P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Toto Wolff asserts that there should be no concerns over the popularity of Formula 1 despite Max Verstappen easing to
In 2023, Red Bull had an exceptional season with 21 wins in 22 races, with their only stumble occurring at the Singapore Grand Prix. Max Verstappen played a crucial role, securing 19 of those victories and comfortably winning the Championship over his teammate Sergio Perez. On the other hand, Mercedes experienced their first winless season since 2011, as their new concept introduced in 2022 failed to give them an edge. They finished second in the standings, a significant 451 points behind Red Bull. Verstappen has been instrumental in Red Bull’s success since the start of the current regulation cycle in 2022, winning 34 out of 45 races. However, as F1’s popularity continues to grow, the dominance of one team could potentially impact the overall spectacle and fan engagement. To maintain and capture their audience, the remaining teams on the grid need to step up and fiercely compete for victories. Mercedes, for instance, aims to improve their performance and challenge Red Bull rather than wait until 2026.
