Lando Norris leads into the first corner in Singapore, F1’s last race for four weeks (Image: Getty)
A thrilling season has been placed on hold again, with fans having to endure a frustrating month-long gap between races. F1 followers have become accustomed to the summer shutdown, which sees racing curtailed for most of August.
However, many have been caught out by the current hiatus, with a gap of four long weeks between the and the US Grand Prix in Austin on October 20. Coming so soon after the summer break, fans have naturally been left asking why.
The reason is partly down to the sport’s desire to group more races together geographically as part of its quest to reduce its carbon footprint. That has resulted in some races being shifted from their traditional spots on the calendar.
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Azerbaijan was moved from its usual May date to September while Japan was brought forward from the autumn to April. Meanwhile, Qatar will be the penultimate round of the season as part of a back-to-back with nearby Abu Dhabi.
The late decision to move the Japanese Grand Prix came too late for other races to the moved, hence the current four-week break. With factors like each country’s climate and contractual agreements having to be taken into consideration, there was little room for manoeuvre.
Bringing the US Grand Prix forward was deemed unviable as it is part of a triple-header with Mexico and Brazil. And keeping Qatar in its 2023 spot of early October was not entertained due to oppressive heat in the country at that time of year, which some drivers branded the worst conditions they had ever raced in.
Lando Norris celebrates winning the Singapore Grand Prix (Image: Getty)
Unlike during the summer shutdown, when a 14-day rest period must be adhered to, teams are not mandated to close their facilities during the current break. The situation will not be repeated in 2025 with no more than a two-week gap between races following the summer break.
In a change from recent years, when Bahrain has been the first race, Australia’s Albert Park in Melbourne, the long-time curtain-raiser, will open the 2025 season on March 16, with China following a week later. There will then be a triple-header of Japan, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
The 2024 season will resume in Austin, which will host a sprint race, with aiming to defend his dwindling lead over Singapore winner in the drivers’ standings. With six race weekends left, the Dutchman has seen his advantage cut to 52 points.