F1 revelling in "big tension" between Mercedes and Red Bull

Toto Wolff during press conference in Russia — Photo: © LAT Images

Mercedes - Red Bull

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F1 revelling in "big tension" between Mercedes and Red Bull

Just seven races remain this season

Ian Parkes

Monday 4 October 2021 18:12

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali is enjoying the "beauty" of the title fight between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen and the "big tension" between Mercedes and Red Bull.

With seven races remaining, Hamilton heads into this weekend's Turkish Grand Prix with just a two-point lead over Verstappen, while Mercedes is 30 clear of Red Bull.

Domenicali is hopeful the fight will go all the way to the wire, and in particular, "up to the last corner of the last grand prix in Abu Dhabi", which he claims "would be terrific".

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"I would say, from what I can see so far today, this is a possibility that could happen," added Domenicali, speaking to Sky Sports News.

"I really hope so - for everyone, because if you think what is behind it is an incredible fight between two incredible drivers, one that is trying to achieve something no-one has been able to achieve.

"For Max, it is something really unique for him to be there, to fight for the first title for him.

"Then we are not only connected to that but also connected to the fact the teams are under pressure, that no mistakes are possible from them.

"Then there is reliability that will play another factor. What more do you want from a championship?"

Suggested to Domenicali this year's champion would be the best driver rather than because of the best machine due to the evenly-matched competitiveness of the W12 and RB16B, he added: "For sure, I will say it will be the best driver.

"But also we cannot forget the teams have to play a big role. All the details make a difference.

"That's the beauty, from one side, an incredible fight between two fantastic drivers; from the other side, a big tension between two of the most important teams of our competition."

That tension is often spiced up by a war of words on numerous topics between Toto Wolff and Christian Horner.

Assessing the rivalry, Domenicali said: "It's part of their personality, part of the drama this sport can give, an added element of tension, of curiosity."