No Evidence Domenicali Quit F1 or Called Vettel About His Exit
Recent reports confirm Stefano Domenicali remains F1 president through 2029, with no substantiated claims of his resignation or private calls to Sebastian Vettel.
Stefano Domenicali, a long-standing figure in motorsport, has served as the president and CEO of Formula 1 since 2021. Prior to this, he held senior positions at Ferrari, including team principal, and later worked with Lamborghini. In his current role, Domenicali oversees the strategic direction and commercial interests of Formula 1, reporting to Liberty Media, the sport’s owner. His leadership has been marked by efforts to expand F1’s global reach and to modernise its image and operations.
Background on Stefano Domenicali’s Role in Formula 1
Recent Contract Extension and Official Position
In September 2026, the Associated Press and other reputable outlets confirmed that Stefano Domenicali had agreed to a five-year extension as Formula 1 president and CEO. This extension secures his position through the end of the 2029 season. Liberty Media, which owns Formula 1, announced the extension and praised Domenicali’s leadership, specifically highlighting the sport’s commercial growth and increased global audience under his tenure. These official announcements directly contradict any reports or rumours suggesting Domenicali’s resignation or departure from the sport.
No Evidence of Resignation or Contact with Sebastian Vettel
Despite claims circulating online, there is no evidence that Stefano Domenicali has quit Formula 1. Neither Formula 1 nor Domenicali himself has issued any statement about stepping down. Furthermore, there are no credible reports or official comments indicating that he contacted Sebastian Vettel regarding his own departure. Vettel, who retired from full-time F1 racing at the end of the 2022 season, has not been publicly linked to any private discussions with Domenicali about the president’s future in the sport. Public records and media coverage support the position that Domenicali remains fully engaged in his role and has not made any moves toward resignation or sought Vettel’s counsel on such matters.
Domenicali’s Public Focus: F1’s Future and Technology
In recent months, Domenicali has participated in several public forums and interviews, where his focus has been on the future of Formula 1. He has spoken about the integration of artificial intelligence to support teams and race management, while emphasising the importance of keeping human drivers central to the sport. At a media Q&A in London, Domenicali reiterated F1’s commitment to maintaining the physical and emotional connection between drivers and fans. He has also discussed strategies to enhance fan engagement and to use technology to improve the overall experience for audiences around the world.
Domenicali’s Current Priorities and Vision for Formula 1
With his contract extension confirmed, Domenicali’s priorities remain focused on expanding F1’s global audience and ensuring the sport’s continued commercial success. He has set ambitious targets, including reaching one billion fans worldwide. Other key priorities include leveraging new technologies, such as AI and advanced data analytics, to improve the sport’s competitiveness and fairness. Budget controls and cost caps have also been highlighted as essential tools for maintaining a level playing field among teams. Domenicali has repeatedly stressed the importance of keeping the sport emotionally engaging for fans, ensuring that technological advances do not overshadow the human elements of competition.
Liberty Media’s Perspective and the Impact of Domenicali’s Leadership
Liberty Media’s decision to extend Domenicali’s contract reflects confidence in his leadership. Under his guidance, Formula 1 has seen increased global interest, new races added to the calendar, and significant commercial growth. The company’s official communications credit Domenicali with successfully navigating the challenges of a changing media landscape and broadening the sport’s appeal to younger and more diverse audiences. The extension is seen as a move to provide stability and continuity as Formula 1 continues to evolve and expand its presence worldwide.
Summary of Claims and Reality
To summarise, there is no credible evidence that Stefano Domenicali has quit as Formula 1 president and CEO, nor that he has contacted Sebastian Vettel about leaving the sport. Official sources confirm that he remains in his role, with a contract that runs through 2029. Domenicali’s recent public statements and appearances have focused on the future of Formula 1, technological innovation, and fan engagement. Liberty Media’s extension of his contract further underlines their satisfaction with his leadership and the direction in which he is taking the sport.
