Formula 1 president Stefano Domenicali denies practice could be dropped; F1 boss says practice here to stay but that it would be “wrong” not to consider changes; watch Australian GP Qualifying live on Sky Sports F1 at 6am on Saturday, build-up from 5.15am
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has denied claims he wants to scrap practice sessions.
Domenicali made headlines ahead of the Australian Grand Prix when he told Portuguese TV he was “a supporter of the cancellation of free practice sessions”.
The Italian clarified his comments while speaking to Sky Sports F1 on Friday, suggesting his words had been blown out of proportion.
Domenicali, who took over as F1 CEO in 2021, said: “As always, when you’re talking about an ant, it’s becoming an elephant.
“I was just focusing on the fact that I was enjoying these sprint races – I didn’t say anything new. Of course, there needs to be the time for practice.
“The people are coming to see performance and the more that you give the teams and drivers the chance to see who they are, the better it is for the show.
“On the other hand, we need to give rookies time for them to practice, so always there needs to be a balance.”
Watch a wide-ranging interview between Domenicali and Sky Sports F1’s Martin Brundle
Domenicali says it would be “wrong” not to think about making changes to engage the growing audience.
He added: “We have to consider that we are just at the start of an incredible period for the sport, and it’s really very strong.
“It’s not because we don’t respect the traditions, we respect the old way of thinking of our weekend, but it would be wrong not to think about it.”
A number of drivers narrowly avoided crashing as opening practice was halted at the Australian Grand Prix
Domenicali was speaking after an eventful first practice at the Australian Grand Prix, in which Max Verstappen led Lewis Hamilton, before Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso topped a rain-affected second practice.
Friday saw 120,000 fans in attendance at the Albert Park circuit in Melbourne.
Watch the Australian Grand Prix live on Sky Sports F1 with lights out at 6am on Sunday April 2. Get Sky Sports