Longer gaps between races early in F1 seasons could be “a way forward”

The widely predicted collapse of the optimistic plans to reinstate the Chinese Grand Prix for the first time since 2019 has created a protracted gap between the Australian and Azerbaijan rounds.

Usually, a similarly sizable window between races that has allowed much of the paddock to take time off is reserved for the traditional August summer break.

But as the calendar has grown to a record 23 races for this year, with plans afoot to add extra qualifying sessions…