Why 24 F1 Races Might Be Just the Right Amount: Domenicali's Bold Stand

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali is making headlines with his firm stance on the expanding F1 calendar. In a recent statement, he assured fans and stakeholders that 24 grand prix races in a season is not an overreach. As the sport surges in popularity, he believes the expanded schedule is not only manageable but necessary to meet growing fan demand.

While some drivers have raised concerns about the physical and mental toll a packed calendar takes on the teams, Domenicali remains steadfast. “I don’t think 24 grand prix is an oversupply,” the Italian executive told Auto, Motor und Sport. He drew comparisons to other globally popular sports like football and basketball, highlighting how they operate on an even more grueling schedule, providing intense fan engagement daily.

One can't ignore the voices of criticism from within the paddock. Drivers such as McLaren's Lando Norris, Fernando Alonso, and Max Verstappen have openly questioned the sustainability of a 24-race season, citing concerns over the wellbeing of team members. Norris specifically pointed out the punishing travel demands on mechanics and engineers, while Alonso dubbed the current setup “not sustainable for the future.” Verstappen simply stated that “F1 is way over the limit.”

Despite these criticisms, Domenicali stands by his decision, insisting that the excitement and competitive nature of today’s F1 make the packed calendar worthwhile. “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,” he said. He also emphasized how close the competition has become, with race results coming down to mere hundredths of a second.

Each F1 event has its own unique appeal, according to Domenicali. He acknowledged that while the Monaco Grand Prix may not have been the most thrilling race by traditional standards, it still garnered one of the highest television ratings globally. This underscores his point that the quality and spirit of the competition make the sport more engaging than ever before.

Domenicali also touched upon the balancing act between traditional venues and the potential for new race locations. Countries like Thailand and South Korea are eager to join the F1 calendar. However, to accommodate these new venues without exceeding the 24-race limit, Domenicali suggests a rotational system. “We are thinking about a rotation system,” he revealed, indicating that it may start in Europe.

The proposed rotation system could be the key to maintaining a manageable number of races while still expanding the global footprint of the sport. This compromise aims to satisfy both the purists who cherish classic tracks and the innovators who push for new, exotic locales.

In summary, Stefano Domenicali’s vision seeks to balance expanding the calendar with maintaining the physical and mental health of all involved. Despite pushback from some corners, he believes that 24 grand prix weekends are just right for a sport that continues to break new ground in terms of global viewership and competitive excitement. The idea of a rotation system offers a tantalizing glimpse into how F1 can evolve while staying true to its essence.