(Motorsports news) Leclerc has joined Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in expressing his concerns about how difficult the schedule has become for F1 employees due to the 2024 calendar’s numerous logistical challenges, including triple headers and a run of four standalone flyaways.
With F1’s popularity on the rise and owner Liberty Media eager to expand the series to new territories in large metropolises like Miami and Las Vegas, the schedule has exploded to 24 races in 2024. Although efforts to restore the South African Grand Prix at Kyalami have not yet been successful, the company is also considering holding a race there.
Leclerc responded when asked by Motorsport.com what he thought of a 24-race schedule, “Not more, “A part of me comprehends. Putting oneself in the shoes of Formula 1 is difficult, but it’s excellent that the sport is thriving. Our good fortune in having that. At the same time, I think it just becomes too much at some point. Not for us drivers, as we lead quite comfortable lives.
“And I believe the drivers who are grumbling may not be aware that the mechanics, engineers, and logistics team members arrive three days prior to us and depart two days later. It starts to be quite a bit for them, in my opinion. The maximum number of competitors allowed for a race under the terms of F1’s current commercial agreement is 24, but the Concorde Agreement is up for renewal in 2026.
Leclerc also makes the point that if there are too many Grands Prix, they will lose their attractiveness and significance, much like how hosting the Olympics every year would make them less remarkable. “I’m happy whenever I’m in the car, but I think that a grand prix still needs to be a unique thing,” Leclerc said.
“And I think you’ll probably lose a little bit of that special feeling you get whenever you get to a race if you always have a grand prix every weekend.” Verstappen, who will soon win three F1 world championships, admitted earlier this month that the additional off-track activities required for F1 competition have occasionally made him wonder if his frantic lifestyle is still worthwhile.
“Some people may wonder, ‘Well, he makes a lot of money, what is that guy moaning about?’ Verstappen said that it’s more important to focus on your happiness and how you live than how much money you make. I sometimes question whether it is still worthwhile since I feel like I have to do too much and skip other things that I enjoy doing, concluded Leclerc.
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