Former Force India boss Fernley takes over Domenicali’s FIA role

At its Wednesday meeting the World Motor Sport Council congratulated the entire Formula 1 community for the remarkable achievement of completing 17 events in the wake of the global pandemic, and FIA President Jean Todt thanked Formula 1 Chairman and CEO Chase Carey for his significant contributions to the sport since 2017 as he will move to the position of Non-Executive Chairman at the end of this year and welcome Stefano Domenicali as the new CEO.

Former Force India Formula 1 deputy team principal Bob Fernley will replace Domenicali as the head of the FIA’s single-seater commission.

“I think the rebel has finally come into the establishment!,” Fernley told Motorsport.com.

“Obviously, I’m following in the footsteps of two very good predecessors in Gerhard and Stefano. So a lot of work to do for my side to equal and match what they’ve been doing over the over the years.

“It’ll take me a few months to get my feet under the table as you can imagine. But once we’re underway with it, hopefully we can continue the good work that they’ve done, and maybe progress it on a little bit.”

“Both Gerhard and Stefano obviously put all that in place. But I think there’s still probably work to be done, particularly on affordability. That’s something I was very keen on, even at Force India.

“I see us still continuing that process to make sure we can get it as affordable as possible so as many people can take part as they can.

“It’s about understanding where the categories are today because obviously, I’m coming in new, and when people come in new you always have a different take on things, and you can have a look with new eyes, which is not a bad thing.

“But the most important thing is to continue the stewardship has already been put in place, and work it through from there.

“We’ve still got you still got a little bit of work to do, because super licenses are obviously approved through that commission. So it’s quite a broad program.”