F1 CEO Domenicali Addresses Challenges of Joint F1-MotoGP Weekends

F1 CEO Domenicali Addresses Challenges of Joint F1-MotoGP Weekends

Why it matters: Liberty Media's acquisition of MotoGP has sparked speculation about potential joint race weekends with Formula 1. However, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has highlighted significant logistical and operational "complications" that make such an event highly challenging, dampening prospects for a combined motorsport spectacle.

The big picture: Liberty Media, owners of Formula 1, recently completed the takeover of MotoGP's commercial rights. Having successfully steered F1 to unprecedented growth, including record attendance figures (3.9 million fans across 14 races in 2025), Liberty Media aims to apply similar strategies to elevate MotoGP's global appeal. Domenicali has pledged close collaboration with Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta to boost the motorcycle series' popularity.

The details:

• Collaboration, not rivalry: Domenicali emphasized that F1 and MotoGP, both under Liberty Media's umbrella, are "very complimentary" rather than rival series. He stated that the two organizations are already working closely to leverage shared experiences and maximize their collective package.
• Sprint races: MotoGP has already integrated F1-style sprint races into every round of its calendar, a stark contrast to F1's more limited sprint schedule (25% of events).
• Joint event hurdles: Despite enthusiasm from figures like Circuit of the Americas owner Bobby Epstein for a combined F1 and MotoGP weekend, Domenicali outlined multiple obstacles:
  • Venue capacity: F1 events are often already sold out, making it difficult to accommodate another major series.
  • Safety standards: Integrating two distinct racing series on the same circuit would present complex safety challenges.
  • Sponsorship conflicts: Navigating sponsor agreements for a combined event would be intricate.
  • Crowded schedule: F1 weekends already feature extensive support races like F2, F3, and F1 Academy, leaving little room for another premier championship.

What's next: While Liberty Media is committed to using its expertise to enhance MotoGP, fans should not anticipate F1 and MotoGP sharing a race weekend in the near future. The focus will remain on strategic collaboration and individual series growth, with the practicalities of a combined event proving too complicated for now.