News

F1 chief takes firm stance on ending Max Verstappen’s ‘disheartening’ dominance

Max Verstappen has romped from one record to another in 2023.

Formula 1 will not be seen as a sport that tries to do “something against” Max Verstappen and Red Bull to rein in their dominance, at least not under Stefano Domenicali’s watch.

From banning Mercedes’ Front and Rear Interconnected Suspension (FRICS) system to Brawn GP’s double diffuser and Williams’ active suspension, there have been instances in the past when Formula 1 has taken steps to curb a team’s dominance.

Some of Verstappen’s rivals, and their fans too, wish they’d do that today.

Will F1 get involved to curb Max Verstappen and Red Bull reign?

If the likes of Mercedes and Ferrari thought Red Bull were strong last season as they won 17 of 22 Grands Prix, this year’s championship has come as a shock to the system.

Red Bull have won all but one race, 19 of 20, with Verstappen taking 17 of those, and he’s expected to wrap up the last two in Las Vegas and Abu Dhabi.

It had Lewis Hamilton saying after Brazil, where Verstappen extended his record for the most wins in a single season, this could be just the beginning.

“The Red Bull, I think, is so far away. I think they’re probably going to be very clear for the next couple of years,” said the seven-time World Champion.

It was a crushing statement from Hamilton, but one that was very likely echoed up and down the pit lane.

It begs the question, would Formula 1 ever decide to ‘get involved’ to try to curb Vertappen’s ‘disheartening’ dominance?

F1 chief Domenicali told Channel 4: “I think if you look back at the dominance of a driver or a team, it’s always been a part of F1.

“We need to consider one thing that for sure Max Verstappen has done and is doing an incredible job. We need to recognise that.

“But if you see today at the gaps in qualified, it’s just incredible. If you look at the numbers of overtaking we are having the last two seasons, we are at the top of the scale.

“We cannot be seen as a sport that is trying to do something against someone, that would be wrong.”

However, that doesn’t mean the former Ferrari team boss isn’t hoping for closer competition next season.

“On the other hand,” he continued, “the nature of Formula 1 is to make sure that next year the teams can give to the other drivers. that are very, very strong, the possibility to compete in that field.

“I have to say that we never had such an incredible quality of drivers all together as we have today. I mean it’s impressive.”

The records Max Verstappen has broken this season

Verstappen has rewritten Formula 1’s record books this season with his new tally of 17 wins in a single campaign just one of his many records.

Sunday’s victory in Brazil pushed him onto 77.3% win percentage for the season, that’s if he doesn’t win Las Vegas and Abu Dhabi, outdoing Alberto Ascari’s record of 75% from 1952.

His run of 10 wins from Miami to Italy this year was a new record for the most consecutive wins, the Dutchman beating Sebastian Vettel’s 2013 tally.

He also has the most wins from pole in a season, that’s 11, and the most consecutive wins from pole position having converted 15 in a stint that goes back to last year’s Dutch Grand Prix.

Throw in the most hat-tricks, points, podiums, and laps led in a single campaign and you’d be hard-pressed to go against the argument that this is the most dominant season for a driver ever in Formula 1.

Related Posts

Trump ally warns Keir Starmer US will ‘crush’ UK economy if Britain helps arrest Benjamin Netanyahu

The United States will ‘crush’ the UK economy if Britain helps arrest Benjamin Netanyahu, following an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC). Republican Senator Lindsey Graham told Prime Minister Keir Starmer that those who follow the ICC’s ruling could expect sharp economic consequences from the US. ‘Any nation or organization that aids or abets this outrage should expect to meet firm resistance from the United States, and I look forward to working with President Trump, his team, and my colleagues in Congress to come up with a powerful response,’ he said.

Tammy Hembrow marries Love Island star Matt Zukowski in a stunning ceremony surrounded by influencer guests in Byron Bay

Tammy Hembrow and Matt Zukowski are officially husband and wife. The fitness influencer, 30, and the former Love Island Australia star, 29, tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony at Chateau Du Soleil in Byron Bay, surrounded by family and friends. Tammy looked stunning in a strapless ivory and blush pink gown that featured an elaborate tulle train and a corset bodice, highlighting her ample cleavage.

The View host Sunny Hostin grits her teeth as she’s forced to read THREE legal notes about Matt Gaetz shake-up

The View hosts did not look pleased as they were forced to read three legal notes after discussing accusations against George Santos, Matt Gaetz and Pete Hegseth. Sunny Hostin read two of the notes on Friday as the panel discussed former Rep Gaetz bowing down of the Attorney General nomination as he deals with 𝑠e𝑥ual assault claims. ‘Matt Gaetz long denied all allegations and has not been charged with any crime,’ Hostin said as she grimaced.

Homebase puts 74 stores up for sale after DIY chain collapsed – check to see if yours is on the auction block

Homebase has put 74 stores up for sale after the DIY chain fell into administration. The company has set a deadline of the end of next week for potential buyers to snap up its remaining shops in the UK and Ireland. Homebase appointed administrators at consultancy Teneo after it was hit hard by an ‘incredibly challenging’ three years for the DIY sector.

Coleen Rooney is being eyed up as the next Holly Willoughby as ITV bosses ‘hope to capitalise on her girl next door charm for presenting roles’

Coleen Rooney is rumoured to be in the running for TV presenting roles as a result of her stint on I’m A Celebrity. ITV bosses are hoping to ‘capitalise on Coleen’s girl next door charm’ and loyal fan base by offering her a big money TV deal, it has been reported. A source told The Sun that there are hopes Coleen will be the next Holly Willoughby and present a host of shows backed by advertisers.

Gary Lineker’s new BBC deal is announced: The Rest Is Football and The Rest Is History podcasts will air on BBC Sounds in one-year agreement

Gary Lineker is set to receive a bumper pay day after the BBC revealed a new one-year licensing deal to host two popular podcasts made by his production company. The BBC’s highest paid presenter and former England striker is leaving Match Of The Day at the end of the season after more than 25 years at the helm. But Lineker’s presence will still be felt at the corporation after a new deal was struck between the BBC and his co-founded company, Goalhanger Productions, which has rapidly established itself in just two years as the UK’s most successful podcast production company.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *