Reuters
Formula One F1 – Russian Grand Prix – Sochi Autodrom, Sochi, Russia – September 25, 2021 A man pushes wheels as FP3 is cancelled due to rain ahead of qualifying REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov
Reuters
Formula One F1 – Russian Grand Prix – Sochi Autodrom, Sochi, Russia – September 25, 2021 A man pushes wheels as FP3 is cancelled due to rain ahead of qualifying REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov
Early on Thursday, Formula 1 officially welcomed Qatar to the sport, which will host its first-ever Grand Prix during the closing stages of this F1 season.
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What’s more, Qatar signed a whopping 10-year contract, meaning Losail International Circuit will witness guaranteed F1 action between 2023 and 2032. Now, the debut race weekend at Qatar will take place between November 19 and 21, making it the last of the triple-header after Mexico and Brazil.
However, this latest modification to the current season’s calendar has drawn a lot of flak amongst the teams and possibly the fans, too.
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Is F1 starting to face disagreements?
Triple-headers have always been a cause of concern for the entire paddock, as each of the team’s crew will have to endure brutal work to pull off a single season.
Reuters
Formula One F1 – Russian Grand Prix – Sochi Autodrom, Sochi, Russia – September 25, 2021 General view as FP3 is cancelled due to rain ahead of qualifying REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov
Apparently, F1 mechanics and support crew work 80 hours on average over a single event. Now, imagine doing the same over 3 consecutive race weekends across 3 different continents. Of course, this F1 is doing its best to keep the season alive by calling in replacements as and when needed.
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But, this is certainly taking a toll on the entire F1 paddock, and if the trend does continue, we may as well start facing disagreements soon from the teams.
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McLaren’s inspection technician, Ben Brown, revealed the same on Twitter. “Showing some consideration for the reality of working in F1. Yes, it’s awesome, but damn can it be brutal work.
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@JennieGow showing some consideration for the reality of working in F1. Yes it’s awesome, but damn can it be brutal work. On average mechanics/support crew work 80 hour weeks during one event. Doing this 3 weeks in a row across 3 continents, is exhausting. That is all. https://t.co/bEUthOAcUq
— Ben Brown (@BennyBf1) September 30, 2021
“On average mechanics/support crew work 80-hour weeks during one event. Doing this 3 weeks in a row across 3 continents is exhausting. That is all,” he said.
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Fans react to the final triple-header of 2021
It wasn’t just the McLaren crew who opined against the final triple-header of this season, but many others too; F1 journalist, Jennie Gow, being one of them. Take a look at how people react to this immensely exhausting triple-header comprising Mexico, Brazil, and Qatar.
Mexico, Brazil & Qatar as a triple header towards the end of the season. Team members should be applauded for their dedication. This is brutal. #F1.
— Jennie Gow (@JennieGow) September 30, 2021
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Fun fact: The distance from Brazil to Qatar is 11,968km, which F1 people will have to travel at the end of the triple-header.
— Pablo Elizalde (@EliGP) September 30, 2021
Triple Header (2021) pic.twitter.com/WCGH2eiapD
— Aiden the Helicopter 2355 (@The2355) September 21, 2021
Monday: early checkout from the hotel, you look forward to getting back to your family after a hard few days.
But it’s a triple header, your flight isn’t going home, it’s going to the next event so you can start at Tuesday again
— Engine 11 Position 5 (@EngineMode11) October 1, 2021
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not to be dramatic but how can they expect these teams to go straight from brazil to qatar?????? and it’s the final race of a triple header??? that’s a JOKE
— em hates the RussianGP 🇷🇺 (@landonor4) September 30, 2021
i think there is too many races on the calendar now. 18-20 was a push but still a good amount. this is brutal on the teams and the mechanics doing triple header after triple header. #F1
— Will (@WillThomas06) September 30, 2021
This triple header is so stupid https://t.co/nSZmUgry8s
— justin (@IecIxrc) September 30, 2021
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For the Qatar race, its 14-15 hour flight, so potentially arriving early hours Tuesday Morning, teams will have crews in late afternoon, early evening to get the freight unloaded. So for this triple header, i very much doubt there will be days off. due to the distance travelled
— Tom Graham (@SomeBoyTom) September 30, 2021
Did i miss something or did F1 just create another Triple header? Indeed a Mexico/Brazil/Qatar triple……ouch https://t.co/ZP28nOA3Vp
— Ben Constanduros (@BenConsty) September 30, 2021
What I don't get. Why is Qatar on the 21st November which makes a MEX/BRA/QAT triple header and not on the 28th to create a QAT/KSR/UAE triple header? No break between Brazil and Qatar is brutal.
— Kalinho (@Kalinho09) September 30, 2021
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The idea of having a triple-header consisting of Mexico, Brazil and Qatar with no break in between is extremely bizarre; considering how much stress Formula 1 personnel are already under, the last thing they need is a long triple-header spanning three continents. #F1
— Ed Spencer (@EdSpencer99) September 30, 2021
On the topic of broken promises. Did #F1 forget the commitment towards sustainability as well?
Because frankly, when your last six races are USA, Mexico, Brazil, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE, and you decide to get a MEX/BRA/QAT triple header, it kinda looks like you don't care.
— Aurora Dell'Agli (@auroradellagli) September 30, 2021
Overall, it looks like the F1 crew have a lot of traveling to do which is indeed going to cause a worry or two. The timing is much worse, as most of the paddock is already worn out amidst the hectic 2021 racing schedule. Hence, to create such a triple-header during the final weeks of the season is quite ludicrous.
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