Ferrari’s Sainz Calls for Europe-Centric F1 Calendar Reform

Carlos Sainz advocates for a balanced F1 calendar, emphasizing the importance of preserving Europe’s historic role in the sport.

Carlos Sainz believes F1 should preserve its European roots in shaping its calendar, ensuring at least a third of the season takes place on the Old Continent. The Ferrari driver acknowledges the challenges but urges organizers not to forget their heritage.

“This is a very delicate issue. You know, I don’t really understand why Zandvoort might or might not remain beyond the 2026 season. Overall, the sport has shifted towards more races outside Europe than within Europe, probably for economic and obviously political reasons,” Sainz stated.

The Spaniard suggests that rotation could allow all European countries to host F1 events, enabling fans to experience the sport live and support their local drivers if they have any.

“In an ideal world, I think the Formula 1 season should have about 20 races. Of those 20 races, I strongly believe six to eight should be held in Europe because that’s where the sport originates.”

“All the others should rotate. If Zandvoort doesn’t have the budget to host a Formula 1 race while others do, that doesn’t mean Zandvoort should completely disappear from the calendar.”

“Perhaps it could return every two or three years, giving Dutch fans and Max’s supporters the opportunity to see him live. The same principle would apply to Spain, the UK, or any other country.”

“Even if these classic circuits, the European ones, don’t have the big budgets seen outside Europe, there must still be a way to give them the chance to return to the calendar periodically. I don’t know if it’s feasible, but in my ideal F1 calendar scenario, I would try to make it happen.”