Stefano Domenicali, from regulations to future formats: “Drivers propose more Sprints and reverse grid”
Formula 1 continues to grow and evolve, with many crucial topics on the table. Among the key points raised by CEO Stefano Domenicali is the possible increase in Sprint races, which are increasingly in demand by fans, promoters, and now also by drivers, with some even open to the idea of a reverse grid. Another focus is the regulations that will follow 2026, with priorities set on simplification and reducing costs compared to the current power units. Stefano Domenicali discussed all of this and more during a media session at Zandvoort with the Italian press..
More Sprint races
“For the future we need to understand how to manage the topic of Sprints, whether to increase them, how to do so and whether to test different formats,” began the Formula 1 CEO. “Except for us long-time fans, everyone wants Sprints. All promoters want them and are willing to pay for them, as is already happening. Even the drivers are now asking us to do more. During traditional weekends there’s a lot of running, but that only interests specialists, while with the intensity of a Sprint weekend, already on Friday there’s qualifying to discuss. It’s something that needs to become part of Formula 1’s culture, and we’re heading in that direction.”
The sport could take inspiration from MotoGP, where Sprints take place at every event: “In a few years there will be requests for all weekends to be structured in the same way, even if with different timings and rhythms. Copying MotoGP entirely might be too big a step right away, but we’ll get there. I see it as a maturation process that must also respect those who prefer a more traditional approach.”
The drivers’ requests
Stefano Domenicali now also finds support from the drivers, who are becoming promoters of the Sprint format themselves: “Before, only 2 drivers supported Sprints compared to 18 against. Now the proportion has flipped. We talked about it during dinner in Austria and everyone said that organizing more would be perfect. Their mindset is changing, after all drivers are born to race. It’s part of the evolution of how fans want to consume the sport. People want to see racing, they want to see competition. […] Our surveys show that the vast majority are tired of free practice. That’s an objective fact we cannot ignore.”
Beyond the number of Sprints, new race weekend formats are also on the table: “There’s the question of race length, which might be too long for younger fans. On our channels we see highlights are exploding in popularity, because people want to see the key moments.” A recurring idea also remains alive: “The reverse grid is one of the things we must discuss. We’ve already talked about it, but in future meetings we need to find the courage to push the conversation forward. Many drivers have proposed it. At first they considered it absurd, but at the last meeting they said, ‘why not try it?’. After all, in F2 and F3 it has been part of the format for decades. I don’t think there are right or wrong positions here — they all have valid points.”
The next decade of regulations
Stefano Domenicali then turned to priorities for the regulations that will follow 2026: “The FIA has asked us to start thinking about the power unit of the future. There will be a meeting after Monza with manufacturers and teams to understand which direction we should take. Normally cycles last five years. Whether this remains or is reduced to four is up for debate. I share the FIA president’s observation that, while sustainable fuels are already a given, excessive hybridization makes the cars heavier, larger, and more complex. The ongoing discussion about an engine that retains some hybridization while embracing sustainable fuels is the right path.”
Simplifying power units would bring a double benefit, including lighter and more agile cars: “We want cars with weights and dimensions that return to the principles of Formula racing, bringing back agility and lightness. Today they cannot be like that because the regulations have taken us down a certain road. But in the coming years, I believe we will change this direction.” The second benefit would be reducing costs and attracting more manufacturers. “The engine of the future must be attractive to carmakers,” Stefano Domenicali explained.
“In the automotive industry hybrid projects are coming back. Strategically, I think the choices are correct. The goal is to keep the current manufacturers while adding more. Honda is returning, Audi and Cadillac are arriving, and Toyota is evaluating the situation. These are the results of huge investments in defining a power unit that is certainly not perfect, but which was agreed during a very difficult time to ensure everyone could participate.”
Independence from manufacturers
Formula 1 will see the return and arrival of major automotive giants, but Stefano Domenicali does not want the sport to become too dependent on them: “One of the priorities for the future will be reducing teams’ operating costs. The 2026 regulations attracted more manufacturers thanks to sustainable fuels and hybridization, which fit perfectly into their product portfolios. But motorsport must remain as independent as possible from any future crisis that could hit carmakers. Motorsport today goes beyond the automotive industry, but it has become such an important niche that we must have the strategic tools not to be dependent on anyone.”
