Watson: With 22 races we will have to rethink how we go racing

By intent or not Toro Rosso team manager Graham Watson revealed in the team's press pack, on the occasion of the launch of the STR14, how adding an extra race to the already crowded 21-grand prix calendar will force teams to rethink how they go racing in terms of staffing.

Vietnam next year bumps the championship to 22 rounds which according to Watson may be the tipping point, "Honestly, I think we’re almost there. We’ve already started a little bit of a rotation with most of the departments now to help sustain it. However, when it comes to race mechanics, it’s a little bit trickier."

"Next year, 2020, we’re scheduled to have a new race in Vietnam. If that pushes the race total to 22, then I think we will seriously have to reconsider how we operate in terms of personnel at the track."

Last year was a new era for the Red Bull-owned junior team, powered by Honda for the first time as a prelude to the entire organisation backing the Japanese auto giant to return them back to winning ways.

The second year of the 'marriage' is expected to get better according to Watson who has implemented a wide range of changes across the floor, "This is our second year with Honda, so things should be a little clearer and more stable than year one of the relationship. We’ve had quite a few changes in terms of our own race team."

"We have two new Number One mechanics and a couple of new garage technicians, so there’s a little bit of a rebuilding process that has taken place over the winter and will continue through testing. The new Number Ones have been with us for several years and deserve their promotion, so I hope they will thrive in their new positions."

"The change in personnel means we have had to re-align the pit stop crew for 2019 as well. But honestly, between now and the start of the season we should be able to get that under control."

Looking ahead to the season which kicks off with preseason testing on 18 February, Watson said, "At the beginning of a new season the motivation is high because everyone is excited to get back racing, as well as seeing the hard work from the winter being put on track for the first time."

"Obviously, if the season starts well it’s easier to keep the motivation high, but it becomes difficult to maintain the same kind of motivation when the season doesn’t go your way. It’s a choice we make when we sign on to work in Formula 1, you have to set your private life aside as you’re away from home so much and focus on your work which, very often, brings a lot of stress."

"We’re all competitive people, that’s why we’re in this business. At the end of the day, it is a sport and I think we’ve found a reasonable formula but for sure it will be a lot easier this year if we can have a good season."

"Part of my job is to keep motivation high, I try to give the guys as much time off as possible, but as the calendar is so busy it’s not an easy task," added Watson who begins his fifth full season with Toro Rosso.