Would F1 prove how to reconcile ecology, technology and economy? Be that as it may, if the sport is very attractive today, both for the promoters of the circuits and for the manufacturers (cf. the arrival of Audi), it is thanks to a productive alliance between these three elements, if we summarize the point of view Stefano Domenicali, held in front of investors recently.
To first explain why F1 attracts so many promoters – the demand for Grands Prix exceeding the number of places existing on the calendar – Stefano Domenicali underlines all the added value that cities can derive from F1.
And Domenicali to take precisely the example of Mexico City.
“We have announced a record 24-race calendar for next year, with the renewal of our contract with Monaco, where we have a three-year agreement to keep this iconic race on the calendar; we have also concluded the renewal of the agreement for Mexico City, a three-year agreement, which underlines the value that F1 brings to all cities. »
“For example, between 2015 and 2021, the Mexico City Grand Prix generated $2.4 billion in economic activity and created 57,000 jobs. »
“The economic benefit that F1 has brought to Mexico City since 2015 has been incredible. This highlights the value our sport can bring to cities around the world. »
“This kind of demand means that in the calendar, our Grand Prix slots are very coveted. »
Promoters, says Stefano Domenicali, are also very attracted by the possibility of organizing sprint races – which attract more sponsors.
“In addition, we will increase the number of sprint races in 2023, which will increase to 6 against 3 currently. These events are in high demand by our promoters and provide additional sponsorship opportunities and value to our broadcast partners. We will announce the locations of these events soon. »
Audi convinced by ecology
As for ecology, it is also an argument for F1 to be attractive.
Stefano Domenicali is the spokesperson for Audi and recalls that if the German manufacturer wanted to enter F1, it was after validating the sustainability strategy of F1, for the post-2026 period with the new power unit 100% sustainable fuels.
“We were delighted to announce that Audi will join Formula 1 in 2026. It has chosen Sauber as its strategic partner and plans to take a stake in the Sauber Group, which will compete as a de facto team from 2026. »
“Formula 1 represents a global stage for the Audi brand, which sees the high performance and competition of our sport as a driver of innovation and technology. Audi was also attracted to F1 because of our focus on sustainability and efficiency, which will help it achieve its own sustainability goals. It also shows the growing value of the teams in the current environment, thanks to the stability brought by the new regulations and the growth of the sport, which everyone in F1 continues to benefit from. »
The F2 and the F3, concludes Stefano Domenicali, will also join this ecological effort with an important and imminent innovation.
“And finally, to continue our progress towards carbon neutrality, Formula 2 and Formula 3 have announced a partnership with Aramco to develop a sustainable fuel for 2023. This is an important step towards achieving a fuel 100% sustainable by 2026, which will be a requirement of all FIA championships. »