Formula 1 refuses to rest on its laurels during this exceptionally successful era. At Monza, CEO Stefano Domenicali reinforced this message, discussing the championship’s technical trajectory, calendar evolution, manufacturer relationships, sprint formats, and the imperative of attracting a younger demographic.
“There is a risk of becoming self-referential,” the F1 CEO warned. “We cannot afford to be complacent about our current success. We must continually understand why we have grown so significantly and remain grounded, recognizing that numerous avenues for expansion still exist.”
A primary focus is the regulatory horizon. Formula 1 and the FIA will soon begin defining the specifications for the next generation of power units and single-seaters, within an industrial landscape that has shifted dramatically from when the current regulations were established.
“When we addressed today’s regulatory shift, it appeared the future would be defined by electrification, but that is no longer the reality,” Domenicali emphasized. “It is our responsibility to determine how to respond to and interpret this evolution effectively.”
The challenge lies in balancing the demands of major manufacturers with the necessity of F1’s operational independence. “While we must ensure the manufacturers’ presence, we also need a strategy to remain autonomous if their priorities change. If manufacturers were to withdraw today, we would face a significant crisis.”
Consequently, there may be a move toward less technically complex solutions. “A less complicated project, while still meeting cost and performance targets, facilitates independence.” Domenicali highlighted two core priorities: “I strongly believe in keeping sustainable fuels central to the technological plan and transitioning to a lighter vehicle, as we want drivers pushing the limits of a machine that feels truly theirs.”
Domenicali is opening to shortening F1 races
Photo by: Eric Le Galliot
Shorter grands prix
The sporting product is also undergoing scrutiny, including the potential for slightly shorter Grand Prix distances—a possibility Domenicali has not dismissed. “My stance is straightforward. If we are discussing a reduction of a few laps, it aligns with the reality that younger audiences struggle with lengthy events. A decrease of two or three laps would not be detrimental, but anything more substantial would require a completely different conversation, and I am not opposed to the concept.”
This philosophy mirrors the introduction of sprint races, which initially met with skepticism—even from Domenicali himself. “As a Formula 1 veteran, I was among the first to have doubts about this format. However, the data proved us wrong; promoters, media, and the vast majority of fans have embraced the format and view it as dynamic.”
Sprints will undoubtedly remain a fixture on the Formula 1 calendar, though Domenicali ruled out a MotoGP-style scenario featuring one every weekend. “They will constitute fewer than half of the events,” he clarified. “Younger fans increasingly value a weekend where Friday already holds significance. While long-time fans, myself included, might still appreciate a practice session, the general public benefits from having qualifying on Friday, giving them more meaningful content.”
Domenicali links this evolution directly to shifting audience demographics. “Currently, approximately 40% of our viewership is female, and the average age has dropped from around 57 to 34.” In Italy, the “Kimi Antonelli effect” is also playing a significant role in this transformation.
“Honestly, the numbers are surprising me with their rapid growth,” Domenicali admitted. “Kimi has brought not only competitive racing on the track but also a wave of new followers who previously did not engage with Formula 1. He is a young man bearing an enormous responsibility with a naturalness and freshness that resonates with peers his age.”
Turning Peak Interest Into Lasting Success
Despite these peaks in attention, Domenicali stressed the necessity of converting them into lasting engagement. “We cannot allow our growth to be a fleeting spike. The major challenge is figuring out how to retain those who are discovering the sport for the first time. There are entire communities that remain unfamiliar with us, and we have a duty to cultivate a Formula 1 culture.”
This vision extends to geographical expansion. Domenicali pointed to China, South America, the Far East, and Africa as regions with substantial growth potential. “Africa is sending encouraging signals, and we intend to communicate something significant soon.”
Hill leads Zanardi during the 1993 South African GP
Photo by: Motorsport Images
Looking at the immediate future, the calendar remains under watch. “The calendar is currently the one you are aware of, but we are monitoring the situation. If full safety and operability cannot be guaranteed, we will have to make alternative decisions. The teams are fully informed, and our dialogue with them is ongoing.”
Even amid expansion, Domenicali views rapid adaptability as the ultimate safeguard against future risks. “The world changes so quickly that failure to react means losing immense time in an instant. The risk we must avoid is stagnating by failing to seek competent individuals, fresh ideas, and new perspectives. When you keep fishing in the same pond, the fish are always the same.”
