F1 CEO Celebrates Max Verstappen: “Always Part Of F1 History”

In a recent interview, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali praised Max Verstappen’s exceptional performance and significant impact in the sport. His comments highlight Verstappen’s dominant role in F1, especially as the 2023 season gears up for the Dutch Grand Prix.

Key Takeaways:

• Dominance and Praise: F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali commends Max Verstappen for his incredible performance with Red Bull, marking him as an exceptional talent in the sport.
• Record-Breaking Season: Verstappen’s journey this season with Red Bull has been extraordinary, breaking records and winning every race thus far, surpassing the historical success of teams like McLaren.
• Debate on Dominance: While some see Verstappen’s dominance as potentially monotonous, Domenicali views it as an integral part of F1’s rich history, highlighting his influence in new F1 markets.

In the thrilling world of Formula 1, Max Verstappen has emerged as a name synonymous with dominance and excellence. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, in a recent statement to Liberty Media investors, has extolled Verstappen’s remarkable achievements. Domenicali said, “I would say, first of all, I think it’s the right moment to celebrate the incredible job that Verstappen is doing in that car. Because if you see the other car and where the others are in terms of gap, it’s just incredible how Max is doing an incredible job. That has been always part of F1 and I would say that this is part of the game. I’m pretty sure that in the next couple of years, the technical gaps will be reduced. But if someone is great, we need to celebrate what they’re doing. And sometimes I have to say there is also the need to confirm the legacy of somebody who is doing some spectacular stuff.”

This season, Verstappen’s partnership with Red Bull has been nothing short of spectacular, setting new records and leaving a trail of victories. Their performance culminated in an astounding win at the 2022 Abu Dhabi finale, marking a historic moment for the team. This unparalleled success has overshadowed even the legendary McLaren team’s 11 consecutive wins from 1988, emphasizing Red Bull and Verstappen’s formidable presence in the sport.

However, Verstappen’s dominance has sparked a debate in the F1 community. Critics argue that such dominance could render the sport monotonous. Contrary to this viewpoint, Domenicali sees Verstappen’s success as an essential part of the sport’s allure, especially in new markets. He states, “In certain markets, mainly the new ones, you can see that he is also putting an incredible legacy because you know that it means something if you’re able to win so many races – that means you are really a great leader. So there’s nothing negative in that respect. And if you look back, I would say this has been always part of F1 history.”

Interestingly, this perspective from Domenicali comes amidst the 2022 regulations aimed at narrowing the gap between competitors, fostering more competition, and averting a scenario of one team’s unchecked dominance. Yet, this season suggests otherwise, indicating a challenge in fully realizing these regulatory goals.

As the 2023 F1 season resumes, the focus shifts to the Dutch Grand Prix, where Verstappen, leading by 125 points over Perez, is expected to continue his impressive run. The anticipation is palpable as fans await the next chapter in this riveting F1 saga, with Verstappen at the forefront.