F1 fans are abuzz about the four week break between Singapore and Austin. This is a big change in the schedule compared to previous years. Before, Japan and Qatar would be in between, with a week between Singapore and Japan, and two weeks between Japan and Qatar. However, due to the geographic location, it made sense for Japan to be paired with China, and Qatar to be paired with Abu Dhabi. Additionally, Qatar is very hot, and drivers were falling sick and passing out due to the weather. Now, with this change, the drivers get a break for four weeks. 

This change in the schedule, though it allows for a smoother transition between races, involves two triple headers before the end of the season. This can be fun for the fans, but this will have a huge impact on the drivers’ physical health. 

Understandably, there are many factors which go into building an F1 schedule and it is quite hard to schedule a grand prix. On top of that, Singapore is a street circuit, so it is impossible to change the date of the race. However, Mexico and Sao Paulo are not, so those could have been moved if the FIA planned for it. So, was it necessary to stack three races in a row, twice?