F1's four-week break explained: Why there is second mid-season interval of the season
A thrilling F1 season has been interrupted by another month-long break just weeks after the end of the summer shutdown, with Lando Norris closing in on Max Verstappen
by Mark Whiley · The MirrorF1 fans are scratching their heads as a thrilling season takes another break, just weeks after returning from its summer shutdown.
The summer break is a familiar concept to F1 enthusiasts, with racing halted from the end of July until the end of August. However, the current four-week hiatus has taken many by surprise, with a long wait between the last race in Singapore and the US Grand Prix in Austin on October 20.
This unexpected break so soon after the summer holiday has left fans questioning why. Part of the reason lies in F1's ambition to cluster more races together based on geographical location, with the aim of reducing its carbon footprint.
This strategy has led to some races being moved from their traditional calendar slots. Azerbaijan was shifted from its usual May date to September, while Japan was brought forward from autumn to April.
In addition, Qatar will be the second-to-last round of the season, back-to-back with nearby Abu Dhabi. The decision to move the Japanese Grand Prix came too late for other races to be rescheduled, hence the current four-week break.
With factors such as each country's climate and contractual agreements needing consideration, there was little wiggle room. Moving the US Grand Prix forward was deemed unfeasible as it is part of a triple-header with Mexico and Brazil.
Keeping Qatar in its early October slot is unworkable due to the unbearable heat at that time of year, which some drivers described as the worst conditions they have ever raced in 2023. Unlike the summer shutdown, where a 14-day rest period is mandatory, teams are not required to close their facilities during the current break.
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This situation won't be repeated in 2025, with no more than a two-week gap between races after the summer break. The Singapore Grand Prix will take place two weeks later than this year, having been given an early October slot.
In a departure from recent years, when Bahrain has traditionally been the first race, Australia's Albert Park in Melbourne, a long-time season opener, will kick off the 2025 season on March 16, followed by China a week later. A triple-header of Japan, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia will then follow.
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