2a5be6e5d8d0b39cb989aed49359a4a844f8817a

F1 looking at NFL Draft-type event

17:56, 05 May 2018

byJake Williams-Smith

Formula One's owners Liberty Media have said they are looking at creating an NFL inspired event during the winter months that would attract new fans to Formula One. The current winter break lasts from the end of November to March but Liberty are looking at changing that.

Chase Carey says an event like the NFL Draft that occurs during their offseason attracts a large audience and that a similar event for Formula One could be a possibility in the future.

"One of the ambitions we have is to figure out how we make this sport something that engages the fans 12 months a year. But it doesn't mean we will race that long, our season is not going to go 12 months.

"One example would be the NFL, which is not playing right now but they just had the NFL Draft. That is a big event. They have created events that are interesting for fans even when they are not in the season.

"So I think for us, we would like to determine – how do we create more interesting things for fans, whether it is unique competition or unique events, or things that are around the sport that continue to build interest and enable fans to engage more?

"The 21 races that we have will always be the highest profile, but we think we can do other things that enable fans to connect with the sport.

"We have a pretty full season – our season goes from March to the end of November so it is a long season, and we have to recognise that there is a lot of wear and tear on that season.

"But I would say we think it would be a good thing to find ways to engage fans in the sport. It may not be a competition on track, it may be other aspects of the sport, but there are some unique ideas for various forms of competition that we are engaged with and talking to various parties about."