Eddie Jordan, the former F1 team boss, has raised apprehensions regarding the ever-expanding F1 calendar, underscoring the significance of the summer hiatus.
As the sport gears up to resume its action after the summer break at the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, Jordan’s insights shed light on the challenges posed by the demanding schedule.
With 12 races completed, there remain 10 more on the agenda before the season’s culmination, a gruelling timeline notwithstanding the cancellations of the Chinese and Emilia Romagna Grands Prix.
However, the forthcoming season is set to be even more intense, with a record-breaking 24 races slated for the calendar.
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The future holds three triple-header events, allowing little reprieve for those immersed in the world of Formula 1.
In a recent conversation on the Formula For Success podcast during the summer shutdown, Eddie Jordan expressed his views on the need for strategic breaks within the season.
He stated, “It’s nice to have a break…
“I just think that we have too many races.
“It’s putting a very severe impact on the physical and mental [health] and all sorts of requirements that people [have] and [people] working in Formula 1 need to recharge their batteries.
“I just feel that this is hugely important, and I hope they all enjoy it.”
David Coulthard, co-host of the podcast, pointed out that the toll of the calendar is especially taxing on the mechanics and engineers responsible for the cars’ operation, in contrast to the drivers and team bosses.
Responding to this, Jordan shared his perspective on how he would manage his team under these circumstances: “At this stage, I would have split the team into two halves…
“So we’re thinking about the autoclave, we’re thinking about putting stuff in a wind tunnel for next year.
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“Let’s not lose sight of that, because this is where the teams are really, really up against it that they have to perform for now and to finish out the season to get the best that they possibly can, but also to think about the future.”
Jordan’s sentiments resonate with the need for a balanced approach, one that allows teams to maintain their competitive edge while also acknowledging the importance of preserving the well-being of the individuals who drive the sport forward.
With the 2024 season set to be the busiest in the sport’s history, there will certainly be more focus on the impact the number of races has across the grid.