After one of the most dramatic finales Formula 1 has seen in years, the sport’s president and CEO Stefano Domenicali has taken stock of a season that repeatedly defied prediction — and, in his view, redefined what modern F1 now represents.
The 2025 campaign swung wildly from favourite to favourite, delivering momentum shifts that kept teams, drivers and fans guessing until the very end. What appeared settled one month was torn up the next, creating a title fight that felt less like a straight line and more like a series of seismic turns.
For Domenicali, that volatility has become a calling card. As Formula 1 looks ahead to a transformative 2026, he believes the past year has showcased not only the sport’s competitive depth, but also the resilience, youth and ambition that will shape its next era.
Reflecting on the season, Domenicali described a campaign that repeatedly lulled the paddock into false certainty.
“It's been a phenomenal year. For me what is particularly incredible is that we have had three different moments where everyone thought the championship was decided," commented the Italian, speaking on F1's official website.
He pointed to a timeline that saw the narrative constantly rewritten.
“First there was before the summer break where it looked like Oscar Piastri would be World Champion. Then in October, it looked like Lando Norris would get it. Then in the middle of November, Max Verstappen was on a mission and looked like he would win.”
That ebb and flow, Domenicali believes, has been central to F1’s growing global pull.
“There's been some excitement at every race and we've had a lot to share with our fans from around the world. It's been a year of new fans who have joined the club, existing fans staying connected and new projects that were incredible, like F1 The Movie.”
He was quick to acknowledge the wider ecosystem driving that growth.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank all of the stakeholders and everyone who is following the sport and has a role in what we are doing. Everyone is crucial to the growth we are achieving," he added.
Rather than framing the title fight through a single lens, Domenicali chose to broaden the definition of success.
“Congratulations to Lando, Oscar and Max. In my eyes, they are all winners – and they've made for an incredible season. I'm sure they will continue to entertain us in the years to come, including doing battle with the next generation.”
That next generation was impossible to ignore in 2025.
“We had an incredible year for the youngsters. They have shown the grit and determination required to succeed in Formula 1.”
One story, in particular, stood out.
“One of the many examples of that came in Australia. Hadjar crashed on the formation lap and there were a lot of people saying he's not ready. Fast forward to today and he's stepping up to the Red Bull team alongside four-time champion Verstappen next season.”
For Domenicali, moments like that capture the essence of the sport.
“Formula 1 needs people to be resilient. There is no other sport that commands the same kind of pressure. If you deliver, you will become one of the main protagonists in our sport.”
With momentum building on and off the track, Domenicali insists the sport cannot afford to stand still.
“It's an exciting time for Formula 1 right now. The growth is strong and everyone is asking 'What's next?' We will continue to propose ideas that are not conventional – and try to reach a dimension that was not traditionally born for F1.”
©FIA
Still, the racing remains non-negotiable.
“Of course, we want to keep the focus on racing. The sport is our beating heart and that is why there are new regulations coming next year. We will see brand-new cars with revised power units, which run advanced sustainable fuels.”
The competitive reset, he warned, will be brutal.
“The form book will be ripped up. The pecking order will be up in the air. And at the end of the day, the track will show where all the teams stack up. I'm pretty sure where you will rank in the first race, won't be where you rank at the end of the year, so fast and intense will be the development race.”
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Looking back on his tenure, Domenicali struck a reflective note.
“This is my fifth year in my position and if I look back at the evolution we have had, it is incredible.”
And the expansion continues — from Vegas’ rapid embrace of F1 to Madrid joining the calendar next year.
“I'm excited for the future. Thanks for all your commitment and all the warmth and love we feel from the fans. Stay tuned!”
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