F1 contemplating format adjustments, 12 sprints from 2027

Method 1 is actively trying into doubling the variety of dash races from six to 12 per yr from 2027, and is investigating different format adjustments to common weekends.

F1’s business rightsholder Liberty Media has been eager to increase the variety of dash races for some time because it has discovered they result in extra curiosity from followers, broadcasters and race promoters, even when they place an even bigger burden on the drivers and groups.

The largest driver behind FOM’s dash race push is a need to supply spectators significant on-track motion on all three days, so even on common race weekends Domenicali is eager to see how F1 can shake up the format so as to add a aggressive factor on Friday moderately than the standard two free apply classes.

“The rationale why we began to debate the variety of sprints and possibly some totally different format is due to the suggestions we obtained from the followers, the promoters, that individuals need to see actual motion in the course of the three days, so already on Friday folks need to see one thing sporting – qualifying or no matter it’s,” Domenicali mentioned at pre-season testing in Bahrain.

“Even when it’s not a dash weekend, there’s a pattern of [wanting to have] one thing totally different. We’re considering to maintain each day we’re on observe related.”

FOM is conscious including aggressive components on Friday would pose an issue for inexperienced rookie drivers, so one of many concepts is to permit them extra apply time.

“I do not thoughts having longer free apply time or to have classes for them to be allowed to run, as a result of it’s clear on a dash weekend that you do not have a lot time to run if you’re a rookie,” he added. “That could be a level we’re addressing, and we’ll current shortly one thing actual on this respect.”

Istanbul Park briefly returned to the F1 calendar in 2020 and 2021 as a stop-gap answer in the course of the COVID-19 pandemic

Picture by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Photographs

“Keep tuned” on Turkish GP

Domenicali has additionally addressed the prospect of latest races being added to the calendar. F1 has dedicated to sticking to the present variety of 24 rounds per yr and has made room so as to add occasions in key markets like South East Asia or a long-overdue return to Africa.

However following protracted talks in Rwanda, Thailand and South Korea, it has turn into clear that any new abroad additions are unlikely to materialise earlier than 2029.

That would present a possibility for European circuits to both preserve their present slot or return to the calendar, with F1 asserting earlier this week that Barcelona will proceed internet hosting a race in even years, alternating with Belgium.

When requested by Motorsport.com if delays elsewhere meant F1 would add extra short-term races in Europe to fill the hole, such because the lately introduced return of the Portuguese Grand Prix, Domenicali mentioned: “Sure, I feel so, when it comes to what you mentioned in regards to the large international locations. For certain, if this would be the case it is not going to be within the brief time period, as a result of the necessity of constructing one thing from zero requires the correct time.

“I’d say this stuff can occur [from] 2029, as a result of we’ve different expirations of contracts, so there’s an evolving state of affairs.

“It’s extremely constructive as a result of we’ve a top quality downside the place we are able to decide on the place we need to go. We have to discover the correct determination, as a result of we do not need to increase the quantity [of races]. So we have to work on it, however I do not see this taking place earlier than 2029.”

One race that does appear on the verge of returning to the calendar is Turkey, with organisers at Istanbul Park adamant a deal is shut. Domenicali mentioned a Turkish Grand Prix deal was not completed but, however he did level out latest additions to the calendar had been addressing criticism that F1 is skewing too closely in the direction of avenue circuits.

“Turkey shouldn’t be 100% confirmed. Keep tuned on Turkey, let me put it this manner,” the Italian mentioned. “And that is additionally to reply to the those who had been saying there have been too many avenue races. The brand new ones which can be coming are [permanent] tracks and never avenue races.

“As I mentioned, keep tuned on Turkey, however Portugal is certainly there [at Portimao], Madrid is a semi-permanent observe that’s working to be prepared this yr. Different alternations are attainable sooner or later, however we need to persist with the quantity [of 24 races].”

Photographs from Bahrain Pre-Season Testing – Day 6