F1 boss predicts 'legend' Verstappen will be replaced

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has suggested Max Verstappen will soon be replaced at the head of the pecking order.

With his maiden title in 2021 coming amid a closely fought battle with Lewis Hamilton, Verstappen dominated the following two seasons en route to championship success.

The Dutchman is the heavy favourite once again for the 2024 title after winning four out of the opening six races.

However, Domenicali has highlighted that Verstappen's position at the front of the grid will likely soon be vanquished as rival teams catch Red Bull.

“I think it's right to say we are not manufacturing a fake result because someone is doing better than the others,” Domenicali told ESPN. “That's not the objective of the sport.

“And by the way, throughout the sport, Formula 1 has lived through cycles where we have had great racers who won for many years, one after the other, this is not a factor that is not attracting people.

“There is also the fact that if there are too many races that are [being won], then you are not able to beat the legend.

“So we need to respect the fact that so far Max has been the best driver and soon maybe there will be someone that will take that place.”

Domenicali in plea to fans

With Verstappen winning 76 per cent of the races held since 2022, the lack of competition and increase in predictability has been noted by fans.

However, Domenicali has urged fans to retain an interest as he denied the sport's product is currently boring.

“These fans are very, very few I would say,” he said. “We are all sold out everywhere around the world, the enormous numbers are growing. 

“So I think that they are a very limited number, but they should stay focused on our sport, because they have big, big things happening. 

“All the cars are very close. Things can always happen every single moment. So I would advise them to stay with us.”