Circuits are ‘Arrogant’ to demand a spot in the F1 calendar just because it is a historical venue: Stefano Domenicali

The race calendar has seen the induction of several new venues as of late, the most recent being Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Miami, and now Las Vegas standing as the new debutant. This season’s calendar consists of 23 races, which will be subject to an increase in 2024 with the return of the Chinese GP.

This can lead to a dilemma, with the FIA being required to choose between historic and new venues to fit the calendar. Venues such as Monaco, Monza, Suzuka, and Spa-Francorchamps are a reflection of the sports heritage and can serve as an indicator of how long Formula One has been around and how it has evolved. Newer venues, in contrast, can expand the sport’s viewership along with increasing the stream of revenue.

Speaking to Liberty Media on an investor call, Stefano Domenicali said, “When historic [circuits] are only looking behind there’s something that’s no good, when the historic [circuits have] a good foundation to look ahead with a different future that’s beautiful. To be arrogant and believe that you have a granted future because you had a race since 100 years, to be very honest is not enough.”, emphasizing the importance of future goals in contrast to living in the past.

He went on to insist that the FIA will only choose tracks that benefit both the circuit and themselves in the long run. Domenicali has made it clear that heritage alone does not fit the criteria, as the calendar must be diverse and facilitate the progression of the sport.

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Historic venues are in jeopardy of exclusion in the coming years

Several iconic venues such as Spa, Monza, Suzuka, Monaco, and Silverstone have laid claim to a place on the race calendar since the inception of the sport back in 1950. They have produced iconic moments and have established themselves as regulars every year and show no intention of giving way.

Times are changing rapidly, however, plunging their inclusion into doubt. Tracks like Kyalami aim to make a comeback, which puts Spa-Francorchamps in jeopardy, with their contract running its course by the end of 2023. South Africa is the only continent that isn’t hosting a race, so its inclusion is in the favor of F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali due to the diversity it brings. Tracks like the Circuit Paul-Ricard in France have already lost their standing in the race calendar, with the introduction of two new races in the United States, Miami, and Las Vegas.

Domenicali also insisted, “Every race – not only in America – has a different personality, different quality, different segmentation of fans. I don’t see any cannibalisation; everyone is different, everything is different, the events are different, I don’t see any problem there.” when questioned on any negative influence the three USA venues could have on each other.

With 24 races being tentatively set for 2024, an unprecedented number, it is a testament to more tracks showing their enthusiasm and desire to be included in the schedule, and bring their values and culture along with them. The basis of history will evidently no longer be considered under the criteria for inclusion and could lead to a potential upset. They will have to propose a design that aligns with the FIA’s vision for mutual profit to cement their place.

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