Max Verstappen remains one of the most vocal critics of Formula 1’s lengthy calendar, the Dutchman calling once again for changes to how races are grouped to better manage the sport’s travel schedule.
Amid this year’s record-breaking 24-race docket, which began in Bahrain back in March and will conclude in Abu Dhabi in early December, triple-headers are the source of Verstappen’s primary grievances.
The grueling consecutive three-race stints are an inevitable consequence of the calendar’s compression. However, it's the sport's flyaway events that pose the most significant challenge.
Verstappen, citing as an example the substantial time zone difference between Las Vegas and Qatar, believes that a more strategically planned geographic organization of the F1 schedule could alleviate the strains imposed by constant travel.
“I’ve always said it’s quite a lot of races that we have in the calendar,” commented the three-time world champion.
“But I think for me, it’s more just travelling with the time zone differences, between Vegas and Qatar.
“You’re flying almost to the other side of the world again, which I think we can do a little bit of a better job if we do triple-headers, that they are a bit closer together.
For the Red Bull charger, scheduling races in closer geographic proximity would be a more practical solution.
“For me, that would make a bit more sense, so that’s probably something that we have to look at,” he added. “If we’re going to do so many races at least make sure that they are closer together.”
Verstappen also acknowledged the business aspects that go into planning the calendar, such as ticket sales, but maintained that the current approach is draining on everyone involved.
“Of course, it depends on ticket sales,” he noted. “At the end of the day, you have to come to a bit of a middle ground, right? It’s a long flight, Vegas to Qatar.
“But then, of course, you’re in Qatar, you fly to Abu Dhabi, which is fine. For me, that is not a problem.”
As the season drags on, fatigue becomes a real concern, according to Verstappen.
“End of the season, when you’re getting a bit tired, it’s easier also to get sick. And then actually flying for a long period of time is not helping,” he said, highlighting how the physical demands of travel can exacerbate the strain on drivers as they push through the final races.
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