“Sold to the Americans”: F1 Fans Infuriated as Stefano Domenicali Picks up NASCAR’s Tactics to Make It More Marketable All Over the World

A very weak argument against Formula 1 has always prevailed. The unfathomable narrative is that F1 cannot be considered a true “sport”. Be that as it may, the realities of the sport dictate differently. In reality, F1 is one of the most physically draining endeavors a man can take. Only the G-forces a driver pulls undergoes in a single corner can defeat the untrained pilot. Drivers like Max Verstappen know this. This is exactly why fans must acknowledge the physical demands of the sport, and everyone else involved with F1.

As far as Formula 1 Management is concerned, the time for expansion is now. Hence, a new report has emerged that has supposedly revealed F1’s CEO, Stefano Domenicali, and commercial rights holders, Liberty Media plans for the future. The report suggests that “Liberty and Domenicali are thinking about expanding the F1 calendar despite the current Concorde agreement established with the teams. A proposal has already been sent to the teams and Domenicali wants to have 25 races on the 2024 F1 calendar.” 

This news has been met with a lot of criticism. And the reason is very simple. Even now, with 23 races on the calendar, the drivers and other paddock regulars have been speaking out. But the idea to host a whopping 25 races in one year is something no one wants to see, for the sake of the drivers and interests of the sport.

Fans react as F1 threatens Max Verstappen’s patience with an absurd plan for the future

In the past, 2x champion, and arguably F1’s current crown jewel, has also spoken out against such plans. While hinting at rebelling, PlanetF1 quoted him as saying, “Not because I do not like it, but because it will be too busy. I think it is important to be able to have a life outside of Formula 1,” when asked about F1’s plans to expand the calendar back in 2020.

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Now, fans fear for the drivers and Verstappen’s future in the sport with this news in mind. One fan even commented, “F1 sold to the Americans. Americans have NASCAR with 36 races a season. When you think 25 is too much, well let’s see.” Let’s take a look at just a few of the fan reactions to F1’s latest master plan.

Driver safety is one aspect, but the drivers have also pointed out that F1 can lose its main selling point if they go ahead with this plan.

Naturally, since this news has emerged, Domenicali has been catching a lot of flak from fans online.

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On which side of the fence do you stand, with regard to F1’s plan to expand the calendar?