Lando Norris and Max Verstappen have joined the chorus of voices expressing concerns over Formula 1‘s grueling schedule, with a record-breaking 24-race calendar in 2024.
The 2024 F1 calendar, boasting the longest schedule in the championship’s history, includes six sprint events, bringing the total to 30 races. Next year’s calendar is set to follow suit with a similar lineup.
Norris voiced his preference for the traditional race format, expressing unease about the toll the extended schedule takes on team members.
“I’d always prefer the old, original race format,” Norris stated. “I do like just going in and having the pressure straightaway. But the main point is just the toll it has on mechanics and engineers. It’s not healthy for them. It is not sustainable.”
Verstappen echoed Norris’s sentiments, acknowledging the benefits of the sprint format while cautioning against overdoing it due to the strain it places on personnel.
“The sprint format was better, I think. But, let’s not overdo it as well,” Verstappen remarked. “We are already doing 24 races a year, six of these sprint events as well. So we take it, you have to deal with it, but let’s not think that now we need 12 of those because it will take its toll on people as well.”
Both drivers emphasized the importance of considering the well-being of team members amidst the demanding schedule, highlighting the need for balance between the sport’s commercial interests and the welfare of its workforce.
Leave a Reply