The leaders of Formula 1 no longer hide their intention to organize a more eco-responsible calendar in the future and this move could mean a change of date for the Grand Prix of Canada from next year.
All stakeholders, including stable staff, agree that travel between two distant destinations in a short time interval should be avoided.
For example, the Grand Prix in Baku, Azerbaijan, was staged on April 30 this year, and just a week later, the F1 circus moved to Miami, Florida, before kicking off a grueling streak of three events in three weeks in Italy, Monaco and Spain on May 21, 28 and June 4.
The cancellation of the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, the first stopover of this triple program, gave F1 some respite, but this package, due to flooding, was obviously not planned.
Then, after this first European tour, F1 returned to North America to compete in the Canadian Grand Prix before returning to Europe for four races (Austria, Great Britain, Hungary and Belgium) in five weeks.
Stay on the same continent
“We will no longer jump from one continent to another,” said Toto Wolff recently in an interview with the BBC. “We have to make sure that the races are grouped together in a geographically appropriate way.”
“What we are going through in 2023 should not be repeated in the future, to add the boss of the Mercedes team. European, North American, Asian and Middle Eastern races must follow one another. We must take measures to reduce the carbon footprint of F1.
Nine cargo planes landed at Mirabel airport to transport the imposing equipment in anticipation of the Canadian Grand Prix.
George Russell, president of the F1 Drivers’ Association, supported his boss’s comments.
“There is a need to revamp the calendar to make it more viable for everyone. Especially for all the paddock staff. Currently, the calendar has logistical flaws that will have to be improved in the near future, ”claims the driver of the German team.
Miami sticks to its date
To return to Montreal, it seems obvious that his organization will have no choice but to move up its race, and this, as early as next year. Two weeks or three? The date of June 2, 2024 seems logical to us.
This compromise would allow F1 to combine the Grand Prix of Canada with that of Miami, if obviously the promoter of the race in Florida agrees for its part to present its race a few weeks later, style on May 26. This year the Miami GP took place on May 7th.
However, the Miami GP promoter has repeatedly warned that it is not flexible on its date due to a very tight schedule of activities planned well in advance in the Hard Rock Stadium area.
Also, the longer the race is postponed, the more unbearable the heat at this time of year in Florida can become. This obstacle could possibly be circumvented if the project to present an evening race materializes. But it probably won’t be next year.
One thing is certain, Miami and Montreal agree on one point: there is no question of organizing a Grand Prix in the fall.