Mercedes and Red Bull have to repair the cracks in their relationships for 2022 – at least that’s how Formula 1 boss Stefano Domenicali sees it. The relationship between the two teams suffered a lot from the close fight for the title.
The tensions between Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff and Red Bull team boss Christian Horner reached their peak towards the end of the season. The animosity between the two led to verbal exchanges in press conferences and was also carried out through the media.
The two shook hands during the last race weekend in Abu Dhabi. But then the controversy over the safety car restart followed in the race. This and the protests from Mercedes after the race underline that the situation between the two racing teams has not yet been clarified.
Domenicali accepted the prestigious Lorenzo Bandini trophy on Tuesday evening. When asked if he had any worries about 2022, he replied, “There are several uncertainties that we have to face and issues that we have to deal with.”
“This is how the relationship between Mercedes and Red Bull has to be cemented. Personal exchanges that do not help anyone should be avoided.”
Safety car elephant is still in the room
Mercedes still does not agree with the handling of the safety car by the FIA in Abu Dhabi. According to the team, it is still a violation of the regulations. Although the appeal was dropped, Mercedes wants to hold the World Automobile Association to account in a commission that was set up specifically to investigate the events.
The commercial rights holder of Formula 1, Liberty Media, has so far held back with public statements on the controversy and leaves such things to people like the new FIA President Mohammed bin Sulayem.
Domenicali says: “We have already spoken to the President. We have talked about the priorities, and there are many. But for now it is right not to say anything and not to pour more oil into an already overheated fire . “
“All in all, I would like to say that we have an extraordinary season behind us that has been watched by more than two billion people. The final in Abu Dhabi was the most watched sporting event of the year. These are incredible numbers and we are proud of them should.”
He expects a new course from the new FIA President: “With the new President there will also be a change in the balance with the FIA, which is absolutely fundamental for us.”
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