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Helmut Marko, a key figure in Red Bull Racing, has voiced concerns about the increasing strain on teams and drivers due to the expanding Formula 1 calendar. Marko, who has been with Red Bull since its formation in 2005 and played a pivotal role in securing eight drivers’ championships with Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen, believes the growing number of races is becoming unsustainable. His comments reflect a broader debate about the direction of the sport and its impact on those involved.
Since Liberty Media’s acquisition of Formula 1 in 2017, the sport has experienced significant changes, particularly in terms of its global reach and the number of races. The 2024 season is set to be the longest in F1 history, with a packed calendar of 24 races across 21 countries. While this expansion has undeniably helped boost the sport’s popularity worldwide, it has also placed increasing pressure on teams, drivers, and staff. Marko, who has seen Red Bull’s dominance in recent years, highlighted how the current calendar is beginning to take its toll on everyone involved.
Red Bull’s remarkable success in recent seasons, especially Max Verstappen’s streak of four consecutive World Championships, has further emphasized the challenges of managing such an intense schedule. Despite the team’s continued triumphs, Marko acknowledged that the growing calendar is difficult to navigate. In fact, he revealed that he himself would be skipping several races in the 2024 season, citing the strain of a busy race schedule. Verstappen, for his part, has achieved significant milestones, including climbing to third on the all-time race victory list after winning nine races in 2024.
Marko’s concerns about the packed calendar go beyond the physical and mental toll on the drivers and teams; he also questioned the balance of tracks included in the F1 calendar. He believes that while some newer races add excitement and spectacle, many of these events lack the rich motorsport heritage and tradition that iconic European tracks like Spa-Francorchamps and Monza offer. For Marko, preserving the history and culture of Formula 1 is crucial, and he fears that by adding too many new venues, the essence of the sport could be diluted. These classic tracks, he argues, are central to maintaining F1’s identity and legacy.
To address these growing concerns, Marko proposed two potential solutions. The first suggestion was to reduce the number of races on the calendar. This, he believes, would ease the burden on teams and drivers while also ensuring that F1 maintains its global presence. Alternatively, Marko suggested introducing two driver line-ups to share the workload. This approach would allow teams to rotate drivers, ensuring that the physical and mental demands of such a long season are spread more evenly. Marko’s solutions aim to find a balance between F1’s desire for expansion and the need to preserve its core values.
Marko’s comments reflect a broader discussion within the sport, as the increasing number of races continues to raise questions about sustainability. While the sport’s growth has been beneficial for its global visibility, many insiders, including Marko, are starting to question whether the packed calendar is taking too much of a toll on the teams, drivers, and the sport’s heritage. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether F1 will take steps to reduce the number of races or rethink its approach to scheduling.
