The 2024 F1 Calendar: Less Polluting but Not Yet Optimized

The back-and-forths of Formula 1 are often criticized, especially when teams change continents from one week to another. The Formula 1 boss, Stefano Domenicali, aims for carbon neutrality by 2030. However, to achieve this, it will be necessary to optimize the calendar and perhaps consider not adding too many Grand Prix races.

On Wednesday, July 5th, the calendar for the 2024 season was unveiled, featuring 24 Grand Prix races and a few changes. This is an opportunity to see if the calendar aligns with the objectives of the governing bodies. However, it must be acknowledged that this is not yet the case.

Japan: only “ecological” modification

No more typhoon risk in October in Japan, the Grand Prix has been brought forward. It will now take place at the beginning of the year, from April 5th to 7th in 2024. A significant change to avoid weather risks but also crucial for the carbon footprint. Located between Australia and China, Japan is at the heart of the Pacific tour. It is a time and money-saving for teams, but above all a better solution to avoid CO2 emissions.

In the future, it is the solution that must be adopted by Formula 1 to make its calendar a little more respectful of the planet. In 2024, it’s better, but still very far from the goals. Canada is still in the middle of the European tour, and Miami will take place between China and Emilia-Romagna, a detour to the United States that could be reconsidered: two races already take place there at the end of the year.

However, some Grand Prix races are difficult to move, often due to the weather. This is the case for Canada: if it were to be rescheduled, there could be risks of snowfall due to winter. Moving Miami during the American tour at the end of the year is also a risk since it is still hurricane season, not only for Formula 1 but also, and especially, because the stadium used would potentially be used for the NFL season.

« The calendar of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship 2024, which has been approved by members of the Motor Sport Council, is an important step towards achieving our common goals. We want to make the global spectacle of Formula 1 more efficient in terms of environmental sustainability and easier to manage for the traveling staff who dedicate a significant amount of their time to our sport,” said Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the International Automobile Federation.

Stefano Domenicali wasted no time in responding to this new calendar, which he believes is an important phase for the future carbon neutrality of the sport. « I would like to thank all the promoters and partners for their support and the efforts they have made to realize this exceptional calendar. Our journey towards a more sustainable calendar will continue in the coming years, as we streamline our operations as part of our “Net Zero 2030” commitment », stated the Italian boss.

For 2024, there is progress: Japan is the proof of that. There is also good will on the part of Formula 1 and the FIA. However, in order to aim for carbon neutrality and thus limit unnecessary travel between continents during a season, we will need to stay grounded and not add any more Grand Prix events. Otherwise, organizing a “sustainable” calendar will not be achievable.