Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali misses the major technical controversies of previous years – at the same time, he speaks out in favor of standard components
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has hinted that he would like to see more disputes over the technical regulations of the championship, citing several examples from his time at Ferrari as the “spice” of the sport.
In his previous role at Ferrari – starting in the marketing department, later as sporting director and, after Jean Todt’s resignation, as team principal – Domenicali experienced numerous technical controversies in the 2000s and 2010s.
In an exclusive interview with Autosport.com, the Italian recalls Ferrari’s double disqualification at the 1999 Malaysian Grand Prix. At the time, the team’s bargeboards were declared illegal, initially handing the title to Mika Häkkinen.
Ferrari’s technical director Ross Brawn initially seemed to admit that the team had made a mistake, but changed his stance during the appeal process.
Ferrari successfully defended itself by pointing out discrepancies in the interpretation of a 5-millimeter tolerance for certain areas of the bargeboards. The disqualification was later overturned by the FIA and Eddie Irvine’s victory was reinstated. The title race remained open until the final race in Suzuka.
Domenicali: Much larger gray areas in the past
Domenicali also mentions several technical developments in the following decades that gave title-contending teams temporary advantages—until they were banned. He suggests that such innovations are lacking today due to stricter regulations on vehicle design.
“I witnessed many of these stories myself: Malaysia ’99, the double diffuser, FRIC, mass dampers, F-ducts… they are all part of Formula 1 history,” says Domenicali. ”In the past, I was actively involved in technical and sporting rule discussions almost every Sunday. Back then, there were significantly larger gray areas than there are today – but people still know how to push the limits.”
“Personally, I find today’s controversies relatively minor. To be honest, it would be nice to have a little more of that again – it’s the spice of the sport,” says the Formula 1 CEO, who recently extended his contract until 2029.
Formula 1 CEO calls for rethinking
With regard to the current state of technology in Formula 1, Domenicali believes that it would make sense to prescribe standard components in certain areas – he cited gearboxes as an example. Today’s audience is more open to this, he said.
“Fans of my generation need to rethink what constitutes performance and technological interest,” said the Italian. ”The focus on sustainable fuels is absolutely the right way to go. But – and this may sound provocative – it no longer makes sense for teams to invest huge sums of money in developing their own gearboxes.”
“The performance gain is minimal, and fans no longer see it as an exciting area of development. We need to identify the areas where technology and entertainment overlap. Many things that were once considered groundbreaking no longer justify large investments. We must have the courage to accept that the environment has changed,” appeals the Formula 1 boss.
