Domenicali: It’s a career defining moment for Leclerc

Stefano Domenicali commented on the results of the Bahrain Grand Prix. Formula 1’s president and CEO believes Red Bull Racing’s winning double in race one doesn’t mean rivals can’t impose battles on the champion team over the course of the season.

Stefano Domenicali: “Red Bull has taken a very important step that worries the rest, but from my experience I can say that you should not jump to conclusions. For example, last year, after three races, Ferrari was in great shape and leading with a big advantage – then everyone said that the battle for the season was over, but everything turned out differently.

In Bahrain, Red Bull showed its strength, but let’s not forget important limitations. Last year they had to pay a fine for exceeding the budget. Also this season, this penalty should have a certain effect on the team.

The first part of the season is very important because it will show whether Red Bull can keep the lead. History teaches us to be careful with predictions. Each subsequent race is different from the last and the only constant variable is Max Verstappen, who is very hard to beat.

The secret of Max’s success is that he is different from others and does not try to imitate anyone. I remember Kimi Raikkonen, who was herself and was applauded all over the world.

Verstappen’s strength is that he only thinks about Formula 1. I think he’s matured in recent years – before he was more impulsive. Now he has become a racer who hardly makes any mistakes and is completely focused on the job.

Domenicali commented on Ferrari’s form and Charles Leclerc’s prospects: “Ferrari has always been a point of reference in Italy, but the size of Formula 1 has changed: other teams and drivers have grown. It is clear that Ferrari in Italy is something like a national team that everyone supports, but the competition is very strong.

To win it is no longer enough to say: “We are Ferrari”. The team must work on solving the weaknesses and not fall into the typical Italian emotions. Only with determination can you get out of difficult situations. After one race you can’t express any emotions – you have to stay focused, move forward, solve problems and ignore the rumours. Also based on what I saw over the first two days of the weekend in Bahrain, they have all the ingredients for confidence.

If disappointment does not let the athlete go, then he has other problems. I believe that a great athlete at such moments should behave like a person, become an example for the whole team. Charles Leclerc knows that the decisive years have come for him. He expects a better car from the team, but at the same time he cannot afford to make mistakes or the problems will only get worse.

This is an important stage for Leclerc’s future. He has to get pragmatic. Winning with Ferrari is something extraordinary and other teams cannot give him the chance to fight for victory at the moment. Leclerc must lead a team that is undoubtedly going through a difficult period.”

Stefano Domenicali did not ignore Fernando Alonso’s third place and Lewis Hamilton’s importance to Formula 1: “I am not surprised by Alonso’s result. I know very well that if he gets a car that gives even a little bit of hope for the result, he will not miss this opportunity. Fernando is still a strong driver and his performance was one of the highlights of the first race of the season.

If we look at Hamilton at Verstappen’s age, we see that Lewis was completely different then than he is now. As he grew and succeeded, he changed as a person and began discussing issues that were important to him. From this point of view, Formula 1 has already become an inclusive and open platform for discussing issues and values ​​close to Lewis’ heart.”