Here’s a comment from Liberty Media’s president on Max Verstappen, the two-time Formula 1 world champion approaching his third straight title. A “phenomenon”, according to Greg Maffei, that is worth focusing on to give prestige to Formula 1, also because, in his words, “apart from the fact that he broke his leg, like Tonya Harding, I don’t know what we can do”.
WITHwith victory on September 3 in Monza, Verstappen reaches 10 wins in a row – 12 in the first 14 races of 2023 – a historic result for the golden Dutchman of Formula 1. World champion in 2021 and 2022, the prodigy driving for Red Bull never ceases to amaze, racing quickly towards the third title he can achieve well before the end of this year’s long season.
And if, on the one hand, the success of Red Bull “kills” the spectacle of this Formula 1, on the other hand, we can only extol Max’s dominance. It is on this occasion that the team president comments directly Liberty Media – the company that owns Formula 1 – which, at an event organized by the Goldman Sachs banking group, commented on Verstrappen’s successes. “The reality is that we have a very interesting competitive product,” he says. Greg MaffeiAppointed Paddock Magazine the most powerful person in the Circus, “besides the fact that Max is so fast. Stefano Domenicali rightly tries to use the “come and see this historical event” narrative. You’ve never seen anyone achieve this kind of success, you don’t want to miss it.” Let’s see if it works.”
NoTherefore, I have no intention of interfering with the champion, also because, as he jokes, “except for a broken leg, like Tonya Harding, I don’t know what we can do.” Of course, it’s a bad joke, which refers to the story of the 1994 Olympic Games, when figure skater Nancy Kerrigan was hit with a baton by her ex-husband. Tonya Harding (the story is also known today thanks to the 2017 film Tonya, with Margot Robbie). Maffei continues: “but this phenomenon. He drives what seems to be the fastest car, and he drives it very well. If you look at his lines, how aggressive they are and how he’s able to execute them, it’s truly amazing. And we understand why According to statistics, he is faster than everyone else” Thus, the unstoppable Verstappen, who surprised everyone in 2021 by winning the last Grand Prix of the season with a last-lap overtake amid controversy with the FIA, would become champion. what to focus on to give Formula 1 prestige and not pose a threat to the sport and entertainment.