Former Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali has been confirmed as Formula One’s new president and chief executive.
Italian Domenicali, 55, will take up the role in January when Chase Carey steps down from his position at the end of the year.
American Carey, who succeeded Bernie Ecclestone in 2017, is set to become a non-executive chairman to smooth over the transition process. He is expected to return to America.
The development was communicated to the teams earlier this week by Greg Maffei, CEO of Liberty Media, the American conglomerate, which bought F1 for £6.4billion four years ago.
It is unclear what impact Domenicali’s hiring will have on Ross Brawn’s future as the sport’s motorsport boss.
“I am thrilled to join the Formula One organization, a sport that has always been part of my life,” said Domenicali.
“I was born in Imola and lived in Monza. I look forward to connecting with the teams, promoters, sponsors, and many partners in Formula One as we continue to drive the business ahead.”
Domenicali was in charge of Ferrari when they won their last constructors’ championship in 2008, but he left the Italian team six years later before heading up Lamborghini.