The Future of Formula 1: An Interview with Stefano Domenicali
Formula 1 has been a staple of the motorsport industry for decades, captivating fans worldwide with its high-speed races, skilled drivers, and cutting-edge technology. In this week’s episode of F1 beyond the net podcast, Tom Clarkson sat down with the Chairman and CEO of Formula 1, Stefano Domenicali, to discuss the future of the sport, his time at Ferrari, Las Vegas, and much more. In this article, we delve into the highlights of their conversation, exploring key topics such as race schedules, track evolution, and the expansion of the field.
Domenicali on the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix
The conversation began with Domenicali discussing the decision not to go ahead with the 2023 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. He explained why, despite it being the right thing to do, the decision still stung. Domenicali expressed his empathy for the fans in the region who were looking forward to seeing their home race and assured them that the decision was not taken lightly. He emphasized that the safety and wellbeing of the fans, drivers, and everyone involved in the event were the top priority. However, he did mention that there might be an opportunity to bring the event back in the future.
Domenicali on his pre-F1 career
Before taking on the role of Chairman and CEO of Formula 1, Domenicali had an illustrious career in motorsports. He spent over two decades at Ferrari, first as a race engineer and later as team principal, leading the team to numerous victories and championships. When asked how his experience at Ferrari translated to his current role, Domenicali emphasized the importance of strong leadership and the ability to make difficult decisions. He called F1 the “family business” and hinted at the potential for a family-like atmosphere within the sport, built on mutual respect and shared goals.
Domenicali on the future of F1 race schedules
One topic that came up repeatedly during the interview was the future of F1 race schedules. Domenicali expressed his belief that 24 races each season should be the goal for the sport to move forward. He argued that there was a growing appetite for F1 around the world and that the sport needed to take advantage of that. However, Domenicali was careful to balance this with the need to ensure that races were held in a safe and sustainable manner, with appropriate gaps between races to allow teams to recover and prepare.
Domenicali on rotating races and historic tracks
Domenicali also discussed the idea of rotating races, which would allow F1 to take advantage of different venues around the world and ensure that no one race became stale or predictable. However, he emphasized that historic tracks were also important to the sport and must evolve with the times to remain relevant. Domenicali shared his hopes for the next Las Vegas Grand Prix, which he believed could become a marquee event for the sport.
Domenicali on expanding the field
Finally, Domenicali touched on the possibility of expanding the field, saying that there were plans in place to potentially do so in the future. He acknowledged that some people in the sport were hesitant to do this, believing that 10 teams were enough to put on a show. Still, Domenicali argued that there were many talented drivers and teams outside of F1 who deserved a shot at competing in the sport.
Additional Piece: The Role of Sustainability in F1’s Future
While Domenicali’s interview covered many important topics related to the future of Formula 1, one area that was not touched on in great detail was sustainability. In recent years, a growing number of fans and industry professionals have raised concerns about the environmental impact of motorsports, and F1 has responded with a number of initiatives aimed at reducing its carbon footprint and promoting sustainability. Here, we’ll delve into some of those initiatives and explore how they fit into the larger conversation around the future of the sport.
One of the most significant sustainability initiatives undertaken by F1 in recent years has been its push towards carbon neutrality. In 2020, the sport launched its first-ever sustainability strategy, which included a commitment to achieve a net-zero carbon footprint by 2030. To achieve this goal, F1 plans to implement a wide range of measures, including transitioning to hybrid and electric power units, improving energy efficiency at races and facilities, and investing in renewable energy.
F1 has also taken steps to reduce waste and promote recycling. In 2018, it launched a program called “Paddock to Podium,” which aimed to reduce the amount of plastic used at races and events. The program included a ban on single-use plastics at races, as well as a commitment to recycle more of the waste generated by the sport. Additionally, F1 has partnered with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation to promote a circular economy approach, whereby materials are reused and recycled rather than being discarded.
Beyond these specific initiatives, F1 has also committed to using its platform to promote sustainability and educate fans about environmental issues. In recent years, the sport has run a number of high-profile campaigns aimed at raising awareness of sustainability issues, including the #DrivenByNature campaign, which highlighted the sport’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions, and the #WeRaceAsOne campaign, which focused on promoting diversity, inclusivity, and sustainability within the sport.
Sustainability, then, is clearly an important part of F1’s future. As the world becomes increasingly aware of the urgent need to address climate change and protect the environment, motorsports will need to respond with bold and innovative solutions. By committing to carbon neutrality, reducing waste, and promoting sustainability education and awareness, F1 is positioning itself as a leader in this space and setting a powerful example for other sports and industries to follow.
Summary:
In a recent interview on the F1 beyond the net podcast, Stefano Domenicali discussed a range of topics related to the future of the sport, including race schedules, rotating races, historic tracks, and the potential expansion of the field. Domenicali emphasized the importance of safety, leadership, and sustainability in ensuring the long-term success of the sport. Additionally, he expressed his belief that F1 should aim for 24 races per season and take advantage of the growing global appetite for motorsports. Finally, we explored the role of sustainability in F1’s future, with a focus on the sport’s efforts to achieve carbon neutrality and promote waste reduction and recycling. Through these initiatives, F1 is positioning itself as a leader in the larger conversation around sustainability and the environment.
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In this week’s episode of F1 beyond the net podcast, Tom Clarkson joins Stefano Domenicali, Chairman and CEO of Formula 1, as they discuss the future of the sport, his time at Ferrari, Las Vegas and much more.
Domenicali begins by discussing the decision not to go ahead with the 2023 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix and why, even though it was the right thing to do, the decision still stings.
FULL TRANSCRIPT: Read every word of McLaren stalwart Neil Oatley’s Beyond The Grid podcast
The Italian also talks about where he was when Chase Carey called him to gauge his interest in running Formula 1, what his family said when he told them about the potential opportunity and why he calls F1 the “family business.”
Domenicali also explains why his experience as team principal at Ferrari has helped him in his current role and why there are plans to potentially expand the field, although he believes 10 teams is enough to put on a show.
He later expresses his admiration for Max Verstappen’s performances so far this season, calling him “one of the greatest drivers of all time”.
Domenicali also explains why he believes 24 races each season should be the goal for the sport to move forward.
He also explains why some races can rotate, as well as why historic tracks are so important but must evolve with the times, and his hopes for the next Las Vegas Grand Prix.
To listen to Domenicali beyond the net interview, press go in the player above or head here to catch it on your preferred platform.
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.beyond-the-grid-stefano-domenicali-on-leading-f1-the-sports-future-max.1CiLP7KgalyxNxi24JOsPr.html
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