Stefano Sundays he goes back to talking about the hypothesis to completely eliminate free practice from the Formula 1 weekend. The CEO of F1 – intervened during the program 'Politics in the Balloon' reiterated the importance of reaching the new audience (made up mainly of young people) who are increasingly getting closer to four wheels. According to Domenicali, in fact, the only option is to continue to increase the show on the track which, with a Friday characterized by free practice, would be completely absent. "THE data undoubtedly shows that there is interest. The point – explained the CEO – is that the concept of dedicated days and which see the free practices as the main protagonists does not give sporting inspiration to the new fans and does not seem to be of interest to the young. Sports are changing, just think of the NBA or baseball. You always have to be careful about everything that happens in the world.".
Domenicali: “Free practice does not guarantee a show”
A hypothesis, that of eliminating free practice, which has been in Domenicali's mind for quite some time. In fact, it cannot be ruled out that the ex-Ferrari man's plan could be to at least start trying this possibility. The first indications, after all, have already arrived with the introduction of the format two years ago Sprint, which decreased the number of free practice from the classics 3 to 1 (on Friday morning, before moving on to qualifying in the afternoon).
"On the calendar, as we have confirmed, the six Sprint races will remain. At the beginning of February – continued the CEO, explaining what could change in the format from 2024 – we'll have a meeting where we are thinking about some changes which will concern the possibility of changing the management of the parc fermé and a possible new format. I can't say anything in advance, also because we haven't reached an agreement yet. Let's sign first and then I can let you know”, concluded Domenicali.
