Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali says the sport’s calendar will remain capped at 24 races despite more than 35 new venues showing an interest in hosting an event — 11 of which he says are serious contenders.
New events in Miami, Las Vegas, Saudi Arabia and Qatar in the past four years have seen the F1 calendar reach the sport’s self-imposed limit of 24 races.
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According to ESPN sources, new projects that have shown an interest in joining the F1 calendar exist in South Korea, Thailand, China, South Africa, Rwanda, Malaysia, India, New York and Chicago.
Domenicali told ESPN “more than 35” venues had expressed an interest in joining F1, but when asked how many of the 35 were serious contenders, he added: “Eleven — so, they are all realistic.
“No, seriously, the request is very, very big. It is up to us to make the right choices. But the number is set at 24. It will stay 24. Don’t forget that five years ago we were at 17 or 18.
“It was a big step to add more in such a short time, but it is just because the market requires it and we love doing great things together. But 24 is the limit.”
If the cap of 24 remains in place, existing venues would have to make way if new races are added. Domenicali said a provision is in place to protect historic venues in F1, but added that no single circuit has its place guaranteed on the calendar.
“There is a provision that we need to make sure the races need to be respected, but that doesn’t mean there is a duty,” he said. “The world is evolving and the need of everyone to push to be the best is there and nothing is given for granted to anyone.
“Of course, we want to push everyone to improve. That is our objective.”
Despite apparent interest from new venues in the United States, Domenicali ruled out a fourth race in the country.
“It would be wrong to go from one, in Austin, now to three [with Miami and Las Vegas], as well with Montreal, Mexico City and Brazil in the Americas … so already the calendar looks full there.
“I don’t expect to have more races there, to be honest.”
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