Apr.23 - Formula 1 drivers are pushing for changes to the sport's new race weekend format, arguing that it has failed to lighten the load as the calendar continues to expand.
Ostensibly, as the race schedule swells to an unprecedented 23 grands prix, a goal of the weekend changes was to effectively reduce the importance of Thursdays.
However, it is believed the Grand Prix Drivers' Association last week sent a letter to Formula 1 and the FIA to formalise their complaints about the new format's realities.
"I think at this stage I'd prefer to not disclose any details," GPDA director Sebastian Vettel said at Imola.
He did reveal that the "weekend format, safety, the tracks, the calendar" and other issues are on the drivers' minds.
"We've been sending a couple of things filled with questions and on some things we are still waiting for an answer," said the quadruple world champion. "So maybe it's a busy period for the FIA.
"But the first attempt is always to keep it sort of disclosed. And then we'll see what happens with it."
Current world champion Max Verstappen was even more outspoken about what the new format has been like for the drivers.
"I think it's more about how we are doing the press conferences and the media activities," said the Red Bull driver.
"I think it was better before, because now, Thursday is officially not really a day anymore but our Thursday is very long, and even more now on a Friday when you come in early.
"With going to more races, you would like to have a shorter weekend – but actually now with more races we are also having longer weekends," Verstappen added.
✅ Check out more posts with related topics:
it must suck having to work for your million dollar salary
If the drivers are run ragged it will be reflected in the quality of the racing. Less is more
Welcome to the real world, people all over the world have to put up with too much work not enough time off and get paid a LOT less get on with it.....
Aw Come on , they need more time off, some more than others for there Instagramms accounts, music writing, clothes designing, extreme E team,BLM, and mission44, now im trying to think , have i missed anything off?
Theres barely enough time to jet home to America every week, let alone drive an F1 car
Nope I think you covered it all shropp, believe it or not I'm feeling a little bit sad 😔 for sir Lulu its not really the way I wanted it to be but he'll know what its like now to have to fight in the midfield also! he cant say "this guys in my way he should move over" because he's not faster than them.
✅ Checkout the latest 50 F1 Fans comments.