Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula 1 since 2021, spent his entire early career at Ferrari before the two paths diverged. In an interview with Gianluca Gazzoli, the former Sporting Director and Team Principal of the Scuderia described leaving Ferrari as the most difficult decision of his life.
Stefano Domenicali began his career at Maranello in 1991. He served as Sporting Director for five years and was Team Principal of the Ferrari Formula 1 team from 2008 to 2014. It was precisely in his final year that he resigned, taking responsibility for a season that is remembered negatively.
The choice to resign
In an episode of the podcast “BSMT,” Stefano Domenicali recounted his F1 journey, focusing on his years at Ferrari. Now, as CEO of Formula 1, he is guiding the sport into new markets and achieving a significant increase in global popularity. Despite some initiatives being met with skepticism from traditional fans, his impact on the sport’s growth in recent years is undeniable.
“The most difficult choice of my life was resigning from Ferrari in 2014,” Stefano Domenicali admitted to Gianluca Gazzoli. “It was the right moment to do it for many reasons. When you have certain responsibilities, you must also take them, even if others might find contexts that could justify different choices.” – the Italian manager pointed out.
“After finishing my studies and university, Ferrari represented 23 years of my life. I experienced everything there — victories and defeats — and grew as a person. I learned that you must not be afraid to face the future,” he added. “I was fortunate because from that [departure from Ferrari] my entire career path unfolded.”
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