As the Formula 1 season for 2025 has been unveiled, several uncertainties still surround the finalisation of the calendar.
The upcoming year will see another hectic schedule of 24 races, with F1 and the FIA confirming recent rumours by selecting Melbourne to inaugurate the season on March 16, influenced by Ramadan, instead of Bahrain.
FIA president Mohammed ben Sulayem praised that "through the regionalisation of events," the "health and wellbeing of travelling staff" will be better looked after.
Auto Motor und Sport indicates that several key issues have yet to be resolved.
"It has not yet been decided where the pre-season testing will take place," noted journalist Tobias Gruner.
"As Bahrain is not the start of the season, it would be advisable to test once again in southern Europe and thus cut costs. But we hear that Bahrain would like to invite the Formula 1 circuit back to Sakhir for testing in February. One advantage of that is more consistent weather conditions, but on the negative side, there would be logistical problems with the supply of spare parts."
Gruner also mentioned that decisions are still pending on which tracks will host the 'sprint' weekend format, with six such events expected in 2025.
"F1 authorities are still in negotiations with the individual race promoters," Gruner explained.
"As always, the winners will be those races that are willing to pay the biggest premium for the additional action."
