Formula 1 2023

[wood 11747]

At first this article seems like it's about track limits, but there at the end, MBS also points out who the actual owner of the sport is ... the landlord of the leased property. It's about a whole lot more than just track limits.

FIA threaten two races with F1 calendar axe over track limits fiasco https://www.planetf1.com/news/fia-threaten-axe-qatar-austria-track-limits

 

Edited October 10, 2023 by wood

[utee94 16066]

Please oh please axe Qatar over track limits!!!!

 

 

[deft 7043]

Y'all think Stroll is a menace when he's on his game?
 
 
Was surprised to see Ocon more hated than Stroll in the surly straw poll, btw.

[wood 11747]

Sorry, the MBS quote I referred to before is in this article: https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-venues-could-lose-races-over-track-limit-problems-says-fia/10531032/

He's not shy about talking about cutting races. IMHO that's aimed at FOM and not at the tracks themselves. 

[wood 11747]

More ...

FIA boss Ben Sulayem wants more F1 teams and fewer races

https://www.reuters.com/sports/motor-sports/fia-boss-ben-sulayem-wants-more-f1-teams-fewer-races-2023-10-09/#:~:text=Red Bull boss Christian Horner,races%2C" continued Ben Sulayem.

"Saying no to a team which has been approved by the FIA, it’s very hard to say no," Ben Sulayem said in his office at the Lusail circuit.

"You can call me optimistic, I’m always optimistic. I think yes," he added when asked whether he thought Andretti would prevail.

Ben Sulayem said Liberty Media's share price had gone up when the FIA's approval of Andretti was announced.

"The FIA should be asking, begging, OEMs (car manufacturers) to come in. We should not just say no to them," he said.

"If you say what is my dream, it is to fill up the 12 (slots) and to have one U.S. team from an OEM and a PU (power unit) and a driver from there driving. And then go to China maybe and ask for the same thing and do it."
...

"You cannot force Andretti/GM to buy another team just because they (the owners) want to sell," said Ben Sulayem.

"I won’t mention names but they were after me to go on and convince GM to do that. It’s not my job. I was not elected to do that. I am not a broker.

"We are allowed to have 12 teams (in the rules). Some of the teams said 'Oh, it will be crowded'. Really? We are already running a Hollywood team with us," he said, referring to Brad Pitt's F1 movie being filmed at some races.

Red Bull boss Christian Horner said in May that new teams would be hard to fit in.

"The circuits are supposed to have enough garages and space for 12 teams...I think the number of races is too much (rather) than the number of teams. We need more teams and fewer races," continued Ben Sulayem.

"The teams are looking at the piece of cake. I understand their worries...but our worries are different."

Next season will have a record 24 rounds, up from 22 this year and 19 a decade ago, and staff burnout is a concern.

Ben Sulayem said Andretti could also enter without a commercial agreement, although whether they would want to is another matter.

"We hope not. But it could happen. It can happen," he said.

He dismissed talk of a power struggle between Formula One and the FIA but emphasised the governing body's position as 'landlord'.

"We are not a service provider. We own the championship. We leased it, we are the landlord. So that has to be respected also," he said.

"My intention was never to embarrass or to put someone in a corner, Liberty or FOM (Formula One Management). I am here for the spirit of the sport."

[G650 14421]

7 hours ago, wood said:

More ...

FIA boss Ben Sulayem wants more F1 teams and fewer races

https://www.reuters.com/sports/motor-sports/fia-boss-ben-sulayem-wants-more-f1-teams-fewer-races-2023-10-09/#:~:text=Red Bull boss Christian Horner,races%2C" continued Ben Sulayem.

 

 

Damn right

[Guest]

Lol. Why the hell is there a North American race with midnight qualifying and 10 p.m. race start? 

Edit: Just realized that this is going to be 2 a.m./midnight start times here in Austin. Should be a huge draw on TV, I'm sure.

Edited October 11, 2023 by FirstTimeCaller

[dieucla98 2954]

I'm taking a guess here without looking up the facts but I would assume Europe is the biggest fan base for F1. This would put the start around 8am GMT. If you do the "normal" afternoon start time around 3p local, that would mean something like a 11pm start time in Europe.

As shitty as it is for the Americas for an Americas based race, there is some sense here.

ETA: It also continues the theme of this particular race is a total circus.

ETA2: *6AM GMT start - math is hard. That's not particularly ideal for anyone, really...

