Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali says he isn’t committed to turning the Australian Grand Prix into a night race despite the benefit it would bring to European TV audiences.
Australian Grand Prix organisers have regularly come under pressure to move their event into the evening to line up with European time zones, particularly during Bernie Ecclestone’s tenure as CEO, when it was often used as a negotiating tactic in contract years.
The prohibitive cost of lighting a racetrack meant requests to move the race were rebuffed.
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However, outgoing Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO Andrew Westacott suggested to Sky Sports earlier this year that Melbourne ought to remain open to a schedule change.
“The preference is in the sunshine,” he said when asked whether he’d like to see the race run at night. “But what I would also say is, as you evolve, the one thing that Victoria does well is innovate in major events.
“Be open-minded is probably the simple answer.”
The comments came after the AGPC agreed to an unprecedented 12-year contract extension, guaranteeing Melbourne the race until at least 2037, leading some to speculate that a time change could have been part of the deal.
Speaking to Melbourne radio station 3AW, F1 CEO Domenicali said that while a night race remained under consideration, he recognised the benefits of keeping the grand prix in the afternoon.
“This year when we were there, there were a lot of people thinking it could be a possibility,” he said. “I think that in terms of TV, for the possibility to be seen in Europe, for example, that can help.
“But on the other hand I would say that to see that beautiful skyline of Melbourne and Albert Park at that time of the day is really very, very nice.”
Domenicali said the race’s reputation had earnt it the opportunity to own its timeslot.
“The beauty of being in Australia is that no matter the time of the race, in Europe, the Far East — wherever it is — there is such an excitement,” he said.
“That’s why we signed such a long-term agreement with Australia and with Melbourne.
“I am really thrilled, and everyone is loving coming to Melbourne for that specific weekend.”
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Melbourne is the most eastwards host city on the F1 calendar, and the race usually takes place during daylight saving time on the east coast, putting the race 11 hours ahead of GMT.
This year’s grand prix started at 3pm in Melbourne, which was 6am in the UK and 7am in western Europe.
Formula 1 has changed considerably in the post-Ecclestone era, and the sport is currently enjoying enormous worldwide growth in popularity.
Domenicali said he recognised maintaining momentum required responding to local needs rather than dictating strategy from head office in London.
“The growth can come only if we are able to capture the attention of the audience,” he said. “If you are using the same language as them, if you are using the narratives.
“It has to be different from place to place, from sensibility to sensibility.
“The only way to make sure that we can grow is to not lose the attention … to understand where the fans are, making sure that we can create the right sport on the track, create great excitement during the event — and I have to say in that respect Melbourne is doing an incredible job.
“That’s the only way I can see use growing all around the world.”
The F1 chief added that the sport had a responsibility to cater to established audiences as well as continue attracting new fans to Formula 1.
“We have the duty from one side to capture their attention and from the other side of course to make sure that we are loyal to our fans that have been following us since beginning of our era,” he said.
“So it is a great moment for all of us, it is true, and it is also great that we can share that all around the world, because we are growing from Australia, from Melbourne, to the US to Europe to the Far East.
“So that is great, and I am very grateful to everyone that is believing in us.”