is more likely to happen in F1.
Currently Mercedes, and prior to that Red Bull. So one could call it bad time.
