Domenicali doesn't expect a Verstappen era: 'Rules make that impossible'

Formula 1 boss Stefano Domenicali does not expect us to enter a period of Max Verstappen dominance now. In an interview with the Gazzetta dello Sport Domenicali claims that the new rules will make it impossible for one team to dominate for an extended period of time.

Verstappen was the undisputed champion of 2022. He managed to secure his second world title just four races before the end, although it was clear early in the season that nobody could really make things difficult for him. Mercedes absolutely could not compete for the win in the first half of the year and Ferrari lost precious points time and again during the season due to strategic lapses or unnecessary mistakes.

Yet Domenicali does not think this is the harbinger of a new era of Red Bull dominance, as we saw before with Ferrari during the time Michael Schumacher drove there or as Mercedes had until 2021. "Formula 1 is basically made for longer periods of dominance, that's true," Domenicali acknowledged. "But with the current regulations, for example in economic terms thanks to the budget cap, I expect that many teams will be closer together in this battle and I expect winning cycles to be of much shorter duration."

'Nothing against Verstappen of course'

A three-way battle in 2023 does not seem unthinkable. Mercedes already showed much improvement during 2022 and even managed to win a race towards the end. For Ferrari, it will depend on how well Mattia Binotto's successor will be able to shape the team.

Domenicali expresses the expectation that both teams will make things very difficult for Verstappen next year. "Not to take anything away from Verstappen's quality of course. He is like a cannibal at the moment with full focus on every race," Domenicali stressed. It is not the first time Domenicali has used the remarkable metaphor: earlier this year he also called Verstappen a cannibal because of the Dutchman's merciless way of devouring the competition.