Absurd journey gives F1 stars food for thought
At the end of a long season, Formula 1 faces the mammoth transfer from Las Vegas to the season finale in Abu Dhabi. The drivers are not happy about this, they want change. But the prospects are not good: next year's calendar is even fuller.
Max Verstappen would have gladly done without the addition to his already fat mileage account. Over 13,000 kilometers as the crow flies, a time difference of twelve hours (and of course a disastrous climate footprint) - after the tiring night shifts in Las Vegas, Formula 1 forces the drivers, mechanics and support staff to make one last exhausting mammoth transfer to the United Arab Emirates. The season finale in Abu Dhabi (Sunday, 2pm on Sky and in the live ticker at ntv.de) is coming up - and will drain the last reserves of everyone involved.
"I'll be completely lost," moaned even the travel-tested world champion Verstappen before leaving for the next night race on the other side of the world, "it's such a big time difference that, especially at the end of the season when everyone is already a bit tired, it's a bit much." The Red Bull star doesn't have a choice. Jet lag is pre-programmed, the absurd stress test for the biorhythm is unavoidable. The packed calendar of the global Formula 1 circus just wants it that way. "I'll try to sleep on the flight," said Verstappen. He wants to do a bit of sport after landing, take it easy before the last sessions on the racetrack this year, and not just for him.
Leclerc gives it some thought
Formula 1 is used to long transfers, even at the end of the season. The finale has been held in Abu Dhabi since 2014. For years, however, there were two weeks between the penultimate race in Brazil and the trip to the desert. More and more races have led to a tighter schedule - and the return to Vegas added to the stresses and strains. Unusually late start times, plus the unplanned night shift due to the farce of the first practice session - some drivers were left pondering. "I don't know why we were so late," said Ferrari star Charles Leclerc, "but I had the feeling that it was a bit on the limit."
Verstappen also struggled with the timing. He would like to see changes. "Maybe we could organize the journey to Abu Dhabi a little better," said the Dutchman and suggested an "American tour" for the future: "Of course, I know that this might not be ideal for ticket sales. Maybe we can find a solution." Formula 1 is working on one. In 2024, the record calendar of 24 races will be fuller than ever before. Greater regionalization should at least reduce the logistical effort and make the season more sustainable. Japan in April, Azerbaijan in September - and the premier class has also come up with something for the finale in Abu Dhabi.
The penultimate race of the coming season will take place in Qatar and therefore in close proximity to Abu Dhabi, but again one week after the race in Las Vegas. Formula 1 will therefore save its drivers 300 kilometers as the crow flies. It is doubtful whether Verstappen and co. will see this as a relief.
Max Verstappen expressed his displeasure about the lengthy journey from Las Vegas to Abu Dhabi for the Formula 1 season finale, considering it an unnecessary addition to his already demanding schedule. Despite voicing his concerns, Verstappen acknowledged the challenge of managing jet lag and the exhausting nature of the transfer.
Charles Leclerc, like Verstappen, found the late start times and the unplanned night shift during the first practice session in Las Vegas to be problematic. Leclerc echoed Verstappen's suggestion for a potential "American tour" in the future, recognizing that such a change might not be ideal for ticket sales but could potentially alleviate some logistical challenges.
Source: www.ntv.de
