Formula 1 is blowing up

Above the clouds, freedom must be limitless, the German bard Reinhard Mey once said. And he actually managed to awaken longings with this song. Yes, we wanted to conquer the world. With kerosene-soaked engines, with a climate-damaging means of transport, the plane. This is the only way to achieve the conquest in a relatively short time. Speed is the order of the day. Sustainability is secondary. And when it comes to speed, Formula 1 is of course the benchmark.

The raging circus is now picking up speed again and doesn't give a damn about the environment. The main thing is to drive and, above all, fly in the near future. Because the new calendar is a farce, a slap in the face to everyone who is actually concerned about global warming. Don't demonize travel, but point out that perhaps we would all be better off in a few years if we stayed at home or only traveled manageable distances. But many people would have to be very sensible to do this, which unfortunately contradicts all empirical values. Selfishness beats the common good. In small and large ways. And so in the future, Formula 1 will jet across the globe as world travel champions as if there were no tomorrow. In between, quickly to the USA Well, you start in Bahrain and then let the engines roar in Saudi Arabia. You can still accept that. But then there is no stopping it. Melbourne is the next destination. Then follows an appearance in Imola, a famous race track in Europe, before Miami, just around the corner, is on the program. And because it's so fun in the air, which is becoming increasingly thinner for the world, the entire entourage quickly flies back to the old continent. To Barcelona. You could have done it straight to Imola. No, just quickly to the USA in between. This is how things continue wildly. Sochi, Singapore, Suzuka. Then another visit to the United States. Mexico is still on track. Then quickly from there to Brazil and back to Abu Dhabi. Formula 1 is more in the air than on the ground.

Formula 1 is more in the air than on the ground. © APA/afp / GABRIEL BOUYS

Of course, this is also a bit of stress for Hamilton, Vettel, Bottas and Schumacher. But the stars are guaranteed not to fly in the wooden class like the many mechanics or technicians. It can be endured with a good film, a tasty meal on porcelain plates and perhaps, for once, a beautiful wine in sparkling crystal. And a business seat like this is much more comfortable than a seat in a Formula 1 car. In the back rows, however, the tight seating is closer to that of a sports car. Formula 1 boss with diversionary tactics So Formula 1 is on the move, which basically satisfies its basic needs. But it's not a secret, it's a well-established knowledge that traveling, even if it's fundamentally educational, puts a strain on the environment. Every ride, every flight. And then there is Covid-19. Far from being a thing of the past, it is still a constant companion with the threat of an infection that can be fatal. Stefano Domenicali, the Italian managing director of Formula 1, apparently already has a few pangs of conscience that are plaguing him in view of the rampant travel traffic in his company, which is why he points out that the pandemic is still very present.

That's why he wants to be vigilant. “To protect the staff and the communities we visit,” he says sweetly. It's nothing more than a diversionary tactic, because it's also clear to him that he's pushed all reason aside with the new schedule. His circus is well on the way to becoming a veritable environmental offender, which can also transport the virus from continent to continent. This is no longer in keeping with the times, but a rethink is not to be expected given the immense financial expenditure that Formula 1 makes. Freedom above the clouds is still limitless, but one day, perhaps not too far away, this too will be restricted. Then the cars stay where they belong, if at all: on the ground.

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Formula 1 is blowing up

The Formula 1 circus has presented its new schedule. Our columnist Sigi Heinrich took a closer look and found that environmental compatibility and sustainability played no role.

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