1 week to Las Vegas – A mammoth trip to the season finale, which is not a season finale – sports

Formula 1 ends its season with the GP in Abu Dhabi. (Almost) all decisions have long been made.

Over 13,000 kilometers as the crow flies and a time difference of 12 hours: Shortly after the Las Vegas GP, the Formula 1 entourage moved to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates for the season finale.

The strenuous, mammoth journey saps the drivers’ reserves of energy: “I’ll be completely lost,” even the travel-experienced world champion Max Verstappen groaned before leaving for the next night race on the other side of the world. “It’s such a big time difference that it’s a bit much, especially at the end of the season when everyone is a bit tired.”

Since 2014, the end of the season has taken place in the city of over a million people on the Persian Gulf. For years, there were two weeks between what was once the penultimate race in Brazil and the trip to the desert. More and more races have led to a tighter schedule – and the return to Las Vegas increased the strain even more. Jet lag is inevitable, the stress test for your biorhythm is inevitable.

Decisions made

At least Verstappen is spared result-related stress. While the decision for the World Cup title in 2021 was only made in a real heart-stopping final, this season the Dutchman has been confirmed as world champion for what feels like an eternity, and places 2 and 3 have already been taken. In the constructors’ championship, Mercedes and Ferrari are still dueling for second place – and with it many millions in bonuses from the world association FIA.

While Verstappen has nothing wrong with his dominance, he definitely sees room for improvement when planning the season. “Perhaps the journey to Abu Dhabi could be made a little better,” said the Dutchman and suggested an “American tour” for the future: “Of course I know that that is not ideal for ticket sales. Maybe we can find a solution.”

24 races next year

Formula 1 is working on one. But in 2024 the record calendar will be busier than ever with 24 races. Greater regionalization should at least reduce the logistical effort and make the season more sustainable. The premier class also came up with something new for the finale in Abu Dhabi.

The penultimate race of the coming season will take place in Doha/Qatar and therefore in close proximity to Abu Dhabi, but again only a week after the race in Las Vegas. So Formula 1 saves its drivers 300 kilometers as the crow flies. It is doubtful that Verstappen and Co. will see this as a relief.