Formula One Group chief executive Stefano Domenicali says turning his back on Sydney was the right move despite an “incredible” pitch from the New South Wales capital.
Last year, the Victoria State Government announced a two-year extension to the 10-year deal they struck earlier in 2022, keeping the Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park until 2037.
After a 24-month break because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the annual race returned to the Victorian capital last year and drew a record crowd of 419,000. According to reports, that figure is expected to exceed 440,000 this year.
Watch the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix 2023 Live and ad-break free in racing on Kayo Sports this Sunday April 2 3:00PM AEDT. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
Speaking at the SportNXT conference on Wednesday, Domenicali confessed denying Sydney’s pitch was “not an easy decision”, but asserted that backing Melbourne was the right call.
“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.
“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.
“With respect of course, it was done in a great way. (Sydney) were very serious and did an incredible job.
“The decision in the future is for others, but we’ve always been committed to Albert Park.
“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.”
PIASTRI ‘RELAXED’ AHEAD OF HOME RACE
Former Australian F1 driver Mark Webber says rising star Oscar Piastri is feeling “relaxed” ahead of his maiden race on home soil, claiming the 21-year-old wasn’t feeling any added pressure.
Piastri is yet to register a point in F1, but turned heads with an impressive qualifying session in Saudi Arabia earlier this month, progressing through to Q3.
Webber, who manages Piastri, said the McLaren driver has not needed any advice about how to handle his Australian Grand Prix debut.
“It’s a tremendous moment for him to race here,” Webber told the Herald Sun.
“He’s looking forward to it, he is very relaxed. It’s one race of 23 on the calendar, it’s a home race, of course, but he is looking forward to getting the paddock and starting work.
“I don’t think (he is feeling extra pressure). Once the helmet is on and he’s in the car and he’s driving around the track, he wants a result at every single circuit around the world, no matter if it’s Bahrain, or Saudi (Arabia) or here or Imola.
“He doesn’t need any (advice from me). He is very much looking forward to the weekend.”
Webber and compatriot Daniel Ricciardo both scored points in the Australian GP debut, placing fifth and ninth respectively, and Piastri will be hoping to continue that trend this weekend.
An Australian has featured on the grid for the Melbourne race every year since 2002, but no local driver has ever stood on an Australian GP podium.
Webber, meanwhile, would not be drawn on comparisons with Piastri’s McLaren teammate Lando Norris.
“We’re not here to make comparisons with Lando,” Webber said.
“Oscar is doing his own thing, staying in his lane and working hard with the team.”
THURSDAY SCHEDULE
10.30am – 11.30am: Porsche Carrera Cup Practice 1
11.25am – 11.55am: Supercars Practice 1
12.30am – 1am: Porsche Carrera Cup Qualifying
1.15pm – 1.45pm: Supercars Practice 2
1.55pm – 2.25pm: Shannons Historic Demonstration
2.45pm – 3pm: Supercars Qualifying (Race 1)
3.10pm – 3.25pm: Supercars Qualifying (Race 2)
4.45pm – 5.25pm: Porsche Carrera Cup Race 1
5.40pm – 6.30pm: Supercars Race 1
HOW TO WATCH
The entire Australian Grand Prix, including every practice, qualifying and race, can be watched live and ad-break free on Foxtel and streaming platform Kayo.
Sunday’s race will be broadcast free-to-air on Channel 10 and streaming service 10 Play.
