Stefano Domenicali's position as CEO of Formula 1 could be at risk. According to the Daily Mail, the CEO of Formula One Group, with an expiring contract, may not be confirmed, and Liberty Media is evaluating new figures to lead the Circus. Among the most discussed names are Toto Wolff, Christian Horner and Zak Brown, leaders of Mercedes, Red Bull and McLaren respectively.
An uncertain future for Domenicali
Since Liberty Media acquired Formula 1 in 2016, Stefano Domenicali was the second CEO to take the helm, succeeding Chase Carey in 2020. Under his stewardship, F1 has enjoyed a period of great expansion, becoming increasingly popular globally. However, journalist Jonathan McEvoy says Domenicali’s failure to renew his contract is fueling rumours of a possible replacement.
“Stefano Domenicali’s future is uncertain”, wrote McEvoy. “The Italian was supposed to sign the renewal, but the signature has not yet arrived. Despite the fact that there is still a year left until the contract expires, Liberty Media CEO Greg Maffei has already started discussions with other prominent figures within the paddock.” These meetings have fueled speculation about a possible change at the top of Formula 1.
Possible candidates: Horner, Wolff and Brown
Should Domenicali step down, Liberty Media may consider figures within the F1 world as potential successors. Christian Horner, Toto Wolff and Zak Brown have been tipped as ideal candidates for the CEO role. According to the Daily Mail, these figures enjoy great credibility in the paddock and could represent a natural choice for the American ownership.
The challenge of replacing Domenicali would not be easy. Each of the candidates has strong ties to their teams and a deep understanding of Formula 1, but it remains to be seen whether they would be willing to make the leap from team principal/CEO to running the entire competition.
The Andretti case and Domenicali's position
Further complicating Stefano Domenicali's position are recent revelations regarding the Andretti case. Despite the team Andretti-Cadillac had received the OK from the FIA to enter Formula 1, the project was stopped by Liberty Media for commercial reasons. This refusal raised much controversy.
To make matters worse, a private WhatsApp chat between Domenicali and some team principals emerged, where agreements aimed at blocking Andretti were discussed. This story attracted the attention of the United States Department of Justice, which launched an investigation to verify whether there were antitrust violations.
Domenicali's ambitions in the balance
Despite rumors of his possible replacement, Domenicali has always expressed great ambitions for the future of Formula 1. Under his leadership, the sport has increased in popularity. Domenicali has worked to transform F1 into a global entertainment platform, capable of competing not only with other motorsports, but with entertainment giants such as Netflix and Amazon. “We have to think big, not just as a sport, but as part of the entertainment world,” he said in a recent interview.
However, the failure to renew his contract and internal tensions with Liberty Media could put an end to his vision. Greg Maffei, CEO of Liberty Media, seems intent on taking over the management of Formula 1 directly, banking on a possible change of leadership.
What will be the future of Formula 1?
With rumours of a changing of the guard at the top of Formula 1 mounting, the next few months will be crucial in determining the direction the sport will take. The possibility of Christian Horner, Toto Wolff or Zak Brown becoming the next CEO adds a new dimension to the situation, with the leadership battle likely to be no less intense than the one seen on the track between the teams.
Source statements: FormulaPassion
