Formula 1 boss Stefano Domenicali says a 30-race season could one day happen with plans to expand to Africa
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Published 23/03/2022 at 12:00 GMT
Formula 1 boss Stefano Domenicali says there is "potential to be in Africa soon" as he weighs up ways to continue growing the sport. At 23 races, many inside the sport already consider that a tough global slog but the Italian supremo revealed he is thinking about upping that number to a whopping 30 in time. The 2022 season continues in Saudi Arabia this weekend.
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Formula 1 boss Stefano Domenicali says he is considering plans to lengthen the season to 30 races.
Domenicali - a former chief of Ferrari - took over the role from Chase Carey at the beginning of last year and now seems comfortable enough in his own shoes to be proposing significant changes to the calendar.
The Italian would undoubtedly face opposition on the 30-race proposal, not just from those in the paddock who partake in the gruelling annual slog, but also from those who question its environmental impact.
"I think there is potential to go to 24 [races]," Domenicali told Sky Sports.
"I would say there is potential to go to 30. In terms of the interest we see all around the world. It is up to us to try to find the right balance considering what are the venues which would like to be in F1, what are the historical values we need to see on the calendar.
"We need to be balanced, we need to see what are the other opportunities. And very soon we are going to tell everyone what is our strategy to develop that market.
"On top of America, on top of China, I think there is a potential also to be in Africa soon. There is a lot of interest there.
"For sure, that is another area that so far is missing in the geography of our calendar.
"There are some promoters who have expiring agreements, and probably some of the current Grands Prix will no longer be part of the calendar."
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One change that Domenicali likely won't be signing off on is an expansion of the number of teams in motorsport's elite class.
American Michael Andretti is one individual wanting to enter a new team - as his father Mario revealed in February - but Domenicali appeared to quash that possibility.
"We have more than four or five requests to consider an extra team to be a part of Formula 1," he said.
"I have to be very honest, today, F1 with 10 teams, with the competition on the track, is very, very solid.
"There are complexities that need to be considered if other teams can be added.
"Therefore, I don't think it's the most important element to grow F1."
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