Criticism of Formula 1 and in particular Liberty Media and F1 boss Stefano Domenicali has been increasing in recent months. According to many fans, they go purely for money and thus threatens to ruin Formula 1 as a sport.
Formula 1 has been attracting more and more fans in recent years, partly due to the increasing popularity in America where the Netflix series ‘Drive to Survive’ has finally ensured that the Americans have also discovered Formula 1. The fact that Formula 1 with Liberty Media has an American owner also ensures that we see more and more American influences in the sport.
We see more and more new circuits appearing that pay a lot of money and threaten to remove classic circuits such as Spa-Francorchamps from the F1 calendar. It is causing Formula 1 more and more criticism, but whether they will listen to it is questionable.
Many fans suggest that in the short term the sport is going for money and growth, but in the long term the spectacle during the races is in danger of disappearing. Miami, for example, delivered ‘spectacle’ off the track but not on the track and many fans fear that.
There is also criticism that Formula 1 races in countries that do not respect human rights and does so simply because of the many millions that are being paid.
“I don’t sell the soul of Formula 1, this is normal practice, it happens worldwide,” Stefano Domenicali tries to defend his approach.
“Money is important everywhere, including us. However, that is not only important, the entire package has to be right. If we only looked at the financial aspect, the F1 calendar would look completely different,” Domenicali told Sport Bild.
It is striking that there will be no racing in Germany in 2023, but according to Stefano Domenicali, Germany lacks initiative.
“If I don’t call, I hear very little,” said Domenicali. “However, I hope we return there someday.”