Stefano Domenicali questions the need for Free Practice in F1 while pushing for more sprint races 

Stefano Domenicali has set his eyes on trying to reduce or eliminate the practice sessions and push for more sprint races in Formula 1.

Stefano Domenicali questions the need for Free Practice in F1 while pushing for more sprint races 

Stefano Domenicali and Mohammed Ben Sulayem (via IMAGO)

Formula 1 has stuck to a similar weekend pattern for a very long time, including three practice sessions followed by a qualifying session before the main race. However, the sport introduced a sprint format which aimed to increase competition by granting extra points. Amidst this, the sport’s CEO Stefano Domenicali is pushing to reduce practice sessions while trying to increase sprint races.

The Sprint race format has continued to change over the seasons after major backlash from the drivers. Hence, after improving sprint races, Stefano Domenicali has now set his eyes on reducing practice sessions.

YouTube video

The CEO questioned if the practice sessions were good entertainment for the audiences visiting on Friday.

FS Video
Is it good entertainment for people who already come on Friday to see cars crossing the track just to better prepare for qualifying and racing?  I mean, is that what people want to see? 
Stefano Domenicali told Motorsport

Apart from this, the Italian laid out his dreams to increase fighting every time the drivers were on track. Domenicali believed that producing fierce fights was in the nature of the sport and the drivers’ minds. Hence, this was the reason for striving for such big changes to the current format of the pinnacle of motorsport.

My dream is: every time you go on the track there is something to fight for. That is the nature of racing. That's the nature of the drivers, because they want to be the first every time. That is why we must strive for these kinds of objectives in the future.
Stefano Domenicali added
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Stefano Domenicali wants to ‘balance’ street and circuit-type races in the future

The current Formula 1 calendar spans across multiple streets and track-style circuits. The street circuits often offer less racing action with a tough drive around the circuits. Regardless, Stefano Domenicali isn’t against the idea of adding more street races. The Italian noted that the sport needed to have good races. As a result, investing in more street circuits was a great basis for investment in the sport.

I would say we want to be in balance, We don't want to go from one side to the other, but for us it is crucial to have good races. It is certainly crucial to respect the historical locations. But historically not everything is. Historically, it is a good basis to invest in the future.
Stefano Domenicali noted
F1
F1 (Via: Imago)

The 2024 calendar contains the most number of races of races (24). Several drivers and teams have already raised concerns over the exertion from such a long calendar. Hence, the sport is highly unlikely to receive the addition of more races without the removal of the older iconic circuits.

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