Navigating the Limits: FIA President Cautions on Expanding Formula 1 Calendar

In a move that underscores the delicate balance between growth and sustainability, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has issued a stern warning against the prospect of adding another race to the Formula 1 calendar. Citing the immense pressure it would place on both drivers and the governing body, Ben Sulayem emphasizes the need for a measured and logical approach to any such expansion plans.

Pushing the Boundaries: The Challenges of a Packed F1 Schedule

Drivers' Concerns and the Toll of Fatigue

Ahead of the demanding 24-race calendar, several drivers have voiced their concerns about the physical and mental toll the intense schedule can take. Ben Sulayem acknowledges these concerns, stating that he has utilized all his resources to oversee the races this year. However, the FIA president cautions that adding an extra race to the calendar would significantly enhance the challenges, requiring the governing body to deploy an additional team to manage everything efficiently.

The Concorde Agreement and FOM's Stance

While the current Concorde Agreement permits up to 25 races per season, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has confirmed that Formula 1 will cap the races to 24 per season. Ben Sulayem believes that adding even one extra race to the calendar would significantly increase the challenges faced by the sport. He emphasizes that the FIA cannot manage the additional workload with its current team, and would need to rotate two teams to handle the increased demands.

Balancing Expansion and Sustainability

The FIA president makes it clear that he will not stop Formula One Management (FOM) from adding an extra race to the F1 calendar, as it is their right to do so. However, he remains confident that FOM will not pursue this option, as they are focused on maintaining the quality of the sport rather than simply expanding the calendar. Ben Sulayem suggests that FOM is aware of the potential for driver fatigue and team burnout, and has chosen to keep the number of races at 24 for these reasons.

The Allure of New Destinations and the African Opportunity

The topic of capping the Formula 1 calendar comes as more countries express interest in hosting the premier class of motorsport, with the latest contender being Rwanda, which recently outlined a plan to host an F1 race and presented it to the management. F1 driver Lewis Hamilton has been a strong advocate for Africa's inclusion on the F1 calendar, highlighting the continent's potential to contribute to the sport's growth and diversity.

Striking the Right Balance: FIA's Cautious Approach

Ben Sulayem's stance reflects a careful consideration of the sport's long-term sustainability and the well-being of its key stakeholders. While the temptation to expand the calendar may be strong, the FIA president emphasizes the need to be "sensible and logical" in their decision-making process. By prioritizing the drivers' physical and mental health, as well as the operational capacity of the governing body, Ben Sulayem aims to ensure that any future calendar changes are made with the sport's best interests in mind.