And things are only set to get worse as the entire circus transits to Abu Dhabi next weekend, going through a 12-hour shift forward in time.
While the whole paddock is in the same boat, the focus is inevitably on the drivers. They may enjoy private jet or business class travel and have physios looking after their every need, but it's still a struggle to be 100% rested and prepared.
And that’s why it could become an area of competitive advantage over these next two races, possibly the toughest faced by the championship in recent years, where drivers who do a better job dealing with the hectic schedule could reap the rewards.
"When you're here, it's not so much a problem,” said Red Bull driver Max Verstappen. “But then we have to fly to Abu Dhabi, where it's already 12 hours difference, but then also a completely different time zone.
“Basically, we live on a Japanese time schedule, but then almost a different day. So I don't really get that. I mean, that is very tiring, and also at the end of this season that we have to do this. It doesn't really make a lot of sense."
“It is going to be big time difference, and we'll probably face jet lag," said Nico Hulkenberg. "Some suffer more than others. It's going to be a challenge, and maybe you're not going to feel super sharp on Friday or Saturday. But I think it's same for all of us, and we have to manage and cope the best we can.”
Fernando Alonso, the oldest driver on the grid at the age of 42, does not agree with the schedule but believes drivers have no other choice than to deal with the demanding calendar.
“No, it's not OK, it's not OK,” he said. “But it's the way it is. It’s a tough sport. This is not football…”
Source: Autosport