Former F1 driver Vitantonio Liuzzi discusses how the intense 2021 Hamilton-Verstappen rivalry heightened competition but brought increased danger to the sport.
Vitantonio Liuzzi is one of the driver consultants for the FIA stewards’ panel in F1. The former driver adopts a relatively permissive approach with the current 20 competitors in Formula 1 but acknowledges that the 2021 tensions between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have impacted driving standards.
“I want to let them race for the show,” Liuzzi said on the Inside Line podcast. “But we must let them race safely so that we can balance both. That’s our fine line, let’s say, where we need to understand when it risks going too far.”
“I believe that in 2021, Hamilton and Verstappen raised the level of competition because it was an incredible season, maybe one of the best of the last 20 years. But obviously, they took it to a more dangerous level. At Monza, it could have ended in a more hazardous situation, and the following year in Budapest was quite risky.”
“We don’t want, let’s say, to rely on luck. We want to be very sure for the sake of the sport and the drivers in the cars. And I think we are doing a very good job. We have a great show. We just want things to be clearer for the drivers so they know how to manage the competition.”
The Italian values the trust he builds with drivers, even when decisions don’t go their way, thanks to open discussions: “I support the driver to get clarity or a fairer analysis, ensuring they have an honest conversation.”
“I enjoy talking and explaining why we make a decision. I must say that over the past five years, when I’ve made very tough decisions, everyone, including all the drivers, has understood.”
“Of course, at first, in the media, you often hear disputes between drivers and about decisions, and there are some words exchanged. But in the end, when we sit down and explain how we arrived at the decision, I have to say I’ve always found myself dealing with very good and intelligent people.”
“They trust what they’re doing. They know I love the sport, that I love Formula 1, that I love the paddock, and that I’m friends with everyone. They know I will always remain neutral and will try to do things the right way.”
“And I think it’s very important to have a former driver on the stewards’ panel, as it greatly helps conversations with the drivers and ensures better mutual understanding.”
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2021 Showdown: How Hamilton, Verstappen Upped F1’s Risks 2021 Showdown: How Hamilton, Verstappen Upped F1’s Risks
