During his appearance on Gianluca Gazzoli’s podcast The BSMT, Stefano Domenicali discussed one of the most personal and delicate subjects of his career: his relationship with Ferrari. After spending 23 years at Maranello and now serving as the CEO of Formula 1, Stefano Domenicali must maintain a delicate balance in his role as a neutral leader.
“When you take on a position of responsibility, certain things come naturally,” Stefano Domenicali explained. “As an Italian and a former Ferrari man, if Ferrari wins, it gives me great pleasure, also because I know how positive that is for the entire Formula 1 business. But you have to learn how to manage your emotions.”
The former Ferrari sporting director acknowledged that the Maranello-based team still holds a unique and unmatched status across the globe: “Ferrari will always be Ferrari, everywhere in the world.” However, he also emphasized how modern Formula 1 has evolved into a more colorful and diverse sport, fueled by the rise of new teams and fans from every corner of the world. “In the past, we used to see red everywhere,” Stefano Domenicali said, “but now other colors are growing too. It’s wonderful to see fans, even very young ones, who support different teams but share the same passion and enthusiasm.”
Stefano Domenicali also reflected on how Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari created a massive global impact, describing it as a “powerful media event” that reignited attention and excitement around Formula 1. Yet beyond Ferrari, the Imola-born executive looks to the future with optimism, confident in the next generation of drivers. “We have a fantastic generation,” he said. “Kimi Antonelli, Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, Franco Colapinto… there’s no issue with driver quality. All of them speak the language of the younger generation, and that is crucial for the future of Formula 1.”
Through his words, Stefano Domenicali revealed the duality that defines his position: torn between nostalgia for Ferrari’s legendary red and the awareness that he now leads a truly global Formula 1, where passion remains as strong as ever but takes on new shades and meanings. In his vision, the sport’s evolution does not erase its past—it expands it, transforming racing into a worldwide celebration that continues to inspire millions of fans from different cultures and generations.
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