Crimson Bull driver Max Verstappen sits 80 factors clear on the high of the drivers’ standings forward of this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix after successful eight of the 13 races earlier than the summer season break.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc has misplaced floor on Verstappen as a result of reliability points that induced him to retire whereas main in each Spain and Azerbaijan, in addition to spinning out from the lead in France.
The massive hole on the high of the championship presents a distinct proposition to 2021, when Verstappen clinched the title by overtaking Lewis Hamilton on the final lap of the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi.
Domenicali mentioned it will be “improbable” from a industrial standpoint for F1 to “arrive on the final lap of the final race” once more with the title up for grabs, albeit “with a much less confrontational level” given the controversy of Verstappen’s title win.
Though he acknowledged the 80-point hole was “rather a lot” for Leclerc and Ferrari to make up, Domenicali mirrored on Raikkonen’s title win in 2007, the place a 17-point deficit was overturned with 20 out there to beat McLaren drivers Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso to the title.
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari F1-75
Picture by: Ferrari
“From my earlier expertise, you must by no means say by no means,” Domenicali mentioned, having served as Ferrari’s sporting director when Raikkonen gained the championship.
“As a result of bear in mind in 2007, two races to go, we have been behind by 17 factors, and Kimi was capable of win the championship in Brazil. No-one was anticipating that.
“I do know it is a large quantity, however I don’t see why Ferrari shouldn’t be getting again once more within the battle with Crimson Bull.
“Crimson Bull is a really robust crew, Mercedes will develop, however actually, the one factor I can say, due to my place, is that they shouldn’t surrender in any respect as much as the final second.”
Domenicali was assured the second half of the F1 season would function “plenty of surprises” that he hoped would delight the followers who’ve made the remaining races this 12 months sell-out occasions.
“Errors, reliability, climate situations, who is aware of? The one factor that’s vital that, and I’m positive they are going to be, [Ferrari] have to remain targeted,” Domenicali mentioned.
“From Belgium as much as the top, all the grands prix are offered out, so lots of people have already booked the tickets to return.
“So Belgium, on daily basis can be greater than 120,000 folks. Zandvoort you’ll be able to think about the identical. Monza, greater than 250,000 tickets offered. Singapore, offered out.
“That’s actually one thing that’s already reserved. So I hope we’re going to have an ideal race and an ideal second a part of the season.”