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Stefano Domenicali explores shortening Formula 1 grand prix race distances

3 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 4, 2026, 9:53 AM

Last updated Sep 4, 2026

Stefano Domenicali explores shortening Formula 1 grand prix race distances

Summary

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali discussed potential adjustments to the sport’s format during an event at Monza on September 4, 2026. The executive indicated he is not opposed to reducing race distances by a small number of laps to appeal to younger audiences. Domenicali highlighted that the average age of the F1 fan base has shifted from 57 to 34, prompting the organization to evaluate its overall sporting product. While sprint races will remain part of the calendar, they will not be held at more than half of the events. Additionally, Domenicali outlined a desire for lighter vehicles and a transition toward less complex technical solutions for future power units to maintain independence from manufacturer strategies. He emphasized the importance of keeping sustainable fuels as a central component of future car development.

Source Links

Autosport Motorsport.com Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Domenicali suggested reducing grand prix distances by two or three laps.
•F1 average audience age has decreased from 57 to 34 years old.
•Future technical regulations will prioritize lighter cars and sustainable fuels.
•Sprint races will continue but will not occur at more than half of the events.
•The organization seeks to reduce reliance on manufacturer industrial strategies through technical simplification.

Latest Updates

9:53 AMAutosport — Domenicali on shortening races, sprints and F1’s future
9:46 AMMotorsport.com — Stefano Domenicali floats the idea of shortening F1 race distances
9:46 AMYahoo Sports — Stefano Domenicali on shortening races, sprints and F1’s future

What they're saying

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Formula 1 does not want to stop and contemplate the numbers of a particularly positive historical phase. This is the message Stefano Domenicali wanted to reiterate at Monza, ranging from the technical future of the championship to the evolution of the calendar, via the relationship with manufacturers, sprint races and the need to reach an increasingly young audience. “The risk is becoming ...Keep reading
— Autosport

"
Formula 1 does not want to stop and contemplate the numbers of a particularly positive historical phase. This is the message Stefano Domenicali wanted to reiterate at Monza, ranging from the technical future of the championship to the evolution of the calendar, via the relationship with manufacturers, sprint races and the need to reach an increasingly young audience. “The risk is becoming ...Keep reading
— Motorsport.com