Former F1 champion Damon Hill raises concerns over F1’s move into ‘Formula E’s direction’ after Madrid race deal

In 2024, 8 out of the 24 races would be on street circuits in F1.

Former F1 champion Damon Hill raises concerns over F1’s move into ‘Formula E’s direction’ after Madrid race deal

Damon Hill (Via IMAGO)

Formula 1 has seen a boom in popularity in recent years. More cities are now interested in hosting a Grand Prix. Recently, F1 signed a deal with Madrid to host the Spanish GP. The new street circuit would replace the traditional Circuit de Barcelona from 2026. This has raised concerns amongst traditionalists who have not been in favor of more street circuits. Now, 1996 F1 champion Damon Hill has reckoned that the sport is going in the direction of Formula E.

Formula E is an all-electric racing series that is known for racing in city centers. The championship races predominantly on tight street circuits to deliver exciting racing. Formula 1 has substantially increased the number of street races on its calendar in recent years. The 2024 F1 season would witness eight street races out of a total of 24 rounds.

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Damon Hill insisted that the addition of Madrid on the calendar in place of Barcelona was a move in the direction of Formula E. Moreover, the Briton reckoned that such street tracks were restrictive due to the tight and twisty layout.

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This kind of move towards a tighter, twisty circuit, it is going in the direction of Formula E, which has chosen to have its races in city centres and also on very restricted circuits.
Damon Hill said on the Sky Sports F1 podcast (H&T: Racingnews365)

Hill raised concerns over the changing nature of the F1 calendar. The former F1 champion hoped that such tracks would not lead to a change in the characteristics of F1 machinery in order to enhance racing.

I hope that is not an indication of a concession made towards the fact that these cars are going to be down on performance compared to now.

Max Verstappen has been a staunch critic of street circuits in F1

Max Verstappen is undoubtedly a traditionalist in Formula 1. The 26-year-old has been vocal about his dislike of street circuits in the past. So much so, that the three-time world champion has claimed that an F1 car was not designed for street tracks.

Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)
Max Verstappen at the Las Vegas GP (via IMAGO)

Verstappen had criticized the Las Vegas GP virtually the entire race weekend. Although it must be noted that the Dutchman was satisfied after the race. As Verstappen went on to win the exciting race in Sin City. Nevertheless, the Red Bull driver still prefers the traditional circuits.

Formula 1 has used street circuits as a way to increase the sport’s popularity and revenue in recent years. However, the sport might soon need to make a call on the number of such tracks on the calendar. F1 has a rich history on traditional circuits and it could be pivotal to retain some iconic tracks to preserve the sport’s heritage.

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