The hallowed grounds of the Enzo and Dino Ferrari Autodrome in Imola, a place deeply intertwined with Stefano Domenicali's own family history, provided the backdrop this week for Formula 1's chief executive to reflect on the recently concluded 2024 season.
Attending Autosprint's prestigious Golden Helmets awards ceremony at the venue, Domenicali shared his assessment of a year dominated by Max Verstappen's brilliance and the efforts of rivals who sought to challenge the Dutchman's supremacy.
The Italian provided a high commendation for F1's campaign while acknowledging both the sport's strengths and areas for potential improvement.
“Regarding the season, I would give it a grade of 8 [out of 10],” Domenicali told Sky Italia . “But I believe that next year may have an even higher rating because we have all the ingredients [for a great show].
“We will also have many young drivers on track, and this reflects the positive moment for our sport.”
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Domenicali, a seasoned leader and former Ferrari team principal, emphasized Formula 1's continued evolution, pointing to its expansion in untapped regions and technical advancements as central to its long-term strategy.
“The next goal? “I would like to consolidate the growth we've had in recent years, even in those countries or continents where we are not yet as strong and rooted as in others,” the 59-year-old added.
His remarks reflect the sport's broader push into emerging markets like Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, which have become key to Liberty Media's vision for F1 as a truly global championship.
Domenicali also touched on sustainability and innovation, with Formula 1 poised to introduce sustainable fuels in the coming years. This move underscores the sport's commitment to balancing technical excellence with environmental responsibility.
“And then there are also technical aspects, like new sustainable fuels, and the film [a reference to 'F1' with Brad Pitt, set to be released in cinemas in 2025].
“That will take us into a new dimension of the audience.”
Domenicali's presence in his hometown of Imola inevitably led the conversation to the future of the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, a topic of particular significance to the Italian.
With the current contract between the circuit and Liberty Media expiring at the end of 2025, questions remain about the race's long-term future.
Domenicali addressed the ongoing discussions about potentially rotating some historic venues with those facing financial constraints.
“It must not be forgotten that Imola responded to our call during the Covid period, when there weren't enough races,” the 59-year-old remarked.
“It's also clear that today, organizing two races in one country isn't something that can have stability because there are many countries that want a GP.
“But we are working on a solution…”
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