Stefano Domenicali analyzes the start of the season

In an interview for the Italian media Sportmediaset, the CEO of F1 was questioned about a number of topics that are fueling discussions since the winter tests.

Red Bull far ahead, but maybe not for long.

Red Bull got off to a great start by finishing the inaugural race in the top two positions. The Austrian team seems to be leading the pack for now. However, according to the Italian, the championship title is far from secure.

The very impressive pace that we have seen from Red Bull worries the others, but based on my experience, I say that we must be very cautious. We saw it last year when, after three races, there was a Ferrari in great shape, with a lot of points ahead, and everyone was saying that the season was over.

But things unfolded differently. Red Bull has proven its strength on the field, but we must not forget that there are significant constraints. Last year, Red Bull had to pay a penalty for not adhering to the budget cap, which will undoubtedly have an effect on the ongoing World Championship. I believe that the first phase of the season is crucial in understanding how long this performance gap of Red Bull can last. The history of Formula 1 teaches us to be very cautious. Every race is different, the only variable is Max Verstappen, who is in a very challenging mode to beat.

Ferrari in difficulty.

As an Italian, Stefano Domenicali knows the passion that the Scuderia generates. Although the team has not had the ideal start to the season, he believes that with a lot of hard work, nothing is lost.

Ferrari has always been a reference in Italy and it’s all we need! However, the dimension of the Formula 1 world has changed: other teams and other drivers have grown.

It is clear that when we talk about Ferrari in Italy, we are talking about the national team that everyone cheers for and that everyone must support, but the competition is very fierce. Saying “we are Ferrari” is no longer enough. We must work on our weaknesses to grow without falling into the typically Italian dimension of emotionalism.

It is only with determination that one can overcome difficult situations. After just one race, you cannot be emotional, you must remain focused and keep your head down while trying to solve problems. Based on what I have seen during the two days of testing in Sakhir, all the elements to be confident are brought together this year. (m)

His eye on the pilots

About Max Verstappen…

The key to Max Verstappen’s success is that he is different from others and he doesn’t need to imitate anyone. I remember that Kimi Räikkönen was himself: in terms of relationships, he certainly didn’t inspire sympathy, but he was very popular worldwide.

Verstappen has a strength of his own, he is a Formula 1 driver and he only thinks about Formula 1. I think he has matured compared to a few years ago, when he was a much more impulsive driver. Now, he is a driver who makes almost no mistakes and remains fully focused on what he is doing.

About Charles Leclerc…

If frustration enters the mental dimension of a great athlete… there are other problems. I believe that a great athlete, especially in those moments, must have the personality to be a reference point within the team.

Charles knows that these are important decisive years for him: he must expect the team to provide him with the best possible machine, but at the same time, he cannot afford any mistakes, otherwise the problem worsens.

This is a very important phase for Charles’ future. He must be very pragmatic because winning with Ferrari is something extraordinary, and the other teams cannot give him a chance to fight for victory. For now, Leclerc must work as a driving force within the team.

About Fernando Alonso…

« Alonso is not a surprise to me, I know him very well and if he has a car that allows him to hope for a sporting result… he is always a very strong driver. That’s the most interesting aspect that emerges from the first race of the year. »

About Lewis Hamilton…

« If we look at Hamilton at Verstappen’s age […] well, he was a completely different Lewis from what he is today. Growing up and becoming an increasingly important champion and winner on the track, he changed as a person because he wanted to bring certain values into the discussion that are very important to him. In this regard, Formula 1 is already an inclusive platform and open to discussing the issues and values that are close to Lewis’s heart. »