F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has defended changes being made to the sport's calendar. The schedule has continued to evolve in recent years, with new tracks – such as the incoming Las Vegas circuit for 2023 – being added, while some older venues find themselves at risk of losing their spot. Amongst the venues that face uncertainty over their future are the Circuit Paul Ricard in France, as well as Belgium's historic Spa-Francorchamps. The sport has also come under scrutiny for visiting countries where human rights have been called into question, with Lewis Hamilton having previously spoken out about his concerns.
Domenicali denies "selling the soul" of F1
In response to any criticisms of the calendar changes, Domenicali has denied that the developments are damaging the sport. "I am not selling the soul of Formula 1," Domenicali told German publication Bild . "That is the normal change. We are opening up to the whole world." The Formula 1 boss has acknowledged that money is an important aspect of the decisions made, but stresses that this is not the only factor taken into consideration. "Money is important everywhere. For us too," he added. "But we don't just look at it, the whole package has to be right. If we only looked at the bank account, the racing calendar would definitely look different."
Will Germany make a return to the calendar?
F1 has added new locations in recent times, such as the inaugural Miami Grand Prix earlier in the 2022 season. One country that has been absent from the calendar since 2020 is Germany, and Domenicali has suggested that the prospects of a return in 2023 are not promising. "If I don't make a call, I see and hear little [about it]," he said. However, the Italian has not ruled out a comeback for Hockenheim or the Nurburgring in the future. "I would like us to return," Domenicali concluded.
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