Lamborghini’s Stefano Domenicali to take charge of Formula 1
Stefano Domenicali has quit his role as Lamborghini’s boss to become CEO of Formula 1. The 55-year-old Italian took control of the Raging Bull in 2016, where he oversaw a doubling of sales, thanks largely to the introduction of the mighty Urus SUV.
This latest move marks a return to the Grand Prix paddock for Domenicali, as he headed up Scuderia Ferrari Formula 1 from 2008–14. Kimi Räikkönen won the world championship for the red team in Domenicali’s first year at the helm, a feat that hasn’t been repeated since.
Domenicali is set to take over the running of Formula 1 from January 2021 when current CEO, mustachioed Chase Carey, steps down to become non-executive chairman.
It’s long been said that Ferrari has a rather exceptional relationship with F1’s owners, and with Domenicali joining alongside former Ferrari alumni Jean Todt and Ross Brawn, that position would seem safe for the future.
Nonetheless, Domenicali’s appointment has been welcomed in the paddock, with current F1 champ Lewis Hamilton telling Sky Sports, “I don’t think they could have really chosen someone better, to be honest.” McLaren added in a statement, “He is the right person to lead the sport into its new era.”
Domenicali’s replacement at Lamborghini has not been named.