In recent discussions surrounding the expanding Formula 1 calendar, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has made his position exceedingly clear, advising caution against increasing the number of races.
With Formula 1 currently hosting 24 grand prix events annually under the Concorde Agreement, a potential expansion to 25, though technically permissible, raises significant concerns. Ben Sulayem claims that adding another race could place considerable strain on both the drivers and the operational teams. He calls for “sensible and logical” decisions when considering adjustments to the calendar.
Currently, the structure of the 2024 F1 calendar maintains a delicate balance. This year saw the return of the Chinese Grand Prix after a hiatus due to COVID-19, among other noteworthy changes like the scheduling adjustments for regional cohesiveness, such as Japan’s race aligning with the cherry blossom season in April. However, as exciting as these developments are, they reveal the logistical challenges that are already in place.
Sulayem commented to Motorsport.com:
Mohammed ben Sulayem, FIA President looks on after the F1 Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia at Jeddah Corniche Circuit on March 09, 2024 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Mohammed Ben Sulayem urges FOM to cap F1 races to 24 per season.
Clive Rose/Getty Images
“You cross a barrier where you need two teams, we can’t have [more].
“Can the drivers take it? I just want to know. Let’s just be sensible and logical about it. Can the drivers take it physically and mentally? This is a question I will ask the drivers. And what about the teams?
“As for the FIA, we cannot do it with this one team. We have to have a rotation of two teams, when it comes to the staff on the ground.”
The F1 Sprint events add another layer of complexity to the current season. With six events scheduled across different circuits. The operational stress extends beyond the FIA’s control, impacting team personnel, family well-being, and work-life balance across the grid.
Driver perspectives resonate loudly amidst these debates. Renowned drivers like Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz have publicly expressed their concerns, noting that the toll on physical and mental health is formidable at the current schedule. Verstappen, in particular, has mentioned the likelihood of reconsidering his future in the sport if the strenuous calendar persists.
However, there is interest from potential new hosts like Rwanda, along with drivers like Lewis Hamilton championing a return to Africa. While new locations enhance the global scope of the sport, they simultaneously stress current frameworks. Other countries such as Argentina and South Korea have also shown considerable interest.
As F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali adheres to a cap of 24 races, Sulayem insisted he has confidence in FOM’s understanding of the implications involved. He added:
“They never came back and said: ‘Oh, we need more.’ No way they did. What they are after is quality and that’s why we have this good relationship with them.
“I mean, I will not stop [them] to go to 25, because it is their right, OK? [In the end] it’s up to them.
“But they are the ones who don’t want to add [more races at the moment]. Because they know that it becomes [a matter] of fatigue then. So they have their own reasons [for keeping the amount of races on 24].”
