Fittipaldi: Formula 1 always remains Formula 1

      Among the special guests at the Canadian Grand Prix this year is Emerson Fittipaldi, a two-time world champion who once raced on the Montreal track – from 1978 to 1980, when one of his rivals was still Gilles Villeneuve, whose name is carried by the racetrack on Notre-Dame Island. In an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, the 79-year-old Brazilian veteran shared his thoughts on what is happening in Formula 1 this season...

      Question: We are in Montreal, at the track where you once raced – what should we expect this weekend?

      Emerson Fittipaldi: Something special, as racing in Canada is always full of surprises, and driving on this track is quite fun. It is different from the others in that it is semi-permanent, with many points of intense braking and constant changes in direction. Undoubtedly, drivers enjoy racing at this circuit, but driving here requires precision and caution, and one must not make mistakes.

      Question: What do you think about the new regulations that came into effect this year?

      Emerson Fittipaldi: Formula 1 always remains Formula 1. Some aspects can still be improved, but this is a normal process when such large-scale technical reforms occur. The first step has already been taken, with amendments made to the regulations before Miami, as the FIA, Formula 1, and the championship teams are working on this together, and development is moving in the right direction.

      I don't want to criticize anything, as we see interesting battles on the track and overtakes, and I dislike it when former drivers say that everything was much better in their time.

      Question: But was there something in "your" Formula 1 that you would like to see again?

      Emerson Fittipaldi: Atmospheric engines. Sometimes I miss their fantastic sound, and I think all drivers, even the young ones who have never dealt with such engines, would be happy if they returned to Formula 1. But we must trust the FIA and the championship organizers, as the work they are doing has already led to a surge in the championship's popularity.

      Question: Did you expect Formula 1 to be so popular again?

      Emerson Fittipaldi: No, but I am very glad that it is happening. Stefano Domenicali, along with Liberty Media, is doing an incredibly successful job, and the championship stages are taking place in places that would have been hard to imagine ten years ago. I have raced in both Formula 1 and American racing, including winning the Indy 500 – I can assure you that just a few years ago, very few people in the USA showed interest in F1.

      Question: This year, at the beginning of the season, Kimi Antonelli is performing very successfully – are you surprised that such a young driver is leading the championship?

      Emerson Fittipaldi: I really like what Kimi is doing. I know his family well – they are wonderful people connected to motorsport, and I am friends with Marco Antonelli, his father. I have long believed that Kimi is destined to become a champion: last season he was gaining experience, and this year he is performing very well and proving his worth.

      He is a smart and fast guy and learns very quickly. Undoubtedly, he will still face challenges, like all drivers, but he has all the necessary qualities to succeed.

      Question: Do you think there will inevitably be a tense period in his relationship with George Russell?

      Emerson Fittipaldi: In fact, it has already begun. When both drivers know that their cars allow them to fight for wins, no one wants to miss the chance to become champion, as they understand that this opportunity may not come again. This is a completely normal rivalry, and the team understands this too.

      It will be interesting to observe this throughout the year because these drivers are at completely different stages of their careers: Russell knows he has a great chance for the title, and he has been racing in F1 for almost ten years, while for Kimi, everything is just beginning.

      Question: You are Brazilian – what do you think about the career path that Gabriel Bortoleto has chosen?

      Emerson Fittipaldi: Gabriel is a serious and very fast guy, he has a great future ahead, and Brazil finally has a driver to cheer for after a long break.

      I like how his career is shaping up; Bortoleto's example inspires many young people, and I hope that in a couple of years he will have the opportunity to drive a competitive car. Audi has entered Formula 1 with a specific goal – to try to become one of the leaders and fight for victory in the championship.

      Question: What impression does Ferrari make on you this year?

      Emerson Fittipaldi: I believe that if they manage to close the gap to Mercedes, they will be able to fight for wins. But they are hindered by a lack of engine power, and also, in my opinion, certain issues related to tire overheating. Frederic Vasseur is a very experienced and competent leader; he is doing everything he can to bring Scuderia back to the top.

      I know that this will ultimately happen. Development in Formula 1 always goes in cycles – big teams return to the top at certain points.

      Question: Is there a driver in modern Formula 1 who reminds you of the heroes of your time?

      Emerson Fittipaldi: Perhaps it is Fernando Alonso. I have always liked his passion for success, his love for motorsport in general – not just for Formula 1. He is ready to race even when things are not going well; he is a true racer and will always remain one.