Edited October 11, 2023 by dieucla98

[NoName 17107]

20 minutes ago, dieucla98 said:

I'm taking a guess here without looking up the facts but I would assume Europe is the biggest fan base for F1. This would put the start around 8am GMT. If you do the "normal" afternoon start time around 3p local, that would mean something like a 11pm start time in Europe.

As shitty as it is for the Americas for an Americas based race, there is some sense here.

ETA: It also continues the theme of this particular race is a total circus.

ETA2: *6AM GMT start - math is hard. That's not particularly ideal for anyone, really...

totally understand the point of why it's being done the way it's being done but what a shitshow. is this the single latest/worst start time for an F1 race for east coast for all the races on the calendar?

edit: nope

Australia and Suzuka were 1 AM and Vegas is the same time.

again - i get the point but fuuuuuuuck thats going to murder their ratings in the US

edit2: actually is there any other race with a midnight local race time?

Edited October 11, 2023 by NoName

[Guest]

18 minutes ago, dieucla98 said:

I'm taking a guess here without looking up the facts but I would assume Europe is the biggest fan base for F1. This would put the start around 8am GMT. If you do the "normal" afternoon start time around 3p local, that would mean something like a 11pm start time in Europe.

As shitty as it is for the Americas for an Americas based race, there is some sense here.

ETA: It also continues the theme of this particular race is a total circus.

ETA2: *6AM GMT start - math is hard. That's not particularly ideal for anyone, really...

But they have afternoon start times for Austin, Miami, Montreal, and Mexico.

And if the entire goal of putting it in Las Vegas is to grow the sport in America... shouldn't it occur when most Americans are awake?

[NoName 17107]

Checo moved into #2 in the Destructor's Championship!

[dieucla98 2954]

54 minutes ago, FirstTimeCaller said:

But they have afternoon start times for Austin, Miami, Montreal, and Mexico.

And if the entire goal of putting it in Las Vegas is to grow the sport in America... shouldn't it occur when most Americans are awake?

I could argue they wanted to balance getting more Euro eyeballs on it but keep it "under the lights" and enhance the circus aspect of it all.

Regardless, I'm struggling to justify it.

[PittsburghTiger 6320]

10 hours ago, wood said:

More ...

FIA boss Ben Sulayem wants more F1 teams and fewer races

https://www.reuters.com/sports/motor-sports/fia-boss-ben-sulayem-wants-more-f1-teams-fewer-races-2023-10-09/#:~:text=Red Bull boss Christian Horner,races%2C" continued Ben Sulayem.

 

 

 

3 hours ago, G650 said:

Damn right

I agree completely. Hell, in 1950 there were just seven races, with the only one not in Europe being the Indy 500, and not everyone raced there since it wasn't an official race for F1.

It wasn't until 2016 when they hit 20 races in a season.

I want 12 teams. The logistics of this all has gotten way out of hand so I'd support getting rid of a couple races too, in a logical way, of course.

[wood 11747]

3 hours ago, FirstTimeCaller said:

Lol. Why the hell is there a North American race with midnight qualifying and 10 p.m. race start? 

Edit: Just realized that this is going to be 2 a.m./midnight start times here in Austin. Should be a huge draw on TV, I'm sure.

Because 'Vegas Baby' at night and because European market that the casinos are trying to market it to. 

[wood 11747]

2 hours ago, FirstTimeCaller said:

But they have afternoon start times for Austin, Miami, Montreal, and Mexico.

And if the entire goal of putting it in Las Vegas is to grow the sport in America... shouldn't it occur when most Americans are awake?

I think that's a big part of the idea for FOM, but not for Vegas. Vegas wants to (a) make a shit-ton of money off of the weekend and (b) attract more international travelers to come to Vegas (to make a shit-ton of money later on). Vegas during the day isn't exactly that appealing, esp on TV. At night it's like a completely different place. 

Edited October 11, 2023 by wood

[utee94 16066]

I don't want more teams if they're crappy.  More cars is fine.  If that means going down to 8 teams running 3 cars, I'm good with that.  Adding more rolling chicanes?  No thanks.

And I can't agree with any of you that want fewer races.  I want MORE.  52 races per year would be great.  But not shitty street races or parking lot races.  To make logistics easier you can run back to back events at the same venue.  Run the circuit clockwise on week1, and then counter clockwise on week2.  Would give a whole new meaning to the term "Parabolica" at Monza!

