Formula 1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali told reporters that the sport is actively exploring ways to shorten race distances and increase the number of sprint weekends. Speaking to both Autosport and Motorsport.com, Domenicali said the governing body wants to keep the product “dynamic and engaging” as the championship enjoys a historic growth phase.
According to the interviews, the traditional 305‑kilometre race format – which often translates to 1½ to 2 hours of on‑track action – will be reviewed. Domenicali hinted that future Grands Prix could be reduced by roughly 10‑15 percent, bringing average race times closer to the 90‑minute mark. The rationale is to tighten the on‑track narrative, reduce downtime, and make the sport more attractive to broadcasters and digital platforms.
In addition to shorter races, the CEO confirmed that the sprint format – a 100‑kilometre dash that determines the Saturday grid – will become a regular feature on the calendar. While there are currently six sprint events scheduled for 2024, Domenicali indicated that the number could rise to eight or nine in the next few seasons, depending on fan response and logistical feasibility. He stressed that sprint weekends are designed to give fans more competitive action over a three‑day race weekend, rather than the traditional single‑day focus.
For Indian fans, the changes could mean more concise viewing windows and additional live content on platforms like FanCode. A typical race that currently starts at 2 p.m. IST could be trimmed to finish around 4 p.m., freeing up prime‑time slots for other programming. Moreover, with more sprint events, Indian viewers may see extra live sessions on Saturdays, which are already scheduled on FanCode and the official F1 streaming service. The shift also aligns with the growing appetite for shorter, high‑intensity sports content among younger audiences in India.
Domenicali concluded by emphasizing that any adjustments will be data‑driven and involve consultation with teams, drivers, and commercial partners. The aim, he said, is to preserve the sport’s heritage while adapting to modern consumption habits. As the 2024 season progresses, fans can expect official announcements on the exact race‑length reductions and the expanded sprint calendar later this year.
Source: Autosport