F1 boss Stefano Domenicali speaks exclusively to Sky Sports F1’s Martin Brundle, saying Las Vegas and Africa may host the Grand Prix in the future; Domenicali also discusses the potential of the 30-run season; watch the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix live on Sky Sports F1 this weekend
Last updated: 22/03/22 17:07
Stefano Domenicali said Las Vegas and Africa could host F1 faces in the future as he spoke exclusively with Sky Sports F1’s Martin Brundle
Formula 1 boss Stefano Domenicali has confirmed to Sky Sports F1 that Las Vegas and Africa could both hold races in the future, saying the 30 Grands Prix per season would be possible due to interest in the sport.
F1 is set for a record with 23 race calendars this year, but there are intense rumors that Las Vegas, which last hosted in 1984, could join next season as a third race in the United States.
Domenicali spoke exclusively to Martin Brundle ahead of the Bahrain GP, saying there was “not just Las Vegas, there are other cities interested in Formula 1.”
“We need to be balanced, we need to see what the other options are,” said F1’s CEO and president. “And very soon we will tell everyone what our strategy is to develop that market.”
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Highlights from the opening race of the 2022 Formula 1 season from Bahrain
Domenicali also mentioned Africa as a potential growth market. South Africa’s Kyalami circuit – which Lewis Hamilton recently insisted should be back in F1 – last hosted a race in 1993 and has been suggested as an option.
“On top of America, on top of China, I think there is also a potential for being in Africa soon,” Domenicali said. “There’s a lot of interest there. It’s definitely another area that’s missing so far in the geography of our calendar.”
South Africa’s Kyalami Circuit last held a race in 1993
Domenicali: Potential for the 30-race season
F1’s current Concorde agreement, which runs until 2025, allows 24 races per. season.
“I think there is potential to go to 24,” Domenicali added. “I would say there is potential to go to 30! In terms of the interest we see around the world.
“It’s up to us to try to find the right balance given what venues would like to be in F1, what are the historical values we need to look at on the calendar.”
In a speech to journalists in Bahrain, Domenicali also said that some current races could lose their place online.
“There are some promoters who have expiring deals, and probably some of the current grand prix will no longer be part of the calendar,” he said.
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Domenicali insists fans can still ‘trust’ the sport following the controversial final of the 2021 season in Abu Dhabi
Will more teams be added to the F1 grid?
Domenicali also spoke with Brundle about potential new teams in F1. Michael Andretti, a hugely successful American driver and team owner, has been vociferous about bidding on an F1 entry.
“There’s not just Michael Andretti,” Domenicali said. “He may be the most vocal, but we have more than four or five requests to consider an extra team as part of Formula 1.”
But Domenicali suggested that while F1 will discuss with the FIA’s governing body about potentially having more than 10 teams online to “find the right strategy for the future”, he is not convinced the sport needs it.
Michael Andretti has expressed his interest in joining a team in F1
“I have to be very honest, today F1 with 10 teams, with the competition on the field, is very, very solid,” he explained. “There are complexities to consider if other teams can be added.
“Therefore, I do not think it is the most important element to cultivate F1, to be honest.”
He highlighted last year’s intense title fight, adding: “At the end of the day, where two drivers and two teams competed – the interest [in F1] was on top.
“If we, as we hope this year, have more teams and more drivers to contend with, that’s more than enough.”
The Formula 1 season continues on Friday at Sky Sports F1 with the Saudi Arabian GP. Sunday’s race starts at Find out more and subscribe.