The 2022 Formula 1 season is set to feature a record-breaking 23 races, with the schedule also including the inaugural Miami Grand Prix in May. In 2023, the introduction of an event in Las Vegas suggests that there will continue to be new venues added to the calendar. However, this also means that there is an increased likelihood of some established Grands Prix potentially being dropped from the line-up to make room. As such, several F1 drivers have been sharing their thoughts on the possibility of more changes to the schedule in the future.
Verstappen warns of finding a "balance"
Max Verstappen is happy to see the sport continue to expand in America, but hopes that any additional tracks added to the calendar will be exciting to race on. "I think we have to find a balance, of course," the Red Bull driver told media, including RacingNews365.com , over the Australian Grand Prix weekend. "I think it's just very important that we make sure we do visit proper tracks, still, not only street circuits, but I'm sure F1 is well aware of that. "I can definitely understand that we need a few more races in the US to increase the popularity there as well, and of course we are happy to go there. But we also, I think, find it important to keep a few historic tracks, which are really enjoyable to drive on the calendar. "But there are also some tracks which are, let's say, less exciting. I'm not going to name them, but [there are] a few out there. So you just need to find the right balance."
Vettel: It would be "horrible" to lose some races
Sebastian Vettel, meanwhile, believes that it would be a shame for some more historic venues on the schedule to lose their spot. "It's good to explore new sites, and obviously you hope that all the new places you go to are [a good] addition," the four-time World Champion said. "Equally, you don't want to lose out on the places you've come [to] for so long. It would be horrible to lose Melbourne [from] the calendar. It would be horrible to lose some of the core tracks and in Europe. "But then there's only so many weekends in the year. And I don't know, maybe [alternating] one year and another year could be an option."
Ricciardo welcomes challenge of new circuits
Daniel Ricciardo agrees that the excitement of adding new tracks comes with the downside of possibly seeing old favourites disappear. "I love getting to a new track and [just] trying to just master it quicker than the others!" the Australian explained. "So there is definitely some enjoyment and satisfaction from going to a new venue, absolutely. So I'm all for it. "And then, obviously, the flip side is... whether it's your Monzas or your Spas or your Silverstones, these are tracks we've competed on our whole lives, so there's also a lot of history, but also it's kind of nostalgic and sentimental to race there and continue to compete there."
Should there be a limit on new races added?
Fernando Alonso is looking forward to visiting new circuits, but has questioned whether there should be a limit put on how many additional Grands Prix can be added to the F1 calendar. "I think we need to be careful with the number of races," Alonso stated. "I think we should agree on a limit, because I think for the teams it's quite demanding how the schedule and the calendar is now, especially [because] we don't have so many races in Europe anymore. "So I think that's the only concern if we keep adding races."
Sainz hopes a "compromise" can be reached
Carlos Sainz backs Alonso's view, and also supports Vettel's suggestion of alternating events. "Hopefully for the future, we can find a compromise where maybe races that cannot afford to be in the calendar every year, year in year out, can be in the calendar once every two years, once every three years," the Ferrari driver commented. "And we [can] keep coming back to the places that we've always been. Business is business, Liberty and Formula 1 will do what they have to do I guess for business, but I wouldn't like to stop racing in Europe. "I think it's a great place to go racing, it's where our heritage is, and I think we need to keep coming back, even if it's not every single year, but at least keep it on the calendar."
Most read
