Taking the ‘Grand’ out of Grand Prix - Domenicali ponders change

Once again, Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has gotten people talking with a comment on how he could change F1 - this time, by shortening Grands Prix.

Just now, a Grand Prix must be a minimum of 305 kilometres (190 miles), but Domenicali seems to think shortening races is a step in the right direction, citing popularity of highlight reels.

Domenicali drew comparisons to the popular sprint race format used on sporadic F1 weekends and in Moto GP but did go as far to say “I’m not saying we’ll get to MotoGP, which has a sprint at every round – that’s too big a step. I see it more as a maturation process that respects a more traditionalist approach.”

“As for the drivers, initially 18 were against the sprint and two in favour - today it’s the opposite. We discussed it at the dinner we organised in Austria and everyone spoke in favour. Even Max, with whom I spoke one-on-one, is starting to say it makes sense, so I see evolution from everyone. In the end, drivers are born to race.”

From a personal standpoint; yes, we do love to watch cars go wheel to wheel rather than watch three 1-hour practice sessions - but there is value in said sessions. For young drivers, practice presents opportunities - under current rules teams must use two Free Practice sessions per car per season as a minimum, and drivers benefit greatly - pursuing these sessions to gain experience.

📸 Ferrari’s Dino Beganovic is a recent beneficiary of FP1 sessions.

Mr. Domenicali, leave Grands Prix as they are…don’t remove the grandeur.

📸 Image credits: Formula Motorsport Limited, Moto GP, McLaren Racing.