Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali argues that the series wants to keep the Formula 1 calendar “at 24 grand prix, but it is wrong to say that 24 is too much.”
The growth of the F1 calendar is a constant talking point within the paddock.
This year’s schedule is at a record 24 races and many drivers have called for the physical wellbeing of team members to be considered when F1 plans its calendar.
Still, Domenicali argues with F1 continuing to soar in popularity and the competitive order tightening, 24 GP weekends isn’t the limit of what is possible.
“I don’t think 24 grand prix is an oversupply,” the Italian told Auto, Motor und Sport.
“Look at other sports. Football and basketball are played every other day. They entertain their fans much more intensively. In terms of quantity, we have a lot less content to offer.
“Nevertheless, we are doing very well compared to other sports and are growing. Everyone who is involved in our sport, no matter how, should be happy with the situation.”
Not everyone agrees with Domenicali’s sentiment, with McLaren’s Lando Norris arguing that for “the hundreds of mechanics and engineers that we have here that have to travel so much – [24 races] It’s not healthy for them.”
Fernando Alonso has also stated previously that the amount of rounds per season “is not sustainable for the future” and Max Verstappen has argued “F1 is way over the limit.”
Domencali has partially heeded the warnings of his drivers, saying “we want to leave [the calendar] at 24 grand prix,” however, he reiterated his belief that 24 isn’t too large a number.
It’s clear when Domenicali has a consumer-first mentality when he says “it is wrong to say that 24 [rounds] is too much.
“Too much of what? When the sport is as good as it is right now with many possible winners, fans are counting the days until the next race. I mean, we have a field that is closer together than ever before.
“Today we are talking about intervals of 0.078 or 0.093 seconds. That’s less than a tenth for a lap of more than four or five kilometres. Distances like we see in a 100 meter run. 24 races is a good number.
“Each of our events has its own character. I mean, the Monaco Grand Prix was certainly not the most exciting grand prix in history, but we had one of the best TV ratings anywhere in the world.
“We want to keep a good balance between old and new races. Although there are many more countries that want to have a grand prix.”
Thailand and South Korea are just two interested nations keen to host a GP in the near future, but with driver pressure mounting and an apparent commitment form Domenicali to keep the calendar from growing, an alternate strategy is needed to ensure new territories are afforded the chance to entertain the world via F1.
“We are thinking about a rotation system,” said Domenicali. “It is likely that we will start doing this in Europe.”
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