Formula One Group chief executive Stefano Domenicali says he has no regrets about turning his back on a Sydney bid to steal the Australian Grand Prix, after the success of last year’s event in Melbourne and what’s anticipated for this weekend.
More than 419,000 people attended the grand prix at Albert Park last year and outgoing Australian Grand Prix Corporation chief Andrew Westacott said they’re looking to smash that record this weekend, forecasting between 440,000 and 450,000 across Thursday to Sunday.
Stefano Domenicali says he absolutely made the right decision locking in Melbourne over Sydney for the grand prix.Credit:Arsineh Houspian
Domenicali said the threat was real from Sydney, but ultimately, his decision to lock in Victoria as the home state for the grand prix until 2037 has been justified.
“We had a very important offer from Sydney to have the grand prix, and that was dealt in a very, very professional way,” Domenicali said on Wednesday, after speaking at the SportNXT conference.
“At the end of the day, it was not an easy decision, but all in all, it was for the best of Formula 1, and we are very happy and proud to have that agreement with Melbourne because what has been done in the last few decades has proven to be very strong and successful.”
Asked how close Sydney got to succeeding in its bid, Domenicali said: “Close or not close, when you are second, you are second.
“With respect of course, it was done in a great way. They were very serious and did an incredible job [with their pitch],” he added.
Westacott says the long-term deal gives motorsport not only security, but the chance to experiment and make the grand prix even bigger.
Domenicali and Westacott have discussed a night grand prix in Melbourne, and the Italian manager appears open to the idea.
“We’ve discussed about it. Why not? It’s a matter of investment,” he said.
“It could be attractive. When you’re planning for so long, you can really think what is the best to create new products. You never know.
“It would be important to understand the implications.”
But Westacott believed the Sunday afternoon grand prix fitted best in the lifestyle of Melburnians.
“Because of the attractiveness that each single city provides and contributes to the championship, Melbourne’s place as an afternoon race on a Sunday works beautifully. But you never say never in Formula 1,” he said.
Andrew Westacott (right) says he sees Albert Park as the long-term home for the grand prix in Victoria.Credit:Arsineh Houspian
Whether the Australian Grand Prix could return to opening the season remains a constant debate, with Domenicali saying he could continue to try and make the championship as efficient as possible, while he maintained his stance that he would love to one day see female drivers at Formula 1 level.
“I think it will take time, years,” he said.
“I would like to see it. I’m 58, I really hope we can do it.
“You need to invest in growing the quantity and interest in racing, and then in the quantity you have the talent to express herself in the right way.”
As for the venue, Westacott said he hoped Albert Park long remained the home of the grand prix in Victoria.
“The decision in the future is for others, but we’ve always been committed to Albert Park,” he said.
“It’s a destination city. We’re four kilometres from the CBD.
“The attraction is for new fans to come along because they can jump on a tram in our city and be at the circuit in 20 minutes to see something they’ve never experienced before, and when they experience it, they say, ‘I’m going to come back this year.’
“Last year’s event did two things, I believe. It showed that Melbourne delivers on the global stage, which is important. You cannot ever rest on your laurels in Formula 1, whether you’re a team or a promoter or a partner.
“But it also showed the government the Victorian people love major events and when they’re delivered to the greatest standard, then they’re very, very good for the city.”
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