As complaints about the increasing number of GPs on the calendar grow, Stefano Domenicali wanted to send a clear message to the drivers.
The 2024 Formula 1 season will be remembered as the longest ever, with teams and drivers having circumnavigated the globe as many as 24 times in about nine months. In addition to the already demanding race weekends, flight hours, off-track activities, events with sponsors and fans, and promotional activities are all factors to consider and that will inevitably impact not only the psycho-physical health of the drivers but of the entire circus.
An overly extreme calendar?
Recently, several drivers have highlighted the extremization of a Formula 1 that increasingly aims to expand overseas and to include more and more races in the calendar, but what will be the limit before reaching a point of no return?
On this issue, the chief executive officer of the premier motorsport class, Stefano Domenicali, spoke to Sky Sports, taking the opportunity to send a very specific message to the drivers: “I talk to them. If you want to drive, you can do it every day. If you don’t want to drive in Formula 1, it’s not mandatory.” – he pointed out.
“I believe that 24 GPs is an optimal number with the events we have so far. The good news this year, which I took on as a sort of responsibility from the teams and promoters, from everyone, was to announce the calendar much earlier than we normally do to allow everyone to be prepared.” – the former Ferrari team principal explained.
“Of course, it was another step towards regionalizing the calendar. We can’t do it completely, but I believe we have taken the right step, so I am very pleased.” It’s a matter of respect for the fans. They want to see them race and it’s something that, once again, is the responsibility of all our fans, our partners, our promoters, our sponsors, our broadcasters, everyone.” – the Formula 1 CEO continued.
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“It’s the magic of the sport we live in. We need heroes who enjoy what they do. I’m sure they are having fun.”
Formula 1 has worked hard this year to try to group the races by continent, thereby reducing flight hours and very long journeys, while obviously always considering the sustainability factor.
The next Formula 1 season will also see 24 races scheduled, with Melbourne returning to open the season, while Abu Dhabi, as now customary, will represent the closing event.
Source: f1ingenerale
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