Max Verstappen has clarified his discontent with the scheduling of Formula One’s 2020 Season. It’s not surprising that the Red Bull Aston Martin Racing driver expressed his displeasure, with Verstappen often being vocal against incorrect decisions made by the FIA. Reporters questioned Max on his thought process behind 2020’s F1 scheduling, where the Dutch native would indicate that nine Grand Prix’s in eleven weekends in the absolute limit of Formula One’s grid. Verstappen noted his hope that 2021 will return to their conventional 20 Grand Prix schedule over ten months.
The COVID-19 Pandemic forced Formula One to postpone all Grand Prix’s for 2020, not knowing if they’d be permitted to reschedule under international law. The F1 grid learned in June that seasonal races would resume in July, which was an announcement highly praised by teams & supporters. At that time nobody knew that additional races would be confirmed, increasing the schedule of Grand Prix’s in eleven weeks. Crews have reached their limits on what’s possible with updating their vehicles, managing engineering workforces, and travelling from nation-to-nation. After nearly hitting the halfway point of this unexpected adventure, Max Verstappen appears to be losing his patience.
Three Grand Prix’s were maintained back-to-back in July, with two located at the Austrian Red Bull Ring & one located at Hungary’s Hungaroring. It’s the first time in years that Formula One has given their teams such a close schedule of races, with breaks commonly permitted after two back-to-back GPs. This imposes notable challenges onto F1 team managers, drivers, engineers, pit crews, and all other employed personnel on the Formula One grid. These individuals understand the contractual & commercial obligations that F1 must maintain, which is why there wasn’t any pushback against the odd schedule.
Team Required Breaks
Max Verstappen emphasized to the FIA publicly that Grand Prix’s must be raced in 2020, but that moving forward into next season, things must change. Verstappen cannot imagine another season where teams could account for the weekly demands without being permitted breaks. Max did mention that regardless they’ll accept what’s announced by the FIA, with contractual obligations requiring the team’s participation. It should be said that the FIA hasn’t announced any Grand Prix’s yet for the 2021 F1 Season.