Although Max Verstappen won the 2022 title showing utter dominance, someone thinks the title to be “invalid”.
Max Verstappen started the 2022 season title defense disappointingly. The Dutchman couldn’t finish two out of the opening three races. Regardless, what came after was one of the most dominant performances in the history of Formula 1. The Red bull driver went on to wrap the season with a historic 15 wins to his name.
However, in a recent interview, one former F1 driver Vitaly Petrov labeled Verstappen’s 2022 title to be invalid. According to the Russian, the 2022 title clinched by Max Verstappen became invalid once Russian driver Nikita Mazepin was not allowed to compete. The latter couldn’t compete due to the backlash against the Russian government following the invasion of Ukraine:
“Without Russia, I don’t consider a single champion or Olympic title to be valid,”
former driver Petrov told reporters in Russia.
“We have to stop being afraid of our people and bring Russia back into world sport.”
“For me, it’s not acceptable. I don’t understand at all this absurdity of imposing certain opinions on people. We can use the current situation as an impetus for the development of motorsport, training young people to guide them further into the future.”
Contrary to the comments, Nikita Mazepin was indeed allowed by F1 to compete in the 2022 season. The Russian racer only needed to follow a few guidelines like racing under a neutral flag.
Petrov further added:
“I understand it’s difficult, but no one should give up, I myself have wanted to race in Formula 1 all my life, so I understand young drivers very well. But they have to be patient, practice, and not stop believing, so when the opportunity to come back comes, we’ll all be ready.”
The comments by Petrov seem rather absurd
Vitaly Petrov was the first Russian driver to race in Formula 1. The former Renault F1 and Caterham driver made a total of 57 starts between 2010 and 2012.
The comments made by him seem baseless considering the fact that Nikita Mazepin failed miserably in his debut season with Haas in 2021. The rookie failed to score even a single point and finished last. Haas improved drastically replacing Mazzepin. Kevin Magnussen who replaced Nikita went on to score 25 points claiming six top-ten finishes in 2022.
Further, there will be no Russian on the grid this year either. According to Petrov, this means, the 2023 season will also be invalid. Regardless of the thoughts of Petrov, the 2022 title defense by Verstappen was clearly valid as the Dutchman prepares for the 2023 challenge.
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