What the Formula 1 drivers think of the “second summer break”.

(Motorsport-Total.com) – Esteban Ocon probably feels like some fans when looking at the Formula 1 calendar: “I wasn’t aware that there was such a long break,” admits the Alpine driver. Nevertheless, it is the case: there are four weeks between the Grands Prix in Singapore and Austin. It is, if you will, a “second summer break” after Formula 1 was suspended for four weeks in August.

“The Formula 1 management and the World Automobile Association have thought this through carefully,” says Ocon. But the long second break wasn’t actually planned: it arose from the restructuring of the calendar and could no longer be filled elsewhere due to individual race dates.

But that doesn’t change the fact that it’s an opportunity for drivers and teams to take a breather before two “work-intensive” triple headers, according to Ocon. “Jet lag is also a big issue. That makes it difficult for everyone involved. That’s why it’s a good thing if we have the opportunity to recharge our batteries before these triple headers.”

Max Verstappen also expressly welcomes the four-week break. He says it’s the “perfect time” for another break. Reason: The rest of the 2024 season will be “a little more relaxed”.

“It’s nothing new that the end of the season is always very hectic. But that’s just the way it is. You can argue about it, but that doesn’t change anything,” says Verstappen.

Ocon adds: The long Formula 1 season, which now includes 24 Grands Prix, also has its “downsides”. He is all the more looking forward to the “second summer break” before Austin.

“I still remember how sick and tired people were last year, especially after Las Vegas,” says Ocon. “It was tough back then because we only work there at night. And we’re always trying to make the whole thing better. So we’ll wait and see how it turns out.”

In fact, after the Formula 1 premiere on the new street circuit in Las Vegas, many people involved complained about the schedule. In 2023, Las Vegas was “only” the start of a back-to-back with the final in Abu Dhabi. In 2024, the third US race marks the first stop on the final triple header with Qatar and Abu Dhabi at the end.