While Formula 1 looks to expand the world championship calendar, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff warns that anything beyond the current 21 race schedule would prove to be intensely stressful and too demanding on teams and suggesting that 20 rounds are the limit for a season.
Wolff said, “I don’t think we should be going further than 21 races because it is simply diluting the exclusivity of the event. It is something we are looking ahead thinking: okay, great let’s do 21 or more but last year with 20 races and it was already very difficult for the organisation so this is what I see as the limit.
“It is very difficult for the team because not only are you doing 21 races but all of us have a normal day job as well. It is pretty stressful for the organisation and pretty stressful for the individuals as well.”
While some races have dropped off the calendar in recent years, France returns for the first time since 2008 and the German Grand Prix is back after a one year absence.
Wolff laments the changes, “There are special relationships – for example I am going to miss Malaysia as we’ve made friends in Malaysia and not going to Kuala Lumpa will be different.”
On the positive side he added, “We are returning to Germany which is important for us as Mercedes as we hope to have many of our colleagues joining us at the race.
“I like Monza too – I like the Italian lifestyle and it is a special Grand Prix where I can cycle into the track through the park which is special.”
Big Question: Should the Formula 1 calendar be capped at 20 rounds?
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