P1racenews AI automatic summary:
F1 chief delivers grid expansion verdict
Stefano Domenicali addressed concerns regarding the potential expansion of the F1 calendar, emphasizing the current schedule’s intensity with 24 races across five continents challenging drivers and teams over a 10-month period. In response to a fan poll on the optimal number of races, Domenicali agreed that adding more venues could diminish the sport’s spectacle. He noted that the current number of races aligns with the commercial value and attractiveness of F1 content in a competitive media landscape. The 2026 F1 calendar will feature a new street race in Madrid, replacing the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, showcasing a revamp that includes a reshuffling of race orders to prioritize European events. While countries like South Africa and Argentina express interest in joining the F1 calendar, Domenicali acknowledges the challenges of balancing content generation and sustainability with the current race count. Amidst criticism from F1 stars, Domenicali aims to navigate future calendar expansions carefully to maintain the sport’s appeal and competitiveness.
