The rumor was circulating in the Barcelona paddock, scene of the final of the world motorcycling championship this weekend: Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali could go from four to two wheels.
There is movement in the upper echelons of motorsport and after the resignation (voluntary or forced?) of Liberty Media big boss Greg Maffei, it is Stefano Domenicali who is concerned.
Two theories conflict about his possible move to the head of MotoGP, recently bought by the holder of the commercial rights to the Grands Prix: either he would be excluded from F1, or he would only serve as a motorcycle consultant without losing his prerogatives on four wheels .
Chain reactions
In the first case, such as that of the supposed dismissal of Maffei, it would be a reaction to the investigation by the American Department of Justice which would have uncovered suspicions of a cartel illustrated by messages on a WhatsApp group closed between Italian manager and certain team bosses.
The resumption of MotoGP must still be validated by the competition authorities, but it seems certain that this will be the case and the legendary Carmelo Ezpeleta (78 years old), founder of Dorna which promotes major world championships on two wheels, should give in the place like Bernie Ecclestone did when selling Formula 1.
The Andretti conflict in question?
At the time, in 2017, Mister E. had stepped aside in favor of Chase Carey, American media specialist, then five years later the job of F1 CEO went to Domenicali, former Ferrari team principal and CEO of Lamborghini. The insolent success of the Grands Prix under the leadership of the Italian leader has boosted the valuation of the company which owns the rights as well as the teams with a place on the grid.
The refusal to accept the candidacy of an eleventh team, Andretti Global, despite the green light from the FIA and the partnership with General Motors created tensions between Liberty Media and the American justice system, requested by Mario Andretti, loyal support of the Republicans . Some people note that the recent movements follow the election of Donald Trump as President of the USA, a coincidence of the calendar which would not be one…
We will soon know if this conflict is at the origin of the restructuring of F1 management or if MotoGP will benefit from Domenicali's experience to achieve the same economic success by moving under the Liberty Media flag.
