F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali “defended” the racing body’s product following recent criticism on F1’s new rules and regulations by saying that “critics have ‘short memories,’” according to Nate Saunders of ESPN.com. Domenicali’s defense came ahead of a Monday meeting between him, the FIA and teams that will “likely lead to some small tweaks, specifically centred around qualifying.” Driver criticism has included Max Verstappen “calling the new cars ‘anti-racing’ and likening them to Mario Kart,” while Fernando Alonso has “teasingly renamed Formula 1 the ‘battery world championship.’” Saunders notes fan feedback has also been “mixed,” especially at the “new form of so-called yo-yo overtaking created by the new battery boosts.” Speaking to Autosport, Domenicali said, “Maybe some of the old people are criticising or having some comments, have a short memory. So look back in the 80’s, at the turbo time, these things were there.” He added, “It’s part of the game, as always. Globally speaking, it’s been very positive reaction from the fans.” F1 is “currently undergoing a process which might lead to a tweak around some of the rules ahead of the Miami Grand Prix” on May 3. Domenicali said that there is “more attention on the product from young people than ever before” (ESPN.com, 4/20).
STARTING ROTATION: MOTORSPORT’s Filip Cleeren wrote with the F1 calendar locked at 24 races and the series “continuing to grow its metrics,” securing a spot on the schedule “appears harder than ever.” F1’s popularity has “led to a surge of interest from prospective host cities, countries and governments, with some more credible than others.” F1 management wants to see a “financially sustainable plan that gives it confidence to conclude a long-term deal” from a new market. The majority of the calendar is secured until at least 2032. Austria’s Red Bull Ring event has been renewed until 2041, with Melbourne, Madrid, Bahrain and Montreal “all remaining on the calendar for at least another decade.” It is a “win-win situation that gives a listed company like Liberty Media more stability and guaranteed revenue,” but it also “helps local promoters and governments write off significant investments in infrastructure over a longer period.” It is a “tough ask for an organiser to agree to building a brand-new paddock complex without guarantees it will be used more than a handful of times.” F1’s commercial rightsholder said that it “continues to enjoy significant interest worldwide from prospective promoters, and with a hard limit of 24 races it remains a seller’s market.” But while growing in the U.S. “remains a key target for F1, with a lot riding on its new broadcast deal with Apple,” Domenicali has “poured cold water over ideas to add even more races in the country” (MOTORSPORT, 4/19).
