The drivers want to space out the Las Vegas and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on the calendar
The Grand Prix of Vegas was finally enjoyed. However, in less than a week, the drivers are moving from the west coast of the United States to the United Arab Emirates, which is a difference of 12 time zones. The participants would like both races to be rescheduled to avoid this time difference and its consequences.
After apprehension, the drivers finally, overall, enjoyed the Las Vegas Grand Prix. The opening ceremony had reassured no one among the actors. Max Verstappen had declared feeling like a clown when greeting everyone. Charles Leclerc, at the end of the race, also testified to his initial fear upon discovering the track.
Finally, the qualifications and the Sunday race reconciled the drivers with the track. Lewis Hamilton had said, “It provided a better race than most of the circuits we visit. So, hats off to the people who run the show and I look forward to coming back.”
Homogenize the calendar
Despite this enthusiasm for the show, the actors remain cautious about the organization, especially regarding the schedules. Everything is happening at night, the drivers arrived earlier to attend the opening ceremony, and the sessions are not spaced out enough. Moreover, less than a week later, they have an appointment in Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, with its 12-hour time difference.
The drivers risk being completely disoriented. Although they are used to traveling, it is the biggest time difference of the season, with a few days to adjust. For now, the time difference is so significant, especially towards the end of the season with fatigue, I think it’s a bit too much, explained Max Verstappen. It might be better to have more of an American tour. I don’t know if it would be ideal for ticket sales, but we could find a solution. I think a 12-hour time difference and completely different race schedules are too much.
The end of the season in Vegas?
In 2024, Las Vegas will launch the last marathon of the season. The final three races will take place over three weeks, starting from Nevada, then the Qatar Grand Prix, and finally the race in Abu Dhabi. A situation that does not please the drivers. “This will certainly not have my vote,” said Daniel Ricciardo. “The Grand Prix needs to be moved forward because we will be exhausted, especially towards the end of the season. I have only done six races and I am already very drained. I hope they can find a solution.”
Among the solutions, other drivers would like the final seasons to simply be the finale in the future. « I think it was an excellent first event but, as Max said, the fact that we now have to go to Abu Dhabi is complicated », testified Sergio Perez. « Let’s consider the context and make Vegas the ultimate race of the season. »
Since its addition to the calendar in 2021, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is the last race of the championship.
