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More than eight months have passed since the 2021 Formula 1 World Championship came to a close in the heated and contentious environment of Abu Dhabi.
The way Max Verstappen beat Lewis Hamilton to the title continued to polarise the partisan element within the F1 fanbase, leading to major embarrassment (and reform) within the FIA ​​and the loss of former race director Michael Massey’s job.
But, at a time when sporting drama and interest is at its peak, has F1 really presented itself to the world in such a bad and confusing situation that it has had a lasting impact on its reputation or popularity?
F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali told select media, including The Race, ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix that, from a business perspective, no lasting damage has been done.
“In terms of image, it’s like in the World Cup final, the referee made a mistake and awarded a penalty that didn’t exist. [shouldn’t be awarded]but is there [given anyway],” Domenicali said. “I don’t think it will damage the reputation of championship solidity because that’s what can happen.
“What I’ve seen is that the FIA ​​has taken seriously the fact that they want to change and improve the system. But at the end of the day, the performance of everyone involved in Formula 1 is related to his personal ability or personal skill, personal right Decisions or personal mistakes – this will always be there in every sport.
“I never think someone is doing something on purpose against someone. It’s unacceptable to me because if I had a little doubt about it, I wouldn’t be here. You could be wrong, yes, 100%. Team or a driver, everyone can do it, but I don’t want to judge maybe because of a personal opinion of what has happened [and say that] Damaged the reputation of Formula One.
“Actually, if you look at what our follow-up is this year, if the results are so negative, I don’t see so many people coming in and following around the world.”
While Verstappen has an 80-point lead over Charles Leclerc in the drivers’ championship and Red Bull’s 97-point lead over Ferrari in the constructors’ championship with nine races remaining in the season, Domenicali said F1 2022 The remaining races on the annual calendar have sold out, so interest in the title remains at record levels.
“From a business point of view, I would like to see another season where you arrive on the last lap of the last race [not knowing the champion]maybe with fewer points of confrontation because that would be great, that would be great,” Domenicali added.
“Eighty points is a lot, but in Formula 1, it’s also my previous experience [as Ferrari team boss], you have to say ‘never say never’.Remember in 2007, we were 17 points behind two games, Kimi [Raikkonen] To win the championship in Brazil. No one expected this.
“I know it’s a big number, but I don’t see why Ferrari should [not] Retake the fight with Red Bull again.Red Bull is a very strong team, Mercedes will grow, but they [Ferrari] Shouldn’t give up at the last minute because I’m sure we’ll have a lot of surprises in the second half of the season – in every way: bugs, reliability, weather conditions.
“They have to stay focused and also because we have a responsibility – all the Grand Prix from Belgium to the end are sold out – so people have already booked tickets for the upcoming ones. Belgium will be over 120,000 a day; you can imagine the likes DeWalt; Monza, over 250,000 tickets sold; Singapore sold out – that’s something that’s been reserved so I really hope we can have a great second part of the season .”
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