Domenicali advocates 'flexible approach' with F1 2021 calendar

Stefano Domenicali took office as CEO of the Group F1 on January 1, 2021 to replace Chase Carey, whose record we can once again salute after 4 years at the helm. 

The files on the former team principal's desk Ferrari are not lacking but the most pressing naturally concerns the progress of the 2021 season, at a time when the Covid-19 pandemic is not weakening with the appearance of new particularly contagious strains. 

The Australian GP, ​​which was to open the 2021 financial year on March 21, has already been postponed to November 21. A wise decision when we see the organizational difficulties encountered by those responsible for the Australian Tennis Open… 

Recently, unfounded rumors have reported a threat to the maintenance of urban events such as Monaco, Baku, or even Montreal. Noises immediately brushed aside by F1 and the promoters concerned. Still, the tense health situation offers no guarantees. 

« We are, and I am personally, in daily contact with all the organizers, Domenicali said in an exclusive interview with Martin Brundle on Sky Sports F1, his first in his new role. The pandemic is still here and we are well aware of it. 

This is also why the Australian meeting has already been moved. So far, the information we have suggests that the planned program can take place. 
 
Naturally, we must be flexible enough and recognize that some events at the start of the season could take place behind closed doors or in front of a limited audience. But I can assure you that our fans really want the season to happen. We have a commitment to keep and must have a flexible approach ». 

• Towards a rotating calendar in the future?

In addition to the Melbourne date change, the Chinese GP has been postponed indefinitely and will only take place in the event of further withdrawal. The Shanghai event was replaced by a return to Imola, while Portimão, which excited drivers and teams last year, should also return, replacing Vietnam. 

Domenicali says F1 “ has alternatives » in case other rounds were to be canceled. We can think of tracks like the Nürburgring (Germany) or Mugello (Italy), which were included in the 2020 program during the year, and met with great success.  

Despite global uncertainty, F1 still aims to contest 23 races, a number " very high » recognizes Domenicali, who is not against the idea of ​​a rotation of events in the future. 

« Some will say there are too many dates, added the one who has been watching over the destiny of Lamborghini in recent years. Others will have no problem with it. In my eyes, the equation will be resolved if we manage to put on a show on the track. We could return to a smaller number of GPs with the possibility of rotating the circuits for the same Grand Prix ». 

The 2021 season will begin in Bahrain from March 26 to 28. The Sakhir circuit is also expected to host winter testing from March 12 to 14, replacing Barcelona. 

F1 Calendar 2021

March 28: Bahrain (Sakhir)
April 18: Emilia-Romagna (Shanghai)
May 2: To be confirmed (probably Portimão)
May 9: Spain (Barcelona) 
May 23: Monaco (Monte-Carlo)
June 6: Azerbaijan (Baku)
June 13: Canada (Montreal)
June 27: France (Le Castellet)
July 4: Austria (Spielberg)
July 18: Great Britain (Silverstone)
August 1: Hungary (Budapest)
August 29: Belgium (Spa-Francrochamps)
September 5: Netherlands (Zandvoort)
September 12: Italy (Monza)
September 26: Russia (Sochi)
October 3: Singapore (Marina Bay)
October 10: Japan (Suzuka)
October 24: United States (Austin)
October 31: Mexico (Mexico City)
November 7: Brazil (São Paulo)
November 21: Australia (Melbourne)
December 5: Saudi Arabia (Jeddah)
December 12: Abu Dhabi (Yas Marina)