Domenicali 'feeling the energy' ahead of 'special' season

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Stefano Domenicali is slowly but surely settling in as Formula 1's new chief executive and the Italian has started to tackle a long "to-do list" as he begins to steer the sport into the future.

The former Ferrari team boss and Lamborghini executive has been up and running in his new function since January 1, assessing the state of Grand Prix racing while meeting with teams and drivers.

And so far, Domenicali is getting "good vibes" from the sport's constituents amid challenging times that remain dominated by the lingering global coronavirus pandemic.

"There are certainly lots of things to do but I feel the energy and it’s great because after the winter and the situation we are living in with Covid-19, it’s great to see cars back on track," he said.

"The to-do list is quite long. The first thing, of course, is to start this season in Bahrain. It’s not taken for granted. In this situation, with Covid-19, we need to proceed with the evolution of the pandemic.

"It’s great that with the protocols in place, it is possible to fly around the world and do the races. This is the first point. The second is that we must make sure we are looking into the future."

F1 will undergo a transition year in 2021 before the start of a new era in 2022 when the sport introduces an all-new regulation platform.

"We have a revolutionary new car coming next year, we’re discussing the new step of the power unit for 2025 and beyond and have very clear targets," added the Italian.

"Then on the other side, we must work on our ‘We Race As One’ platform. It is significant and we want to participate and have an active role in that."

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Domenical made the round of the teams in Bahrain last week and was pleased with what he heard and saw from the field's competitors.

"You can see there’s a lot of good vibes among teams right now, a lot of new cars and a lot of expectation to make sure that before arriving at the new generation of cars for next year, this year’s championship will be special," he said.

"Aston Martin’s arrival is a sign that Formula 1 is the centre of attention for OEMs (Original Equipment manufacturers). The ones that are here with us since a long know that.

"The installation of the budget cap means teams can be stable and the new car is a good vision for the future.

"To have Williams as an iconic brand for F1, and to have a stable platform for the future, is great.

"The mix between traditional teams and traditional brands, new brands, new OEMs coming in, with this incredible number of drivers, will give us the excitement.

"What we are doing is making sure the platform is stable, sustainable and strong for a brighter future. Formula 1 is on the right path."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.