Formula 1 and MotoGP

Criticism of race calendars: “Cancellations with tears”

Many riders and employees see the limit exceeded(Bild: APA/AFP/Joseph EID)

The Formula 1 world tour has only just picked up speed. But the record calendar with 24 Grands Prix on almost every continent goes against the grain for the stars around world champion Max Verstappen. The situation is similar in MotoGP. To the chagrin of many riders and employees. 

"I already have the feeling that we have far exceeded the limit of races," criticized the Red Bull rider ahead of the first race of the year in Bahrain. He would not do such a workload "for another ten years".

In recent years, the 26-year-old Verstappen had already repeatedly positioned himself against the constant increase in the number of races. "There are too many for me, but we have to get to grips with it," he said in the summer of 2023. This logic is "definitely not helpful" for his career planning. Fernando Alonso also considers the 24 events this year to be excessive. "It's not sustainable, not for anyone," criticized the Spaniard, who drives for Aston Martin.

Impact on the environment
According to APA calculations, a member of a Formula 1 team based in England and taking part in all races of the season will cover a total of 193,139 kilometers by air in 2024. It was assumed that only direct flights would be completed. That corresponds to five circumnavigations of the globe. This is exhausting - despite all the luxury, especially for the stars and executives of motorsport's premier class.

You also have to "think about the impact we have on the world", said Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton. "The more races we hold, the more this whole circus travels everywhere. Sustainability should be at the heart of decisions." Formula 1 wants to be climate-neutral by 2030. How this is to be achieved is not clear, even with bold ideas.

Lewis Hamilton also sees the environmental aspect.(Bild: APA/AFP/Andrej ISAKOVIC)

"We are at the limit in terms of the number of races for team personnel, drivers, other Formula 1 employees, journalists and so on," said Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz, whose participation in the race in Melbourne this weekend is uncertain due to the consequences of an appendectomy. However, Alonso brings something else into play in view of Verstappen's constant dominance. "Imagine how we will go into the races in the second half of the season if there is no longer any incentive to fight for something," he remarked.

Are 24 Grand Prix appropriate?
For those responsible, there could be even more events. "We could already have more than 30, even 32 races, because everyone wants to organize one," emphasized Managing Director Stefano Domenicali at the start of the season. At the same time, the Italian describes 24 grand prix races as appropriate for the foreseeable future.

Verstappen does not have to fly economy class, the stars enjoy the comfort of private jets. However, the teams have also long since taken care of the hearts and minds of all other employees. For mechanics, data scientists and the like, there are well-being managers who take care of sleeping habits in the face of jet lag distances. The chefs, on the other hand, prepare soul food that is good for the soul. "You have to look after the hard-working people," emphasized Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff. There have long been rotation systems for employees.

Dramatic scenes in the MotoGP
MotoGP also has an XXL calendar this year, in this case with 21 races. "The optimum size that we would want as a manufacturer would be 18 races and not 20. And even more so if we look over to Formula 1, 24. It's just too much. ", said KTM Head of Motorsport Pit Beirer. "It's certainly extremely exciting as a bachelor, jetting around the world with the racing program. But as soon as you have a steady relationship and children, it's nice to have dad or mom at home at the weekend."

MotoGP is also faced with a busy racing calendar.(Bild: ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Last season, with 20 races, KTM clearly saw the limit. "There were also one or two resignations with tears in their eyes. They really wanted to be there, but simply couldn't juggle family and career," revealed Beirer.