We are currently witnessing the rising popularity of the sport directly influence the number of races in a calendar year. The sport has been trying to race a record number of times every year with their attempts coming undone because of third-party reasons. However, heading into 2024, the circus will go around the globe 24 times to make a new record. For a McLaren insider, it’s a shame despite the record number of races, the calendar won’t include a race in India.

India is a breeding ground for sports with the population obsessed with most sporting events, with cricket being no.1 on the list. However, the large masses that turn up to cricketing events highlight the potential Indian markets have for any sport, and the country has not been immune to F1’s rising popularity.

McLaren insider reveals his dissatisfaction with the F1 calendar missing out on venues like India

The sport is spreading like wildfire, but the number and the desire for more races is growing only in one country. This is exactly why speaking on the Track Limits Podcast on YouTube, Mark Norris – McLaren’s Director Of Ops, revealed his disappointment with the lack of diversity on the calendar.

When asked if he’s a fan of new races being added to the calendar, Norris said he’s “100%” for the idea and revealed, “I think what is great is coming to different markets is bringing the sport to those different fanbases.”

He then highlighted the missed opportunities of penetrating a new market, a new fanbase, and more expansion with the lack of diversity in the calendar with India’s example. “If I look at races we’ve had that we don’t have anymore, India’s a prime one. The fanbase for Formula 1 in India is huge. Other than IPL, Formula 1’s the next thing and it’s a shame we don’t race there,” he added.

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It’s a shame the sport which is gaining immense popularity around the globe, including India, isn’t racing in the second largest populous country in the world. It’s all thanks to poor governance, greed, and shortsightedness, and shamefully, India isn’t the only country suffering because of these factors.

South African GP roadblocked because of greed as revealed by an insider

The South African GP on the iconic Kyalami shares a long and rich history with the sport. However, since 1993, the sport hasn’t returned to Africa and we don’t see any plans shortly either. However, forces were working in the background hell-bent on getting the circus back to town, but greed got the better of them.

Jody Sheckter, the only South African world champion, revealed this, as he was also part of the team trying to get the race back to Africa.

“I was an inside part of it,” Scheckter said. “The guy from Kyalami went from 500,000 to 2 million, and he wanted to take the whole thing over.”

“F1 came over to sign. He had got government backing, some of the wealthiest people in South Africa behind it. Everything was in place, and the guy from Kyalami got greedy. Just as soon as F1 left, he changed the whole thing completely. The government realised there was a fight [going on] and withdrew, and that was the end.”

“Maybe it’ll happen back here again. I don’t know,” he concluded optimistically.

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India has recently hosted a MotoGP and EPrix race as they gear up to attract F1 as well. Africa is planning to bid again for the 2025 calendar with 2024 already set. There is hope and willingness. Let’s hope.