Author: Vishwajit Sawant
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali is considering a plan to move the Japanese Grand Prix to the last weekend in March in order to significantly reduce the carbon footprint generated by the sport’s extensive travel requirements.
As part of a major overhaul of the racing calendar for next year, the owner of the commercial rights is trying to minimize the number of long-haul flights needed to transport teams and equipment to various locations. On the other hand, the new schedule would be a challenge, as it would have to deal with the different climatic conditions of the locations.
Formula 1 has been criticized in recent years for its scheduling practices, which have been accused of contributing significantly to the sport’s carbon footprint through the need for extensive travel. In response, Stefano Domenicali unveiled plans for a regional racing calendar during the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, which would include several races held in the same region in quick succession.
Due to the five-week religious event that takes place until April 8, Domenicali plans to reschedule the Australian Grand Prix for March 17, which falls at the end of the local summer. This will prevent races from being held in Muslim countries during this period. This would culminate in a challenging triple-header at the end of the season, starting in Australia on the 17th, followed by China on the 24th and ending in Japan on March 31, 2024.
Although there are no concrete plans yet, possible preparations to move the Japanese Grand Prix from September to the end of March could result in unfavorable weather conditions for the teams at the Suzuka circuit. It would make more sense for the Singapore Grand Prix to follow the Melbourne event, with Shanghai as the subsequent venue, and for Suzuka to be left out of this calendar change.
Rumors suggest that Domenicali is aiming for a 25-event season, but it remains to be seen how the requirements of the venues, weather patterns and the well-being of team personnel will intersect with F1’s ambitions for growth and improvement.