Brown proposes plan to host 28 F1 races

McLaren CEO Zak Brown has outlined a plan to accommodate 28 venues as F1 grand prix hosts going forward.

The ongoing F1 campaign consists of 24 races, the most ever in the sport's history.

It has been commented on various occasions by drivers and team bosses alike that 24 races is the maximum that can be achieved without posing health risks to staff members.

With interest high from multiple venues that are currently not part of the schedule, Brown suggested a plan that has 20 permanent locations and eight rotating rounds to maintain the calendar at 24 grands prix.

“Formula 1 and the FIA are very collaborative and consultative on everything Formula 1,” Brown told media including RacingNews365. 

“I think we have very good sessions with them. As far as the calendar goes, I think 24 is max. 

“As I've said before, I think maybe having 20 fixed races and eight races that rotate every other year so we can continue to grow the sport, because there's definitely demand. 

“So if we can be in 28 markets, I think that would be fantastic. But I think we can only do that 24 times a year. So I think that's how you solve kind of the growing calendar.”

Brown hails F1 CEO impact

F1's schedule has steadily increased over the last handful of years amid a popularity boom for the sport.

New locations such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Miami and Las Vegas have been included, with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali receiving praise from Brown for his management of the calendar.

“Stefano has done a very good job modifying the calendar, but it's always difficult because you're dealing with other sports, TV, holidays,” he said.

“So there's this domino effect of we could all put on a piece of paper ‘this is what the schedule should look like’.

“But then as soon as you throw a holiday in or a competitive sport or a television issue it then creates a domino effect.

“So it's not an easy job putting together what looks to be ‘why don't you just do it like this?’

“But they are very consultative and collaborative. They don't surprise us and they listen to us.”