Formula 1 Commercial Director Sean Bratches expects a number of city-based races to join the calendar in the future, as the sport looks to benefit from a model similar to that used in Formula E.
The former ESPN Executive has vowed a different approach will be taken regarding future race contracts, insisting the success of a proposal will be based on the value it brings to the sport rather than the financial benefit, which was a criticism many had of former CEO Bernie Ecclestone.
However, since the arrival of Formula E three years ago, the success of the street-based races in that series has changed the game for countries looking to boost their profile by holding motorsport events as they provide the same benefits without the huge cost of building the ultra-modern facilities that F1 has grown accustomed to in the last 20 years.
“I don’t think you’re going to have too many more purpose-built tracks built,” Bratches told Motorsport.com looking forward. “We’re going to have an apportionment between city tracks, heritage tracks, and purpose-built.
“The next objective is to put our shoulders behind more city races as we think that’s a very attractive proposition from our perspective,” he continued. “Our strategy [is] hosting races where you can activate large fan bases, particularly in city centres.
“I think it’s representative of the brand and what people are trying to do locally for fans, drive visibility and scope for their business. We are very anxious to maximise the opportunities of these Grands Prix.”
It is thought Liberty is willing to maximise the full allowance of 25 races in a season currently permitted by the Concorde Agreement with eyes on expansion in America and other key markets.
Looking at where the remaining races could be, Bratches revealed there is certainly no shortage of interest.
“In the seven months I’ve been in this job I’ve probably had about 40 countries, cities, municipalities, principalities approach me about interest in hosting a Formula 1 race,” he said. “Which is extremely encouraging!”
With such mass interest, however, does come the likelihood of several current races being dropped with Commercial boss admitting: “I think as we look at the apportionment of races by region, you’re going to see some fallout, and some added.”
There have been concerns that an expanded calendar could be too much for some teams financially and put too much workload onto their staff, however, Liberty does have plans to try and address that.
“Right now we’re jumping all over the globe with no thoughtful cadence,” he claimed. “In an ideal world, and forget the order, but you’d have kind of the first third of the races in Europe, the second third in the Americas, and the last tranche in Asia.
“What that does is allow you create efficiencies in terms of travelling this circus,” he pointed out. “Creating efficiencies is I think a big opportunity.”