The aftermath of F1’s recent Las Vegas race has revealed a wave of discontent among the racing community, particularly regarding the toll on the individuals who constitute the traveling circus. Aiming to showcase the sport’s stars against the vibrant backdrop of Las Vegas, the unconventional 10pm Saturday race time has drawn criticism, with images circulating of fatigued drivers navigating the demanding race weekend.
The timing intricacies began with a manhole cover delay on Thursday, forcing drivers to navigate the Las Vegas streets until an early 4 am. This predicament adds to the challenges as the F1 fraternity faces a swift leap in time zones to Abu Dhabi for the season finale, compounding the physical strain on the already exhausted drivers.
Alpha Tauri driver Daniel Ricciardo expressed doubt about the scheduling, advocating for a reconsideration in the interest of health and safety. “It did feel like we were all a little delirious,” admitted the Australian.
Concerns are echoed by Red Bull advisor Dr Helmut Marko, who highlighted the complexities faced by those traveling from Europe to Abu Dhabi, further emphasizing the need for a more considerate schedule.
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff revealed his plan to return to Europe immediately after the Las Vegas race to spend a day with family before embarking on the journey to Abu Dhabi. He acknowledged the taxing nature of the current race calendar, which has expanded to 23 grands prix this year and is set to reach 24 in 2024. The season’s end is marked by a series of double and triple-header race weekends, spanning significant distances and varying time zones.
With a 12-hour time difference in Abu Dhabi, Red Bull’s strategic decision to allow Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez to sit out initial practice for much-needed rest underscores the gravity of the situation. Former F1 driver Christijan Albers attributed these challenges to the FIA’s failure to evolve in tandem with the sport’s growth, emphasizing the need for investments in personnel.
Despite Max Verstappen’s discontent following the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Grand Prix Drivers’ Association director George Russell pointed out that the “biggest challenge” faced was the demanding timing schedule. As the F1 community readies itself for the Abu Dhabi finale, involving approximately 4,000 individuals, the need for a comprehensive reevaluation of the racing calendar and logistical planning becomes increasingly evident.
