Stefano Domenicali, from January 1, holding the post of executive director of Formula 1, called for championship races to be an example for everyone and fulfill the role of sports ambassadors. He spoke about it at his first press conference, on which he performed in this capacity.
Stefano Domenical: "They lies great responsibility, because they are the face of our sport. The audience of Formula 1 has a huge growth potential due to the influx of new fans, which will look at the riders and take an example with them. "
At the same time, the head of the championship drew a special attention to Lewis Hamilton, holding an active position and opposing the manifestations of racism and inequality: "He is a wonderful Ambassador F1, and what he does is very important, because he speaks of many other values that are usually located Outside the sports field.
In our formula 1, there have never been so many wonderful riders - young, talented, very fast - and we cannot miss the opportunity to make them not only riders.
They must understand how important the relationships that bind them with the world F1 is. This is an area that I would like to devote a significant part of my time to make a discussion with riders not only on sports topics. I want to share my considerations with them about how we must act, as a common effort to use the Formula 1 platform to promote themes that are important for society. "
In this context, Domenicali remembered the unpleasant story associated with the behavior of the Russian rider Nikita Mazepine, who will have to debut in the composition of Haas F1: "What he did is unacceptable, it is completely clear. But he apologized, and in the course of our discussions with riders, we must ensure that they understand: it is impossible to joke with certain things. "
Domenkali also expressed confidence that this year will be able to spend 23 races, although it recognized that it will be not easy, but it is necessary to be ready to show flexibility.
The question of the third stage of the season, scheduled for May 2, especially in Portugal, where he was supposed to hold, the epidemiological situation remains anxious, but Domenicali declared that holding two races in Bahrain at the beginning of the championship - only one of the possible alternative Scripts, but it has not yet been confirmed.
Speaking about the prospects for inclusion in the calendar of new races, the head of management of Formula 1 reminded that the work on the organization of the stage in Miami continues, although there are also negotiations on the extension of the contract with an autodrome in Austin, where the US Grand Prix passes.
Although, due to the Pandemic, the Grand Prix of Vietnam, initially planned for 2020, was canceled, and then had to abandon his holding in 2021, Domenical stressed that he remains in the list of future races.
"There is a discussion of the prospects for organizing new races both in the north and in southern Africa," he added.
Of course, Stefano Domenicali affected the topic of negotiations on a new contract between Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton, who dreams of the conquest of the eighth championship title: "I am sure that Lewis wants a lot for himself to understand about his own future. I do not think that it is only about his salary. Rather, the case is how their joint future see them.
Sports goals, for the achievement of which he will fight this year, incredibly high. And I can imagine the level of pressure associated with this future record, but it promises to become an interesting story. "
Finally, Domenicali said it was ready to return to the idea of holding a short qualifying race on Saturdays in addition to the main Grand Prix, and such an experiment can already be held this year, but there will be no reversing starting field, this topic is closed.
"It is important to think about new ideas that will help make our sport more attractive or spectacular, but we should not give up the traditional approach to races," the executive director of Formula 1 summarized.
Source: Formula 1 on F1news.ru