Formula 1, which has enjoyed tremendous popularity in recent years, is facing stagnation in its growth. As fans attracted by Netflix’s Drive to Survive series begin to lose interest, Formula 1 is exploring new strategies to retain this younger audience. One such idea, proposed by Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali during media discussions ahead of the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, is to shorten race durations.
Domenicali explained that younger viewers tend to lose interest during longer races and prefer watching only the highlights.
“We’re seeing on many of our channels that highlights do very well,”
he said. He added that while longtime fans are satisfied with the current race format, a sizable portion of the audience prefers condensed key moments. Domenicali also emphasized the need to evolve, stating,
“Things are going very well today, but precisely for that reason we must not rest on our laurels. We need to think about the next step.”
Concerns Raised by Drivers and Fans Over Shortening Races
While the desire to engage younger viewers is understandable, the suggestion to shorten races has sparked strong opposition from veteran drivers and dedicated fans alike. Critics warn that catering too heavily to short attention spans could alienate the sport’s loyal following. With the rise of platforms like TikTok and Instagram reels influencing content consumption, there is a risk that once these trends fade, Formula 1 could lose its longstanding supporters permanently.
Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso voiced his disapproval of the idea. He remarked,
“I will be in front of the TV when that happens, so, I don’t know. I don’t think it’s a problem with the sport, so probably it’s not needed to change.”
Comparing Formula 1 races to football matches, Alonso pointed out that while football games can feel long, viewers often take breaks during matches without issue. He continued,
“But no one is talking about having 60-minute football matches or something like that. It’s a problem of the society and the kids, but not the sport, so probably it’s not needed to change.”
Many fans took to social media platforms to express their frustrations as well. One user on X highlighted the contradiction in prioritizing bite-sized clips over full race content, stating,
“You know what else is popular? When a racing series’ YouTube channel uploads FULL RACES, whether it’s from years ago or just the past week.”
They added,
“This obsession with trying to make the entire weekend nothing but TikTok highlights is what’s *actually* putting fans off the sport…”
Another fan questioned the rationale behind the proposed changes:
“Does everyone have ADHD? F1 races are not too long. And if you are a Motorsport fan, why would you want shorter races? I don’t get it. Spend all that money and you are in a rush? Talking about the same fans that started watching F1 because of Netflix?”
Balancing Growth with Tradition in Formula 1’s Future
Formula 1’s recent surge in viewership has brought financial and global benefits, largely fueled by attracting new fans through storytelling and digital engagement. However, this debate around race shortening reveals a deeper tension between innovation and tradition. As Formula 1 considers modifying its race format to appeal more to a fleeting younger audience, it must weigh this against the potential risk of alienating the sport’s core base, who have supported racing through decades.
The outcome of this discussion could have lasting implications for Formula 1. If shortened races are introduced, the sport might secure short-term engagement gains but face backlash from diehard fans and drivers who value race endurance and strategy. Alternatively, maintaining longer races preserves the sport’s identity but challenges Formula 1 to find new ways to connect with younger viewers without compromising its roots. The conversation is ongoing, and the coming months will reveal how Formula 1 navigates this critical crossroads.
