There are 22 races in the current Formula 1 racing calendar because the course in Russia was removed from the plan. But two routes are likely to be added. A good idea?
Ten years ago there were still 20 races on the Formula 1 racing calendar, this year there are already 22. Actually it would have been 23 until Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine led to the circuit in Sochi being excluded.
According to the Concorde Agreement, a contract between the Fia and the Formula 1 racing teams, even 24 tracks would be allowed in one season. The trend is towards a longer season with a shorter summer break. Something that flushes more money into the coffers, but not every team boss likes.
Red Bull’s Christian Horner, for example, thinks 23 races is the maximum and warns against further courses: “With 23 races you’ve already reached the saturation point,” he said. He prefers seasons with the best tracks to those with the most: “Maybe you have to think about a few other races on the calendar.”
Which routes are threatened
Above all, the European courses with a lot of tradition are at risk. Because the competition from rich countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar or the United Arab Emirates has increased. They wave a lot of money if they would be included in the racing calendar. For this, other routes have to give way. Just like the Hockenheimring a few years ago.
Carlos Sainz from Team Ferrari is ambivalent about the change in the racing calendar: “I’m a big fan of going to Miami and Las Vegas, but at the same time it would be a great loss not to have some classic European races anymore.”
For example, next year Las Vegas, China and Qatar will be back on the racing calendar. That’s 25 routes, one too many. And five organizers’ contracts expire in 2022: Monaco, France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Mexico. With four European routes, there is a high risk that Sainz’ fears will soon come true.