Alonso Criticizes F1 Calendar: 'Any Other Sport Wouldn't Accept This'
Fernando Alonso has strongly criticized the demanding F1 calendar, specifically highlighting the grueling travel schedules and significant time zone changes between races like Brazil, Las Vegas, and Qatar. He argues that no other sport would tolerate such conditions, calling into question the sport's logistical planning and its impact on driver welfare. Alonso's comments underscore a broader concern within the paddock about the sustainability of an ever-expanding global F1 season.
Fernando Alonso has strongly voiced his displeasure with the demanding F1 calendar, particularly the logistical challenges and time zone shifts, stating that such conditions would be unacceptable in any other sport.
Why it matters:
Alonso's outspoken criticism highlights a growing concern among drivers and teams regarding the physical and mental toll of an ever-expanding F1 calendar. This issue could lead to increased burnout, impact performance, and potentially influence future negotiations for race schedules, especially as F1 continues its global expansion into new markets.
The details:
- Demanding Schedule: Alonso specifically pointed to the back-to-back races, such as traveling from Brazil to Las Vegas, and then immediately to Qatar, involving significant time differences and long-haul flights.
- Logistical Inconsistencies: He criticized the justification for placing the Las Vegas GP late in November due to it being a 'quieter weekend' for the city. Alonso argued that if logistical convenience dictated the schedule, then races like Monaco should be held in February when the city is also quieter, highlighting a perceived double standard.
- Driver Strain: The two-time world champion emphasized that the current schedule's intense travel demands and time zone changes are not sustainable and put undue strain on participants, a sentiment echoed by many within the paddock.
The big picture:
The F1 calendar has been steadily expanding, with new venues like Las Vegas adding to the logistical complexities for teams based predominantly in Europe. While F1 seeks to maximize global reach and revenue, the human cost on drivers and team personnel is becoming increasingly apparent, raising questions about the long-term sustainability of the current model.
What's next:
This type of public critique from a high-profile driver like Alonso could force F1 management to re-evaluate future calendar planning, potentially leading to more regionally clustered races or extended breaks to mitigate travel fatigue. Addressing these concerns will be crucial for maintaining the well-being of the F1 community and ensuring the sport's continued appeal to its stars.