And while we're at it, we need more 6 wheeled cars.

Follow me for more ideas on how to improve Formula1!

 

Edited October 11, 2023 by utee94

[wood 11747]

9 minutes ago, utee94 said:

I don't want more teams if they're crappy.  More cars is fine.  If that means going down to 8 teams running 3 cars, I'm good with that.  Adding more rolling chicanes?  No thanks.

And I can't agree with any of you that want fewer races.  I want MORE.  52 races per year would be great.  But not shitty street races or parking lot races.  To make logistics easier you can run back to back events at the same venue.  Run it one direction on week1, and the opposite direction on week2.  Would give a whole new meaning to the term "Parabolica" at Monza.

And while we're at it, we need more 6 wheeled cars.

Follow me for more ideas on how to improve Formula1!

 

Ha! Yeah I love the idea of running races the opposite way, but there are only one or two circuits I've ever heard of in the whole world that are set up to do that, and iirc none of them are FIA Grade 1 certified. For most circuits it wouldn't be feasible because of the way the runoffs are configured. Even for the circuits with room to change those, it would cost millions to change the runoffs, fence pass-throughs, light boards, etc, and no way FOM will pay for that. And yes, more 6-wheeled cars please.

Edited October 11, 2023 by wood

[utee94 16066]

3 minutes ago, wood said:

Ha! Yeah I love the idea of running races the opposite way, but there are only one or two circuits I've ever heard of in the whole world that are set up to do that, and iirc none of them are FIA Grade 1 certified. For most circuits it wouldn't be feasible because of the way the runoffs are configured. Even for the circuits with room to change those, it would cost millions to change the runoffs, fence pass-throughs, etc, and no way FOM will pay for that. And yes, more 6-wheeled cars please.

Oh there's a simple solution to that-- no runoffs at all.  Or, only lava run-offs. Would solve so many problems at once.

This reverse race direction idea is sounding better and better!

[wood 11747]

4 minutes ago, utee94 said:

Oh there's a simple solution to that-- no runoffs at all.  Or, only lava run-offs. Would solve so many problems at once.

This reverse race direction idea is sounding better and better!

Lava sharks, with lasers!

[Guest]

39 minutes ago, wood said:

I think that's a big part of the idea for FOM, but not for Vegas. Vegas wants to (a) make a shit-ton of money off of the weekend and (b) attract more international travelers to come to Vegas (to make a shit-ton of money later on). Vegas during the day isn't exactly that appealing, esp on TV. At night it's like a completely different place. 

The sun sets in Las Vegas at 4:31 p.m. on November 18, according to Googletrons.

They could hold this race at 6 p.m. and have it be dark. Or at 7 p.m. or 8 p.m. 

[Guest]

37 minutes ago, utee94 said:

I don't want more teams if they're crappy.  More cars is fine.  If that means going down to 8 teams running 3 cars, I'm good with that.  Adding more rolling chicanes?  No thanks.

And I can't agree with any of you that want fewer races.  I want MORE.  52 races per year would be great.  But not shitty street races or parking lot races.  To make logistics easier you can run back to back events at the same venue.  Run the circuit clockwise on week1, and then counter clockwise on week2.  Would give a whole new meaning to the term "Parabolica" at Monza!

And while we're at it, we need more 6 wheeled cars.

Follow me for more ideas on how to improve Formula1!

 

Nah. Part of the reason that football season is special is because it's short and every game counts. I can count the number of innings of baseball I've watched this season on one hand because each individual game doesn't really matter.

 

[wood 11747]

25 minutes ago, FirstTimeCaller said:

The sun sets in Las Vegas at 4:31 p.m. on November 18, according to Googletrons.

They could hold this race at 6 p.m. and have it be dark. Or at 7 p.m. or 8 p.m. 

Sure, but like I said, it's about marketing Vegas to an international crowd, not to us. Trust me, I don't like these times any better than anyone does, but that's what the deal is. A 7PM start in Vegas is like 2 am in most of Europe. they don't want that.

[Guest]

2 minutes ago, wood said:

Sure, but like I said, it's about marketing Vegas to an international crowd, not to us. Trust me, I don't like these times any better than anyone does, but that's what the deal is. A 7PM start in Vegas is like 2 am in most of Europe. they don't want that.

