Dakar Rally News: F1 Boss Defends 24-Race Calendar
In a recent interview, Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali argued that the series wants to keep the F1 calendar at 24 grand prix, dismissing claims that it is too much. The growth of the F1 calendar has been a constant talking point within the motorsport community, with this year’s schedule reaching a record 24 races.
Domenicali acknowledged the concerns raised by some drivers, such as Lando Norris and Fernando Alonso, about the physical toll on team members. However, the Italian executive believes that 24 grand prix weekends is not an oversupply, especially when compared to other sports like football and basketball.
“I don’t think 24 grand prix is an oversupply,” Domenicali 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.”
The F1 boss argued that the sport’s continued growth in popularity and the tightening competitive order justify the current calendar size. He emphasized that each event has its own unique character, citing the example of the Monaco Grand Prix, which had one of the best TV ratings globally despite being “not the most exciting grand prix in history.”
Domenicali reiterated his commitment to maintaining a balance between old and new races, acknowledging the interest from countries like Thailand and South Korea to host a Grand Prix. To accommodate these new territories, he suggested the possibility of implementing a rotation system, starting in Europe.
“We are thinking about a rotation system,” Domenicali said. “It is likely that we will start doing this in Europe.”
The ongoing debate around the F1 calendar highlights the delicate balance between satisfying the sport’s growing global appeal and ensuring the well-being of the teams and drivers. As the Dakar Rally and other major motorsport events continue to captivate fans, Domenicali’s defense of the 24-race calendar will undoubtedly spark further discussions within the industry.
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