Formula 1’s upcoming season could continue to offer limited excitement for fans, a consequence of Max Verstappen’s unrelenting dominance. This sentiment is echoed by former Renault boss Flavio Briatore, who, as an Italian and therefore an avowed supporter of Ferrari, longs for a fiercer battle against Red Bull in 2024.
“We have to hope that [Ferrari] improve this winter to really become more competitive,” Briatore remarked to Italy’s Autosprint. His hopes are pinned on Ferrari stepping up, particularly for the Italian fans eagerly awaiting a more competitive championship. “I hope for all Italians that Ferrari can at least compete, because winning a world championship will continue to be very difficult,” Briatore said, setting realistic expectations for Ferrari’s challenge.
Briatore nostalgically referenced Ferrari’s past successes under Jean Todt’s leadership, suggesting that a French influence – Frederic Vasseur – might be what the team needs to reignite its former glory.
However, he doesn’t discount Verstappen and Red Bull’s current supremacy in F1. “They deserve it,” he acknowledged. “The team is extremely strong and Verstappen is doing nothing wrong. He is an extraordinary driver. Max is really one with his car,” Briatore praised, highlighting the stark contrast between Verstappen and his teammate Sergio Perez, despite having the same equipment. “Max is really one with his car, especially as we consider that (Sergio) Perez has the same car.”
“You really see the difference with this driver, who does extraordinary things.”
Yet, Briatore conceded that Verstappen’s continued dominance could detract from the sport’s appeal. “Unfortunately he has ruined the world championship a bit,” he stated, noting the predictability of outcomes from the season’s start. “I hope there will be a little more excitement next year, because otherwise it won’t be much fun.”
Sharing Briatore’s concerns, former F1 boss Gian Carlo Minardi also voiced skepticism about the 2024 season and Red Bull. “Everyone says yes, they will be reachable,” he commented to La Gazzetta dello Sport regarding Red Bull’s lead. “But I would wait a while to say it. They have an advantage that I think is difficult to reach at the moment.” Minardi hinted at Verstappen’s untapped potential, suggesting that the Dutch driver might still have more to show. “And this doesn’t give us much hope,” he admitted, further dampening expectations with rumors of an even stronger Red Bull car in 2024.
