Domenicali "F1 doesn't have that problem; the confidence is there"

Formula 1 can often count on a lot of criticism. The sport travels around the world and therefore sometimes finds itself in controversial places, but there is also often controversy in F1 from a sporting perspective. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali is not worried about possible distrust from F1 fans.

Formula 1 sees no waning confidence

Formula 1 will start in Bahrain this year. As with every F1 event held in Middle Eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain, this comes in for criticism from the sports organization. Formula One stands for a fair world and holds the countries it visits to a high ethical standard. Yet even in the run-up to the first race in Bahrain, F1 has been accused of ignoring lack of human rights and individual suffering in the country. These accusations could damage F1's confidence in the organization.

Controversial decisions made by the race committee in sporting matters are also causing criticism of the F1 leadership. The biggest example of this is of course the situation between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen during the 2021 season finale in Abu Dhabi. F1 acted decisively during the winter break and threw the entire race management. Criticism from fans of these decisions can also cause less confidence in the organization. Yet Domenicali told Sky Sports that he is not worried about declining confidence in F1.

"I think the trust is already there. We had a meeting with the promoters, partners and broadcasters last week. Almost all the places we are going, are already sold out. That means that Formula 1 doesn't have that problem and the trust is there. Sport is part out of the challenge, you may have a situation that is positive or negative or create controversy", said the F1 CEO.