'F1 working on a more logical calendar for 2024'

F1 flies criss-cross the world

The current F1 calendar raises questions for many fans. While Formula 1, on the one hand, proclaims that sustainability is essential and want to be carbon neutral by 2030, the calendar is an eyesore. For 23 (there were 24 scheduled) races, all the teams are travelling worldwide, but not in a logical order.

Looking at the calendar, many races that would be best held one after the other are far apart. See, for example, the American race. Miami sits after a race in Baku, followed by the GP in Imola. From the Middle East to North America and back again to Europe.

There are numerous more examples throughout the season. For example, Canada is held between races in Spain and Austria. After the Las Vegas Grand Prix, the drivers and teams are expected in Abu Dhabi a week later for the season finale.

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2024 F1 calendar

According to De Telegraaf, F1 wants to eliminate these twists and turns and seem to be taking steps as early as 2024. It was previously announced that there may be a Triple Header of Australia, China, and Japan. Races that are much closer together compared to how it looks in 2023. The Japanese organisers must be convinced to be moved earlier in the calendar, while Bahrain loses the season opener to Saudi Arabia. 

Saudi Arabia is then said to be putting down the most money for a spot on the F1 calendar at €60 million and would be only too happy to host the opening race. Bahrain then moves further up in the season. This is because racing cannot take place in Islamic countries during Ramadan, which takes place in that period next year.

Return of Kyalami

Still, many races on the calendar do not want to give up their places. For instance, Canada was reportedly asked to move for a logical Double Header with the Miami race but refused to give up its spot in June. As a result, there will be racing in Europe in between. The final race in Abu Dhabi is also under contract.

The most significant question mark surrounding the 2024 F1 calendar hangs around whether or not the South African Grand Prix will go ahead. The Kyalami circuit informed GPblog that they are still doing all they can to be on the calendar in 2024, but finances still seem to be a stand in the way. Meanwhile, Spa-Francorchamps is in the waiting room. If Kyalami fails to go ahead as it did in 2023, Belgium will get another GP. Otherwise, it will disappear from the calendar.