Stefano Domenicali's extension makes drivers happy

This is one of the important pieces of information at the start of the season: Stefano Domenicali will remain at the helm of the Formula 1 for at least the next five seasons. The Italian received an offer to extend his contract, which expired at the end of the year. Arriving in 2021, the Imola native has supported the sport in its development, riding the wave of the boost in notoriety offered by Drive to Survive, the hit Netflix series, which released its seventh season online last week

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Stefano Domenicali enjoys significant popularity among teams and drivers, despite sometimes ill-advised statements, such as his assertion that F1 could expand to 30 Grands Prix per season. The drivers, however, haven't held this against him, as they all seem to be delighted with his contract extension. "This is excellent news for Formula 1." valued Max Verstappen, yet not always the most tender with the governing bodies. "First of all, he's a great person. I get along very well with Stefano, so I'm really happy he's staying longer."

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The Dutchman's opinion is shared by his former rival, Lewis Hamilton. "It's absolutely phenomenal and it's great to see Formula 1 growing, to see the audience expanding and the sport moving in the right direction. Stefano has just extended his contract, and thank goodness he's staying, because it's important to have a neutral and competent leader at the helm of the sport." greets the Briton.

The drivers are unanimous on Domenicali

Having arrived in Formula 1 only two years ago, Oscar piastri is also full of praise for the former boss of Ferrari. "What he has accomplished for the sport is greatly appreciated. His door is always open to us, the drivers. He is very easy to talk to, and he listens to our ideas and concerns, if we have any." recognizes the Australian. "So yeah, I'm really happy he's staying for a long time."

"This is great news because the sport is in the best position it has ever been since Stefano took the helm, and it has only gotten stronger.", adds George Russell. "He always has ideas to continually develop the sport; as I said, the sport is currently at the top of its game, but he's not looking to stop there. He's looking to the future and I believe all the teams and drivers fully support him."

As director of the GPDA, the Grand Prix Drivers' Association – a role he now shares with Carlos Sainz – George Russell's words are all the more flattering for Stefano Domenicali as the Briton also speaks on behalf of all the drivers.

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