Briatore states that Domenicali has significantly strengthened F1.

      "Formula 1 has undergone significant changes"

       By GMM

       14 March 2025 - 04:16

      

      

      Flavio Briatore asserts that his fellow Italian, Stefano Domenicali, has played a key role in strengthening Formula 1. The sport, owned by Liberty Media, has recently confirmed that after a period of uncertainty regarding Domenicali’s future, the 59-year-old has secured a new contract to continue as CEO of F1 until 2029. Specialist publications seem to support Domenicali’s renewal.

      "Domenicali joined at the beginning of 2021, succeeding Chase Carey," noted Germany’s largest newspaper, Bild. "And since then? Full speed ahead! Formula 1 is racing from one record to another in television ratings, sponsorships, and fan engagement."

      Italy's respected La Gazzetta dello Sport agreed, attributing the transformation of Formula 1 into a global media sensation to Domenicali's leadership. Alpine advisor Flavio Briatore, who has witnessed the eras of Bernie Ecclestone, Carey, and Domenicali, was particularly close to the now-retired Ecclestone. However, he acknowledges that Domenicali has overseen a significant transformation in the sport.

      "Formula 1 has changed dramatically," he told f1-insider.com. "Bernie made Formula 1 great, while Stefano Domenicali emphasizes the show and the event itself. This has strengthened the perception of Formula 1. We used to race in a hotel parking lot in Las Vegas, and now we have three races in the USA. Young drivers are very active on social media, which allows us to connect with a younger audience. A lot has changed."

      Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu also agrees that Domenicali is very focused on the entertainment aspect, sharing an anecdote about the recent team launch event at London’s O2 arena.

      "Stefano was very particular about the red carpet walk," he said with a smile to as-web.jp, "and I believe it was a huge success in terms of boosting F1’s popularity."