Then a 10 p.m. start time means 5 a.m. in most of Europe. That makes even less sense. Not only does it not work for Europe, it doesn't work for the Americas either.

[utee94 16066]

2 minutes ago, wood said:

Sure, but like I said, it's about marketing Vegas to an international crowd, not to us. Trust me, I don't like these times any better than anyone does, but that's what the deal is. A 7PM start in Vegas is like 2 am in most of Europe. they don't want that.

It's gonna be a crap-ass race anyway.  I'll DVR it and likely FF through most of it.

I'm far more interested in the DtS episode that covers the leadup and all of the non-track stuff.  That's gonna be a lot of fun.  Heck, maybe a 2-3 episode arc covering all of the Las Vegas shenanigans.

 

[wood 11747]

2 minutes ago, FirstTimeCaller said:

Then a 10 p.m. start time means 5 a.m. in most of Europe. That makes even less sense. Not only does it not work for Europe, it doesn't work for the Americas either.

I think the Euros have been saying it's a 6am start for them. I forgot Vegas is Pacific time, so 7pm is actually 3am in Europe and 10pm is actually 6am in Europe. They don't love the 6am start but they're notoriously spoiled about start times. They do generally like it better than very late at night though.

[wood 11747]

7 minutes ago, utee94 said:

It's gonna be a crap-ass race anyway

I'll reserve judgement as always, until they race it. Some guys on autosport and F1T are saying they've been racing it on games and sims and that it actually races well and is fun to drive. Who knows ...

Edited October 11, 2023 by wood

[utee94 16066]

1 minute ago, wood said:

I'll reserve judgement as always, until they race it. Some guys on autosport and F1T are saying they've been racing it on games and sims and actually races well and is fun. Who knows ...

Only interesting street course they've added in the last... I don't know... 5 decades, is Azerbaijan.  I'm pretty confident in my dismissal.

 

 

 

[wood 11747]

5 minutes ago, utee94 said:

Only interesting street course they've added in the last... I don't know... 5 decades, is Azerbaijan.  I'm pretty confident in my dismissal.

And that's the circuit they compare it to the most. Very fast, wide, etc. But who knows. They could be wrong, or right. I dunno. It's also gonna be cold, on a brand new surface, so that could make for some interesting changes in performance.

Edited October 11, 2023 by wood

[utee94 16066]

4 minutes ago, wood said:

And that's the circuit they compare it to the most. Very fast, wide, etc. But who knows. They could be wrong, or right. I dunno. It's also gonna be cold, on a brand new surface, so that could make for some interesting changes in performance.

I'll catch it Sunday afternoon whilst decorating for Christmas.  If it's engaging, I'll be pleasantly surprised.

[Anton Chigurh 3332]

But not shitty street races or parking lot races. 
 

[Guest]

3 hours ago, utee94 said:

I'll catch it Sunday afternoon whilst decorating for Christmas.  If it's engaging, I'll be pleasantly surprised.

[ConferenceRoom 6210]

I was in my office at 0330 today and heard a large aircraft fly over the building. Checked adsbexchange and it was a cargo 777 from Qatar. Oh lawd, they comin’. 

[wood 11747]

4 hours ago, ConferenceRoom said:

I was in my office at 0330 today and heard a large aircraft fly over the building. Checked adsbexchange and it was a cargo 777 from Qatar. Oh lawd, they comin’. 

0330? You're a dedicated man!

[flatdawgs 1337]

10 hours ago, wood said:

I think the Euros have been saying it's a 6am start for them. I forgot Vegas is Pacific time, so 7pm is actually 3am in Europe and 10pm is actually 6am in Europe. They don't love the 6am start but they're notoriously spoiled about start times. They do generally like it better than very late at night though.

10pm Pacific = 6am UK, Ireland, Portugal; 7am nearly all the rest of Europe, 8am far eastern Europe, South Africa.

(source: me, about an hour from Portimão)

[elfenix 34658]

On 10/8/2023 at 6:54 PM, wood said:

So here's a thought. WEC races here next September 1, and we all know what kind of heat that will mean. They have cooling in the cars, but the rules just say they have to keep it 7C about outside ambient temps. That means they could very likely have temps around 120F in their closed cockpit cars. For 6 hours.

they can declare a hot race which makes for a maximum stint time (80 minutes with 30 minute rest in between). 

