F1 CEO Celebrates Max Verstappen: "Always Part Of F1 History"

Domenicali hails Verstappen's unparalleled F1 dominance with Red Bull, spotlighting his impact in new markets and setting the stage for the upcoming Dutch Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen's success with Red Bull has dominated F1 narratives over the last few years. CEO Stefano Domenicali lauds Verstappen's performance, especially against teammate Sergio Perez. Despite detractors, Domenicali celebrates Verstappen's dominance and his growing legacy in new F1 markets. As the 2023 F1 season resumes after a long Summer break, Verstappen is the favourite at the upcoming Dutch Grand Prix.

Domenicali's Praise for Verstappen 

Stefano Domenicali, the CEO of Formula 1, believes Verstappen's ascendancy in the sport should be lauded. He was quoted saying:

“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,” he told investors in a recent Liberty Media investor call. 

“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.”

The CEO continues to add that it's important for Verstappen to create his legacy.

Red Bull's Record-Breaking Season 

It's worth noting that Verstappen's journey with Red Bull this season has been nothing short of meteoric. Not only did they wrap up the championships well before the final races last year, but the team's remarkable performance has also seen them clinch victory in every race so far this year. With their win at the 2022 Abu Dhabi finale, Red Bull triumphantly set a new record, surpassing McLaren's 11 consecutive wins from 1988.

The Debate Surrounding Dominance 

However, it's not all been smooth sailing. Detractors argue that Verstappen's dominance might make the sport monotonous for fans. Domenicali, however, sees it differently. He views these accomplishments as an integral part of F1's rich tapestry and believes that in the face of such exceptional talent, celebration is the only appropriate response.

“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,” he admitted.

“So there’s nothing negative in that respect. And if you look back, I would say this has been always part of F1 history.”

This comes as almost contradictory from Domenicali, with the 2022 regulations being introduced to reduce the gap between drivers, to introduce more competition, and to remove what's happened previously of there always being a single, unbeatable team. This has simply not been the case, indicating that this regulation change has failed.

A Glimpse into the Future: The Dutch Grand Prix 

The next chapter in this riveting tale unfolds this weekend. As the 2023 F1 season picks up post the Summer hiatus, all eyes will be on Verstappen at the Dutch Grand Prix. Given that he's the only driver to have started from pole in its last two seasons since its return in 2021, expectations are sky-high. 

With a staggering 125-point lead over Perez in the Drivers' Championship, Verstappen seems poised to continue his winning streak.