(Motorsports news) While other major sporting events, such as the World Cup, Wimbledon, and the Super Bowl, end with the silverware being handed out, F1 has always done things differently. Its rules have historically required that winners be crowned only at the FIA Prize Gala, which takes place at the end of the season. Drivers who finished in the top three in the standings are required to attend.
F1’s burgeoning audience and desire to attract new fans has spurred some proposals for a change in strategy, with the trophy being awarded to the driver on the night the championship is achieved. If this was in existence now, Max Verstappen would have received the prize in Qatar on Saturday night after finally putting the 2023 title to rest.
However, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has cast cold water on the possibility of a change of strategy, stating that there are compelling reasons why the F1 champion must wait. He believes that having the F1 champion crowned exclusively there makes it a special night for other FIA winners and inspires the next generation of talent.
“It’s the night of the champions,” he told a limited group of journalists in Qatar, including. “You had no idea when I first won my Middle East Rally championship about the sleepless night before going to France, to be in Paris, to go to the Concorde, and to be given a trophy. Even now, my hairs [on my arm] stand up because I remember how young I was, 25 years old.”
“To go there is what you dream of, and the other young people do as well. It’s champions night, where young people can see the winner, the F1 champion.” And it is their deity. Do you want me to make certain that your fantasy does not come true? No.” Ben Sulayem considered that presenting the F1 trophy in the traditional manner added to its historical legacy.
FIA’s Ben Sulayem claimed grand prix racing’s relevance remained as strong as ever, despite tensions between the FIA and FOM over Andretti’s quest to join the F1 grid. “All this talk of a split, and we go to court – and then what happens? Create another hollow championship?” What about Juan-Manuel Fangio? Is there no Michael Schumacher? There aren’t all of these winners.
“You want to be like someone if you’re a driver.” So, believe me, coming to that day, the night of the champions, is a dream to them. “I see your point, but we give them something and we give something big.” Verstappen himself stated that he was unconcerned about having to wait for the drivers’ trophy, especially because he already had two copies, added FIA’s President.
“It’s OK, they look the same,” he explained. “I have two at home, so they’re not going anywhere.” It only has one more name on it. But that’s fine; I can wait a little longer. Yes, I have one near my sim rig and one near the TV.”
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