The upcoming Miami Grand Prix marks a significant moment in the Formula 1 calendar, being the first race not to be part of a double or triple-header since the Canadian Grand Prix on June 9, 2024. This change is a result of the increasing number of races on the calendar, which has expanded from an average of 16 races per season in the 1980s and 1990s to a current total of 24.
Historically, Formula 1 races were organized approximately every two weeks, with only occasional double-header events until the early 2000s. The trend of consecutive races gained momentum in the years that followed. The 2018 season was particularly noteworthy as it introduced the concept of a triple-header for the first time, with races taking place in Le Castellet, Austria, and Silverstone over three consecutive weekends. This calendar was the first to be developed under the management of Liberty Media, the series’ new owners at the time, and was announced in June 2017.
Initially, the introduction of triple-headers raised concerns among team personnel. Graham Watson, the team manager for Toro Rosso, expressed worries about the wear and tear on the components of the cars. He noted that some parts simply weren’t designed to endure three races in a row. The greater concern, however, revolved around the human resources involved in the sport. Watson highlighted the mental and physical fatigue that grips the teams, a sentiment echoed by many team principals.
While drivers generally found the experience manageable, many recognized the challenges faced by their teams, particularly the mechanics. Sergio Perez, a driver for Force India, pointed out that while it might be feasible for the drivers, the toll on the crew—comprising mechanics, catering staff, and others—was significant. The work that these team members put in during a triple-header was undeniably immense.
Despite the logistical challenges, the first triple-header in 2018 concluded without major incidents. The races produced three different winners: Lewis Hamilton in France, Max Verstappen in Austria, and Sebastian Vettel in Great Britain. Nico Hulkenberg, a Renault driver, noted that while the drivers had it somewhat easier, the team personnel were truly exhausted after such a demanding schedule. He pointed out that drivers did not work continuously as the team members did, who faced weeks of relentless effort without breaks.
At Silverstone, the general consensus among team principals was that Formula 1 should avoid future triple-headers. McLaren CEO Zak Brown stated that it was unlikely the calendar would feature another triple-header in the upcoming year, as most teams preferred not to have three races in a row. Guenther Steiner, the Haas team principal, acknowledged that while the sport could handle logistical and technical challenges, it came at a considerable cost, both financially and to the well-being of the team members.
Claire Williams, then the deputy team principal of Williams, emphasized the importance of taking care of the people involved in the sport. The strain on their families and the difficulties of being away from home were significant issues that needed to be addressed. She suggested that the experience of 2018 served as a lesson regarding the sustainability of such a demanding schedule.
In 2019, the Formula 1 calendar featured only five double-headers, reflecting a shift in priorities. The sporting director at the time, Steve Nielsen, mentioned that adding triple-headers to the schedule was not something to be taken lightly. He explained that while Europe had ample hospitality resources, the logistics of setting them up and breaking them down was time-consuming and expensive.
The original 2020 calendar included a record-breaking 22 races, consisting of seven double-headers. However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the season, leading to a revised schedule that managed to incorporate 17 races over a condensed timeline. This included three triple-headers, demonstrating the sport’s adaptability during challenging circumstances. Andreas Seidl, the then-team principal of McLaren, noted the necessity of this approach but cautioned against making it a standard practice moving forward.
Despite previous hesitations, the concept of triple-headers persisted after 2020. The following years saw the inclusion of two triple-headers in 2021, one in 2022, and another in 2023. The 2024 season, featuring a record 24 races, included three triple-headers, with the schedule demanding significant travel between venues: Spain, Austria, and Britain; the USA, Mexico, and Brazil; and the final trio of Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi.
As the calendar continues to expand, it’s interesting to reflect on how the perspective of drivers and teams has evolved. In 2017, Fernando Alonso expressed that he would consider retiring if the calendar ever reached 25 races. Lewis Hamilton echoed this sentiment the following year, stating he wouldn’t remain in the sport if it reached such a number. This viewpoint was widely shared among drivers in the 2010s. Fast forward to today, and the calendar stands at 24 races, with both Hamilton and Alonso still active in the sport.
It seems that the human capacity to adapt plays a vital role in this scenario. What once felt like an unmanageable workload can become normalized over time. Twenty years ago, a 20-race calendar was seen as the maximum limit, but the parameters of what is considered acceptable have gradually shifted. This doesn’t imply that triple-headers are inherently beneficial or detrimental; rather, it highlights how the absence of significant backlash allows Formula 1 to embrace these changes. If the sport can derive financial benefits from such arrangements, it appears that triple-headers may remain a fixture in the racing calendar for the foreseeable future.
In conclusion, the evolution of the Formula 1 calendar reflects a broader trend of adaptation within the sport, shaped by the demands of logistics, team welfare, and financial viability. As the Miami Grand Prix approaches, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing changes within Formula 1 and the complexities of balancing competitive integrity with the well-being of those who make the sport possible.
