Rider's & driver's almost killing themselves is also a selling point in all motorsports, the adverts are full of crashes, so (new) fans expect it. When it doesn't happen it's deemed boring.
Racing is boring without a crash
Boxing is boring without a knockout
Ice Hockey is boring without a smash in to the boards.
Naturally, what keeps people interested & talking about sport is controversy. Without it, nobody would watch it. Controversy is what keeps people on the edge of their seats.