Like a storyteller stepping onto a stage with a gentle bow, Stefano Domenicali appears in his recent interviews with the same measured composure. In recent weeks, during media appearances in the middle of the calendar break, the President and CEO of Formula 1 – appointed and supported by Liberty Media – positions himself as someone calmly observing chaos from a distance. He does not shout, he does not lose composure: instead, he tells a story of stability and progress, where every criticism becomes just a minor detail within a broader, brighter picture shaped by American shareholders.
The opening that calls for calm
Domenicali begins his narrative with a reassuring, almost hypnotic premise, similar to the light introductory “makura” of traditional rakugo storytelling, gently preparing the audience without urgency. “I don’t understand all this panic,” he says in a calm tone. Drivers like Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, according to him, may have spoken too early about the new regulations.
His conversations with them have been “very open,” and he listens carefully to everyone involved. The message is clear: remain calm, because the system is working through dialogue, the FIA and the teams are already exploring possible adjustments, and Liberty Media is ensuring that the overall narrative remains positive while the business continues to grow undisturbed. The audience is guided through a story in which every technical issue – from energy management to the complexity of modern power units – is framed as a temporary phase of a profitable “new journey.”
The plot twist promising something extraordinary
The central moment of his interviews comes when Stefano Domenicali delivers his optimistic “ochi”: 2026 will be an “incredible year,” featuring “incredible racing,” plenty of action, and overtakes that will remain a defining feature regardless of increasing complexity. The best drivers will still be the fastest, the evolution of driving will reward pure talent, and early criticism should not overshadow an “incredible” world that continues to benefit everyone.
He promises new manufacturers attracted by the regulations, record levels of global interest, and a more sustainable and appealing Formula 1. Behind these promises, Liberty Media’s objective is clearly visible: to transform the sport into a global, marketable, inclusive, and above all profitable product for shareholders, even if that means bending the technical direction toward marketing and television spectacle.
The role of the flawless mediator
Domenicali carefully plays the role of the balanced leader: he meets drivers, engages with the FIA, emphasizes that he is “always listening,” and believes in the collective ability to correct course. His language is that of a pragmatic manager who downplays controversy and turns every doubt into an “opportunity to learn.”
Behind this façade of openness, however, lies a firm defense of decisions already taken under Liberty Media’s umbrella: it is “wrong” to speak negatively about a sport that allows everyone to grow, and excessive concern risks damaging the image of an extraordinary world that must continue generating value for American investors.
The silence after the story
When Stefano Domenicali concludes his interviews, a sense of elegant yet somewhat premature closure lingers in the air. He has assured that adjustments will come if needed, that discussions are ongoing, and that the direction is correct. The narrator has spoken with managerial precision, painting a picture of controlled optimism and inviting everyone to remain calm.
Yet the paddock continues to debate complex regulations, problematic qualifying formats, and a technical evolution that struggles to convince both drivers and fans. In the end, his modern rakugo leaves a familiar aftertaste: a well-packaged, reassuring, and positive story orchestrated to protect Liberty Media’s interests. The storyteller bows, the audience applauds out of courtesy, but the real performance still has to take place on track, where promises of growth and spectacle will be tested against the raw reality of racing asphalt.
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