Relationship with the FIA, freedom of expression for drivers, arrival of Andretti in F1… what to remember from Domenicali's interview

A clarification was expected, Stefano Domenicali responded. The CEO of the Formula 1 gave a long interview to British media Sky Sports, broadcast Sunday evening. During the interview, lasting around thirty minutes, the former director of the Team Ferrari spoke at length to Martin Brundle's microphone. Several topics were discussed, particularly on current hot spots. Stefano Domenicali did not avoid any area, ranging from the clash between F1 and the FIA ​​to rumors of the sale of the discipline, including the Andretti case or even the freedom of expression of drivers. Excerpts. 

On a potential 11th team and the arrival of Andretti-Cadillac…

“We are very welcoming to everyone who brings value to racing. I think we have to respect everyone. There are teams like Mario and Michael Andretti who do not hide their desire to enter Formula 1. But in my opinion, it is not smart to say that the teams are hungry. There are others who are much less noisy and who would like to enter Formula 1. So there is a process to respect and we will ensure, with the FIA, that this process will be respected. There are many dimensions to consider and we don't have to overreact because someone is pushing the system. The process will be done the right way, seriously, whether someone shouts or someone doesn't shout. »

On the budget ceiling…

“What we discussed together [with the FIA] is that for the credibility of the sport, this type of action to check whether everyone is respecting this rule must be done as soon as possible, not at the latest. . We are in discussions, and this is on the FIA ​​side, to make sure that this is done much sooner. We see other sports taking financial regulations with too long a reaction time, and that's not good. »

On his relationship with the FIA ​​and Mohammed Ben Sulayem…

“With the arrival of Mohammed Ben Sulayem as the new president last year, it was clear that, as usual when there is a new president, there is a manifesto that he must respect because it was his program in front of the members who voted for it. Then there is a need and time to adapt. It is no secret that the key to the success of our sport is for everyone to do their job, in the right way, for the benefit of the growth of the sport. We all have an interest in ensuring that the discipline develops. We are all united but if someone doesn't do the right job, there will be a problem. We spoke with him. He is the president of the FIA: it's a big role, he has many championships under his responsibility. I expect to be in contact with him to discuss the future of our sport. »

On the possible sale of Formula 1…

“I don't think [that F1 is for sale] but it's a question that should be asked of shareholders. I don't think so because we are investing in Formula 1, you see what we are putting in in terms of real money, for example we bought land for $240 million to build new facilities in Las Vegas. We will even invest up to a billion dollars there. We are very happy with the current situation. I am in permanent contact with the shareholders. F1 is like the jewel in their portfolio. »

On freedom of expression for pilots…

“It was us, with WeRaceAsOne, who opened the discussion by using our platform in the right way. I don't think it's about preventing the pilot from communicating with the community, it's about respect. What I don't like is when you want to say something to attack someone else, it's bad. But there is also respect for the partners with whom you work. You have to have a balance. »

“No one will put up a barrier unless you send a political message, because we are in a sporting dimension. But to highlight the attention around certain topics that are at the center of today's discussions, this will not be a problem in my opinion and I am sure that the FIA ​​shares this view. I would say there will be no change in what has been done in F1, giving us the chance to talk about something more than sport in the right way. There are places where you can do it, but there has to be respect for your partners. »

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