F1 plotting big changes to race weekends

Formula 1's management is considering shorter races and "sudden-death situations" in an attempt to curb falling television audiences. An initiative called F1 Fan Voice has been launched as Liberty media looks to gather opinions on the future of sport from the sport's supporters.

F1 CEO Chase Carey recently revealed that television audiences were waning, although he put that down partly to the retirement of Felipe Massa causing Brazilian fans to switch off.

As more and more countries' coverage of F1 switches to pay-TV models, it will be difficult to raise audiences without some serious innovation.

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A recent report in Auto Motor und Sport claimed that Saturday print races were under consideration to shake up the F1 weekend, as well as abolishing the third practice session, and sporting director Steve Nielsen says every idea will be welcomed.

"There are some fundamental questions being asked, of all of us, as well as fans," Nielsen said.

"For example, we're asking about what kind of weekend format we should be pursuing; how much free practice should there be; how many races should we have; should there be more than one Formula 1 race on a weekend, what should qualifying be? We have our own ideas but we want to gauge opinion, as many opinions as possible.

"Viewing figures were declining. There has been an improvement but Formula 1 needs to change to engage with a wider audience.

"There are many people under the age of 30 for whom Formula 1 is of little interest. We need to retain the core values of the sport, while at the same time appealing to a younger audience. If we neglect that the sport will be in trouble.

"It is a difficult line to walk but that is what we have to do. Perhaps that does mean shorter race, or slightly less free practice, more sudden-death situations.

"People engage with sport in a lot of different ways and they don't necessarily want to give up a Sunday afternoon or a Saturday afternoon to do it. So every idea has to be on the table."