F1 News: Stefano Domenicali Confirms European Races To Undergo Huge Change In Coming Years

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali confirms a huge change for the European leg of the season in the coming years.

Stefano Domenicali, F1 CEO, recently disclosed plans to establish a rotation protocol for future European races. The concept has been on the drawing board for some time and is now gradually taking shape as F1 expands its international presence.

The forthcoming season's schedule is set to break records, with 24 events. Given F1's growing global popularity, a rotation scheme for certain European races has become necessary.

Until not long ago, Belgium was suggested to alternate with France annually, but the idea has now been scrapped. With Madrid joining the race to host the Spanish GP, a potential rotation with Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya is under discussion.

Addressing the likelihood of both Madrid and Barcelona featuring in the same season, Domenicali shared his views on F1's Beyond the Grid podcast: 

“I think no.

“At that time, the business was not so big. We still had a European-centric calendar. Today we have a worldwide calendar with bigger races.

“In Europe, I am expecting to see races where the rotational principle could be applied, but not two in the same year.”

Regarding which races might be in the rotation, Domenicali noted: 

“Not yet. There are already talks with some of them and this is something that in the next two years we are going to clarify formally.”

Among the current European events, there are prestigious fixtures like Monaco, Monza, and Silverstone. While these historical elements are critical for Domenicali, he also emphasises that the European venues currently under contract must prove their world-class status. The blend of tradition and evolution is vital for Formula 1's continued global appeal.

“For sure, it’s very important the historical races have their own personality.

“I laugh when I hear people say Formula 1 does not respect historical races. It’s absolutely the other way around.

“What we want is to use this incredible moment where Formula 1 is growing, to make sure that everyone is doing the right thing. It’s a matter of understanding the world is evolving.

“Historical races will always be part of the calendar, but there is a need for some of them to recognise the changes that they have to make with infrastructure, for example. That is not changing the layout of traditional races.

“The fans are coming more and more with different needs. If you do not give them what they deserve, it’s not historical anymore, is it?

“If you remember, two years ago when there were discussions that Belgium was off the calendar, they reacted very well. They invested in infrastructure related to the best experience we want to give to the fans.”