Fernando Alonso has responded to the proposal by Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali to shorten Formula 1 races. According to the Italian, the current Grands Prix are ‘a bit too long’ for younger viewers. However, Alonso does not agree with Domenicali’s idea to adjust the current length of Grands Prix: ‘We don’t shorten football matches, do we?’
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has grand plans to further change Formula 1. The Italian was already present in 2021 when the first sprint races were held, and now wants to take the next step for the sprint format. Not only does Domenicali propose to organize more sprint races during a season, but he also wants to make the shortened sessions more exciting through potential reverse starting grids.
Proposal to Shorten Grands Prix
The Italian CEO is considering shortening the Grands Prix. The fan base of the premier class is becoming increasingly younger. According to the CEO, these new viewers are only interested in the highlights, as he explained in Monza. Although Lando Norris is in favor of more sprint weekends, which he finds ‘very enjoyable’, the Italian believes that a shortened race would actually be counterproductive for the excitement. “I don’t think short races would work,” the rookie shared in Monza. “Currently, during some races, the teams don’t make more than one pit stop. We would have to introduce a lot of new rules to prevent only one-stoppers in shortened races.”
‘Problem with Society’
Fernando Alonso agrees with his young colleague that shortened races are not a good idea. “By the time the changes are implemented, I’ll probably be watching from my TV,” jokes the 44-year-old Spaniard. “Personally, I don’t think there are problems with the sport, but Stefano obviously knows better.” Despite Alonso’s complete trust in the Italian CEO, the Spaniard raises a caveat about the proposal for shorter races. “When I watch a football match, I don’t concentrate for ninety minutes straight. But we don’t shorten those matches. I think the lack of concentration is more a problem with our society in general.”