[wood 11747]

17 minutes ago, elfenix said:

they can declare a hot race which makes for a maximum stint time (80 minutes with 30 minute rest in between). 

That'll help, for sure, but that's still about the length of an F1 race & at least 5 stints between the drivers. BTW, did you see this from Alex Brundle in reaction to Qatar? I was at that race but I had no idea about all those guys leaving in ambulances. That was on Sept 22. Unless it rains, it'll be hotter than that next year.

 

[Burt Macklin 19211]

That entire Qatar race was such a fucking farce from the curbs causing max tire stints to the heat. Just an absolute clown show. Fuck FOM for selling out to the Middle East. 

[dieucla98 2954]

At least there wasn't a nearby terrorist attack so we're improving on past ME races. Baby steps.

[Guest]

Rumors on Reddit that Perez will announce retirement at Mexican GP.

Who is the poster that showed up for one day a couple of months ago when Perez had a good weekend then never posted again? 

[NoName 17107]

21 minutes ago, FirstTimeCaller said:

Rumors on Reddit that Perez will announce retirement at Mexican GP.

Who is the poster that showed up for one day a couple of months ago when Perez had a good weekend then never posted again? 

https://old.reddit.com/r/formula1/comments/1765yp3/sergio_pérez_will_announce_his_retirement_during/

i have no idea if it's real or not, but it absolutely makes sense. its a 4 year old reddit account so not a new troll. has a bunch of comments in the f1 subreddit

text
 

Quote

 

Context. Not an actual dinner party but easier for the title. A few days ago, several people were testing some race cars at a local track. After the day at the track was over, this guy's group joined our group and we all went to dinner together before getting back to the hotel.

I do not know this guy personally and just met him at the track that day but had heard of him before because he's a well known figure in racing circles in Mexico. It was also known he was one of the top guys in Escudería Telmex. Doing a bit of research, he was working as a high ranking individual for Escudería Telmex directly linked to international sponsorship deals, AKA, Checo Pérez and other motorsports people up until 2022.

Here's what he said to the best of my recollection:

• Red Bull has told Sergio they will not keep him for 2024, breaking the existing contract. (Nothing new in F1 or for Red Bull this very season with Nyck).

• Apparently this decision was communicated during the week of the Japanese Grand Prix. (This could somewhat explain the absolute shockers that have been Japan and Qatar for Pérez). Would be interesting to go back and watch Sergio's Thursday interviews that weekend but I haven't done that yet.

• Checo's team, (managers and main sponsor Escudería Telmex) immediately started looking around and talking to people but 2 main problems arose here.

1. There are no seats available. Only one not confirmed is Williams and maybe Stroll's place isn't as secure as everyone thought pre-Qatar? But...

2. These past 4-5 months have been extremely damaging to Sergio's well earned reputation. Other teams have mentioned to them how he is now on the older side (He's been in F1 since 2011!). The once known Tyre whisperer and Mexican Minister of Defense, a mid driver with some epic drives here and there completely collapsed under the pressure of a Championship winning team so they (other teams) don't see themselves kicking someone else out to put Checo in one of their cars, although the sponsorship package that comes with him would certainly make teams in the lower half of the field have a real think about it.

This person doesn't know anything about who will replace Checo in 2024.

So...

During the off weekend between Japan and Qatar, Sergio and his team came to the conclusion that it was time to end his Formula 1 career. He's been doing this for a long time and his family keeps growing and growing.

The announcement will be made during the Mexican Grand Prix weekend in 3 weeks time and that'd be it.

This guy speculated: Since Escudería Telmex is privy to this information, chances are the Mexican Grand Prix Organization already know as well and may prepare a farewell celebration or something.

And that was it. Of course the table had questions and comments but this person claimed that was all he knew, that this was all he has told by someone still inside Escudería Telmex.

Now, could this person make it all up in the spot to become the center of attention of the group for a few minutes? I mean, I guess he could have. He was certainly the center of attention while telling us all of the above. Being there at the time, knowing who he is and who he knows, I believed him.

---

So, that's basically it. Take it with a grain of salt of course, I am no one with influence or "connections". I just happened to be there at the track with a group of friends, 2 of which knew this guy very well from years past. That's why they joined our group for dinner. Beyond what I've already written, I don't think there's much more for me to tell, If anything.

No, I cannot provide proof so I'm well aware this comes down to a big fat "trust me bro". I debated with myself for a few days whether to post this or not, I obviously decided not to, and so here we all are.

