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Wolff: F1’s popularity not harmed by Verstappen dominance

Mercedes Formula 1 team principal Toto Wolff insists that the dominance of Max Verstappen and Red Bull in 2023 has not harmed F1’s popularity.

The Dutchman won 19 of the 22 races, with only one victory escaping Red Bull and going instead to Ferrari.

Meanwhile, Mercedes finished a distant second in the constructors’ championship after failing to win a race.

Wolff says that despite Red Bull's success, interest in F1 is still high and that Red Bull’s rivals simply have to do a better job.

“The numbers that we're seeing, they are strong,” said Wolff. “We are growing on social [media], we see races that are packed and sold out.

“As a matter of fact, it is all around the spectacle. If the spectacle is not good our fans are going to follow us less. 

"But I think what I always say in the sport, I like the honesty. The spectacle follows the sport. And the sport, this is a meritocracy. Whoever is doing the best job wins.

“And if somebody is doing a much better job than everybody else, then they are winning 19 races.

PLUS: The inescapable conclusion from F1's slowing Red Bull debate in 2023

"And you can't stop that as a matter of fact, so it is us and Ferrari and all the other teams that have to do a better job in order to compete with Red Bull Racing, and we can't change anything.

Source: Autosport

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