Since 2021, the year of the Lewis Hamilton vs. Max Verstappen duel culminating in the final lap of the season’s last race, Formula 1 has entered a new phase, marked by ever-increasing interest.
The pinnacle racing series has opened doors to markets that had remained untouched until then, despite the efforts made by previous management of the premier open-wheel motorsport championship.
This has led to the expansion of the calendar, which will feature a whopping 24 Grand Prix races in 2024. Liberty Media, the commercial rights holder, is seeking to capitalize on this interest to boost revenues. The increase in seasonal races is part of this strategy, particularly when placed in countries like the United States.
Austin, Miami, and Las Vegas, a trio that would have been difficult to predict just a few years ago, have joined Formula 1, and the interest and anticipation are becoming more fervent.
Expectations are one thing, but fatigue cannot be disregarded. Reigning world champion Max Verstappen has already sounded the alarm about next season’s calendar. 24 Grand Prix races are a tremendous burden and, in the long run, could lead him to bid farewell to Formula 1 much earlier than he had anticipated.
In recent days, Charles Leclerc has also stood beside the Dutchman, supporting his theory. “24 GPs, but not more,” responded the Ferrari driver when asked by Motorsport.com what he thinks about a calendar with so many races.
Show your support for Scuderia Ferrari with official merchandise collection! Click here to enter the F1 online Store and shop securely! And also get your F1 tickets for every race with VIP hospitality and unparalleled insider access. Click here for the best offers to support Charles and Carlos from the track!
“A part of me understands it. It’s not easy when you put yourself in Formula 1’s shoes. We have a sport that is expanding rapidly, and it’s fantastic to have it. We are very fortunate to be living in a period of such high interest in our category. At the same time, it seems like it’s becoming too much. Not for us drivers, because we have a pretty good life. And I think the drivers who complain probably don’t realize that the mechanics, engineers, and logistics personnel are here three days before us and leave two days after. I believe it’s too much for them.”
According to the current F1 commercial agreement, the maximum number of races in a season is indeed 24. However, the Concorde Agreement is up for renewal in 2026, and by then, things might change.
Continuing his analysis of the current situation, Charles Leclerc emphasizes that Grand Prix races will lose their significance if there are too many of them. GPs should be akin to the Olympics: they wouldn’t be special if they were held every year. Similarly, races wouldn’t hold the same importance if they occurred every weekend.
“I’m happy every time I get into the car, but I think a Grand Prix should still be something unique. And I believe if there were a Grand Prix every weekend, you’d probably lose a bit of that special feeling you get every time you participate in a race,” concluded the Ferrari driver.
Leave a Reply