(Motorsports news) Prior to the Chinese GP being removed because of COVID-19’s ongoing effects, the 2023 calendar was initially announced with 24 events. Since many team members were already in Italy or on their way there when the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix was abruptly postponed due to floods, they effectively worked 23 weekends even though the Imola race didn’t happen.
Without any additional adjustments, the sport will compete in 24 events for the first time in 2024 thanks to the return of the Shanghai event to the schedule. When asked about the calendar for the upcoming season, McLaren CEO Zak Brown responded, “I think 24 is the limit.” Stefano (Domenicali) will set it that way.
There is probably demand for 30 grand prix races. I would thus like to see a day with 24 grands prix, but in order to include more markets, perhaps you have 20 fixed grands prix and eight rotational grands prix so you are in 28 markets 24 times a year. “I believe that would be a fantastic method to maintain the calendar’s current state while also allowing for calendar development.
It’s difficult because each territory has a justification for wanting something on a specific date or because there are other events, holidays, or things of that sort. However, the calendar has unquestionably improved from a logistical point of view. Therefore, it’s on everyone’s mind, and I have no doubt that things will get better.
By rotating workers between events, teams may prevent staff burnout, according to Aston Martin’s Mike Krack. “The 24 races has been debated a lot,” Krack stated. Additionally, we offer double-headers and triple-headers.
“I believe that overall, it is probably not too far off the edge of what we are capable of or willing to accept. However, I believe it is up to the teams to figure out how to make this viable for their team members. “I believe that all teams do that, talk about that, and look for answers. But once more, it demonstrates the sport’s strength, and we can all agree on that. We now need to figure out how to achieve it for everyone in a sustainable manner.
James Vowles, the manager of Williams, concurred that it is now crucial for all teams to rotate workers well. He said, “It’s an optimization challenge. Obviously, we can’t keep employing the same individuals. We nearly completely need to rethink how we manage racing organizations. However, several racing series run 32 or more weekends each year. It’s merely an optimization issue. How can we maintain performance while creating a life that is sustainable for everyone?
While acknowledging that the amount of races represents F1’s current performance, Ferrari’s Fred Vasseur said the Italian team will promote greater rotation in 2019.
The Frenchman remarked, “My life is much simpler than the mechanics’.” “First and foremost, we must remember that, if somebody has a complaint, it is more likely to be about the mechanics than the team leaders. We are attempting to begin rotation for them and to have this sort of narrative.
“However, I would also work to avoid being haughty. Five years ago, we struggled to locate 16 or 17 organizers interested in holding the events. We had great success today, so I would refrain from saying, “No, I want to stay at home next weekend.”
“24 is always an option. It’s greater than 23 but not quite 25. And while I’m not sure of the ideal ratio, I get the impression that it’s rather well-balanced.
We must have some sort of rotation for the guys, for the same reason that I arrive on Thursday and depart on Sunday evening: it is not the same life for them to arrive on Monday, and Tuesday, and depart on Monday. It’s alright for me. We will implement the rotation for them.
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