I'm a bit surprised with the statement. It's true though that Stefano has F1 'roots', something Chase Carey completely lacks. It's good that they thus realize that their 'American' approach isn't working with this particular sport. In that sense, I do believe Domenicali will have better insight and is able to feel the sport better, so it's not by definition anything bad, at all.
However, with that said, and even though Ferrari's last title happened with Kimi under the reign of Domenicali, I am a bit doubtfull over whether he's THE right man for the job.
Though the guy has his edges, I think nobody can deny that Bernie was the RIGHT guy in F1. Like that, i think nobody will deny Carey simply isn't.
What i'm rather focusing on is that it's not really like Ferrari had the biggest 'glory' with Stefano at the helm. On the other hand, perhaps i'm being overly critical as it was ONLY because Timo Glock was passed in the final corner(s) of the Brazilian GP in 2008, which came at a total surprise, and handed Hamilton the WDC. It was enough, and the saying from that 'famous' movie 'it doesn't matter whether you win by an inch or a mile, winning is winning', offcourse is true, BUT let's face it, it was just a fraction of difference and we would have seen Felipe Massa the WDC of 2008, which would have been Ferrari's 2nd WDC title under Domenicali's reign.
My point though is that when I think of Domenicali, i don't think of the success like under Brawn and Todt @ Ferrari, like Brawn/Toto/Lauda @ Mercedes, like Christian Horner @ RedBull.
I rather think of Martin Whitmarsh @ Mclaren. Stable, in control, keeping things in order. But i feel that extra 'oumpf' is missing. That final ingredient which makes the difference between somebody who goes 'that extra mile' and is almost a guarantee for success.
If i'd translate that to drivers, I'd compare Domenicali perhaps to a Massa, a Bottas, a Rosberg, perhaps even lower, like a Hulkenberg, who knows.
Instead, i would say F1 needs a 'Hamilton, a Schumacher, an Alonso, a Verstappen' at the biggest helm.
So as for mer personally, i think i would have preffered to see somebody like Horner or Wolff at the top. It would simulate, i think, Bernie, back in the day.
But, we will see. I wouldn't actually really 'mind' too much Domenicali as leaning a bit to 'Ferrari'.
Mercedes has been treated like Ferrari the past half decade, and despite they were 'clearly' cheating, the pressure of Ferrari last year in the WDC and WCC game was much better.
Anyway, with Todt leaving, i do wonder who is going to fill that spot.
I actually think Michael Masi is doing a decent job, could he take over that spot?
Would be interesting to see Brawn & Domenicali @ the F1 organisation,
and Michael Masi (or perhaps Whitmarsh, lol) as FIA president.
or.....dare i say.....Ron Dennis?
