On 1 January 2021, Stefano Domenicali officially began as President and CEO of Formula 1. He succeeded Chase Carey and took charge of the sport at a pivotal point in its modern commercial era.
Formula 1 entered 2021 with a significant leadership change as Stefano Domenicali officially started as President and CEO on 1 January. He replaced Chase Carey, the executive who had overseen the series through Liberty Media’s early years and helped reshape its commercial direction, digital reach and global profile.
Domenicali arrived with deep credibility inside the sport after senior roles at Ferrari and Lamborghini, and with a reputation for understanding both racing culture and manufacturer politics.
Formula 1 was still dealing with the effects of the pandemic, while also trying to build momentum around new audiences, new markets and a major rules reset ahead.
His appointment therefore carried both continuity and change.
Carey moved aside after helping stabilise and expand the business, while Domenicali was brought in to push the championship forward in a more competitive entertainment landscape.
The task was not simply to protect Formula 1’s place at the top of motorsport, but to grow its value and relevance beyond its traditional base.
Seen in that light, 1 January 2021 marked the beginning of a new phase in Formula 1’s modern identity, with Domenicali taking responsibility for steering the sport through the next chapter of its sporting and commercial evolution.
