Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso Voice Concerns Over Formula One’s Expanding Calendar

As Formula One gears up for another action-packed season, reigning champion Max Verstappen and veteran driver Fernando Alonso have raised concerns about the sustainability of the sport’s increasingly demanding calendar. With 24 races scheduled for the 2024 season, both drivers believe that the current pace is unsustainable and could potentially shorten the careers of athletes.

Verstappen, who is vying for his fourth successive championship title, expressed his love for racing but emphasized the need to ensure that the sport remains manageable for drivers. The Dutch driver highlighted the risk of athletes being forced to cut their careers short due to the strenuous demands of the sport, urging stakeholders to consider the long-term implications of the 24hscore calendar expansion.

Alonso, a two-time world champion with extensive experience in Formula One, echoed Verstappen’s sentiments, reminiscing about the days when the calendar featured fewer races. The Spaniard, who made his debut in 2001, recalled that the championship had only 16 races at the start of his career, gradually increasing to 18 and then 20 races. However, Alonso believes that the current 24-race calendar is pushing the limits of what is sustainable for drivers and teams.

The popularity of Formula One has surged in recent years, fueled in part by the success of the Netflix series Drive to Survive. This increased interest has led to the addition of new venues, including races in the Middle East, Europe, and the United States. While these developments have expanded the sport’s global footprint and attracted new fans, they have also placed additional strain on teams and drivers.

To cope with the demands of the extended calendar, teams have begun rotating personnel, and pre-season testing has been reduced to just three days. Despite these measures, concerns remain about the toll that the long season takes on drivers and the sustainability of the sport’s growth trajectory.

Verstappen and Alonso’s comments highlight the need for a balanced approach to calendar planning, one that considers the well-being of drivers and the long-term viability of the sport. As Formula One continues to evolve, finding the right balance between excitement and sustainability will be crucial in ensuring the sport’s continued success.