RaceFans Round-up: F1 must do a “better job” arranging races

In brief

Improve calendar organisation, says Verstappen

F1 has an uneven end to its calendar this year, with three consecutive race-less weekends followed by two consecutive triple-headers, each of which starts in the USA. Verstappen says F1’s calendar organisation leaves a lot to be desired.

“I’ve always said it’s quite a lot of races that we have in the calendar,” said Verstappen. “But I think for me, it’s more just travelling with the time zone differences, between Vegas and Qatar. You’re flying almost to the other side of the world again, which I think we can do a little bit of a better job if we do triple-headers, that they are a bit closer together. For me, that would make a bit more sense, so that’s probably something that we have to look at.

“If we’re going to do so many races at least make sure that they are closer together. But again, of course, it depends on ticket sales. At the end of the day you have to come to a bit of a middle ground, right? It’s a long flight, Vegas to Qatar.

“But then, of course, you’re in Qatar, you fly to Abu Dhabi, which is fine. For me, that is not a problem. But yeah, end of the season, when you’re getting a bit tired, it’s easier also to get sick. And then actually flying for a long period of time is not helping.”

Rossi joins Carpenter

Alexander Rossi has joined Carpenter for the 2025 IndyCar season. He will join Christian Rasmussen, who will contest a full season for the first time.

Carpenter announced earlier this week it had dropped Rinus Veekay from its line-up. Team owner Ed Carpenter will return to compete the Indianapolis 500.

Maloney to Formula E

Zane Maloney will make his Formula E debut next year driving for Abt. The Sauber junior driver, who is currently third in the Formula 2 standings, will partner Lucas di Grassi at the team.

Visa faces antitrust suit

RB title sponsor Visa is being sued by the United States Department of Justice for alleged “monopolisation and other unlawful conduct” in debit markets. It’s the second prominent partner of Red Bull’s second F1 team, RB, to run into legal trouble in the USA in as many days.

Happy birthday!

Happy birthday to Ron, Greg, Theo Parkinson and Corey!