F1 Warned Over Extended Season

Former Formula One champion Mario Andretti has discussed the strains of the expanding F1 schedule, highlighting logistical challenges for team members. Andretti, reflecting on his own experiences, noted significant differences in the demands placed on today’s teams compared to his racing days.

Mario Andretti recently shared his insights on the expanding Formula One calendar, reflecting on both his era and the evolving demands of the sport. During an exclusive discussion with Lydia Mee via Sports Illustrated, Andretti offered a unique perspective shaped by his extensive experience in the motorsport world.

When asked about the growing number of races and the strain it places on those involved, Andretti highlighted a shift in challenges from his time to now. However, he claims it is more of a problem for the expanded team rather than the drivers.

“Well, like I said, I think you have to be very careful not to overdo certain things because of the logistics of it. Not just the drivers. I mean, I could just pick up and go,” explained Andretti.

Reflecting on his own experiences with quick travel via the Concorde, Andretti acknowledged the current complexities:

“At the time, like you mentioned, going on the Concorde – in 3 hours and 20 minutes, I could cross the continents. Nowadays the travel is a little different, but it’s just the logistics of moving the teams.”

Despite the allure of more races, Andretti cautioned against an overloaded schedule. “That’s where the issue is. The drivers can get there. It’s not the drivers. As a matter of fact, as a driver, the way I thought was the more races, the better. I never said let’s not have any more races,” he noted.

The drivers, according to Andretti, might find the prospect of additional races appealing. However, he quickly pointed out that the core issue resides with the teams. “It’s the teams that are the important part and the lives of team members, the mechanics, everyone that has to be there, not just the race weekend, but throughout the preparation and everything. Those are the logistics that need to be paid attention to,” he added.

As the F1 calendar has grown to include 24 races in the 2024 season, and with talks of potentially expanding to as many as 30, the strain on team logistics and personnel welfare has become a hot topic. The expansion raises questions about the sustainability of such a packed schedule, considering the physical and mental toll it takes on the teams that make each race possible.