F1 CEO issues end-of-year address after 'never-to-forget' season

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has faced a challenging first season in charge of the sport.

Domenicali took up the reins from Chase Carey at the start of the year and, like his predecessor, has been forced to battle through another Covid-hit campaign.

But in a letter of address reflecting on the past 12 months, Domenicali has reflected on a positive year for F1, while he also looks ahead to more to come in 2022 when new cars will be unleashed.

Domenicali's letter reads:

"It has been an incredible year for Formula 1 with multiple highs and some continued challenges with the ongoing pandemic situation.

"In my first year as CEO and president of this great sport, it has been a privilege and honour to meet and work again with many old friends as well as new friends and colleagues.

"I thank you all personally, as our strong growth this year can only be done with you and your support.

"We are very proud to have delivered Formula 1’s first-ever 22-race calendar in 2021, growing from our 21-race calendar in pre-pandemic 2019 and setting the scene for 23 races on our calendar in 2022.

"With the robustness of our Covid protocols, we were able to race across Europe, the Middle East and the Americas in 2021, showing our dexterity and tenacity in overcoming constant logistical hurdles in the majority of our race destinations, with Covid government restrictions closing entry in only a handful of locations.

"We also welcomed three new races onto the calendar, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the The Netherlands. Whilst COVID restrictions meant we were unable this year to return to Asia and Australia, we very much look forward to racing again in those regions in 2022 and are already in full planning mode with our promoter partners in those territories on the safe return to racing.

"On track, the racing has been sensational this season and for two drivers to go to the final race on equal points showed how tight the racing has been.

"Red Bull won the drivers’ championship and Mercedes delivered a record-breaking eighth constructors' title.

"We saw Esteban Ocon clinching Alpine’s first win in Hungary, Sebastian Vettel second for Aston Martin in Baku and Daniel Ricciardo and McLaren getting back on the winner’s step in Monza.

"The battle in the midfield has been fierce with Ferrari taking third place ahead of McLaren. It has been a season we will never forget and next year we begin a new era for our sport with the new 2022 cars that are designed to create closer racing. We hope it thrills us all as much as 2021 did.

"We have seen strong expansion across our markets with every index showing growth which continues to demonstrate the resurgence of the sport.

"Abu Dhabi TV viewership grew +97% on 2020, finishing a consistently strong season with an average of +13% on 2020. Digital and video also saw a significant growth of +135% and +173% on Abu Dhabi 2020.

"We were again able to welcome fans back to our races this year from mid-season onwards with sold-out events in Austin, Saudi Arabia and the Netherlands.

"Despite starting the season with closed-door races and attendance restrictions applying, we welcomed 2.7million fans to our races, and 18,000 to our Formula 1 Paddock Club [the same guest number as in 2019 despite only operating Paddock Club at 10 races].

"I do appreciate this year has been challenging operationally for many. I am grateful for your understanding as we have had to adapt to the challenges together.

"Season 2022 looks set to be another exciting chapter in the sport and one we will continue to build together."

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