Sebastian Vettel will no longer be traveling around the world as a Formula 1 racing driver himself in 2023, but he has still criticized the new schedule. He does not keep the promise to plan the races in such a way that the CO2 balance of the logistics around Formula 1 can be minimized, he says.
The original idea was to group the races according to geographical aspects, for example to reduce transport routes and also to enable Formula 1 staff to not have to fly home every time, for example, for overseas back-to-backs, but also stay on site and thus CO2 can be saved.
But those responsible seem to have only succeeded to a very limited extent. At the beginning of the season, a two-week break was planned between neighboring countries Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, in April/May there is a questionable back-to-back with Baku in Azerbaijan and Miami in the USA, and at the end of the season one with Las Vegas and Abu Dhabi.
Especially the start of the season in the Middle East is a thorn in Vettel’s side: “Everyone goes there and flies back home three weeks in a row. I understand that too, because most of them have their families at home. You can’t expect people to have eight Stay on site weeks in a row.”
Vettel shows understanding for difficulties
Vettel understands that Formula 1 can not only pay attention to maximum environmental and climate protection, but also has to take economic considerations into account: “Interest in Formula 1 is growing, and with it the opportunities to earn money with it. But if I If I look at the first three races, a lot of flights could have been saved.”
The task of planning the race calendar is complex for Formula 1. Dates cannot be given arbitrarily, but are often to be aligned with national holidays or vacations, or also due to the expected weather conditions.
In addition, the local promoters will probably not be happy if another race is scheduled in the immediate vicinity just a week later. That makes it harder to sell the tickets. Putting two geographically close Grands Prix further apart in time makes more sense in that regard alone.
Would a test center be the right way?
Vettel is now demanding that an independent testing agency should be commissioned to check Formula 1’s climate promises: “Large organizations, whether in business or in sport, need another organization to control them. And if they don’t stick to it , what they impose on themselves, then there must be consequences.”
“I can write a lot on a poster or on a piece of paper. It all sounds wonderful. But what if nobody sticks to it? What happens then?” Vettel holds up a mirror to Formula 1.
He goes further and says: “Or let’s take the Paris climate agreement. The countries sign an agreement that global warming must not exceed one and a half degrees. But what if they don’t do it, what are the consequences? Yes, there are measures , but then the countries simply withdraw from the agreement if they want to.”
In his opinion, translated to Formula 1, this would mean: “The most transparent way would be to find an organ that controls it, an external, independent authority that takes a close look at whether the goals are being achieved or not. I think , that’s the only credible way to do this.”