Hamilton: More races not good for F1

  • Published on 10 Nov 2018 13:13
  • comments 0
  • By: Fergal Walsh

Lewis Hamilton says that more races being added to the Formula 1 calendar will not be good for the sport. His comments come after Liberty Media confirmed on Wednesday that Vietnam would be joining the roster in 2020.

Liberty has often spoken about its desire to expand the F1 calendar by adding more and more Grands Prix. However, team personnel have stated this year that 21 races is already the limit due to the stress it puts on team members as they travel.

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner described the current calendar as already at 'saturation point'. And five-time champion Hamilton has backed up his claims: "It already feels like we are on race 25 this year, so I don't think that's a good thing personally,” he said.

The Formula 1 calendar has grown over the last number of years, going from 16/17 races per season to 21. Hamilton said that he wouldn't stick around if the calendar got to 25 Grands Prix, and believes that F1 should revert back to fewer races in the season.

"Not really," he said when asked if he has a specific ideal number. "Less! I don't know, probably 18 was the best, back in the day. I'm someone that really loves racing, but the season is long. It’s a lot of commitment for all of us and a lot of time away from families.

"The seasons are getting longer and the off-time is getting shorter. As a competitor, all I can speak for is myself - the turnaround is so short. You start preparing for your next season often as soon as the season is done. That's very difficult. Then you've got to find a way of switching off and recovering at the same time. It’s most likely I'm not going to be here when it gets to 25, that's for sure.”

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Formula 1 Calendar - 2024

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
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Bahrain
29 - Mar 2
Bahrain
7 - Mar 9
Saudi Arabia
22 - Mar 24
Australia
5 - Apr 7
Japan
19 - Apr 21
China
3 - May 5
United States of America
17 - May 19
Italy
24 - May 26
Monaco
7 - Jun 9
Canada
21 - Jun 23
Spain
28 - Jun 30
Austria
5 - Jul 7
United Kingdom
19 - Jul 21
Hungary
26 - Jul 28
Belgium
23 - Aug 25
Netherlands
30 - Sep 1
Italy
13 - Sep 15
Azerbaijan
20 - Sep 22
Singapore
18 - Oct 20
United States of America
25 - Oct 27
Mexico
1 - Nov 3
Brazil
22 - Nov 24
United States of America
29 - Dec 1
Qatar
6 - Dec 8
United Arab Emirates
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Formula 1 Calendar - 2024

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
29 - Mar 2
7 - Mar 9
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
22 - Mar 24
Australia Albert Park
5 - Apr 7
19 - Apr 21
3 - May 5
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
17 - May 19
24 - May 26
Monaco Monte Carlo
7 - Jun 9
21 - Jun 23
28 - Jun 30
Austria Red Bull Ring
5 - Jul 7
United Kingdom Silverstone
19 - Jul 21
Hungary Hungaroring
26 - Jul 28
23 - Aug 25
Netherlands Circuit Zandvoort
30 - Sep 1
Italy Monza
13 - Sep 15
Azerbaijan Baku City Circuit
20 - Sep 22
18 - Oct 20
United States of America Circuit of the Americas
25 - Oct 27
1 - Nov 3
Brazil Interlagos
22 - Nov 24
United States of America Las Vegas Street Circuit
29 - Dec 1
6 - Dec 8
United Arab Emirates Yas Marina Circuit
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  • Team Mercedes
  • Points 3,162
  • Podiums 127
  • Grand Prix 187
  • Country GB
  • Date of b. Jan 7 1985 (39)
  • Place of b. Tewin, GB
  • Weight 68 kg
  • Length 1.74 m
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