In some ways the word destiny represents a certainty, an indelible thing, and which is part of our history, our identity. There are those who find themselves on certain roads, but also those who create new ones, halfway between destiny and the heart. It was destiny that Federica Masolin, journalist and TV presenter for Sky Sport Italia pursue this career?
From her story, made up of love for sport from an early age, as a sort of attachment to her father and his sphere of interests, which fascinates every child, it would seem so. But that wasn't enough. She needed to chase destiny, bang her head on it, study and get to know each other, exploring that raging river she had inside. Federica understood what she liked to do by experimenting with the various paths, starting from afar, and then gradually finding herself through her countless experiences of her.
There isn't a single Federica, just as there isn't a single sport that she follows and loves to tell the details about.
Sky over the years has become the home of Sport, with Federica in the role of an extraordinary and volcanic landlady! She has brought energy, intelligence and freshness to a young environment, also becoming an important point of reference for all the new generations, especially women, girls who feel within themselves the same strength that has led Federica to move with agility and character in a typically male.
Determination, curiosity, humility, stubbornness, sacrifice and a pinch of rock soul, these are the ingredients that Federica loves to mix as she pleases, in work as well as in life.
On the occasion of this F1 world finale we had the opportunity to ask her a few questions, and also to throw down the gauntlet!
Federica we are now in the season finale, can you give me an adjective to describe this year?
“I wanted to say conflicted, even if up to a certain point it was, as Max's domination was… unexpected! So come on I tell you: fought, dominated and unexpected”.
Max's growth
Dominance in the last part of the season by Max Verstappen: where did he really surprise you?
“In the maturity he had in approaching the season. He has always been super lucid and had the ability, which until last year he actually possessed little, of knowing how to wait. Even when the Ferrari was in front of him, perhaps on Saturday, he has always been super attentive and perfect on the most important day. I think the mental switch he made was really, really strong."
How important do you think last year's fight with Hamilton?
"Very very much. I think he owes a lot to Hamilton: last year's fight really taught him a lot, from many points of view. On a mental and pressure level, a challenge like this, which you also manage to take home, helps in an incredible way ”.
Coming instead to Ferrari: how do you explain what happened in Mexico?
“It is very difficult to understand. However, it must be emphasized and acknowledged that Ferrari has managed to close the gap with its rivals. He has a very interesting car: we are talking about a car which, until a certain part of the season, showed that it was very fast and competitive on all types of tracks. The number of poles demonstrates this and perhaps, considering the races, it is inevitable that we will need to work on reliability and understand where development can make the difference”.
The chaos resulting from the budget cap
The most intriguing situation that has heated up the paddock in recent weeks is linked to the budget cap: how do you evaluate the sanction given to Red Bull?
“I'll make a premise: I like to make a living from sport and, a bit like all of us motorsport lovers, when politics takes over we get bored. It is true that the news leads us to comment on this type of situation: I really like to think that one of the fundamental principles of sport is loyalty. Precisely for this reason I liked the words of Toto Wolff and Mattia Binotto so much who answered curtly that they would not deliberately go over the budget because they represent a brand that carries forward values linked to a sport that makes these values its strong point . However, I cannot deny you that I am always sorry when we talk about a title tarnished by a situation that, frankly, could have been easily avoided".
The role of the FIA
In your opinion, how has the FIA behaved during this season?
“He handled the situation as we expected. Unfortunately, when there are such big situations, you try to find a compromise to avoid legal action and to prevent the image of this wonderful sport from being ruined. The biggest risk is this: disaffected people because the rules are too difficult to understand, or that a title decided last year could come back into play the following year; It seems absolutely senseless to me. For this I would like to have more timeliness from the Federation: the analysis of the team's seasonal balance must be done before the last race or in any case the month after the end of the season. Imagine if we had to meet again next year to talk again about a team that didn't respect the budget this year… it would cause incredible damage to everything, and above all to Formula One”.
Certainly not an easy situation, in which the biggest loser (in the winners) can only be Verstappen…
"It is true. Among other things, in this situation, the pilot really seems to me to be the only impeccable figure. Isn't it nice to think of being remembered as 'the champion with the question mark' or with that doubt linked to… what? We'll never know because once they tell you the catering, once the excise duties. But in the end, even pulling grist for one's mill is part of sport”.
Head to next season, even if…
And we who love sport also like to dream. If I tell you a three-way fight next year, between Ferrari, Red Bull and Mercedes, do you believe it?
“I would love to. I would like to see Hamilton fight for the eighth title, because it would be a really good test after a year in which he made himself available to the team to develop a car that is showing that it is competitive nonetheless. It's clear that Red Bull is under favor, but needless to tell you how much I'd love to see Ferrari fighting for the title with their incredible pilot couple. However, the elements are all there: I would already like the new season to start!”
Coming instead to the season you talked about: which weekend spent in the paddock excited you the most?
“It's very difficult to say. I love Canada and this year coming back after two seasons was really nice: it's a paddock that I love and I really like the track. But going to Miami was also incredible… not to tell you Monza with the public, what stuff!”
Ending a perfect season
At the end of a year it's time for everyone to take stock, even for the Sky F1 team which has never achieved gigantic numbers like this year. In fact, the 2022 Formula 1 season has already beaten all listening records: in Italy this year there is a 14% growth in average audience in GPs in the afternoon/evening hours compared to the 2021 season and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix last March was the most watched GP in the history of Italian pay TV, with 1 million 937 thousand average viewers. Furthermore, on Sky and TV8, the Monza Italian Grand Prix in September was seen by 4 million 781 thousand average viewers with a 39,9% share.
Federica, if I read you this data, how would you react?
"Goose bumps! They really excite me. I love seeing that Formula One is finally no longer seen as a sport made up only of technicians or for engineers. I'm happy when I see the slopes full of children, boys and especially girls! There are always so many who write to me on social media and say they want to work in this world, because they have understood that it is not just a place for hyper-technicians or just for men, but that it can also be told with a touch of levity. It is a world that is becoming increasingly accessible and this is also due to Formula One, with the exceptional work of Stefano Domenicali".
Coming to the FantaF1, you don't have an easy task: which riders do you see in the best shape for the season finale?
"It's really difficult. For the Maso team I tell you: how can we not focus on Leclerc, but watch out for Sainz who should mount a new power unit in Brazil and can give away many overtakings. Absolutely to take Lewis Hamilton, because he will try in every way to win at least one race. Then I take Fernando Alonso, who after retiring in America is ready to redeem himself… and for the points for last place I'll say Latifi, but I really do it with a lot of affection”.
