Carlos Sainz Backs Alonso's 'Unacceptable' Las Vegas Calendar Claim

Carlos Sainz has echoed Fernando Alonso's strong criticism regarding the Las Vegas Grand Prix's "unacceptable" slot on the F1 calendar, advocating for a significant change to alleviate the demanding end-of-season triple-header.

Why it matters:

• The current scheduling, which positions Las Vegas immediately before races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, creates an arduous three-week travel and racing stint for all F1 personnel. This intense period raises concerns about team well-being, logistical strain, and environmental impact.
• Drivers like Alonso and Sainz are increasingly vocal about the unsustainable nature of certain calendar decisions, pushing for a more logical and geographically sensible race order.

The Details:

• Driver Consensus: Sainz confirmed that he and other drivers have directly lobbied F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali about the issue, highlighting a unified front among competitors.
• Proposed Alternative: Sainz suggests that the Las Vegas GP should be a back-to-back event with the Brazilian GP. This would allow teams to travel directly from Brazil to Las Vegas, avoiding an unnecessary return to Europe and subsequent re-adaptation.
  • He then proposes a one-week break before the Middle Eastern double-header (Qatar and Abu Dhabi) to conclude the season, creating a more cohesive and less fatiguing travel schedule.
• Environmental Concerns: Sainz emphasized that the current travel itinerary, which often involves multiple transatlantic flights for teams and individuals, contradicts F1's goal of achieving carbon net-zero by 2030.
  • He pointed out that frequent long-haul flights, including private jets, for personnel flying between continents for just a few days of racing, are inefficient and environmentally detrimental.
• Domenicali's Efforts: Sainz acknowledges that Stefano Domenicali is aware of the drivers' concerns and is actively working to optimize the calendar. While some improvements are expected for next year, the Las Vegas scheduling remains a point of contention.

What's next:

While Domenicali is reportedly doing his best to improve the calendar, the drivers' persistent push for a more rational schedule underscores the growing tension between commercial interests and the practical realities of managing a global sport. Resolving the Las Vegas GP's placement will be a key indicator of F1's commitment to both its personnel's well-being and its environmental objectives.