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Williams team principal James Vowles advocates for a revised Formula 1 event structure, suggesting that compressing race weekends into two days, rather than the current three, would enable an increase in the number of annual races without imposing additional strain. While acknowledging that the current 24-race schedule is at its limit under existing formats, he believes a shift to Saturday and Sunday events would allow for a calendar expansion to 26 races, and potentially introduce more variable and exciting outcomes by reducing practice time.

This innovative proposal by Vowles centers on optimizing the F1 schedule to grow the sport's global footprint while maintaining its appeal. By freeing up Fridays, teams and personnel would gain valuable downtime, making an extended calendar more feasible and sustainable. Furthermore, the reduction in practice sessions could lead to less predictable races, as drivers and teams would have less time to fine-tune their setups, potentially creating more thrilling and commercially attractive competitions for fans worldwide.

Vowles' Vision: Two-Day Weekends to Expand F1 Calendar

Williams Team Principal James Vowles has put forth a strategic modification for Formula 1 events, suggesting a transition to two-day race weekends. This structural change, he contends, is essential for accommodating an expanded racing calendar without exceeding the current maximum number of events. Vowles believes that while the present 24-race schedule represents the sport's peak capacity in its existing three-day format, a shift to Saturday and Sunday-only racing could unlock the potential for up to 26 events annually. This move is designed to alleviate the demands on team personnel and to enhance the racing spectacle by injecting greater unpredictability into each Grand Prix, offering a fresh perspective on how Formula 1 can evolve to meet future demands.

Vowles' proposal underscores a forward-thinking approach to Formula 1's scheduling challenges, balancing the desire for expansion with the welfare of its participants and the quality of the product. By eliminating Friday's track activities, teams would benefit from reduced travel and logistical burdens, making a larger calendar more manageable. This change would not only enable the sport to explore new markets and engage a broader audience but also fundamentally alter the competitive dynamic. With less time for preparation, drivers would face a heightened challenge, potentially leading to more diverse and captivating race results. Such a transformation could redefine the essence of an F1 weekend, making each event more intense and unpredictable, thereby enriching the fan experience and boosting the commercial viability of the sport.

Enhancing Race Dynamics Through Reduced Practice

A core element of James Vowles' proposed calendar reform is the reduction of practice time, a change he argues would significantly enhance the on-track product. By limiting practice sessions, particularly by eliminating Friday's activities, teams and drivers would have less opportunity to perfect their car setups, leading to a more challenging and less predictable race environment. This strategic adjustment aims to introduce a higher degree of variability and randomness into the races, which Vowles believes would result in more exciting and competitive events. The idea is that with less preparation time, the true skill of the drivers and the adaptability of the teams would be more critically tested, ultimately benefiting the fans by offering a more thrilling spectacle.

This aspect of Vowles' vision extends beyond mere scheduling adjustments; it delves into the very nature of Formula 1 competition. By creating a scenario where teams have only one hour of practice before qualifying, the emphasis shifts from extensive data analysis and simulation to immediate on-track performance and quick decision-making. This compressed format could level the playing field, making it harder for dominant teams to maintain their edge through sheer preparation and offering more opportunities for underdog teams to surprise. The resulting unpredictability would not only captivate audiences but also add a layer of strategic depth to each Grand Prix, forcing teams to be more agile and innovative. Ultimately, a more condensed practice schedule is seen as a key lever to foster closer racing and a more engaging championship narrative.

Carlos Sainz Sr., a four-time Dakar Rally champion, recently shared his profound satisfaction regarding his son, Carlos Sainz Jr.'s, remarkable podium finish at the 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. This achievement was particularly noteworthy as it represented Williams Racing's first podium since 2021 and a personal best for the younger Sainz with the team. Sainz Sr. firmly believes that this success was a direct outcome of dedicated effort and strategic prowess, rather than a stroke of luck, highlighting the intense commitment displayed by his son and the entire Williams outfit.

Sainz Jr.'s Baku Triumph and Future Aspirations

In an interview with Marca, Carlos Sainz Sr. conveyed his elation following his son's impressive performance at the Baku City Circuit. Despite being unable to attend the Formula 1 event due to his involvement in the Rally of Portugal at the Grândola bivouac, Sainz Sr. closely followed the race. He praised the clean and well-earned nature of the podium, underscoring that it was not influenced by external factors like yellow flags, safety cars, rain, or tire strategy mishaps. Starting from the front row, Sainz Jr. skillfully navigated his Williams car to secure a third-place finish, positioned behind Red Bull's Max Verstappen and Mercedes' George Russell. This result not only marked Williams' first podium since the 2021 Belgian Grand Prix but also provided a significant boost for team principal James Vowles, who joined the team in 2023. The senior Sainz described the Williams podium as a \"very special achievement,\" one that he had initially deemed improbable. Following the race, father and son discussed the future, with a clear focus on sustaining this momentum. Sainz Jr. is now determined to build upon this success, aiming for further podium finishes and a strong conclusion to the current season. The team also harbors aspirations for a competitive car in the upcoming year, particularly with the impending regulation changes in Formula 1.

This significant accomplishment at Baku serves as a powerful reminder that perseverance and unwavering dedication can yield extraordinary results, even in the highly competitive world of Formula 1. Carlos Sainz Jr.'s podium finish not only brought joy to his family and team but also ignited a renewed sense of hope and ambition for Williams Racing. It underscores the importance of a clear vision and consistent effort in overcoming challenges and striving for excellence on the global stage.