So, will the future bring 30 races, 24 races, or even 20 races? The answer will be driven by a number of things, including money, the pressure on teams, and the never-ending quest to enhance the sport’s popularity in the States.
There was a very different schedule in the old Formula One days. The season began in late January, continued through the summer, and ended in the United States in October. Eighteen races were on the calendar, and the list grew to 20 races over time.
Well, times have changed, and an expanded schedule with it. There will be three races in the U.S next year, China will be added to the list, and Qatar, a replacement race last year, will now be a permanent fixture.
Courtesy: The Guardian
With all these changes, it has been suggested that F.O.M. (Formula One Management) President Stefano Domenicali might increase the schedule to 30 races in one year. But is this possible? Indeed, the Concorde agreement does not permit this; the total number of races is capped at the mid-twenties.
But what would the calendar be like if Formula One added many more races?
The first problem is travel. With many more races, the teams would have to increase their staff simply because most truckers, media personnel, mechanics, and others would feel burnout. Burnout is managed currently (at least in theory) with the three-week summer break.
But with talk of expansion, there is also the possibility of contraction. Races in France, Belgium, Spain, and Mexico are up for contract renewal, as is Monaco. And there is also the matter of accommodating the increasing popularity of street races. Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, Monaco, Miami (first season in 2022), Las Vegas (in 2023), and Singapore all run. or will soon run, on boulevards.
So, will the future bring 30 races, 24 races, or even 20 races? The answer will be driven by a number of things, including money, the pressure on teams, and the never-ending quest to enhance the sport’s popularity in the States. Domenicali has $$$ in his eye sockets, not the feelings of media members, those who run the circuit, or Formula One teams that must travel to races.
In the end, the answer to how many races needs to be thought through very carefully. Will it?
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