F1 News

F1 CEO looks to American fans: 'Racing in the afternoon is not an option'

F1 CEO looks to American fans: 'Racing in the afternoon is not an option'

01-04-2022 12:31 Last update: 14:54
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GPblog.com

Last Thursday night, Formula 1 announced that they will host no less than three races in America in 2023. The race in Austin has been on the calendar since 2012, while this year will be the first time we race in Miami. Starting next year Las Vegas will also be part of the F1 calendar.

It's a good development according to F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali. The race differs from the other Grands Prix on the calendar as the drivers will actually race on Saturday night instead of the usual Sunday. Domenicali told Sky Sports more about that decision.

Racing on Sunday not an option

"I think that is a perfect time and a perfect slot for that event in this context." For European fans it will be a less perfect time, as they will have to wake up around 5 AM in the morning to watch the race in Las Vegas. F1 reportedly made this decision because the American public is often watching sports on Saturday night and does so much less on Sunday.

According to Domenicali, it would also be wrong for European fans to host the race at a "normal" time, such as earlier in the day on Saturday. "Formula 1 cannot be static. To have a race on Saturday at 3pm, that would be a total mistake. That is the reason why we are flexible, we are showing that's the right moment to have the best show in this context," the F1 CEO concluded.