“We need to make all stakeholders financially solid, from promoters to teams to their partners,” continued the CEO. “We cannot risk being left stranded by another crisis. That is one of the central topics of the next set of regulations.” His invitation to remain cautious does not mean rejecting new entrants: “Manufacturers are welcome,” Domenicali emphasized. “We’ve never seen so many arriving or showing interest. But we must learn from history. We need a technological project that is very attractive for manufacturers, but also, in case of an extraordinary crisis, one that allows us to have an alternative — let’s say an F1-branded engine — a backup plan to react.”
Monza and the example of Budapest
On the eve of the Italian Grand Prix, the Imola-born CEO also commented on Monza’s situation, whose place on the calendar depends on crucial renovation work: “ACI has the chance to invest in just one Grand Prix. I don’t want to cut the wings of Imola, being from there myself, but it’s right to prioritize what’s necessary to ensure the Italian GP takes place at a venue worthy of its prestige, name, and history. The tunnels and underpasses are done, now it’s time to focus on facilities for fans. These things must be completed. There’s no more room for delay. Pressure from other circuits, even in Europe, is increasing. Monza must respond as our country knows how.”
“Work must start on September 8,” Stefano Domenicali continued. “There’s a huge list of things to do. The contract runs until 2031 and I want to secure the Italian GP quickly, with clear guarantees and defined programs.” The model to follow, he said, is Budapest, where the paddock buildings and grandstands were fully renovated in just one year: “People often say Europe lacks money and nothing can be done, but facts prove otherwise. In Hungary, huge investments were made in one year. If a country believes in the business, visibility, jobs and tourism opportunities, things can be done.”
The calendar of the future
Domenicali’s meeting with the press took place at Zandvoort, a track that will disappear from the calendar after 2026 without even a rotation option. There’s no shortage of interest, however: “We are discussing a few alternating slots. Not many, at most two. Barcelona wants to return to rotation, as do Portugal and Turkey. In recent weeks, Hockenheim has also shown interest under new ownership. But places are limited. Anyone who comes to the table must understand that today’s situation is very different from the past, and must have strong financial backing not only to enter but also to make the necessary investments.”
A return to Imola seems unlikely: “It could be possible if ACI commits to significant investments, also in infrastructure. I don’t want to exclude Imola for many reasons, but it looks difficult.” Outside Europe, meanwhile, F1 is working on a return to Africa: “Africa is a medium-to-long-term project. Rwanda is the most active in discussions. They already have a circuit project and are building a new international airport, but infrastructure is the key issue.” – the former Ferrari team boss pointed out.
“Morocco has also moved recently. These projects, however, are on a longer timeline of more than five years,” Stefano Domenicali revealed. Both Morocco and Rwanda would have to provide guarantees: “We want to make an important step in Africa, but it must be fully structured. We need to understand the commercial visibility, ensure infrastructure guarantees, and confirm it’s a market where fans can attend.”
The value of General Motors
The competition to enter Formula 1 isn’t just between nations but also between teams. After long evaluations, the grid will expand in 2026 with Cadillac, whose project was accepted only after careful analysis: “It was fundamental for us to have a high-quality project with medium-to-long-term potential. When Andretti first presented their plan, we gave a negative opinion because we didn’t see substance behind it. When the project completely changed and General Motors made a significant investment with a 10-year plan, we said yes, because in this case we believe it adds real value to the system.”
On paper there’s still room for a 12th team, but Stefano Domenicali is cautious: “In the future we must be prudent. Unless another major leap happens, I think we’re already at a limit, also for logistical reasons. I’d be very cautious about saying there will be more teams or manufacturers. What I do see is massive interest from investment funds and financial players in acquiring existing franchises. The value of an F1 team today is growing exponentially, so interest in Formula 1 is also increasing financially. We see it from the requests we and the teams are receiving. Still, we must be careful. Precisely because things are going so well, we need to protect the value of what we have achieved,” Stefano Domenicali concluded.
And you? What do you think about Stefano Domenicali’s view on the sport’s future? Let us know with a comment at the end of the article or on our social media channels: Facebook Group / Facebook Page / Instagram / X (former Twitter)
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