Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali recently extended his contract for another five years. It is his responsibility to continue to grow the sport on the global stage. After the opening race in Australia, he shared his vision for the future of the premier class. It emerged that Formula 1, after the F1 75 season opener in London, is considering more live events.
“It’s a very fascinating journey,” Domenicali said of his role as CEO to Sky Sports. “I have a duty to ensure that we steer the sport in the right direction and that our fans continue to love us.” The Italian was enthusiastic about the current state of Formula 1. Notable transfers, a calendar with twenty-four races, and a grid with many new faces make him optimistic about the near future.
“I’m very excited because I feel that more drivers are competing for the win and that more teams can actually fight,” he said. “In addition, we have five new drivers in the field. With the enthusiasm and new energy they bring to the paddock and the circuit, I expect a spectacular season. I think we’re going to see a different situation in every race.”
Live Events
Before the first Grand Prix in Australia was run, the season was kicked off in grand style with F1 75, a live event in the O2 Arena in London. Although the reactions were mixed, Formula 1 managed to generate a lot of attention for the sport and the anniversary year. “I think it’s been a great success,” Domenicali responded. “We’ve been able to showcase our platform and convince some skeptics that Formula 1 needs to go big.”
The question is whether a joint season launch will become a fixed tradition in Formula 1. Will F1 75 become a recurring thing? “That’s something we need to discuss,” Domenicali concluded. “I can say that there is a lot of interest from various promoters around the world. They see it as a twenty-fifth Grand Prix to kick off the season. We’re going to make a decision about such events very, very soon.”
