Thoughts on the President and CEO of Formula 1, a leader often accused of prioritizing international interests over those of his own country.
Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1 and a proud native of Imola, frequently finds himself at the center of a debate that goes beyond the purely technical and commercial aspects of motorsport. The discussion revolves around what many perceive as his limited “Italian spirit” when it comes to protecting the country’s historic role within Formula 1.
The decision not to give special treatment to the Italian Grands Prix at Monza and Imola, culminating in the exclusion of the Imola event from the 2026 Formula 1 calendar in favor of new international destinations, has intensified criticism from fans and sections of the Italian motorsport community.
The positive side: a global manager working for the good of Formula 1
Stefano Domenicali represents a clear example of Italian professionalism operating successfully on a worldwide stage. His career path, from Ferrari team principal to the head of Formula 1 itself, demonstrates mature leadership skills, strategic thinking and a long-term vision for the sport.
At a time when Formula 1 continues expanding into new markets such as the United States, the Middle East and Asia in order to attract investment, younger audiences and long-term financial sustainability, automatically favoring historic Italian circuits could become a strategic mistake.
Maintaining two races in the same country within an already crowded 24-round calendar has objectively become increasingly difficult. Stefano Domenicali has repeatedly emphasized that “Italy is and will remain important for Formula 1,” while also making it clear that history alone is no longer enough. Modern infrastructure, strong investment and measurable economic and promotional returns are now essential requirements.
This approach can also be interpreted as a form of mature patriotism. Those who truly care about Italian motorsport should ensure that it remains competitive in the long term rather than simply defending historic privileges. Monza remains on the calendar and continues to stand as the crown jewel of Italian Formula 1 tradition.
Focusing resources on one world-class Italian event could ultimately guarantee greater visibility, stronger organization and higher overall quality, avoiding a situation in which two circuits weaken each other by competing for limited financial and institutional support.
From this perspective, Stefano Domenicali embodies the image of an Italian executive capable of thinking like an international leader without denying his roots, while placing the broader interests of Formula 1 above local rivalries and emotional attachment.
The negative side: the perception of distance from Italian roots
On the other hand, Stefano Domenicali’s decisions continue to fuel accusations that he is gradually moving away from Italy’s motorsport identity. Despite being born in Imola and having previously served as a Ferrari executive, the Formula 1 CEO sometimes appears more attentive to the demands of foreign promoters and global shareholders than to the expectations of Italian fans and national institutions.
The loss of the Imola Grand Prix, despite Stefano Domenicali’s personal connection to the circuit and the city, has been interpreted by many as a sign of emotional detachment. In the eyes of critics, Italian history, passion and cultural contribution to Formula 1 seem to matter less than lucrative agreements with emerging international markets.
Several observers also point out that other countries continue securing multiple races thanks to substantial government support and aggressive investment strategies, while in Italy negotiations often appear more complicated and historic circuits are repeatedly asked to “do their homework” without receiving equivalent guarantees.
This managerial philosophy risks being perceived as a form of corporate internationalism in which Formula 1 becomes pure business and the famous “Italian passion” — one of the foundations of the championship’s historic popularity — is treated as a secondary element.
For part of the motorsport public, an Italian leader in such a powerful position should fight more aggressively to protect the country’s racing heritage, using his influence to negotiate favorable conditions rather than simply accepting the realities of the modern global market.
Is Stefano Domenicali really “less” Italian?
The debate surrounding Stefano Domenicali’s supposedly limited “Italian identity” reflects a broader tension between tradition and modernity, between national identity and global commercial imperatives.
On one side, his pragmatic and future-oriented managerial vision strengthens Formula 1 as a worldwide entertainment product, potentially securing greater financial resources and long-term stability that could also benefit Italy in indirect ways.
On the other side, the perception of emotional and strategic distance from Italy’s racing roots risks alienating the passionate fanbase that helped build Formula 1 into the global phenomenon it is today.
Ultimately, Stefano Domenicali’s “Italian spirit” cannot simply be measured by the number of Italian races included on the Formula 1 calendar. It should instead be judged by his ability to balance historical heritage with economic sustainability in an increasingly competitive international environment.
Monza remains a cornerstone of Formula 1 history, while Imola may still have a chance to return in the future if stronger proposals and investments emerge. The true test for Stefano Domenicali will be proving that decisions perceived today as “less Italian” are actually intended to preserve and strengthen Italy’s long-term role within the global Formula 1 Circus.
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