Formula 1: Night race in Bahrain: Dear Formula 1, does that have to be?
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Dear Formula 1, does that have to be?
The Bahrain GP is the first night race of the year. But why actually? The ecological concept of Formula 1 is thus taken ad absurdum.
But if a night race in Bahrain is the premier class’ answer to the question of more sustainability, then good night. 495 floodlight systems with more than 5000 individual lights on masts ten to 45 meters high, for which 50 kilometers of cable had to be laid – that’s a lot, but not eco. How much electricity is needed for this is not published. It is only known that 120 units are in use.
Formula 1 drives in Bahrain at night
© LAT / Mercedes
Night races in motorsport are not uncommon. In the ovals of the IndyCar and NASCAR there is always driving at night. But the difference to Bahrain is like day and night: oval tracks are like football facilities and therefore their size is manageable. So much fewer lamps and thus much less energy are required. In addition, the relevant races often take place on Saturday evenings because the TV ratings are higher then. So that has at least one economic factor.
