The demand to host F1 is higher than ever and, with state‑backed circuits willing to pay exorbitant sums of money, Domenicali rejected calls for what are considered classic meetings to be ring-fenced as integral to the history and appeal of the sport. Domenicali was speaking before this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix which has featured in 66 years of the F1 world championship since it began in 1950 and is adored by drivers and fans but remains in discussions to be a host beyond this year. Domenicali insisted he believed the calendar should not rise above 24 meetings – the number that next season is expected to reach and the sport’s current cap as agreed with the teams. “You can be assured these places will always be part of the discussions for the future,” he said. “Monza will be a celebration this year of the 100th anniversary of the Italian Grand Prix but as an Italian I always say to them: ‘History is not enough. Domenicali insisted that financial imperatives would not dictate the sport’s decisions.

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