via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Bahrain Grand Prix – Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain – March 18, 2022 Mercedes’ George Russell and AlphaTauri’s Pierre Gasly during the press conference REUTERS/Thaier Al-Sudani
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Bahrain Grand Prix – Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain – March 18, 2022 Mercedes’ George Russell and AlphaTauri’s Pierre Gasly during the press conference REUTERS/Thaier Al-Sudani
The F1 calendar is moving to the fourth race of the season in Imola after the thrilling Australian GP. However, many F1 drivers showcased their rejection of the tiring schedule this season. Surprisingly, the Australian GP organizers asked the drivers to stop the continuous complaining and concentrate on the racing.
via Getty
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – March 26: Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain driving the (44) Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team Mercedes F1 WO8 on track during the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 26, 2017, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Australia used to be the season-opener for Bahrain before it went absent from the schedule for two years because of the coronavirus pandemic. In the absence of the Melbourne circuit, Bahrain took the place as the season opener.
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F1 drivers vs Australian GP organizers on the schedule
The Australian GP returned this season, but it was the third race of the 2022 schedule. So, it became quite hectic for the F1 drivers and teams. George Russell said, “I think having Melbourne in-between races, especially as a standalone, is too tough for the teams and everybody”.
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Even Red Bull driver Sergio Perez shared his opinion on the long and tiring F1 schedule. Checo said, “As the season is getting longer and longer, we need to get a better balance. But it really has to be back-to-back with one of those races because just coming to Australia for a single race is quite painful for everyone.”
via Reuters
F1 – United States Grand Prix – Red Bull’s Sergio Perez during a press conference after finishing the United States Grand Prix in third place FIA/Handout via REUTERS
However, the Australian GP boss, Andrew Westacott, asked the F1 drivers to adapt to this hectic schedule instead of complaining so much. Westacott reported, “The time for Formula One in Australia is early in the season. The drivers have got to stop whinging in some respects.”
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Other long-travel races in 2022
The Australian GP isn’t the only race this season that will make the drivers travel a great distance. But so will be the Miami GP in May this season. F1 drivers will travel to America for just this one race and then go to Europe for races in Monaco, Spain, and Azerbaijan and then return to North America for the Canadian GP.
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What is your opinion on the expanded F1 calendar? Do you think the drivers have a point?
