Race promoters for Formula 1 races in 2022 won't have the option of putting on a military aviation display as part of their pre-race build-up. A firm favourite of many promoters, displays of military aircraft flying overhead have become synonymous with certain Grands Prix. For instance, Monza frequently has flyovers of the Italian Air Force before the Italian Grand Prix, while the Red Arrows, part of the Royal Air Force, entertain the crowds at Silverstone ahead of the British Grand Prix. However, in an email sent by F1 to race promoters, seen by RacingNews365.com , displays of military aviation are no longer permitted. Citing a desire to reduce carbon emissions as part of F1's drive to become carbon neutral, the ban is being introduced to "support F1's sustainability objectives". RacingNews365.com understands that, aside from environmental considerations, there were also concerns from within the sport that such aerial displays could be seen as military posturing or as giving countries a platform for demonstrations of their military strength.
What about other aircraft flying over F1 tracks?
F1 has left the door open for promoters to continue putting on displays of civilian and commercial aircraft, once certain caveats are met. For instance, several of the Gulf races do flypasts of jumbo jets belonging to their national airlines – these will continue to be permitted provided that the airlines are using sustainable fuels for such purposes. This process had already been undertaken by some airlines, with Gulf Airlines performing a flypast at the 2021 Bahrain Grand Prix of their Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner with second-generation biofuel supplied by Neste. There's also the possibility for Red Bull to continue sending up some of their restored old private aircraft to entertain the crowds before the Austrian Grand Prix, provided the same considerations are taken into account. F1 is open to promoters sending up such planes after details have been clarified and written permission granted, as well as the promoter ensuring that the correct insurance for a commercial flyover is in place and provided by the aircraft operator.
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