Stefano Domenicali is one of a new breed of team principal, having at the end of 2007 formally taken over from Jean Todt as the head of Gestione Sportiva (GS) – Ferrari’s Formula 1 operation. In saying the above Domenicali was reflecting on a broader question about his leadership style, but his reference to a ‘war’ was not by accident, especially as he added:

The battle on the track is happening alongside the continuing struggle to find, nurture and retain top talent, which is so very much the daily challenge experienced by all businesses. In this chapter we will take a look at the people who populate this sport: the team principals at the top of these organisations, Formula 1 people in general, and Formula 1 drivers. In this second edition we have expanded our examination of drivers, about whom we usually receive the most questions during our speaking and teaching engagements. We will consider their competitive drive and work ethic, physical conditioning, driving skills, ability to work under pressure, and the communication skills required of them in today’s racing and commercial environment.