Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds will be donating the amount to the charity of choice of the F1 driver who defeats Max Verstappen.
Jeff Dodds [L] Max Verstappen [R] (images via IMAGO)
Max Verstappen has dominated Formula 1 in the past two seasons. The Dutch driver was miles ahead of the competition in his record-breaking 2023 title campaign. However, the 26-year-old is as hungry as ever to clinch another world title this season. Now, Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds has proclaimed that he would donate $250,000 to charity if Verstappen loses the championship this year.
Jeff Dodds has spearheaded the all-electric racing series Formula E since May 2023. The 51-year-old recently claimed that he would donate a quarter of a million dollars to charity if Max Verstappen was defeated in 2024. Moreover, the Formula E CEO mentioned that the driver who puts an end to Verstappen’s dominance would get to decide the charity where this enormous sum is donated.
If any one of the other 19 drivers win it, we’ll give a quarter of a million dollars to the charity of choice of the driver that does win it.Jeff Dodds told TNT Sports
Certainly, Max Verstappen’s dominance has taken over Formula 1. As such, many fans are eager to see a new driver emerge victorious this year. Dodds’ proclamation could motivate drivers to fight for the title against the reigning world champion. However, a lot will depend on the pecking order of the upcoming season. As rivals might still be behind Red Bull.
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Red Bull had a massive pace advantage last season. Rivals such as Ferrari and Mercedes worked tirelessly over the winter to bridge the gap to Milton Keynes. However, Max Verstappen and Red Bull will likely remain the favorites for the upcoming season courtesy of the Adrian Newey-designed RB-20.
Max Verstappen driving the RB-20 in pre-season testing (Via IMAGO)
Verstappen has expressed his confidence in the RB-20 already. Red Bull has opted for an aggressive approach with its latest challenger surprising the entire paddock. So much so, that even Sergio Perez admitted that the team was brave for deciding on such a major change. However, Milton Keynes could face stiff competition from rivals. Mercedes has found a major loophole with its W15 front wing.
Max Verstappen will be aiming to win his fourth F1 championship in a row this year. However, this could be challenging for the Red Bull driver if rivals catch up with Milton Keynes. Although, for now, it seems that the Dutch driver is in a prime position to win the world title. Fans would be looking forward to seeing how things pan out for the three-time world champion this season.