“I WOULDN’T SAY THIS WILL BE A NORMAL SEASON”

“EVERYONE WAS THINKING that this year would be easier, but it is not. The proof we have given in terms of professionalism, structure and protocols in place have been very important to manage this situation.”

When Stefano Domenicali accepted the role of Formula 1 CEO, like many of us he was expecting to face a challenging situation but one that was improving all the time. That much was made clear by the record 23-race calendar the sport approved at the end of 2020, kicking off in Australia as usual and ending once again in Abu Dhabi.

But no sooner had Domenicali got his feet under the desk in January than changes needed to be made. Australia was pushed back to November, China postponed and Imola added, while a TBC race has remained TBC as uncertainty over Portugal’s ability to host an event continues, although it now seems set to take place.

Fortunately for the Italian, he wasn’t being handed full responsibility; that hasn’t been Liberty Media’s approach to running F1. A three-man management team of Chase Carey, Ross Brawn and Sean Bratches was installed back in 2017, and Carey remains chairman. But