The love for sport also driven by the desire to get involved led him to the ski slopes and then from there - with a path that also saw him enter the police force for a certain period - he arrived on the televisions of all Italians as a journalist and Sky commentator, also passing through the radio that he gave him from school. A love for sport that returns even after long weekends and back-to-back trips. Boots in hand, and three two one, at the whistle the start of a game of soccer with friends.
He lives, loves, talks about sport in a simple, passionate and dynamic way but above all he is a mentor for young people who are entering a difficult sport, a bit like he did with skiing. Formula 1 is technique, Formula 1 is history, Formula 1 is competition, values, risks and passion. You have to play a little tightrope to try not to leave out any of these aspects.
The voice of Formula 1 in Italy is Carlo Vanzini who as an enthusiast – as a child he was a fan of Nelson Piquet – found himself in the position of being able to fully experience one of his greatest passions. Become the main character of reference in the F1 in Italy, as well as team leader of the F1 group in Sky, can only bring a great sense of responsibility but also bring out emotions that he has always transferred in his particular style. Today we had the pleasure of having a chat with him.
Carlo, the weekend of Monza it is always something special for enthusiasts and, above all, for us Italians.
You were able to experience it first hand and breathe the atmosphere of the circuit. How was it come back to see all those people cheering again after the pandemic?
“Everything was very nice this year! I consider the last edition by far the worst Monza ever, with that half-opening that was neither fish nor fowl. This time, however, it was back to full capacity, with over three hundred thousand spectators throughout the race weekend, or one hundred thousand spectators more than in 2019.
There was also a lot of involvement in the paddock, with many more people and a truly incredible atmosphere.
For these reasons I'm sorry to read that there have been problems from a logistical point of view, no one has told me about it. I believe that many speak of hardships without having experienced the event firsthand and perhaps write articles based on hearsay. It's a shame.
What is certain is that, as Domenicali himself said, there is something to improve, and that if Monza wants to stay on the calendar, it must maintain the level of the other events.”
What the FIA needs to change instead in order not to run into others oversights like the one on Sunday, which reminded us of the controversial Abu Dhabi 2021 finale?
“I think the two episodes are similar in some respects, but not identical.
The world championship was being played in Abu Dhabi and that decision had a clearly different weight.
This time the error turned out to be above all a lack of respect for the XNUMX people who watched the race.
On Sunday, the FIA practically ratified Lewis Hamilton's eighth title.
The indiscretion I had is that the stewards have asked for the red flag, but that the Federation has decided to implement the procedures corresponding to that type of accident from a regulatory point of view, considering them appropriate since Ricciardo's car did not cause impediments on the track.
It would also make sense, were it not for two simple considerations corresponding to the specific case.
Safety first. With the McLaren and the forklift at a delicate point on the track, it really sufficed that an inexperienced De Vries was not careful enough to end up colliding with the rescue vehicle.
Secondly, the removal operations time. You can't take eight laps to build a car that usually takes two to remove.
All of this is probably caused by an inadequacy of the regulation with respect to the times in which modern Formula 1 evolves. The FIA unfortunately still referees as if we were in 2010.”
The 2022 season
With six races to go, we can take stock of the 2022 regulation. What convinced you and what didn't?
“I was very surprised by the cars. After the presentation of the FIA model, we all expected very similar cars. Instead the engineers were good at diversifying a lot and finding different solutions.
Also from an aesthetic point of view they are very popular.
What is certain is that for the purposes of the show we can say that it is still early. Last year we had the combination of Red Bull – Mercedes, this year we have Red Bull – Ferrari.
I expect it slowly common solutions are adopted on the cars and which therefore will end up looking a little more alike. It would be nice for everyone to find the right performance, perhaps to see qualifying with twenty cars in one second.
What still doesn't convince me is the management and transparency inherent in the budget cap.
Too much confusion and lack of clarity, we need to better establish how it works and the rules".
Which rider has surprised you the most this season?
"Definitely, referring to Sunday, not De Vries.
Insiders knew he was a strong driver and it didn't surprise us. He was also lucky to find himself in the Williams on the right weekend, but very good at exploiting the opportunity.
The one who incredibly impressed me, however, is Max Verstappen.
It seems that winning the 2021 title has shaken a weight off him, probably linked to his father's expectations. Now drive with maturity and serenity. And changed in the relationship with your team, your opponents and even the fans. He seems to have grown five years into one."
Carlo Vanzini at 360°
Let's talk about you for a moment! Your voice has enthralled and is enthralling an entire generation of lovers of this sport. How much of Vanzini, an athlete who knows racing adrenaline well, is in the energy you usually convey?
“There is above all that! Living the story of the race is truly like experiencing the race itself. I'm not lying when I say that I also get excited about overtaking from the rear, because for me there is no difference. This is a risky sport, where the drivers are athletes ready to give more than 100% on the track.
The spectacle, the risk and the adrenaline of overtaking for eighteenth position are on the same level as overtaking for first place. Knowing certain competitive dynamics certainly helps me to convey everything I tell. And for me being able to convey emotions and passion to the public is fundamental. This is why I remain very bitter when I read offenses towards what I do. As long as it is criticism I accept them and, indeed, sometimes they are useful for growth and comparison. But gratuitous offenses are really disrespectful to those who try to pass on the passion for this sport day by day.
Passion present throughout our team, which I would like to mention.
From Federica, to Davide, to the good Matteo Bobbi, passing through Mara, Roberto and the others up to Gené.
Marc is the perfect example of this strong passion. When we find him on the side of the track, or commenting on particularly spectacular episodes, we can observe him with shining eyes and full of joy. He really oozes passion!"
How is your relationship with social media, personal and work?
"Thanks to my children, I discover social networks step by step and I must say that I use them because they are an important tool. Unfortunately there is also the flip side of the coin with so many people using them to offend and in an unconstructive way. In general, I try to always be available and to read and answer everyone even up to 2 in the morning. There are times though when I need to disconnect from that world.
From a business point of view, they play a fundamental role.
Just think that once upon a time, just a short article at the end of the session was needed to update people.
Today there are grids to be updated, flash news, and lots of news that thanks to social networks you can quickly give everyone, on different platforms. It is constantly updated and never detaches!"
Formula 1 is experiencing significant growth in recent years, and it also owes a lot to Verstappen and Leclerc, who literally move the masses. Is, in your opinion Carlo, a generational issue, or do these two guys have something special?
“They are two exciting riders, there's no doubt about it.
They have something different and it is undoubtedly perceived. The way they run, their deeds on the track, the way they relate outside, do a lot. It is no coincidence that we compare them to greats of the past. Leclerc is often remembered as Villeuve for his courage, but I like to make a comparison with Alesi, for example. A rider who gave his all for the team, always. Fans fall in love with riders who give their all.
Think of Verstappen who always goes to the limit and duels with Hamilton, or think of Leclerc's heart in Monaco when he tries impossible overtaking.
They have something special, like the greats of the past. "
The predictions on FantaF1
For them the world discourse is almost closed, but not for those who play Fanta F1.
Who would you recommend for the Singapore race?
“As a pilot of first band without a doubt Leclerc. He will attempt redemption and is ready to fight for important positions in a circuit that could be favorable to him.
I would bet in a middle-of-the-road driver like Magnussen, he has the shots to go back to recording this weekend.
While for the fight in last place, I would almost say Latifi for granted, but watch out for Schumacher who doesn't inspire particular confidence in meto ".
Shall we also try to make a prediction on the Best Sky Pilot, so important for our Fantamanagers?
“I take the risk… Leclerc!”
