FIA president weighs in on F1 calendar debate

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has highlighted the difficulties posed by extending the F1 calendar.

The F1 schedule has been a contentious issue for some time, with many in the series arguing that 24 rounds - which now also includes six sprint events - is too long.

Teams are increasingly exploring solutions to lessen the demands on personnel, and drivers have become outspoken on the matter.

Some, such as Sergio Perez, feel the current slate is too much and could drive them to consider retirement from the championship.

Others are more concerned for those working in the series who do not enjoy the same level of comfort drivers do, particularly when travel and time away from home are considered.

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali does not think 24 rounds is too much and would like the series he runs to remain at that figure.

The Concorde Agreement allows for a maximum of 25 grand prix per season and there is considerable demand for a slot on the calendar, with South Africa pushing for F1 to return to the continent for the first time in over 30 years.

Argentina has also emerged as a suitor off the back of Franco Colapinto's early success, whilst South Korea is also pushing for a return. Extending the schedule, however, would also pose logistical issues for the FIA.

“You cross a barrier where you need two teams, we can’t have [more]”, Ben Sulayem said to Autosport when discussing the current maximum of 25 rounds. "Logistically, then I have to have two teams.

“Can the drivers take it? I just want to know. Let's just be sensible and logical about it. Can the drivers take it physically and mentally? This is a question I will ask the drivers. And what about the teams?

“As for the FIA, we cannot do it with this one team. We have to have a rotation of two teams when it comes to the staff on the ground.”

Ben Sulayem was quick to acknowledge, however, that F1 is not pushing for more, as well as confirming he would also not stand in the way of the championship if it did want to extend to the Concorde Agreement-defined maximum.

“They never came back and said: ‘Oh, we need more.’ No way they did. What they are after is quality and that's why we have this good relationship with them," the 62-year-old explained.

“I mean, I will not stop [them] to go to 25, because it is their right, OK? [In the end] it's up to them.

"But they are the ones who don't want to add [more grand prix currently]. Because they know that it becomes [a matter] of fatigue then. So they have their own reasons [for holding steady at 24].”