Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has hinted at significant changes to the weekend format for the 2024 season, as the sport’s stakeholders explore various proposals aimed at making F1 even more appealing to fans and sustainable for the future.
Domenicali expressed a willingness to consider alterations to the current experimental ‘sprint’ weekend format, which according to rumours include ideas such as reverse grids, sprint race prize money, a separate sprint championship, and more. These proposals are set to be discussed during the upcoming Formula 1 Commission meeting in Abu Dhabi.
“We have our antennas in every direction when it comes to making our sport more attractive,” Domenicali stated. “We have to try out new formats and stay open to everything. This is particularly true when it comes to the topic of sustainability.”
In a bid to enhance sustainability, the FIA, Formula 1, and Pirelli embarked on an experiment involving a reduced tyre allocation per driver during the Hungarian and Monza races in 2023. This experiment featured a modified weekend format that dictated the use of specific tyre compounds in the various segments of qualifying.
The success of this initiative could see it expanded to more races in 2024, or perhaps even implemented for the entire season. Mario Isola, Pirelli F1 boss, highlighted the environmental benefits, stating, “Two sets doesn’t sound like much, but if we can do it over a whole season, we’ll save the production, transport, and recycling of 3,500 tyres.”
While there are still some details to iron out, the overall response from the teams has been positive, with the majority favoring Pirelli’s stance. Andrea Stella, McLaren boss, noted, “I think most of the fans weren’t even aware that there was a different tyre allocation at all. The attractiveness of Formula 1 has not been diminished in any way.”
The proposal to make the tyre allocation experiment a permanent fixture in Formula 1 is expected to be on the agenda during the F1 Commission meeting at the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
