F1 CEO Domenicali Carries Olympic Torch Ahead of 2026 Milan-Cortina Games

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali served as a torchbearer for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, carrying the flame around Lake Carezza in the Dolomites. The symbolic act connects the pinnacle of motorsport with the global sporting spectacle set for his home nation of Italy in February 2026.

Why it matters:

Domenicali's participation is more than a ceremonial role; it underscores the growing synergy between Formula 1 and other major global sporting events. As F1 itself prepares for a landmark season in 2026 with new technical regulations, the CEO's involvement highlights the sport's ambition to be part of a wider cultural and athletic conversation, reinforcing its status beyond the racetrack.

The details:

• The torch relay event took place on January 28th, with Domenicali joining a group of distinguished Italian athletes, including cross-country skiing Olympian Franco Nones and curling gold medalist Amos Mosaner.
• The route traversed iconic locations in the Ladin territory, starting in Canazei, passing by Lake Carezza, and moving through towns like Soraga and Moena before concluding in Cavalese for the evening.
• Domenicali is not the only F1 figure linked to the Olympic flame. Mercedes junior driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli also carried the torch ahead of his private F1 testing in Barcelona, connecting the next generation of racing talent with the Olympic spirit.

The big picture:

In a recent interview, Domenicali reflected on the 2025 F1 season, calling it "phenomenal" and noting it drew "a lot of interest from the sport's commercial partners." His focus is on harnessing that energy for the future. The 2026 season represents a critical reset for the championship with new car and power unit rules, aiming to create closer racing and attract new manufacturers. Domenicali's Olympic involvement symbolically aligns F1's forward momentum with another major global event on the horizon.

What's next:

The immediate focus shifts back to the track. The 2026 Formula 1 season is scheduled to begin with the Australian Grand Prix from March 6-8. All teams will be working tirelessly to unlock the potential of the new regulations. Domenicali's hope, as stated, is for the entire F1 community to "feel that energy" and work collectively to grow the sport, much like the collaborative spirit of the Olympic Games he recently helped celebrate.