F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali talks growing the sport, Lewis Hamilton’s next move, and the future

In a wide-ranging interview with The Every day Mail, Components 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali talked in regards to the subsequent transfer for Lewis Hamilton, the expansion of the game and drivers’ frustrations with some latest adjustments, and even the way forward for F1 itself.

The feedback drawing essentially the most consideration concentrate on latest adjustments to the game, and pushback from drivers. Most notably, defending world champion Max Verstappen expressed his frustration with the schedule, together with the variety of dash races on the calendar this season.

Forward of the Australian Grand Prix Verstappen acknowledged the he “gained’t be round for too lengthy” if F1 saved including to the schedule. Then earlier than the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, the primary dash race of the season, Verstappen went additional. “I all the time mentioned that anyway, even when there gained’t be any extra dash races or no matter,” he mentioned. “However yeah, I do really feel that if it’s getting at one level an excessive amount of, it’s time for a change.”

Domenicali addressed these feedback, making that case that the drivers, and your complete sport, can’t be complacent with the established order as they give the impression of being to develop F1. He additionally outlined that he’s not frightened about Verstappen leaving anytime quickly.

“I don’t desire a society by which individuals can’t say what they need,’ the CEO mentioned to The Every day Mail. “However drivers typically have to keep in mind that they’re a part of a broader image. We don’t must be egocentric.”

Domenicali famous that a number of the adjustments are a part of F1’s plan to attract in a brand new, numerous viewers.

“[The drivers] are a part of this sport and this enterprise, and it grows as a result of we’re pondering larger. Typically being out of our consolation zone isn’t straightforward, however we can’t be lazy or complacent – simply as we are able to assessment a number of the specifics of the dash weekend format on the finish of the season as soon as we’ve got tried it out on the meant six events. We gained’t have sprints each weekend, both,” he added. “However we’ve got a brand new viewers and want to offer worth for cash each session, not let everybody drive round in circles for the only advantage of engineers and drivers.”

As for Verstappen leaving, Domenicali believes the champion will outlast him in F1.

“I mentioned the problems with Max [before the Miami GP]. He mentioned he cherished the game and what he was doing. He’s world champion and is preventing for a 3rd title,” added Domenicali. “He was born in a automobile. I’d say he’s more likely to keep longer than me. It’s not an issue.”

Maybe essentially the most eye-raising a part of Domenicali’s interview with The Every day Mail concerned the contract standing of Lewis Hamilton. The Mercedes driver is about to see his contract with the group expire on the finish of 2023, a truth which has fueled a lot hypothesis concerning his future. Workforce President Toto Wolff expressed confidence in reaching an extension with Hamilton earlier this month. “And we’re, we’re engaged on this. It’s a piece in progress, bouncing emails backwards and forwards,” mentioned Wolff initially of Could. “And finally we’re going to signal it.”

The Every day Mail requested the F1 boss whether or not Hamilton ought to stick with Mercedes, transfer to a different group, and even retire. Domenicali was adamant that Hamilton ought to stay on the grid, with a nod to Mercedes.

“I’d like him to remain within the sport one hundred pc, one hundred pc. 1,000 %!” declared Domenicali.

“I don’t wish to give Lewis any recommendation as a result of that might be disrespectful to Toto. And Lewis has such deep expertise that I’m certain he doesn’t want my enter as a result of he is aware of what he needs,” mentioned the F1 boss. “He loves our sport. He has been in it since he was a toddler. Now his position in F1 is getting larger than an F1 world champion, given the way in which he will get concerned in lots of issues outdoors the game and takes an energetic position in society. He takes us in the direction of new dimensions.”

Then got here the nod to the Silver Arrows.

“However his love is Components One, and, after all, he needs to realize his dream of being the one driver to have gained an eighth title,” Domenicali added. “Toto is completely targeted on making Mercedes enhance. He informed me he made changes throughout the group to ensure that there may be the precise depth to realize efficiency as quickly as potential. I’m certain this may occur very, very quickly.”

Nonetheless, these feedback come as a report from The Every day Mail itself signifies that Ferrari is making ready a shock supply to lure Hamilton to the Scuderia:

Mail Sport understands the Italian group are prepared to interrupt the financial institution to land the celebrity in a £40million deal, and supply him the chance to eclipse the Scuderia’s biggest hero, Michael Schumacher, who gained 5 of his seven titles with them.

Conversations over the extravagant signing aren’t solely advancing on the highest stage in Ferrari, however firm president John Elkann is already in shut contact with Hamilton.

Nonetheless the Hamilton state of affairs unfolds, Domenicali is obvious about one factor: The way forward for F1 is vibrant, and the game is aware of who must be main the way in which.

“There’s an awesome future for Components One,” mentioned Domenicali to The Every day Mail. “[A]nd I feel they know who should take the selections.”