The new racing calendar for 2024: 'It's the limit'

The racing calendar for the 2024 season was released by Formula 1 this week. This new calendar features 24 races. There were earlier comments from the racing community about the increasing number of races in an F1 season.

The 2024 season starts early in February. But not everyone is happy with this record number of races within a season. "For the lives of mechanics, engineers, everyone that travels, they're away from families and so on, kids, for so many days. More days as drivers are away, so it's tougher for them. So, I think when we talk about things, we almost speak more as voices for those than probably for ourselves," Lando Norris said.

The Briton, therefore, hopes Formula 1 does take into account the environment and health of everyone who contributes to the Grand Prix weekend. The McLaren driver himself says he thinks 20 is a better number than 24: "It's one of the longest calendars we've had. So, yeah, as long as they keep trying to improve it and do better. I'd say 20 is a better number for everyone, just for the health and everything of all the Formula One people.”

Guenther Steiner also reacts critically

Steiner also thinks the 24 races is a limit. The team boss also thinks more consideration should be given to the people working in Formula 1. He himself also thinks that people are then away from home for too long.

"I think 24 races, with the business model we have got now, I think it's the limit. If you have more races, it needs to be a big step. And it's also a big step financially, that you can actually have two teams running it. Otherwise, I think it's very difficult to attract people to work in Formula 1 because it is putting effort into it. I say from my side, obviously, I come on Wednesdays. Some of the crew, the set-up crew, they are away sometimes a month in a row. That's a long time" says the Italian.

However, he does understand why Formula 1 allows this to happen. After all, there is a lot to look forward to. For instance, next season there will be night races again and also more sprint races. "It's a little bit of a mix. You always have something special to look for. But can you imagine 24 races like in the old days, when they were all ‘cookie-cut’? You start at 3 o'clock, and you finish at 5. You would say, after 20 races, I got enough, I think. But now there is always some newness, a different thing in it," says Steiner.

Major changes to the 2024 F1 season

Besides the number of races, there is more change next season. For instance, certain races will take place later or earlier than this season. In addition, the race in China will return after being cancelled by COVID-19 in 2020.

There will also be races run on Saturday. These are the Bahrain Grand Prix and the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix, due to Ramadan, and the Las Vegas Grand Prix.