When you think of power players in the world of motorsports, Stefano Domenicali is a name that stands out. From leading Scuderia Ferrari to becoming the CEO of Lamborghini and now heading the Formula One Group, he has become one of the most influential figures in the industry. But who is the man behind the title? What’s his journey, net worth, and personal life like? Let’s take a deep dive into the life and career of one of motorsport’s biggest names.
Early Life and Passion for Racing
Born on May 11, 1965, in Imola, Italy, Stefano Domenicali’s love for racing started at an early age. Growing up in the heart of Italian motorsports, he spent his weekends at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari race track, assisting in the paddock and media center. His father, a banker, provided him with a stable upbringing, but it was clear that young Stefano had a different path in mind—one filled with fast cars and adrenaline.
Climbing the Ranks at Ferrari
Domenicali’s academic journey took him to the University of Bologna, where he graduated in 1991 with a degree in Business Administration. His passion and education led him to Ferrari, where he joined the finance department. It didn’t take long for him to make an impact, and by 1992, he moved to Mugello as a racing director. Here, he gained experience in the DTM series and other racing competitions, setting the stage for his future leadership roles.
His career at Ferrari accelerated when he became head of personnel in the sporting department. By 1996, he was appointed team manager, and later, he served as the Logistics Manager before landing the coveted role of Sporting Director. His rise within Ferrari was nothing short of remarkable. On November 12, 2007, Ferrari announced that Domenicali would take over from Jean Todt as the Team Principal of Scuderia Ferrari.
Leading Ferrari to Victory
Under his leadership, Ferrari won the 2008 Constructors’ Championship, an achievement that cemented his status as one of the top executives in the sport. However, the team struggled in 2009, winning just one race, and faced further challenges in the following years. Despite securing multiple Grand Prix victories, Domenicali stepped down as Ferrari Team Principal in April 2014 after a difficult start to the season.
Transitioning to Audi and Lamborghini
After leaving Ferrari, Domenicali took on a new challenge, joining Audi in October 2014. His expertise was highly sought after, and he also became head of the FIA’s Single-Seater Commission, playing a crucial role in shaping the future of single-seater racing.
In 2016, he was appointed as the CEO of Lamborghini, leading the brand into a new era of success. Under his leadership, Lamborghini saw record-breaking sales and introduced cutting-edge innovations. He remained in this position until December 1, 2020, when he stepped down, paving the way for Stephan Winkelmann to take over.
CEO of Formula One
Just when it seemed like he had achieved it all, September 2020 brought another milestone—Domenicali was named the CEO of Formula One Group, taking over from Chase Carey in the 2021 season. In this role, he has been instrumental in expanding the sport’s global reach, introducing new race formats, and pushing for sustainability efforts within F1.
Stefano Domenicali’s Net Worth in 2025
As of 2025, Stefano Domenicali’s net worth is estimated to be around $130 million. His wealth has been amassed through decades of high-profile executive roles in motorsports. His salary and earnings from Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Formula One have played a significant role in making him one of the richest and most influential managers in the industry. His annual earnings are reported to be around $22 million, further cementing his financial success.
Personal Life: Family and Relationships
Domenicali is known not only for his professional achievements but also for his private and family-oriented lifestyle. He has been married to Silvia Colombo since 2011, and their relationship remains strong over a decade later. The couple shares two children, Martino and Viola Domenicali.
Silvia, despite being a private person, has a strong connection to the racing world. She is the daughter of Ercole Colombo, a renowned F1 photographer, making her well-acquainted with the pressures of motorsport. While she prefers to keep a low profile, she is frequently seen supporting her husband at various racing events.
Stefano Domenicali’s House and Car Collection
With his vast fortune, Domenicali enjoys a luxurious lifestyle but remains relatively modest compared to other high-profile executives. He owns a multimillion-dollar home in the United Kingdom, where he lives with his family. As a car enthusiast, he has an impressive collection of high-end vehicles, though surprisingly, he does not own a Lamborghini Miura, despite naming it as his favorite model in a past interview.
Women in Formula One: Domenicali’s Controversial Take
In 2022, Domenicali stirred controversy when he stated that he didn’t foresee a female driver competing in Formula One within the next five years. His remarks sparked debates in the motorsports community about gender equality in racing. Some argue that physical demands make it difficult for women to compete at the highest level, while others believe the lack of female representation is due to systemic barriers rather than ability.
Despite the controversy, efforts have been made to increase female participation. The launch of the W Series in 2018, an all-female racing championship, aims to nurture women in motorsports and pave the way for more female representation in F1.
The Future of Formula One Under Domenicali
Since taking over as CEO of Formula One, Domenicali has been at the forefront of modernizing the sport. He has overseen the introduction of Sprint Races, expanded F1’s presence in the United States and Middle East, and emphasized sustainability initiatives, including the push for carbon-neutral racing by 2030.
Stay tuned as we watch this motorsport mastermind steer Formula One into its next exciting era!
