Max Verstappen is raising doubts over his future in the sport, claiming the latest calendar changes have not helped his decision to stay long-term in Formula 1.
The two-time world champion currently has a contract running through to the end of 2028 at Red Bull.
What are the changes?
Formula 1 has announced a new record-breaking 24-race calendar for the 2024 season, with a “clear intention to move towards greater calendar regionalisation.”
Starting in Bahrain on February 29, and lasting more than nine months, the season will finish in Abu Dhabi in December.
In a quest for greater sustainability, Japan has moved from its usual Autumn spot into early April.
Azerbaijan is now being twinned with Singapore in September.
Season starters Bahrain and Abu Dhabi will have their Grand Prix take place on Saturday, in order to accommodate Ramadan.
24 races in 2024 with big steps forward in regionalisation 🌏
Introducing next year’s Formula 1 calendar 🗓️#F1 pic.twitter.com/JTSWJL29yH
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 5, 2023
Verstappen’s calendar concerns
Following the announcement of the calendar, the Dutch driver said:
“It is too many for me, but we just have to deal with it.
“I think it is a bit more logical the way it’s planned at least, I guess that’s better for everyone.
“More things have to come together for me to make my mind up if I stay longer or not. All these things are definitely not helping, for sure.”
In contrast, Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali, said:
“I am delighted to announce the 2024 calendar with 24 races that will deliver an exciting season for our fans around the world. There is huge interest and continued demand for Formula 1, and I believe this calendar strikes the right balance between traditional races and new and existing venues.
“I want to thank all of the promoters and partners for their support and effort to achieve this great schedule. Our journey to a more sustainable calendar will continue in the coming years as we further streamline operations as part of our Net Zero 2030 commitment. We have plenty of racing to look forward to in 2023, including the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix, and our fans can look forward to more excitement next season.”
The strive to hit their Net Zero target and greater regionalisation has been dented by the fact that Canada has retained its traditional slot in June.
Teams now have to fly over the Atlantic Ocean twice in a month, after Canadian organisers rejected attempts to twin Montreal with Miami.
The Chinese Grand Prix returns
Perhaps most notably, the new 2024 calendar marks a return to China for the first time since the Coronavirus pandemic.
Shanghai last hosted a Grand Prix in 2019, and was due to return in 2023, however, with concerns over the Covid situation in the country, F1 decided it was not feasible to host a race following discussions with promoters.
With there now being a race nearly every other weekend, teams have taken on more staff to rotate between events.
This provides a better work/life balance, due to the extensive nature of travelling in F1.
However, Verstappen and the other drivers must attend every race, so further changes could be enough to make him walk away from the sport sooner than anticipated.
