Max Verstappen has every right to be enjoying Formula 1 right now. He put an end to Lewis Hamilton’s reign. He is on course to win his 3rd title on the bounce and doesn’t seem to be stopping. Max has won 37 out of the last 58 races in Formula 1. Yet, the Red Bull driver keeps talking about retiring due to the sport’s demands. Stefano Domenicali has some harsh words for the Red Bull superstar.
What gives for Max Verstappen?
In a recent interview with a Dutch publication, Max Verstappen reiterated his concerns.
“I’ve always said 24 race weekends is a lot. It’s not just about the races, but everything around it makes it tough. All marketing activities, the simulator days, the personal sponsorship obligations. In fact, you don’t have any days off left.
“I often talk about that with people around me. Those are all things that factor into deciding how long to keep going. Of course I am glad that I am in the position that I can make those future decisions myself.”
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Stefano Domenicali sympathetic but firm
Formula 1 Chief Executive Stefano Domenicali can sympathise with Max Verstappen but doesn’t feel the Red Bull driver is right. He hit back at the Dutchman in an interview with the De Telegraaf.
He said, “I think it’s good that Max gives his opinion. But we can’t leave the sport in the hands of the drivers.
“Not because they can’t be trusted, since we listen to them, but because they have to look at the bigger picture – and they don’t always do.
“Their goal is to go as fast as possible, but we as an organisation are in charge of doing what is best for the sport. And we have done so in recent years, otherwise we would not be in this position.”
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Stefano Domenicali also drew a parallel to MotoGP, which has also accepted the sprint format. When Max Verstappen debuted in 2015, there were just 19 races on the calendar, with Lewis Hamilton taking the championship. Today, there are 24 races and 6 sprint races. So, he is right to feel vexed.
