F1 'Right On Limit' Of Preferring Money Over People's Health And Well-Being Horner Warns
F1Saturday, 06 January 2024 at 20:00
Christian Horner expressed concerns over Formula 1's 2024 24-race-long, busy season calendar, saying it is on the limit of preferring money over people's health.
The 2024 F1 calendar will include 24 race weekends, six of which will include Sprint races. The pre-season test in Bahrain starts on the 21st of February, and the last race of the season in Abu Dhabi takes place on the 8th of December.
In 2023, there were 22 races, and it seemed to be more than enough, according to a few drivers who already expressed concerns. The problem was not only the number of races but the lack of breaks as well as frequent time shifts, which people had a tough time adjusting to.
After the most recent season, Sergio Perez said he did not remember seeing people so exhausted in his whole career. Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner told Race Fans about the 2024 schedule:
"It’s a brutal year, and I think it’s something that I’m sure will be on the agenda with Formula 1 and the FIA to talk about how can we make life more bearable for everybody involved."
The biggest problem is expected to be the triple header at the end of the season, with back-to-back races in Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi. Horner continued:
"Because it is a traveling circus, but it’s a global circus, and we need to just make sure that we protect that and the people within it."
Formula One is a business like everything else, and to keep growing, it tries to extend the race calendar, but many drivers don't believe it is the right way to go.
As a team principal of the Red Bull Racing team, Horner's role is similar to the CEO of a tech start-up company. While he understands the business side of things well, he warned the health and well-being of the people involved should be prioritized.
"Money is a big driver in any commercial sport. But it can’t come at the price of human health and well-being. I think we’re right on the limit."
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