Why Formula 1 series boss Stefano Domenicali can be completely satisfied with the 2023 season, even without a thrilling title fight in both championship standings
After the 2023 Formula 1 finale in Abu Dhabi, Max Verstappen should be sleeping soundly. But, dear readers, I don’t think so. I really don’t. And for one simple reason: he should be aware that a season like the one he experienced is unlikely to be repeated any time soon, at least not on this scale.
Because Verstappen was what you could describe as a “serial winner” in 2023: He won 19 out of 22 races, ten Grands Prix in a row in between and, of course, the drivers’ title in superior style.
And the images from after crossing the finish line reminded me a little of the 2013 Indian Grand Prix and Sebastian Vettel, as he (appropriately) said at the time: Enjoy this, it might not happen again.
Formula 1 is not facing any major rule changes in the coming year, as was the case after 2013, and it is not to be expected that the balance of power will shift dramatically. And yet it is difficult to imagine Verstappen and Red Bull continuing to dominate at this very high level. Because, as the saying goes, there are no guarantees. And Verstappen knows that too
The big winner is Formula 1
Stefano Domenicali knows that too, of course. And where Verstappen wants a continuation of his current run, Formula 1 boss Domenicali probably wants exactly the opposite: more competition at the top, more different winners, more excitement, more action.
But, and this brings me to the actual topic of this column: Domenicali is unlikely to have gone to bed dissatisfied after the Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi.
Sure, fan interest in Formula 1 suffers from the overwhelming dominance of one driver and one team. But this has happened time and again in the past and Formula 1 has endured it, most recently with Michael Schumacher and Ferrari, with Vettel and Red Bull, with Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes. And it will also endure it now with Verstappen and Red Bull.
Because as much as the euphoria fades in a year, everyone is asking themselves: when will this dominance end? And who will end it? The next upswing is certain and only a matter of time. At some point, the current Verstappen era will also come to an end
Business is booming in Formula 1
Domenicali doesn’t have to wait for that to look back with satisfaction. Because Formula 1 is in a better position than ever before and has matured into a first-class business case in which those involved are earning more money than ever before. The business is buzzing, Verstappen dominance or not
This is shown, for example, by the on-site spectator figures: Formula 1 has grown again at many race tracks, with Grands Prix frequently sold out. And in the US market, which is so important for Liberty Media, there were more fans than ever before, with 270,000 in Miami, 444,000 in Austin and 315,000 in Las Vegas
The current Formula 1 concept is working
The current Formula 1 concept seems to be working, regardless of how much sporting spectacle is on offer. And so Domenicali can also afford an egg dance around a possible eleventh team. He knows that his racing series is working and flourishing and that revenues are rising. Everything else? At most, background noise.
This also applies to issues such as the overused drag reduction system (DRS), which makes overtaking maneuvers far too easy. Or for the endless track limit discussions and their implementation. For the sprint races, which often anticipate the Grand Prix action. Or for the many small and large rules that Formula 1 regularly stumbles over.
For Domenicali and the product he represents, none of this is decisive, and disgruntled “traditionalists” are not important. After all, Formula 1 under Liberty Media is geared towards a completely new audience and is validated by the figures it generates. And these figures will continue to grow, because (business) interest in Formula 1 is high, with 24 Grands Prix next year for the first time.
So yes: if anyone slept well after the Formula 1 finale in Abu Dhabi (here too: record attendance of 170,000 fans over three days), it’s series boss Domenicali – with the certainty that next year will be even better, one way or another.
Agree? Contradiction? Let’s talk!
You think similarly? Or completely different? Then let’s talk about it: Feel free to follow me on Facebook and/or Twitter, where I’ll be happy to discuss this column – and other Formula 1 and motorsport topics in general – with you.
And who didn’t sleep well after the race in Abu Dhabi? As always, you can find out in editor-in-chief Christian Nimmervoll’s sister column
