Motor racing-Abu Dhabi controversy didn't erode fans' trust, says F1 CEO Domenicali

FILE PHOTO: Formula One chief executive Stefano Domenicali attends the 150th anniversary celebration of Italian tyremaker in Milan, Italy, January 28, 2022. REUTERS/Flavio Lo Scalzo

MANAMA (Reuters) - Formula One chief executive Stefano Domenicali said the controversial end to last year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix had not eroded the trust of the sport’s fans as it prepares to embark on a new era at this weekend’s season-opener in Bahrain.

Max Verstappen clinched his first title at the Yas Marina season finale after race director Michael Masi altered safety car procedures to move only the lapped cars between the Dutchman and race-leading Mercedes rival Lewis Hamilton out of the way.