F1 chief explains stance on new race venues and warns 'historical' tracks of axe

17 April 2023 , 10:06

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Stefano Domenicali is open to the idea of more new F1 venues in the coming years (Image: Getty Images)

Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali believes it is his responsibility to protect the sport's historic venues whilst also looking to the future.

Speaking to Sky Sports at the Australian Grand Prix, Domenicali discussed the possibilities of racing at new circuits whilst also expressing a desire to preserve traditional tracks. However, he did warn that history alone will not be enough to protect some of the more traditional tracks.

F1 currently races on five continents with the sport becoming increasingly popular around the world, prompting huge investors to suggest new race venues. The current 2023 race calendar includes 24 races – reduced to 23 this year after the cancellation of the Chinese Grand Prix – with the number of races each season currently capped at 25.

However, despite there being one potential opening on the race calendar for 2024, there has already been criticism on the density of the calendar. With the increased interest from several new race circuits, fans are questioning whether their favourite tracks will remain on the schedule.

Venues such as Silverstone, Monza, Spa and Monaco have been a part of F1's rich history since the 1950s and are much loved by fans. But their places on the calendar are potentially under threat with cities around the world vying for a slice of the ever-growing F1 pie.

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When asked about the possibility of new venues, Domenicali said: "Today, the money is huge, but we need to protect the quality of the events and the sport. When 'historical' is only connected to looking behind, that is a problem.

Long-standing F1 venues like Monza must modernise or risk being dropped (AFP via Getty Images)

"When 'historical' is a value, if you are focused on developing the sport for the future, it's a great value. That's our duty – to make sure that, for example Monza, it's an incredible place but they need to make sure [they invest in] the future infrastructure, in services for the fans."

New race venues being added to the race schedule is becoming normal – races in Saudi Arabia, Miami and Qatar have been added in the last couple of years, while the sport heads to the Las Vegas Strip later this season.

But with new race venues comes with the possibility of removing more established Grands Prix, an example being the absence of a trip to France on this year's schedule.

The inaugural F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix will take place this November (PA)

Domenicali also discussed a return to the Kyalami circuit in South Africa with the continent being a priority for F1 stakeholders. When asked about the development on a return to Africa, Domenicali said: "100 per cent, Africa is still a continent that we are working very hard."

He also stressed his concerns, adding: "What I want to avoid is that we go there one year and then forget it. We are working, trying to find a solution for the best of the sport, for the best of the country."

The F1 chief executive also said there has been a lot of interest from East Asia and from the US but believed the three current races in Austin, Miami, and Las Vegas are enough for now. "The most important thing is that every Grand Prix has to be different in terms of personality," he explained. We want to have the city living the event – that's the magic of Formula 1."

Anna Malyon