Mercedes Team Principal Seeing 'Strong' Numbers Amid Verstappen's Dominance

Sunday, 03 December 2023 at 04:00

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff comments on the popularity of F1 amid Red Bull's and Max Verstappen's dominance.

F1 has grown in popularity over recent years mainly during the 2021 action packed season with incredible battle for the Championship title.

However, some would say the sport has become less attractive over the last two years with the "boring" dominance of Max Verstappen and Red Bull.

Reports suggested that Formula One is losing popularity in Germany which might be a result of various reasons, but one of them is definitely the "Verstappen effect." On the other hand, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff said according to motorsport.com:

"The numbers that we're seeing, they are strong. We are growing on social; we see races that are packed and sold out [although promoters acknowledge any impact on sales from Red Bull's domination will be felt harder next year]."

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The 2023 season would be one of the most exciting seasons had it not been for Red Bull. We have seen one of the closest battles in the midfield in history of F1. Wolff continued:

"But as a matter of fact, it is all around the spectacle. If the spectacle is not good, our fans are going to follow us less."

While some fans say they do not enjoy watching the race when they know who will win before it starts, Wolff says it is the nature of the sport the best one wins.

"But what I always say in the sport, I like the honesty. The spectacle follows the sport, and this is a meritocracy. Whoever is doing the best job wins…"

Quite a few interesting stats illustrate the dominance of Red Bull in 2023. Red Bull won the 21/22 race, achieved a one-two in the Driver's Championship, and broke numerous Driver related records with Max Verstappen

"You can't stop that as a matter of fact, so it is us and Ferrari and all the other teams that have to do a better job in order to compete with Red Bull Racing."

On the other contrary, multiple fans mention the sport becomes less interesting when they know who will win the Grand Prix before the race even starts. Wolff concluded:

"Of course, there is the risk that with a certain lag, people are going to say, 'Well, I know the result anyway'… but we have just got to do a better job."