Formula 1’s CEO Stefano Domenicali emphasized the organization’s current disinterest in increasing the number of annual grands prix beyond 24. Last year marked the debut of this extensive schedule length, a collaboration between the FIA and F1 that is set to continue with another 24 races announced for 2025.
To alleviate the pressures on the teams who travel continuously, next year’s races have been reorganised with what the sport’s announcement described as a “better geographical flow.”
The adjusted 2025 F1 calendar groups Suzuka with Melbourne and China. This is followed by a predominantly European summer schedule before moving to the Americas in autumn, and winding down with the final races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem highlighted the broader implications of the schedule. “While our focus is on the overall stability of Formula 1, we also have a shared duty to the environment and to the health and well-being of travelling staff,” he stated.
Despite the established schedule, there is speculation about possible further expansion. It’s believed the current Concorde Agreement could permit up to 25 races.
When queried by F1 legend Jean Alesi on whether he agrees with the common paddock opinion that 24 races is the practical limit, Domenicali responded on French broadcaster Canal Plus, “Just think that in certain years, we had problems doing seventeen grands prix – and today we are doing 24!” He further clarified, “I do think 24 is the right number, compared to the interest that Formula 1 has at a global level. But technically, we could do 25. However, I think 24 is the right number.”
GMM
