Flavio Briatore believes his compatriot Stefano Domenicali has significantly bolstered Formula 1's standing.
The Liberty Media-owned sport has confirmed that, after some earlier doubt over Domenicali's tenure, the 59-year-old has signed a new deal to remain F1 CEO until 2029.
Specialist outlets have largely endorsed the extension.
"Domenicali came on board at the beginning of 2021, taking over from Chase Carey," noted Germany's largest newspaper, Bild. "And since then? Full throttle!
"Formula 1 is in the fast lane, racing from record to record - in TV ratings, sponsors, and fans."
Italy's respected La Gazzetta dello Sport agreed, praising Domenicali for "definitively transforming Formula 1 into a global media phenomenon".
Alpine adviser Flavio Briatore, who worked closely with the now-retired Bernie Ecclestone and also lived through the Carey era, acknowledges the profound changes under Domenicali.
"Formula 1 has changed dramatically," he told f1-insider.com. "Bernie made Formula 1 big, and Stefano Domenicali focuses more on the show and the event itself.
"The perception of Formula 1 is much stronger as a result. We used to race in a hotel parking lot in Las Vegas - now we have three races in the USA. The young drivers are very active on social media, and we reach young viewers that way.
"So, a lot has changed."
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu concurs that Domenicali prioritises the "show" aspect, sharing a story from the recent team launch at London's O2 arena.
"Stefano was very particular about the red carpet walk," he told as-web.jp with a smile, "and I think it was a great success from a box office perspective in terms of making F1 more popular."
