Stefano Domenicali, the Formula 1 CEO, recently sat down to tackle fan questions amid the buzz of the 2025 season. With Lewis Hamilton now at Ferrari and rookies like Ollie Bearman slotting into Haas, the grid feels fresh. Domenicali addressed key topics, starting with the push for more sprint races.
He explained that sprints add excitement without overwhelming the calendar. “We’re testing formats that keep weekends dynamic,” he said, noting how they boost fan engagement. For 2025, six sprint events are locked in, including at tracks like Austin and Shanghai.
On driver changes, Domenicali praised the mix of veterans and newcomers. “Hamilton’s move to Ferrari brings massive energy,” he noted, while highlighting Bearman’s debut and Kimi Antonelli’s step up to Mercedes. He stressed that talent pipelines from F2 and F3 ensure the sport stays competitive.
Calendar tweaks drew attention too. Domenicali confirmed no immediate return for races like Germany or South Africa, but hinted at potential expansions. “We’re focused on sustainable growth,” he said, pointing to the Madrid street circuit joining in 2026 as a sign of evolving venues.
He touched on tech innovations, like active aerodynamics planned for 2026 regs. “These changes will make cars closer in performance,” Domenicali said, aiming for tighter battles on track.
Fan access was a big point. He revealed plans for more affordable tickets and digital experiences. “We want everyone involved,” he added, mentioning expanded F1 TV coverage.
Finally, on rivalries, Domenicali celebrated the Verstappen-Norris clashes but urged respect. “Competition is fierce, but safety comes first,” he said, reflecting on recent on-track incidents. As the season unfolds with Red Bull leading constructors and drivers like Piastri pushing hard at McLaren, Domenicali’s insights underline F1’s drive to evolve.
