Fernando Alonso Rejects F1 Race Shortening Proposals by CEO Domenicali

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has proposed shortening race lengths and increasing sprint weekends to cater to younger fans who prefer highlights over full events, citing shorter attention spans. Domenicali also suggested reducing practice sessions and even introducing reverse grids as potential changes to enhance weekend action. However, two-time world champion Fernando Alonso strongly disagrees, arguing that the issue lies with society's attention spans rather than the sport itself, and believes shortening races would harm the natural strategic depth and excitement of Formula 1. Alonso pointed out that longer races allow for strategic variations and recovery opportunities, which short sprints lack, and he even proposed reintroducing refueling as a better way to increase race intrigue. While Domenicali sees these changes as a gradual maturation process respecting tradition, Alonso warns that overly shortening races risks losing important aspects of the sport's appeal. The debate illustrates the tension between evolving Formula 1 for new audiences and preserving its established format valued by longtime fans and drivers.