During an interview for the F1 podcast “Beyond the Grid,” Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali revealed the goals for the upcoming calendar. The discussion focused on key topics such as historic circuits, expanding the program, and the possibility of rotating venues over the years.
The first point addressed by the Imola-born manager is the expansion of the Formula 1 calendar, which this year stood at 22 events after the cancellation of the Imola race. Stefano Domenicali aims for an even greater number of races: “What we want to do next year is a 24-race calendar. I think 24 is the right number, the number demanded by the market.” – the former Ferrari boss pointed out.
“I would say it represents the right balance between the market, the complexity of logistics, and the people working. It’s the number of races that we should set as a stable objective for a long period,” he continued.
A future with rotating GPs in Europe?
Recently, rumors emerged about Madrid’s possible interest in hosting a Formula 1 Grand Prix: “It’s true that Madrid wants to host a race in the future, but we haven’t made any decisions yet. We will discuss it in the coming months. Let’s remember that we still have a contract with Barcelona,” he recalls, expressing satisfaction for the race which is held at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona.
The Italian manager clarifies that both Barcelona and Madrid hosting GPs simultaneously are not part of Formula 1’s plans: “Two GPs in Spain like a few years ago? I don’t think so. The business wasn’t as big back then, and we had a Eurocentric calendar. Today, we go all over the world. In Europe, I expect to see races that can be subject to rotation. Not two in the same year.” – Stefano Domenicali admitted.
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On historic races
In conclusion, a push for historic circuits: “Certainly, it’s very important that historic races have their own personality. It makes me laugh when I hear people say that Formula 1 doesn’t respect historic races. It’s absolutely the opposite!” he continues. “We have to understand that the world is evolving. Historic races will always be part of the calendar, but some of them need to embrace the changes they have to make, for example, in terms of infrastructure.” – the Italian added.
“It’s not about changing the layout of historic races. But more and more fans come with different needs. If you don’t give them what they deserve, is it still historic? If you remember, two years ago, there was a discussion about the possibility of Belgium leaving the calendar. The answer is that Belgium is still on the calendar, and they reacted very well. They invested in infrastructure to provide fans with the best possible experience.” – former Ferrari boss and current Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali concluded.
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