P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Max Verstappen has won 38 of the past 49 grands prix and is en route to a fourth F1 drivers’ title. Will the recently acquired new fans stay with the sport?
Former Formula 1 team principal Otmar Szafnauer believes Max Verstappen should be praised for his dominant performance in the sport rather than criticized for potentially making it boring. Verstappen’s success includes winning 38 out of 49 grands prix since the introduction of new aerodynamic regulations in 2022. Despite concerns about fan engagement if Verstappen continues his winning streak, Szafnauer emphasizes the need to celebrate Verstappen’s brilliance. The debate on who will be Verstappen’s team-mate next season at Red Bull is ongoing, with Sergio Perez potentially staying and Lando Norris being considered as a candidate to challenge him. While Szafnauer respects Lewis Hamilton’s talent and work ethic, he suggests that putting Norris alongside Verstappen could be an interesting matchup in Formula 1.