English not being my first language, there may be a few grammar and spelling mistakes here and there. Bare with me, the important stuff is in here.

 

i feel bad for checo but i don't see a universe where they can keep him next year. the LARGEST gap between teammates on the grid?

from gpfans:
 

Quote

 

A rumour circulating on social media about the retirement of Red Bull driver Sergio Perez has been categorically denied by sources close to the driver.

A detailed rumour about the Mexican announcing his retirement from the sport at the upcoming grand prix in his home country later this month has been gaining traction on social media – after a season where Perez has trailed team-mate Max Verstappen by a distance since the fifth race in Miami.

The post, first seen on social media website Reddit, claims a former high-ranking commercial employee of one of Perez's sponsors, Escuderia Telmex, spoke at a dinner following a test day at a race track and said Red Bull had told Perez they will not be keeping him for 2024 and that the decision was communicated during the Japanese Grand Prix.

The post also claimed that a celebration would be prepared in honour of Perez for the Mexico City Grand Prix, celebrating the driver's storied F1 career.

Perez retirement not imminent, but coming closer...

GPFans asked a source close to Perez about the claims and they said reports of an impending retirement announcement were "a load of nonsense".

That would tie in with remarks from Perez six weeks ago that he would race through 2026 at least before looking to wrap up his F1 career.

"I want to keep going, at least until 2026 when the change of rules is in effect and experience how much can I enjoy with this new set of rules. From there on, decide what will come for me in the future," said the Red Bull driver.

 

 

[PittsburghTiger 6320]

It'd be cool if there were rumors about Stroll retiring.

 

[utee94 16066]

[Hawndoh 2409]

The Grosjean IndyCar experiment seems to have derailed. I wouldn't mind seeing Perez move to Indy. Gets to race exclusively in North America at times his Mexican fans can easily follow.

The F1 to Indy move hasn't worked all that well for Grosjean but it has been a fantastic move for Marcus Erickson.

[deft 7043]

Well he’s not on fire as often in Indy. He’s got that going for him, which is pretty nice.

[texas08 1599]

Rumors on Reddit that Perez will announce retirement at Mexican GP.
Who is the poster that showed up for one day a couple of months ago when Perez had a good weekend then never posted again? 

Hi!

SECOND PLACE WHILE DRIVING LIKE SHIT!

everyone else must suck ass

[ConferenceRoom 6210]

His car certainly doesn’t. 

[Guest]

3 hours ago, texas08 said:

Hi!

SECOND PLACE WHILE DRIVING LIKE SHIT!

everyone else must suck ass

As a Perez fan, I'd be interested to hear your take on what you think is going on with him?

[elfenix 34658]

5 hours ago, Hawndoh said:

The Grosjean IndyCar experiment seems to have derailed. I wouldn't mind seeing Perez move to Indy. Gets to race exclusively in North America at times his Mexican fans can easily follow.

The F1 to Indy move hasn't worked all that well for Grosjean but it has been a fantastic move for Marcus Erickson.

would put some more impetus to an indycar race in mexico

[wood 11747]

24 minutes ago, elfenix said:

would put some more impetus to an indycar race in mexico

I've been saying for years they're crazy if they don't get back there soon.

[wood 11747]

So ... this is something Jonathan Noble actually said:

Quote

it is understood that less than half of the current circuits have garage and paddock facilities easily able to accommodate an extra outfit

'Andretti heading for F1 green light not court, says Ben Sulayem'
'FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem is optimistic Andretti’s Formula 1 entry will be approved by FOM, as he dismissed fears of court action or a war erupting between series bosses.' 
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/andretti-heading-for-f1-green-light-not-court-says-ben-sulayem/10531501/

He also repeatedly referred to an 11th entry as an 'extra' team.

I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure that well more than half of the current tracks have held races with 11 or even 12 teams. There were 12 teams in 2012, and they raced on, by my quick count, 14 of the circuits currently being raced. Am I doing it wrong?

One commenter notes: "Of the tracks that should be on the calendar when Andretti joins, only Jeddah, Miami, Zandvoort, Lusail and Las Vegas have not hosted Formula One races with 11 or even 12 teams in recent times. That's less than a quarter of the venues! So why is Motorsport falsely claiming that more than half of the venues couldn't cope with it???"

Never mind the fact that new tracks are required to have garages for at least 12 teams.