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

In an exclusive interview, Stefano Domenicali has opened up to Sky Sports F1’s Martin Brundle about the possibility of a new team, a new race and a better relationship with the FIA, as the Formula 1 boss shares a good insight into some of the main topics ahead of the 2023 season. .

The wide-ranging discussion – which first aired on Sunday night – can be watched in full by clicking the play button above and delving into the various news and issues, which have been summarized below…

Will F1 welcome an 11th team?

Talk of F1 welcoming an 11th team has been rife in recent months after Andretti teamed up with General Motors to signal his intentions. The American motorsport giant, though, has ruffled feathers with its approach to gain entry – accusing the team of “greedy” – and Domenicali said other teams that do not “shout” also hold F1 interest.

“We are very welcome to everyone who brings value to the race,” Domenicali told Brundle.

“I think we have to respect everyone. There are teams like Mario and Michael Andretti who are very vocal about their desire to enter Formula 1. But in my view. [it is] it is not smart to say that the team is greedy.

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In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports F1’s Martin Brundle, Formula 1 boss Stefano Domenicali criticized Andretti’s attempts to get on the grid.

“There are others who are less vocal who want to enter Formula 1, so there is a process that must be respected and we will ensure together with the FIA ​​that that process will be respected.

“There are many dimensions to consider and we should not overreact because someone is pushing the system.

“The process is going to be taken very seriously in a way that it’s true that some people shout and some don’t shout.”

F1 cost cap: What needs to change

The newly imposed fee cap provides a major storyline in 2022 – with world champions Red Bull finally found guilty of the breach in October and handed a penalty for the season – and Domenicali has called for a faster resolution this year.

“What have we discussed together [with the FIA] for the credibility of the sport, this action to check that everyone respects the rules should be done sooner, rather than later,” said the president and CEO of F1.

“We are discussing and this is on the FIA’s side to ensure that it is done early.

“We see other sports taking financial regulations with a very long time to react, and this is not good.”

Relationship with FIA and Ben Sulayem

Domenicali discussed several topics on this topic, after the drama at the FIA. Firstly, there is a relationship between the F1 rights holder and the governing body.

“With Mohammed Ben Sulayem entering as a new president last year, it is clear that, as always with a new president, there is a manifesto that must be respected because it is a proposition in front of the members who voted for him,” he said. he explained. “Then there is need and time to adjust.

“It is no secret to say that the key to the success of sport is that everyone can do their job, in the right way to benefit from the development of sport.

“We are all united, if someone does not do the right job there will be problems.”

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Sky Sports News’ Craig Slater explains why FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has decided to step down from Formula 1 day-to-day racing.

Domenicali, however, still hopes to work with Ben Sulayem even if he is not directly involved with F1.

“We are in talks with him. He is the president of the FIA ​​- this is a big role, he has many championships. I hope to be in touch with him to discuss the future of our sport.”

One area he says the FIA ​​needs to improve is race management. Asked by Brundle about controversies such as the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP and the 2022 Japanese GP, Domenicali agreed it needed to be ‘tidyed up’.

“This shouldn’t happen and, for the value of the sport, we need to make sure everyone does their job.”

Are drivers allowed to speak freely?

One of the FIA’s new rules for 2023 is that drivers cannot make “political, religious and personal statements” without prior approval. This has angered drivers, and Domenicali said he supports drivers’ freedom to speak out on issues – he doesn’t want to “gag” drivers – while admitting he needs to be wary of political statements.

“We are the same with WeRaceAsOne to create a discussion using our platform in the right way. I don’t believe it [it is about] prevent the driver from communicating with the public – it’s a matter of respect.

“The thing is, if you want to say something to attack others, it’s wrong. But there’s also respect for the partners you work with. You have to be balanced.

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Williams Racing driver Alex Albon wants clarification from the FIA ​​on political statements because he believes drivers use their voice in the right way when dealing with certain issues.

“Nothing will prevent you from being political, because we are in the sports dimension, but to highlight certain subjects that are at the center of the current discussion, it will not be a problem. in my opinion and I think that the FIA ​​shows that view.

“I would say there will be no changes to what has been done in F1, giving us the opportunity to talk about something more than sport in the right way. There is room for improvement, but there is respect for you. partners.”

The full interview also sees Domenicali talk regrets, Ferrari, whether F1 is for sale, female drivers and more. The 2023 season is all live on Sky Sports F1, starting with pre-season testing on 23-25 ​​February and the Bahrain GP which opens on 3-5 March.