F1 CEO, Stefano Domenicali, has moved to clarify that he \u201cnever said we need to cut the distance of the race\u201d, when discussing potential ideas for the sport\u2019s future.<\/p>\n
The former Ferrari team boss had given an recent interview in which he discussed ways in which Formula 1 can continue to improve the spectacle for viewers, by wanting to cater more to younger viewers and acknowledging that current races\u00a0\u201cmay be a bit too long for younger audiences.\u201d<\/p>\n
Stefano Domenicali: \u2018Every idea has to be considered\u2019 in F1 progression<\/p>\n
Many took those comments from Domenicali to mean that, among other suggestions such as an increase in Sprint weekends or a reduction in free practice, that the idea of shorter race distances was being floated for the future.<\/p>\n
\u201cPromoters and fans want action,\u201d Domenicali told reporters previously. \u201cAnd now that they\u2019ve started to understand it\u2019s possible: our surveys show the vast majority of the audience wants the drivers to fight for a result.<\/p>\n
On current events, he added that free practice is mainly of interest to aficionado fans and that events \u201cmay be a bit too long for younger audiences,\u201d explaining that \u201chighlights do very well\u201d because \u201cthere\u2019s a large segment that only wants to see the key moments.\u201d<\/p>\n
While some drivers spoke open-mindedly about such ideas, Max Verstappen was one to voice his disapproval<\/a>, explaining that he is \u201cmore of a traditional guy\u201d on that front.<\/p>\n More reaction to Formula 1\u2019s current format<\/p>\n \ud83d\udc49\u00a0The Italian Grand Prix proves race duration isn\u2019t the key to making F1 exciting<\/a><\/p>\n \ud83d\udc49\u00a0F1 Sprint explained: New rules, format and how it differs from standard F1 races<\/a><\/p>\n But addressing those comments, Domenicali explained that he did not mean race distances would be shortened, but those at the top of the sport are seeking to establish if the current format of a race is the correct one.<\/p>\n \u201cI never said we need to cut the distance of the race,\u201d Domenicali told The Observer<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat I\u2019m saying is that the span of attention of the people today is very short, so we need to be attractive.<\/p>\n \u201cWe need to understand if the format of racing is the right one or not. It could be longer or shorter. Every idea has to be considered.\u201d<\/p>\n Race distances in Formula 1 are currently set to an approximate 305km distance, with lap counts varying at each circuit as a result.<\/p>\n The only circuit not to adhere to this race distance is the 260km Monaco Grand Prix, which still takes place over 78 laps of the Principality.<\/p>\n