Exclusive Stefano Domenicali: Formula 1 boss on new teams, FIA drama and ‘gagged’ drivers

In an unique interview, Stefano Domenicali opened as much as Sky Sports activities F1’s Martin Brundle about the potential of new groups, new races and a greater relationship with the FIA, because the Components 1 boss shared insights fascinating on a number of key matters forward of the 2023 season.

The wide-ranging dialogue – which first aired on Sunday night – may be watched in full by clicking the play button above and delves into a wide range of information and points, which we now have condensed beneath…

Will F1 welcome an eleventh workforce?

Discuss of F1 internet hosting an eleventh workforce has intensified in latest months after Andretti teamed up with Common Motors to sign its intention. The US motorsport big, nevertheless, has ruffled its method to getting in – accusing the groups of “greed” – and Domenicali mentioned different groups who weren’t “screaming” additionally had an curiosity in F1.

“We’re very welcoming to anybody who brings worth to the race,” Domenicali advised Brundle.

“I feel we now have to respect everybody. There are groups like Mario and Michael Andretti who specific very clearly their want to enter Components 1. However for my part [it is] not good to say that the groups are grasping.

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In an unique interview with Sky Sports activities F1’s Martin Brundle, Components 1 boss Stefano Domenicali criticizes Andretti’s makes an attempt to get on the grid.

“There are others who’re a lot much less vocal and wish to come to Components 1, so there’s a course of to observe and we are going to be sure with the FIA ​​that the method is adopted.

“There are numerous dimensions to think about and we do not have to overreact as a result of somebody is pushing the system.

“The method will likely be carried out severely in the proper means that somebody is shouting and somebody just isn’t shouting.”

F1 price cap: what wants to vary

The newly enforced price cap offered an enormous story in 2022 – with eventual world champions Pink Bull being discovered responsible of breaching it in October and given a penalty for this season – and Domenicali referred to as for a faster decision this yr.

“What we mentioned collectively [with the FIA] is for the credibility of the game, this type of motion to verify whether or not everyone seems to be respecting this rule have to be carried out sooner, fairly than later,” the F1 chairman and chief govt mentioned.

“We’re discussing and it’s on the facet of the FIA ​​to verify will probably be carried out a lot sooner.

“We see different sports activities taking up monetary rules with an excessive amount of time to react, and that is not good.”

The connection with the FIA ​​and Ben Sulayem

Domenicali spoke on a number of matters about it, after a dramatic offseason on the FIA. First, there was the connection between the F1 rights holders and the governing physique.

“With the arrival of Mohammed Ben Sulayem as the brand new president final yr, it was clear that, as traditional when there’s a new president, there’s a manifesto that he should respect as a result of it was his proposal in entrance of the members who voted for it,” he defined. “Then there’s a want and the time to adapt.

“It’s no secret that the important thing to the success of our sport is for everybody to do their job, in the proper means for the good thing about the expansion of the game. All of us have a stake in making certain that the game grows. developed.

“We’re all united, if somebody doesn’t do the proper job there will likely be an issue.”

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Sky Sports activities Information’ Craig Slater explains why FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has determined to step down from the day-to-day operating of Components 1.

Domenicali, nevertheless, nonetheless expects to work intently with Ben Sulayem regardless of not being instantly concerned in F1.

“Now we have spoken with him. He’s the president of the FIA ​​- that is an enormous function, he has many championships. I count on to be in contact with him to debate the way forward for our sport.”

One space he mentioned the FIA ​​wanted to enhance was race administration. Requested by Brundle about controversies such because the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP and the 2022 Japanese GP, Domenicali agreed he wanted to be “tidy”.

“These items should not occur and, for the worth of sport, we want to verify everyone seems to be doing their job.”

Will drivers be allowed to talk freely?

One of many new FIA guidelines for 2023 is that drivers can’t make “political, non secular and private statements” with out prior approval. This has already angered drivers, and Domenicali mentioned he helps drivers’ freedom to talk out on points – he would not need to ‘gag’ drivers – whereas admitting they need to be cautious of statements insurance policies.

“We have been those with WeRaceAsOne to create the dialogue utilizing our platform in the proper means. I do not consider [it is about] stop the driving force from speaking with the neighborhood – it is a matter of respect.

“What I do not like is whenever you need to say one thing to assault one other, it is improper. However there’s additionally respect for the companions you’re employed with. You need to be balanced.

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Williams Racing driver Alex Albon desires clarification from the FIA ​​on political statements as he believes drivers are utilizing their voices accurately when discussing sure points.

“No person will put a barrier on it except you’re in politics, as a result of we’re in a sporting dimension, however highlighting the eye round sure topics that are on the middle of the discussions at the moment. at the moment it will not be an issue for my part and I am positive the FIA ​​shares this standpoint.

“I might say there will likely be no change in what has been carried out in F1, which supplies us the chance to speak about one thing greater than sport in the proper means. There are locations the place you are able to do it, however there’s respect to your companions.”

The total interview additionally sees Domenicali focus on her regrets, Ferrari, if F1 is on the market, feminine drivers and rather more. The 2023 season is absolutely reside on Sky Sports activities F1, beginning with pre-season testing from February 23-25 ​​and the opener of the Bahrain GP from March 3-5.