Domenicali: Potential for F1 to expand to 30 races a year!

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Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali sees a potential for Grand Prix racing's calendar to expand to a whopping 30 races in the future.

The sport is set for a record-breaking 23 races this season, or just one event short of the 24-race limit set by F1's current Concorde Agreement that runs until 2025.

But based on the growing interest in F1 expressed by promoters from all over the world, Domenicali says the sport could expand to a 30-race season, although it's highly unlikely that such a massive calendar would ever come to pass, with teams already struggling to cope with F1's current agenda.

Speaking to Sky F1's Martin Brundle, Domenicali alluded to a third race in the U.S. – likely in Las Vegas – and to an added presence in China as probable areas of expansion, but the Italian also pinpointed Africa as a market showing a lot of interest in F1.

"On top of America, on top of China, I think there is a potential also to be in Africa soon," he said.

"There is a lot of interest there. For sure that's another area that so far is missing in the geography of our calendar.

"I think there is potential to go to 24. I would say there is potential to go to 30! In terms of the interest we see all around the world.

"It is up to us to try to find the right balance considering what are the venues which would like to be in F1, what are the historical values we need to see on the calendar."

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In Bahrain last weekend, Domenicali admitted that some events currently on F1's schedule whose contracts are up for renewal at the end of the year could lose their spot in the future.

"There are some promoters who have expiring agreements, and probably some of the current grands prix will no longer be part of the calendar," he said.

"We need to be balanced, we need to see what are the other opportunities. And very soon we are going to tell everyone what is our strategy to develop that market."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.