F1 at present has a two-week shutdown through the summer season break that’s enshrined within the rules, making certain workers get break day by means of the busy season by making groups pause their operations.
Though all groups do guarantee workers members get break day over Christmas and thru the winter, there’s nothing set within the sporting rules that requires them to close down by means of the low season.
However as a part of talks in System 1’s Sporting Advisory Committee, the place groups are represented by their sporting administrators, it has emerged {that a} winter shutdown has now been proposed.
This might see the same method be taken to the summer season shutdown, placing a hard and fast interval within the guidelines the place all groups should pause operations and workers members will get break day.
Autosport understands that discussions a couple of winter shutdown within the Sporting Advisory Committee haven’t but reached a complicated stage, neither is there whole unanimity among the many groups.
However the indications have been constructive, in accordance with Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff, who felt it will be an necessary step to guard workers well-being.
“There are various of us workforce principals that wish to replicate what we have now in the summertime, not less than beginning at Christmas and going into the brand new 12 months for 2 weeks,” defined Wolff.
“Clearly that is nonetheless up for dialogue. However there was a constructive indication, for the well-being of the folks.”
Mechanics on the grid with the automobile of Mick Schumacher, Haas VF-22
Photograph by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Pictures
With the ultimate race of the season scheduled for November 20 in Abu Dhabi, this 12 months will mark the earliest end to a marketing campaign since 2010, when the title showdown was held on November 14.
The early end this 12 months was a results of the FIFA World Cup, which begins in Qatar on the identical day because the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and can proceed till the center of December.
F1 held its final race in December in every of the previous three seasons, working as late as December 13 in 2020 and December 12 in 2021 after the COVID-19 pandemic pressured modifications to the schedule.
With just one pre-season take a look at deliberate in Bahrain subsequent 12 months forward of the season-opener in March 5, it’s set to be the longest winter break that workers have loved for numerous years.
“It is nice that the season finishes this couple of weeks sooner than prior to now, as a result of everybody is absolutely on the restrict,” stated Wolff.
“Having this week, two weeks extra is certainly a pleasant welcome, however on the opposite aspect, there’s many individuals within the manufacturing unit who’re going to work flat out between Christmas and New 12 months.
“However for the race workforce that is clocking many airline miles, that is a constructive.”