F1: ‘Mechanics can file for divorce’ - Max Verstappen’s not a fan of 22-race calendar

‘Mechanics can file for divorce straight away’

Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen does not agree with Formula 1 expanding the 2020 calendar to a record 22 races.

Next season’s schedule will see two new additions - Verstappen’s home grand prix in the Netherlands and a street race in Vietnam. Meanwhile, the German Grand Prix has been dropped.

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When asked by Autosport about next year’s calendar Verstappen said crew members will be the ones most affected by the changes.

He said: “I don’t agree with 22 races a year. I think we should just pick the best tracks out there - I know they want to make money, but they also have to think about the mechanics who rock up to the track.

“They arrive Monday or Tuesday to build everything up while the big bosses arrive on a Saturday or maybe even a Saturday morning and fly even during the race back home.

“For them it’s not a problem, they can easily do 30, because they’re only away for three days.

“For most of the people it’s at least five or six days, and then I’m not even complaining about us, it’s the mechanics, they can file for a divorce straight away if there’s going to be more.”

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Lewis open to changes

Five-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton would be happy to see changes to some race weekends if it will help the sport become less “boring”.

The Mercedes driver told SpeedWeek: “One area that needs to be adjusted is the size of the race weekends. At the moment we have the same program every time - 21 times a season.

“In the four days everything is the same, year after year. It should be more dynamic and from job to job.

“I’m not against anything new, because let’s be honest - always the same size, that’s boring. Maybe it’s worthwhile trying something new on circuits like Singapore or Monaco.

“I have long been in favour of trying to change something, but it must be well thought out. Is a reverse order the right thing to do? Not necessarily, but on circuits where overtaking is possible, it is not a bad idea. Will it make the show more exciting? I don’t know.”

Next races

There are two F1 grands prix this month. The Japanese GP is on Sunday 13 October (6.10am UK time) and the Mexican GP is on Sunday 27 October (7.10pm UK time).