Motor racing-Formula One under scrutiny over balance between safety and entertainment

Formula One F1 - Australian Grand Prix - Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit, Melbourne, Australia - April 2, 2023 Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton and Red Bull's Max Verstappen in action during the race REUTERS/Darrian Traynor

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - After a dramatic Australian Grand Prix laden with crashes and red flags, Formula One takes a three-week break from racing but debate over the balance between safety and entertainment may rage through to the next stop in Baku.

Eight cars failed to finish Sunday's race and four crashed out within seconds of a standing restart as stewards failed to produce a winner from a two-lap sprint.