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The recently published 2021 calendar lists 22 races, enough to exhaust cars, drivers, and fans alike—an ill-advised idea motivated by the relentless pursuit of profit.
As Formula 1 considers a 23-race calendar for 2022, the debate shifts from mere spectacle to the practicalities of a truly global championship. Last year's record-breaking season, with 22 races, proved the growing appeal of the sport, but it also highlighted the logistical and environmental constraints of such expansion.
The upcoming calendar promises more surprises: Miami will host its first Grand Prix in early May, while Melbourne will finally be able to showcase its brand-new facilities. The classic circuits (Imola, Monaco, Spa) remain on the schedule, and the Baku street circuit is set to make a comeback, promising the kind of unpredictable racing that fans love. However, each additional stop forces teams to maintain a frenetic pace, especially if the title fight mirrors the intensity of this year's battle. New cost-cutting measures add an extra layer of complexity, demanding efficiency both on and off the track.
Industry analysts are already proposing a more rational approach to the calendar: grouping races into continental blocks, a strategy already used in GP2. Imagine a Middle East tour to kick off the season, followed by a European tour, then an Asian tour, and finally an American tour to close out the championship. Such an organization would reduce travel distances, lower expenses, and limit the sport's carbon emissions, a key objective as F1 moves toward greater sustainability.
However, the reality is more complex than the concept. Seasonal weather conditions dictate certain decisions; for example, the Malaysian Grand Prix was moved to the end of the year to avoid disruption from the monsoon. Nevertheless, a reorganized itinerary could bring tangible environmental benefits and revive traditions cherished by fans, such as the season finale at Interlagos in Brazil, where the championship is often decided in pouring rain.
