An overview of the F1 calendar

Over its 72-year history, the F1 calendar has constantly evolved, growing from just seven races in 1950 to 23 in 2022, and possibly even 30 if the current frenzy of expansion continues. As a result, the sport now faces several contradictions.

Formula 1 is experiencing a resurgence of interest: the championships have regained their enthusiasm, spectators are filling the stands, and more and more countries are vying for a place on the calendar. The takeover by Liberty Media after four decades of tight control by Bernie Ecclestone has left its mark.

Against this backdrop, the 2022 season will be the longest and most demanding ever, with 23 Grand Prix races on the schedule. On paper, this seems to be a sign of a healthy sport, but on closer inspection, it is clear that some of the values championed by the elite today are being compromised, particularly with regard to the race calendar.

Double standards on human rights Even before the season began, the conflict in Eastern Europe – Russia's incursion into Ukrainian territory – forced the cancellation of the Russian Grand Prix and compelled its drivers to race under a neutral flag. This led to the departure of Nikita Mazepin from F1 and G-Drive and Daniil Kvyat from the WEC. F1 reacted quickly, undoubtedly using its platform to promote peace. However, this decision sparked another debate: if Russia is excluded for its aggression, what about Qatar and Saudi Arabia? These countries have lavish facilities, impressive circuits, and, above all, the backing of petrodollars. Without this money, the F1 circus would probably never have set foot in the Middle East.

At a time when organizations are promoting inclusivity, not only ethnic but also sexual, Lewis Hamilton clearly displayed his position by wearing a rainbow-colored helmet in Doha, Jeddah, and Abu Dhabi. He also relayed the Black Lives Matter message after the murder of George Floyd, with Mercedes cars painted black, a striking visual. The dilemma is simple: should races in countries at war be canceled, while countries with poor records on racism or LGBTQ+ rights keep theirs? If every offense resulted in a cancellation, the calendar would be significantly reduced. No sport is flawless, but it must prioritize respect and self-improvement, leaving it up to hosts to uphold these standards. Yet it is no secret that F1 has attracted wealthy partners and will continue to grow financially, even if it means ignoring the criticism that has been leveled at it from the outset. Ecology: a matter of choice Environmental concerns have grown significantly in recent years, and F1 has committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. This plan includes the use of synthetic fuel engines made from renewable resources, which would reduce dependence on fossil fuels and bring the sport in line with contemporary expectations. However, the increasingly busy schedule runs counter to these goals. Since 2016, the season has regularly featured more than 20 races, requiring teams and staff to travel constantly. This year is no exception: the first five races already span three continents, from the Middle East to Imola in Europe, then across the Atlantic to Miami. More flights mean more emissions, undermining the ambition of carbon neutrality. Some races are subject to seasonal constraints (for example, Asian events avoid monsoon periods), but others, such as the three Grand Prix races on the Arabian Peninsula, could be grouped together at the beginning of the year, reducing travel.

Rethinking continental distribution The idea of grouping races by region is not new, but it is becoming urgent as the calendar fills up. A model similar to the former GP2 Asia series, where all Asian rounds were held consecutively, could work for F1. Imagine a season that would start in Bahrain, Jeddah, and Abu Dhabi, then continue in Europe during the summer, before returning to Asia after the rainy season and ending with races in North and South America, with a spectacular finale in Brazil. Implementing such a structure would be difficult, but many observers believe that F1 needs to resolve these logistical and ethical issues as soon as possible.